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Tag: President Muhammadu Buhari

Boko Haram’ll soon be history, Says Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday night said that the brutal activities of the Boko Haram sect would soon become history.

He gave the assurance while hosting members of the Kannywood entertainment industry to a dinner at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Speaking in Hausa language, he said that the Federal Government would not allow any group hiding under religion to unleash terror on innocent citizens.

Read Also:FG says Boko Haram insurgency to end soon

He said: “It’s totally wrong for any believer in God to kill innocent people either in the Mosque, Church or the market place.

“You can’t be shouting Allahu Akbar (Allah is Great), Allahu Akbar, and be killing innocent citizens and destroying properties all in the name of God.

“It is either you don’t know what you are saying or you don’t even believe in the existence of God Almighty. God has nothing to do with injustice.

“So, now we are confronting them and by the grace of God we will destroy them.’’ he said

Recalling his political struggles since 2003 when he made his first attempt at the presidential seat, he lauded former President Goodluck Jonathan for accepting defeat in the 2015 general elections.

“I’ll continue to hold former president Jonathan in high esteem as a result of that singular act.

“He (Jonathan) was in power as Deputy Governor, Governor (Bayelsa), Vice-President and President, all for about 10 years and he voluntarily accepted defeat and surrendered power to me,’’ he said.

The president also enjoined members of the Kannywood to use their respective talents in promoting the culture of peaceful co-existence and unity among the diverse socio-political groups in the country.

Speaking earlier in his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, expressed the hope that Buhari had been guaranteed at least five million votes in the 2019 presidential election by the fans and followers of the entertainers.

He, therefore, urged them to use their platforms in the social media in promoting the achievements of the Buhari administration.

Mustapha thanked entertainers for the roles they played in 2015 which contributed immensely to the victory of Buhari in the presidential election, and called on them to repeat the same in 2019.

Representatives of the Kannywood entertainers, who spoke at the event, pledged to mobilise support for Buhari and other APC candidates in the forthcoming 2019 general elections.

October 19, 2018
Buhari assures ambassadors of stronger ties

…Hails Saudi Arabia over immigration policies

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Abuja assured ambassadors in Nigeria of continued support and ease of access to ensure improved relations and shared benefits for both countries.

He also commended Saudi Arabia for creating a more enabling environment for pilgrims who visited in 2018.

Buhari gave the assurance while receiving Letters of Credence from the Ambassadors of the Republic of Turkey, Ahmet Melih Ulueren, High Commissioner of the Peoples’ Republic of Bangladesh, E.M.D. Shameem Ahsan and Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Adnan Bin Mahmoud Bin Muhammad Bostasi, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The President, according to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, told the Saudi Arabian envoy that Nigeria was particularly delighted with the support it had received from the country on security and economic issues, adding that the immigration and logistic challenges encountered by pilgrims had been significantly smoothened.

He said “I have written a letter to His Majesty suggesting the creation of more bio-metric capturing centres so that Nigerians, who travel for Hajj in thousands, will find the experience easier.

“I appreciate His Majesty’s large-heartedness in accommodating pilgrims from all the over the world, and do extend our deep gratitude for all the hospitality,’’ he said.

President Buhari said the economic and trade relations between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia had expanded over the years, describing the historical alliance between both countries as “nostalgic’’.

The President commended the growing trade relations with Turkey and the historical relevance of the country to the world, assuring the ambassador that His government will support efforts for a deeper and richer relationship.

He said Nigeria had a lot to learn from Bangladesh on agriculture, noting that the partnership had already started.

In his remarks, the Saudi Arabian Ambassador said his government had started work on increasing registration offices for pilgrims and easing the immigration processes.

“We are working on improving the offices. It is a very big project. We are looking at concluding immigration issues from the take-off points like Kano and Abuja so that pilgrims can arrive in Saudi Arabia and move straight to the mosque,’’ he added.

He said Nigeria and Saudi Arabia share the same vision of ending terrorism and fighting corruption.

The High Commissioner of Bangladesh said his country’s population of 160 million people had largely remained “self-sufficient’’ in feeding, adding that the experience on self-reliance on agriculture can be shared with Nigeria.

The Turkish Ambassador congratulated President Buhari for Nigeria’s robust statement at the United Nation’s General Assembly (UNGA), which captured the burning issues of migration and need to restructure UN.

October 18, 2018
Senate stands down Electoral Bill consideration

The Senate on Thursday stood down consideration of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2018 for third reading and passage, until Tuesday.

The bill, which was captured on the Order Paper, was stood down at plenary for more legislative work.

Announcing the development, Leader of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, said “in view of the sensitive nature of the bill and its importance, it is vital to give the committee more time to do a thorough job.’’

Read Also:Akpabio to Saraki: Senate leadership must change

After his remarks on it, President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, put the issue to voice vote and the “`step down’’ was unanimously adopted.

The bill scaled second reading on Oct. 10, a day after the Red Chamber resumed from recess.

Ongoing process on the Bill is the fourth attempt by lawmakers to have it ready for assented of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Buhari had on Sept. 3, declined assent to the Bill, which was transmitted to him by the National Assembly on Aug. 3, for the third time.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Sen. Ita Enang, in a statement in Abuja, announced the president’s decline of assent to the Bill.

He had explained that the president declined endorsement of the bill due to some drafting issues and the period fixed for political parties’ primaries, among others.

In August, Enang had clarified that the bill, which was forwarded to the President on Aug. 3, was “alive and awaiting assent.’’

The clarification was against the backdrop of media report that Buhari had again vetoed the bill forwarded to him for assent.

But, Enang explained that the vetoed bill was the one sent to the President on June 27 and not the one passed by the Assembly on July 24, the day the lawmakers commenced their annual recess.

In February, the president rejected the first Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2018 forwarded to him for assent and gave reasons.

NAN

October 18, 2018
FG pegs seven years for doctors’ resident training

….Seeks tenures for trade unionist

The Federal Government on Wednesday pegged seven years tenure for doctors’ resident training.

The Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige briefed State House correspondents at the end of FEC meeting chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Read Also:Doctors, UCH settle 12 indigent patients’ bills

He said “Government has fixed a tenure for doctors’ resident training at seven years. It is not a permanent job.

According to him, FEC took the decision from report submitted by its 10-man technical committee, chaired by himself, and now to do a government white draft paper on contentions areas.

He said that the government is also moving against gross abuse of private practice by health officials in full government employment and cases of public school teachers operating their own private clinics and schools.

Part of the decisions, he said, is that the government is now against public servants remaining permanently in the executive bodies of trade unions.

He noted “They refused postings and redeployments. Government said no, you have to be a public servant first before you become a trade unionist. Government has also says there must be tenure stipulations. People stay there without tenure.

He said that the White Paper also recommended that unionists from the public service will not serve more than two-terms to prevent them using their positions to thwart their original workplace assignments, regulations or transfers and similar duties.

“Trade unions should give us constitutions that show tenures, maximum of two tenures for any elective positions,” he said.

He also said that the Federal Government has ruled out skipping by doctors, nurses, lab technologist and the general public service.

FEC, he said, approved that employers who lock out workers must pay them for the period they didn’t work, while government will also enforce the ‘no-work-no-pay rule’ when workers embark on strike actions.

He said that the white paper also contained issues on authentication of all pay related documents in collective bargaining and ruling out non-government employees from representative government during bargaining.

On the new minimum wage, he insisted that the government can only implement what it can pay, which is N24, 000.

October 17, 2018
FEC okays issuance of $2.9 billion Eurobond

…Approves six transaction parties

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday approved the issuance of $2.9 billion Eurobond towards implementing 2018 budget.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed at the end of the FEC meeting chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

She was with the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh and the Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige.

Read Also:$2.5b Eurobond: Nigeria faces higher debt service cost – Fitch

She said “We got approval for the issuance of $2.9 billion in Eurobonds and other securities from the international capital markets.

“They are to enable us implement the external borrowing plan of 849.6 billion equivalent to $2.786 billion, which is provided for in the 2018 Appropriation Act. And this is to fund capital projects in the 2018 budget.

“We also got approval to raise $82.5million to bridge the shortfall of 500 million Eurobond that matured on the 12th of July 2018,” she said.

According to her, FEC also approved six transaction parties including Citigroup Global Market Limited, Standard Chartered Bank as joint manager; FSDH Merchant Bank Limited as financial adviser; White and Case LLP, Banwo and Ighodalo as legal adviser and Africa Practice Limited as technical adviser on communication.

She said that they are expected to adviser the Nigerian Government on the structure and timing and documentation for the issuance of the Eurobonds and other securities.

The Minister also disclosed that the total cost of the six advisory groups is N374 million

She went on “We also got approval for $60 million loan for livelihood improvement family enterprise project in the Niger Delta for six states, while three other states will join them in the phase two.

“N187 million 600 bullet proof vest and helmets for Nigeria Customs Service in the fight against rice smuggling into the country,” she added.

October 17, 2018
We’ll make Nigeria liveable again, Buhari assures

…Says Murtala, Obasanjo sacrificed for Namibia’s freedom

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday said that the sheer desperation that makes Nigerian youths dare both the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea, all in the bid to take up menial jobs in Europe, is hurting the pride of the country.

The President spoke at State House, Abuja, during a farewell audience with the outgoing High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia, His Excellency, Peingeondjabi Shipoh.

Read Also:Buhari’s travel ban on 50 VIPs sparks legal battle

Noting that there were vast opportunities for Nigeria and Namibia to cooperate in areas like agriculture and trade, President Buhari recalled the sacrifices made for the freedom of Namibia, particularly by the administrations of Generals Murtala Muhammed and Olusegun Obasanjo.

With great potentials in Africa, the President, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, decried illegal exodus to Europe, at grave risk to lives and limbs.

“We will do our best to make our country live-able again,” he promised.

The outgoing High Commissioner, who spent four years and eleven months in Nigeria, said the country had become second home for himself and his family, submitting:

“I enjoyed great support in carrying out my duties. I return home with absolute satisfaction that our two countries are more than ready for intra-African trade and exchange of state visits by the leaders. Our two countries have a lot in common, and Africa can only be developed by Africans themselves.”

Mr. Shipoh wished Nigeria successful general elections in 2019.

October 16, 2018
PDP rejects travel ban on 50 high-profile Nigerians

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the placement of travelling restrictions on 50 high-profile Nigerians.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the party gave the rejection in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, on Saturday in Abuja.

Ologbondiyan described the restriction as a ‘draconian step’ clearly targeted at members of the opposition parties, business community, religious leaders, former political leaders and traditional rulers, perceived to be averse to President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election bid.

He added that the ‘decree’ was a direct clampdown on the country’s democratic order and an overthrow of rights of citizenry as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“We hope this is not a ploy to harm certain eminent Nigerians on the claims of resisting travel restrictions.

“The whole world can now see how fascism is fast taking over our democracy and judicial system and how the Buhari administration, by fiat, has directly ordered that citizens be secretly trailed.

“Their movements and financial transactions are restricted by government agencies, without recourse to due process of the law,” he said.

Ologbondiyan said that the Presidency had gone into panic mode since the popular emergence of Atiku Abubakar as PDP presidential candidate and the spontaneous jubilation his emergence evoked across the country.

He said that the party maintained that the resort to total clampdown on the opposition and PDP supporters would be totally unacceptable.

“What this means is that all Nigerians, particularly opposition members, members of the business community and religious leaders have become endangered and stand the risk of state violence under the APC administration,” he said.

Ologbondiyan alerted the international community to take note should any harm befall any opposition leader, key members of the business community and religious leaders across the country, as Nigerians march towards the 2019 general elections.

NAN recalls that Buhari had mandated the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to implement the Executive Order 6 (EO6) in full force following the instant judicial affirmation of the constitutionality and legality of the order.

According to a statement issued by Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President, Media and Publicity, a number of enforcement procedures were currently in place.

Shehu disclosed that the Nigeria Immigration Service and other security agencies had placed no fewer than 50 high profile persons directly affected by EO6 on watch-list.

They are to be restricted from leaving the country pending the determination of their cases.

He added that EO6 was specifically directed to relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure that all assets within a minimum value of N50 million or equivalent, subject to investigation or litigation are protected from dissipation by employing all available lawful means, pending the final determination of any corruption-related matter.

“The Buhari administration reassures all well-meaning and patriotic Nigerians of its commitment to the fight against corruption, in accordance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the general principles of the Rule of Law.

“Accordingly, this administration will uphold the rule of law in all its actions and the right of citizens would be protected as guaranteed by the Constitution,” he said. (NAN)

October 13, 2018
Buhari: Accounts must be given for all financial transactions

…ANAN warns President of another recession

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday promised that his administration must render accounts of what comes into government’s coffer and what goes out.

He made the promise while receiving the leadership of Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) who paid him a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, the President said his administration remained focused and more energised in ensuring accountability in the country.

The enforcement of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), he said, was not optional for growth, stressing that his insistence on the financial structure required much sacrifice and focus on the part of the government since “accountability” was no longer optional.

He said “One of the cardinal objectives of this administration is that people and all government institutions must give account for what comes in and goes out.

“We did not introduce TSA, but we enforced it. TSA makes a lot of sense that you must have to give account for whatever comes in and goes out in government finance; that’s accountability.”

President Buhari urged accountants to remain focused and support the government in the ongoing fight against corruption.

He warned that they might not be liked by many people because of their professional ethics, but the sacrifice was necessary for the country to grow.

In his remarks, the President and Chairman, Governing Council of ANAN, Alhaji Shehu Usman Ladan, described the alarm over a possible relapse into recession as timely, saying that it was a wake-up call for President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to work harder on the economy to avert it.

The association also advised the Federal Government to privatize non performing government assets and enhance regulations for the financial sector development.

He appealed to the President to control enhancement for the prevention of corruption in the public sector.

ANAN also endorsed President Buhari for a second term and urged him to develop institutions and programmes that will prevent corruption through control mechanism.

Ladan, who spoke to State House correspondents after he led the delegation on the visit said that the country’s economy was well enough to inspire ANAN’s confidence that Buhari would be able to work harder to prevent a second recession in three years.

He said “We commend the Government for bringing the country out of recession and effort to place the country on the path of sound economic growth.

Ladan also praised Buhari for diversifying the economy from oil to other sectors like agriculture; attracting local and foreign investments; empowering the youth through programmes like the N-Power Scheme; and tackling corruption in the country headlong with instruments like the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

Declaring ANAN’s support for Buhari in his speech during the visit, he said “We have no doubt that second term of your Excellency will bring more succour to the citizenry and a better economy”.

ANAN also canvassed for more recognition and appreciation of members of the association in the public service, as it had observed a bias in favour of the rival body, Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Nigeria (ICAN).

The group said “ANAN should be included in the Federal Scheme of Service where a number of professional bodies are listed for direct appointment on Grade Level 10. This is to say that ANAN should be placed on Grade Level 10 at the point of entry in the public service just like their counterparts in other professions”.

The Association further asked for rotation of positions of Chairman and Executive Secretary of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria between ANAN and ICAN, instead of having the latter hold both positions at same time as happened recently.

The ANAN leadership finally begged the President to “consider the appointment of members of the Association into key positions in the Government. We have many capable members that can assist the government in the formulation and implementation of its policies/programmes”.

October 12, 2018
Buhari won’t be distracted by Obasanjo’s endorsement of Atiku, Says Presidency

The Presidency on Thursday said that President Muhammadu Buhari will not be distracted by the endorsement of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Atiku, who is the flag bearer of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 Presidential elections, visited and got the endorsement of Obasanjo in Ogun State on Thursday.

But a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, said that the presidency is not surprised by the latest development.

He said “The Presidency has received the news of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s predictable U-turn and somersault on the endorsement of the PDP candidate, Atiku Abubakar, at a meeting Thursday, and to say that we are the least surprised by the well-rehearsed theatre.

“They will lose together. Listening to the prepared statement of the former President after the meeting showed the usual ego trip and “I know it all” character of Chief Obasanjo.

“In the first place, we dare to say that a pompous statement from the former President advising Nigerians on a vote against President Buhari is the best recommendation that can come at this time.

“It also betrayed a lack of understanding of today’s politics which is about good governance.

“The country voted for change in 2015 and a leader that ensures good governance which only President Buhari and the APC can provide.

“Bent on these laudable goals, we will not allow ourselves to be distracted.” he said

He also said that the administration is busy on various national issues including the restructuring and the diversification of the economy, fighting corruption, terrorism and other threats to national security; increasing the availability of electric power, improving education, health, and providing long-delayed infrastructure – roads, rail, airports and so forth.

Stressing that many governments have come and gone, he noted that they did not care about some of the projects.

He said “We were talking about these things for sixteen years under the PDP and nothing was done.

“President Buhari is proud of his record because his achievements are verifiable, while that of the PDP is manifested by the devastating social and economic impact of large scale corruption during their governance.

“The President will not relent in the war against corruption because the ordinary people are the ultimate victims if we surrender to corruption and let its perpetrators go unpunished.

“Abandoning the war against corruption is not an option. President Buhari is in this battle against graft because he cannot allow a few, rapacious, and selfish class of the elite to divert the resources meant for the well-being of the ordinary people to their private pockets.

“Nigerians trust President Buhari in this effort because they are convinced he is not in government for personal financial benefits, or for an ego trip. It is just eleven years ago that the former President and Vice President in their ugly fight for power accused each other of corruption. Nigerians are yet to forget all that.” he stated

October 11, 2018
Fresh crisis may hit Presidency, Senate over INEC budget

…Senate approves N189.2bn for INEC

The Senate Thursday approved the sum of N189.2 billion for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the conduct of the 2019 general elections.

This is coming as sharp disagreement appeared to have broken between the Presidency and the upper chamber over the source of funding of the INEC budget.

In its approval, the Senate refused to give nod that the N189.2 billion for INEC should be sourced from Constituency Intervention Fund to fund the 2019 general elections.

The upper chamber resolved that the fund should be sourced from the Special Intervention Programme, as provided in the Service Wide Votes of the 2018 Appropriation Act.

President Muhammadu Buhari, in a letter addressed to the Senate President in July, requested the Senate to vire over N242 billion from the N500 billion the National Assembly inserted into the 2018 budget as its Constituency Intervention Funds.

The fund, Buhari said, said was to enable the INEC and security agencies to conduct the 2019 general elections.

The Senate failed to approve the request due to its annual break in July.

The joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on INEC and Electoral Matters, held a series of meetings with INEC officials to address some grey areas in the INEC request.

Chairman of the committee, Senator Suleiman Nazif, said that members resolved to ask the Presidency to find other sources of funding for the conduct of the 2019 general elections.

The lawmakers refused to approve the reduction of funds meant for their constituency projects to fund the 2019 general elections.

In another letter addressed to the Senate President which was read on Wednesday, President Buhari was silent on the source of funding for INEC election budget for 2018 elections.

It was however believed that President Buhari still wanted the fund to be sourced from the Constituency Intervention Funds.

The Senate Committee on Appropriations, which met on Wednesday to conclude work on the Presidential request, submitted its report Thursday.

The appropriation committee adopted the position of the INEC and Electoral Matters committee that the fund should be sourced from the Service Wide Vote.

The report of Appropriations Committee adopted by the Senate, said that N144.746 billion should be vired from the Special Intervention Programme (Recurrent).

It vired another N44.260 billion from Special Intervention Programme (Capital), a total of N189.2 billion as requested by INEC.

Chairman of the committee, Mohammed Danjuma Goje, while presenting the report, said: “The sum of N189.2 billion requested for the funding of the 2019 general elections should be vired from both recurrent and capital components of Special Intervention Programme captured in the Service Wide Votes of the 2018 Appropriation Act and be added to the sum of N45.5 billion provided for INEC in the statutory transfers.

“This will bring the total budget of INEC in the 2018 budget to N234, 507 billion.”

“It is pertinent to mention that the recommendations on this interim report cover provisions for INEC’s 2019 general elections operations.

“In making this recommendation, the committee took into account the report of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on INEC, which met several times with INEC during the recess to justify the need for their component of the request.

“The final report which will cover the affected security agencies will be presented in the next legislative day.”

The Senate is likely to approve the fund for security agencies next week following a meeting of the Appropriation committee with security chiefs Thursday.

October 11, 2018