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Tag: President Muhammadu Buhari

  • Senate receives 2017 MTEF

    Senate receives 2017 MTEF

    President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday forwarded the 2017-2019 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) to the Senate for consideration and approval.

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki read the memo containing the fiscal document on the floor of the Senate Tuesday.

    The MTEF and FSP lay the framework for the 2017 budget which members of the National Assembly are expected to debate and approve to pave the way for the presentation of the budget.

    President Buhari in the memo said that he is pleased to submit the 2017-2019 MTEF and FSP to the National Assembly.

    The memo read in part, “Let me use this medium to express my gratitude for the enduring partnership between the legislative and the executive arms of government.

    “In particular, I note with appreciation the commitment and support that distinguished senators have continued to demonstrate with respect to the preparation, passage and implementation of the federal budget.

    “Pursuant to provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007, the preparation towards the submission of the 2017 budget to the National Assembly is progressing well.

    “The MTEF and FSP which provides the framework for the development of the 2017 budget was designed against the backdrop of a generally advanced global economic environment as well as fiscal challenges in domestic economy.

    “In this regard the 2017-2019 MTEF and FSP articulates the Federal Government economic, socio and developmental objectives as well as the strategies for achieving this divine objectives and priorities.

    “I hereby forward the 2017-2019 MTEF and FSP to the distinguished Senate and trust that it will be kindly considered expeditiously and approved so as to move the 2017 Federal Budget process forward.”

  • Bayelsa APC lauds Buhari over federal appointments

    The ‎Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress ( APC), on Monday, poured encomiums on President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing two indigenes of the state into key federal offices.

    The President appointed a retired permanent secretary in the Bayelsa State civil service, Mrs. Gloria Izonfuo as a member of the National Population Commission (NPC).

    He also appointed an oil and gas expert, Mr. Simbi Wabote, as the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Monitoring and Development Board (NCMDB).

    In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Fortune Panebi, the state’s APC described Buhari’s gesture as a sign of comfort and positive development for the state.

    The party said the President has effectively replied persons taunting its leaders in the state and cynically asking them to use their connections to attract federal appointments.

    The party said: ”The appointment of both Mrs Izonfuo and Mr Wabote is a welcome development to us, a very positive sign of comfort and the best to come at this time.

    “While we are confident that both appointees are credible and experienced in their chosen career lines, this gesture from the president shows that he has every part of the nation at heart.

    ”Truly, these appointments, coming at a time cynics were already taunting our revered leaders ‎to attract more appointments to the state are a collective manifestation of the cohesion, understanding and unity of purpose in our party.

    ”Nothing can be more commendable than having two illustrious sons of ours, the first being the minister of state for agriculture and rural development, Dr. Heineken Lokpobiri and the newly appointed Wabote among government officials who will play key roles in the economic turnaround of the nation.

    ”May we use this opportunity to, therefore, thank our leader, Chief Timipre Sylva, Dr. Lokpobiri as well as other notable leaders of the party for providing the needed leadership and direction to this point in spite of some unavoidable drawbacks.

    ”Finally, we appeal to our Niger Delta brothers who are up in arms against our oil and gas assets to eschew violence and embrace the path to peace. This is desirable not only for the government but for our ecosystem that is the immediate victim of your actions”.

  • Buhari is capable of fixing Nigeria- Tambuwal

    Sokoto state Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has said that he is confident President Muhammadu Buhari has the ability to fix Nigeria in the right direction for optimum economic growth.

    He noted that the steps being taken by the Buhari led government were desirable to transform the system from a mono economy to a dynamic system economy.

    Accordingly, the governor maintained that, Nigeria would soon exit the current recession.

    Tambuwal who spoke to newsmen in Sokoto Friday shortly after the conduct of two prayer sessions to mark Nigeria’s 56th Independence Anniversary celebrations said‎ Nigerians have unshaken confidence in Buhari to salvage the country.

    ”We should continue to cooperate and support the President’s efforts to realise his vision of taking Nigeria to greater heights”, he called.

    The prayer which was conducted in two sessions with the first ‎ at the 1 Brigade Central Mosque, Sokoto,led by Cpl Abdullahi Yunusa and Sheikh Buhari Sirriddawa while the second led by the Rural Development Commissioner, Alhaji Abdullahi Maigwandu was held at the Presidential Lodge, Sokoto.
    ‎However, the governor implored Nigerians to continue to support leaders, at all levels.

    Similarly, Tambuwal urged Nigerians to sustain their fervent prayers, for sustainable peace, unity and socioeconomic prosperity.

    ”There is no country in Nigeria in the whole of the world in terms of human and material resources.

    ” Nigerians can excel in all endeavours and anywhere they find themselves,globally.

    ” Nigeria will also continue to provide leadership to Africa, as well as blossom as an indissoluble country.

    ” Nigeria is currently just passing through a developmental phase, just like many other nations like USA had done,” the governor pointed out.

    The two sessions were attended by Tambuwal and his deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu and other officials.

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Akhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, was represented by the Galadiman Gari, Alhaji Aliyu Attahiru.

  • Buhari congratulates Obaseki, Oshiomhole on victory at poll

    Buhari congratulates Obaseki, Oshiomhole on victory at poll

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday congratulated the government and people of Edo State on the successful conclusion of the gubernatorial election and the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Godwin Obaseki at the polls.

    In a telephone call to Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, President Buhari commended the well-articulated campaign programme of the APC in the state, the doggedness of the governor, governor-elect and party members in going round the state to reach the people with records of good governance over the years and a promise of continuity.

    In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President said that the outcome of the election clearly reflected the mood of the people to sustain the pedigree of responsiveness, forthrightness and diligence that Governor Oshomole brought into the service of his people.

    ‘‘The victory is good for democracy, for Nigeria and the people of Edo State,’’ he said.

    President Buhari also said that the victory was well-deserved as the campaign train, which he joined, worked hard to sell its people-centered manifesto.

    He applauded the conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, corps members and electorate in ensuring a peaceful election.

    INEC had announced that Obaseki won the majority of the votes cast, with a total of 319,483 votes, and he was closely followed by Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the PDP, who polled 253,173 votes.

  • Buhari mourns ex-Israeli President

    Buhari mourns ex-Israeli President

    President Muhammadu Buhari has extended condolences to the government and people of the State of Israel over the passing of former President and Prime Minister, Shimon Peres.

    Buhari, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, joined the global community and world leaders in mourning the former two-time Prime Minister and President of Israel, whose visionary leadership, voice of wisdom and unparalleled experience of diplomacy in the Middle East will continue to resonate in the long search for peace in the region.

    As a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994 alongside Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat, President Buhari believed the statesmanship and patriotism displayed by Peres in signing the Oslo Accord, the subsequent treaties for a two-state solution, was most quintessential, and should be followed through so that the younger generations will inherit peace and harmony.

    Looking into the towering national and global records of the late Israeli statesman, President Buhari affirmed that Peres served firmly, faithfully and dutifully in building a modern Israeli state, and also rose to the occasion when the world desperately needed a heart of love, magnanimity and understanding to heal the wounds of hostility in the region.

    Buhari joined the world in celebrating the warm memory of gentleness, goodness and kindness that Peres left behind for other leaders to emulate in serving their country and working for humanity.

    He prayed that the Almighty God will grant him eternal rest, and comfort members of his family.

  • Buhari names six INEC, five NPC commissioners

    Buhari names six INEC, five NPC commissioners

    President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday sent names of six proposed commissioners for the Independent National Electoral Commissioners (INEC) to the Senate for consideration and confirmation.

    The President also forwarded five names of proposed commissioners for the National Population Commission (NPC).

    In a letter read by Senate President, Abubakar Bukola saraki on the floor of the Senate Thursday, President Buhari said that he was forwarding the list of names in accordance with the provision of Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    President Buhari said that the appointees were made from the six geo-political zones of the country.

    Those nominated included, Prof. Okechukwu Obinna Ibeanu  Anambra (member) (South East), May I. Agbamuche-Mbu (Delta) (member) South South, AVM Ahmed Tijani Mu’azu (rtd) (Gombe) member (North East), Mohammed Kudu Haruna (Niger) North Central (member), Dr.Adekunle Ladipo Ogunmola (Oyo) South West, (member) and Abubakar Ahmed Nahuche (Zamfara) North West (member).

    Those appointed to serve as commissioners of the NPC included Engr. Benedict Ukpong, (Akwa Ibom) member, Gloria Fataya Izonfuo (Bayelsa) member, Barrister Kupchi Patricia Ori Iyanya (Benue) member, Dr. Haliru Bala (Kebbi) member and Dr. Eyitayo O. Oyetunji (Oyo) member.

    President Buhari asked the Senate for early consideration and confirmation of the appointments.

    On September 27, 2016 the Senate adopted a motion which urged the President to quickly constitute commissioners of INEC in line with extant laws.

  • Recession: Senate oppose sale of national assets

    Recession: Senate oppose sale of national assets

    Senate Tuesday unanimously rejected recommendation seeking the sale of national assets as a means of raising funds to shore up foreign reserves to bail out the country from recession.

    Sale of national assets to reboot the economy was one of the suggestions of Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki during the debate of the state of the economy by the upper chamber.

    The recommendation to reject the sale of assets was contained in the report presented by a six- man ad- hoc committee set up by the Senate last week to harmonize contributions of senators during their general debate on the economic recession and possible way out.

    The Senate also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to as a matter of urgency, prepare an economic stimulus Bill containing all the fiscal stimulus packages, investments, and incentives designed to pull the country out of recession, and forward same to the National Assembly for accelerated consideration and passage.

    The committee in its recommendation opposing the sale of national assets declared that sale of asset “being a sensitive issue should be approached from a commitment to protecting the common patrimony of Nigerians by preventing the assets from falling into the hands of sharks, assets strippers and cannibalizes while also guarding against the fuelling of further inequities in the society and polity”

    Other recommendations of the committee also adopted by upper chamber included: “To urge the executive to ensure constant meeting of fiscal and monetary authorities for harmonization of all policies, particularly lower interest rates for genuine investors in the real sector as well as medium and small scale farmers and processors.”

    “That Government must engage in meaningful and inclusive dialogue with the aggrieved Niger Delta militants to avoid escalation of the unrest in the region and ensure protection of Nigeria’s oil and gas assets to facilitate increase in oil production and boost revenue there from.

    “That the President should as a matter of urgency, appoint a Senior Special Assistant who should lead a team that coordinates the government’s engagement with all stakeholders in the region, specifying that the team should include Senators from the Zone.

    “The President to reconstitute the Board of Central Bank (CBN) and all other critical agencies in order for them to operate in accordance with the enabling laws.”

    Government to solve the age long problem associated with saving for the rainy day by the federal government.

    The upper chamber adopted the recommendation seeking for the amendment of section 162 of the constitution to make it possible for the federal government to save money to that effect for the rainy day.

    The lawmakers resolved that the 22-point recommendations should be personally delivered to the President by the Senate President.

    The Senate also resolved to invite the Executive Secretary Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria to brief the Senate on some financial matters.

    After the adoption of the resolutions, Senate Chief Whip, Senator Olusola Adeyeye (Osun Central) emphasize that the adopted resolutions represented the corporate decision of the Senate as against individual submissions made by Senators during the general debate last week.

  • Nigeria will overcome its problems – Buhari

    Nigeria will overcome its problems – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday assured that Nigeria has the people and the resources to surmount her economic problems.

    He gave the assurance while receiving President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, at State House, Abuja.

    In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari said: “God has given us people and resources. It will take hard work on our part, but we will make it.

    “We will get out of our problems. We are determined to produce what we eat, and stop importation. We will also chase those who stole, and get them to refund.” He said

    The President said the country appreciated helping hands being lent by the AfDB, assuring Nigerian-born Adesina, who was the immediate past Minister of Agriculture that “we will not let you down. Your country won’t disappoint you.”

    The AfDB President commended President Buhari for the support the country gave him when he ran for AfDB presidency, which made him to emerge as the first Nigerian to occupy such position since the bank was established in 1964.

    He also lauded the Nigerian President for successes recorded in securing the country, particularly in the North East, noting that “there can be no development without adequate security.”

    The AfDB boss described recent economic decisions taken in the country as “bold, tough, uncomfortable, but right,”

    According to him, Nigeria would reap the dividends in the short and long run.

    “You can count on the AfDB as a true friend of Nigeria. You should support massive investment in infrastructure, and we are here to also support. Closing the infrastructure deficit will enable growth, and create employment. Nigeria is too big to fail,” Adesina said.

    He unfolded the packages his institution has for Nigeria, which include; $1 billion of budget support, $300 million to create jobs for 185,000 youths, $250 million towards North East infrastructure development, $1 million grant to deal with challenges of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), $300 million for infrastructure development around Abuja, $200 million for Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to deepen facilities, among others.

    Dr Adesina expressed delight with what he called “President Buhari’s push on anti-corruption, and stance on governance,” adding that building institutions was critical.

    To that end, he said AfDB would give a total of $4.8 million as grant for institutional support, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) getting $2 million, and $1million to Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

    “You can always count on my support, and that of the ADB,” he concluded.

  • Buhari approves appointments for 13 government agencies

    Buhari approves appointments for 13 government agencies

    President Muhammadu Buhari has approved new appointments in 13 Federal Government agencies.

    The appointments according to a statement by the Director (Press) in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Bolaji Adebiyi, include Mr. Joseph Ari as Director-General of Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) as Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

    Others are Engineer Simbi Kesiye Wabote as the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Monitoring Board, while the new Director-General of the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) is Aboloma Osita Anthony.

    Also appointed at the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) is Mamman Amadu, Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has Barrister Sharon Ikeazor as Executive Secretary, New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) National Coordinator/CEO is Princess Akodundo Gloria, Petroleum Equalization Fund (PEF) new Executive Secretary is Alhaji Ahmed Bobboi, Oil & Gas Free Zone Authority has Umana Okon Umana as Managing Director.

    Others are Sa’adiya Faruq as Federal Commissioner for the National Commission for Refugees, Migrant and Internally Displaced Persons, Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) new Chairman is Engineer Usman Abubakar, Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has Dr. Bello Aliyu Gusau as the Executive Secretary and Yewande Sadiku is the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC).

  • Buhari gives conditions for passage of budget

    Buhari gives conditions for passage of budget

    Indications emerged Monday that President Muhammadu Buhari may not assent to Appropriation bill passed by the National Assembly unless the schedule of detail of the budget was duly passed on the floor of both chamber of the National Assembly.

    The tradition of passing the budget in the National Assembly is for lawmakers to pass the summary without the details of the budget on the floor while the details were handled by the Appropriation Committees that would forward it separately to the President for assent.

    The disclosure was made by Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly (Senate), Sen. Ita Enang at a colloquium on Budget Matters in Abuja during the unveiling of OrderPaper.ng.

    The multi – media platform is dedicated to reporting the legislature.

    Enang, in his goodwill message assured that with the controversies that trailed the 2016 budget, the President Buhari is determined to ensure that the 2017 budget does not suffer the same faith.

    He said the Presidency is set to put in measure that will ensure that the process is no longer exposed to manipulation.

    According to him, the reform has more to do with the National Assembly, saying, “We will reform the budget process when it is completely passed on the floor if the National Assembly.

    “The bill will be signed by the President when the bill and its schedule is brought and passed on the floor along with the details of the bill.

    “All these must be reflected on vote’s ad proceedings of the two Chambers and certified for the President to assent”.

    Enang, a former Senator said the tradition seems to have delegated the power to pass the Appropriation Bill to the Appropriation Committee which should not be the norm.

    The emphasis, according to him is that the summary and the details of the budget must be passed on the floor.

    However, the Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremade took exception to the comment on the deligation of power to pass the budget to the Appropriation Committees.

    He said the National Assembly does not relinquish the passage of the schedule of the budget to the Appropriation Committees.

    “What the Appropriation Committees does is to sign all the page of the document before transmission to the President,” he said.

    He however preferred way forward on how to make the budget process more responsive, saying time of submission of the bill is a major culprit.

    He asked the Presidency to address the time the budget estimate is submitted to the National Assembly first because it has always been an impediment to thorough examination of the document by the lawmakers.

    He suggested a reduction of period the President can spend to three months instead of the current six month before presidential assent.

    According to him, once the Executive is aware that it has just three months to spend before the budget is passed,  submission of the budget for the next year would be expedited.

    He also advised that the budget process should be subjected to public hearing at the National Assembly to enable Nigerians have a say in its preparation.

    “Most of the challenges we always have on the budget is that it was not always presented early”.