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Tag: President Muhammadu Buhari

  • Buhari has right to seek re-election – Moghalu

    A former Deputy Governor Financial System Stability at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Presidential aspirant in the 2019 elections, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, has said President Muhammadu Buhari has the right to seek a second term if he so wishes.

    Moghalu said that like millions of Nigerians, however, Nigerians deserve a very different kind of effective and inclusive leadership that can unite the country and reverse the poverty that has made our country the poverty capital of the world with the highest numbers of absolutely poor people of any country.

    Read Also: Nigerians rate Buhari’s chances in 2019

  • Buhari names 23 NPC commissioners, INEC member

    President Muhammadu Buhari, Tuesday named 23 member National Population Commission (NPC) for Senate confirmation.

    He also nominated one additional Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) commissioner and two non-legal practitioners as members of the Federal Judicial Service Commission for confirmation.

    The position of the NPC members is said to have been vacant for about three years making it difficult for the board of the commission to form quorum for its meetings.

    President Buhari’s nominations are contained in a letter dated 27th March 2018 entitled “ Request for confirmation of appointment of 23 members for National Population Commission” addressed to the Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

    The letter read in part, “In accordance with the provision of Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), I write to forward to the Senate for confirmation, the following names of 23 nominees representing their respective states at the National Population Commission.”

    Those named included, Nwanne Johnny Nwabuisi (Abia), Dr. Clifford T.O. Zirra (Adamawa), Mr. Chidi Christopher Ezeoke mni(Anambra), Barr. Isah Audu Buratai(Borno), Navy Captain Charles Iyam Ogwa (rtd) (Cross River), Sir Richard Odibo (Delta0, Okereke Darlington Onuabuchi (Ebonyi), Mr. A.D. Olusegun Aiyejina (Edo), Ekike Ezeh(Enugu) and Hon. Abubakar Mohammed Danburam (Gombe).

    Others nominated NPC members include, Prof. Uba S.F Nnabue (Imo), Dr. Abdulmalik Mohammed Durunguwa (Kaduna), Suleiman Ismaila Lawal (Kano), Prof. Jimoh Habibat Isah(Kogi), Dr. Sa’adu Ayinla Alanamu (Kwara), Nasir Isa Kwarra(Nasarawa), Barr. Aliyu Datti(Niger), Yeye(Mrs)  Seyi Adererinokun Olusanya(Ogun), Prince(Dr) Oladiran Garvey Iyantan(Ondo), Senator Mudashiru Oyetunde Hussain (Osun), Mrs. Cecilia Arsun Dapoet (Plateau), Dr.Ipalibo Macdonald Harry (Rivers) and Sale S. Saany (Taraba)

    President Buhari nominated Kaduna State based Barrister Festus Okoye, for confirmation as National Commissioner representing South East geo-political zone.

    He named Senator Abbe Ali (Katsina) North West and Mohammed Sagir (Niger) North Central for confirmation as non-legal practitioners members of the Federal Judicial Service Commission.

    President Buhari solicited expeditious consideration of the requests.

    Read Also: 2019: Buhari has right to seeks for second term – Textile workers

  • Rooting for Buhari

    It is no longer news that President Muhammadu Buhari’s opposition to unconditional tenure elongation for the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) caused a stir in the ruling party.

    At the National Executive Committee meeting of the party held on the 27th of March, 2018, the President had bared his mind on the need to follow due process.

    The President had declared “I am delighted to once again welcome you to this National Executive Committee Meeting of our great party. As we usually do, I hope we will take the opportunity of this gathering to resolve outstanding issues and consolidate our plans towards making APC the strongest defender of the interests of our people.

    “ In particular, I think it is important for me to speak quickly on the contentious issue of the tenure of our National and State Executive Officers. As we all know, a motion was moved at the last National Executive Committee meeting of February 27, 2018, to the effect that when the tenure of the current executives expire in June this year, they should be allowed to continue for one year.

    “This motion was duly carried by a majority of members present at the last NEC Meeting, even though some of our party members have since spoken up very vehemently against it. Others have even taken the matter to court.

    “On my own part, I have taken some time to review and seek advice on the resolution. And what I found is that it contravenes both our party Constitution and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. While the APC constitution in Article 17(1) and 13.2 (b) limit the tenure of elected officers to four years, renewable once by another election, the 1999 constitution of Nigeria (as amended) in section 223 also prescribes periodic elections for party executives at regular intervals which must not exceed four years.

    “Furthermore, Article 31 of our great party constitution provides that any principal officer wishing to re-contest, or contest for another post, must resign from his current post, at least, one month before the election.

    “In this circumstance, what is expected of us, is to conduct fresh elections once the tenure of the current executives approaches its end. A caretaker committee cannot remedy this situation and cannot validly act in place of elected officers. Furthermore, I think if we deviate from the constitutional provisions, we might be endangering the fortunes of our party.

    “If the tenure of our party executives can be legally faulted, then, it means that any nomination and primary election that they will conduct can also be faulted.

    “This is not to talk of divisions that will arise and is already arising within the party when some of our members feel that they are being denied the right to aspire to executive positions or that internal democracy is not at play within the party.

    “I am, therefore, of the firm view that it is better to follow strictly the dictates of our party and national constitutions, rather than put APC and its activities at grave risk. Fortunately, we have already approved a timetable for the holding of congresses and elections. I think these should be allowed to go forward and all efforts should now be geared towards making them a great success.” he stated

    But rather than agreeing immediately with the President’s desire for the constitution of the party to be strictly followed, the outgoing NWC decided to set up a technical committee headed by Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, to consider the President’s position.

    For their various reasons, some of the governors were not happy with the President’s position.

    They wanted the Chief John Odigie-Oyegun led NWC be given tenure elongation.

    The division among the governors was very obvious last week Tuesday before, during and after the APC governors meeting with the President at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja.

    Before the meeting started, the governors briefly met while standing  on one side of the hall.

    Despite speaking to one another in low tone, it was obvious from their body language that the matter was causing a major disagreement among them.

    The governors’ meeting was cut short when the President’s arrival was announced in the hall.

    Although journalists were asked to leave the hall and they couldn’t see what actually transpired at the closed doors meeting, but they needed no witch doctor to know what happened.

    It was clear that all was not well.seeing the governors’ countenances  when they came out after the meeting ended,

    All the governors approached by journalists declined to comment on the outcome of the meeting with the President.

    While one of them confirmed that they have been instructed not to speak to journalists on the matter, some of them disclosed that the meeting among the governors will continue in Abuja that Tuesday night.

    Within 24 hours, the governors returned to the Presidential Villa last Wednesday and disclosed that all issues have been resolved and that there was no crisis in the party.

    The governors, which included Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari, Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Gamduje and Plateau State Governor, SimonLalong, said that the constitution of the party will be followed just like the President wanted.

    Yari said “Gentlemen of the press, you know yesterday we left you in the dark after the meeting and today we have seen so many captions that there is disagreement between the governors over the issue of party Chairman or about the party leadership.

    “No. We had a meeting with Mr. President yesterday (Tuesday), and we extended the meeting tonight and we followed up with the consultations with the President now.

    “We consulted and all the 24 governors of the APC are on the same page with Mr. President that we are going to respect our party constitution, we are going to respect the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. So therefore, we collectively agreed that we will have congresses at all levels – Local – State and National.

    “And the committee set up by the National Secretariat of our party headed by governor of Plateau State, is presenting its report later today. The governors are also meeting with the working committee today so that we come up with convention committee names as well as timetable of the election.

    “So, there is no deadlock in our meeting, we have progressed and very soon you will have the names of the convention committee members as well as the timetable.” he said

    Okorocha also added “I just want to let you know that there is no crisis in the APC at all. And we want to use this opportunity to advise the media operatives to stop spreading rumors of crisis in APC. There is no single crisis in APC.

    “The issue was one of people who believe that we did not have enough time to organize a party congress and run election. Some people felt that it was a good idea but the most important thing is that, if we do that we will be contravening both our party constitution and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. That is the major issue that we have that they call crisis. We do not have crisis.

    “This morning we met with Mr. President to fine-tune issues, one regarding the congress and we have resolved that the congresses at all levels and the Chairman of the elongation committee, is also fine-tuning the arrangement in the same line. To this effect, the convention committee will be set out, it will be announced.

    “But let me correct one impression, the issue of congress and convention does not mean that the previous people who have served the party have done badly. And it does not mean that they cannot come back or that they cannot re-contest, that is not it.

    “We are simply saying that their tenure has ended and those who wish to re-contest can re-contest and can be elected into our party structure. So we are all one as family and we are set to go for 2019 elections in victory.” he said

    In a twist of events, the Lalong Technical committee set up by the NWC, while submitting its report last Friday, also supported the President’s position.

    Lalong said “This report has solved most of the problems that we were thinking was within the APC, that is to tell you that there is democracy in the party. We also looked at the passion and the commitment of the President towards keeping the party as one and at the end of the day, we made far-reaching recommendations.

    “We noticed that there were different interests, which is quite usual when you have a party like this, that is progressive, Already, we have received notices of NEC meeting for Monday which is also in line with our recommendations and we want to assure you that at the end of the day, APC is coming back to life,´´ he said.

    With this development, the Monday NEC meeting of the party in Abuja expected to decide on the date and time table for congresses and convention of the party towards paving way for a new set of leaders at all levels.

    It is really good to hear that the party has moved beyond the crisis.

    That is very key not only if the party want to remain the ruling party at the centre in 2019, also if it wants to remain dominant at the State and local government levels across the country.

     

  • Second Term: Buhari has right to contest – APGA, IPAC

    National Chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Dr Victor Oye, said President Muhammadu Buhari was qualified to present himself for re-election.

    Oye, in a statement in Awka on Monday said as a Nigerian, Buhari had the constitutional right to seek another term in office.

    “He is qualified, so, we have no problem with his declaration to run for second term.”

    Similarly, Chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Anambra, Chief Bartho Igwedibia, said it was inalienable right of Buhari to seek re-election if he wished.

    Igwedibia said only the Nigerian masses had the final say on who would preside over their affair.

    He called for free and credible elections that would yield outcome reflecting the wishes of the people.

    “The Constitution of Nigeria guarantees two terms for all elected political office holders; so Buhari is qualified to enjoy that right.

    “There is nothing wrong with his declaration and there is nothing special about it, too.

    “Nigerians are the people that have the ultimate say on who will lead them; every person, including myself, can declare but the people will speak with their votes.

    “Nobody should stop anybody; my take is that voter awareness should be intensified and people should get their Permanent Voter Cards in order to speak with their votes.

    “All we want is free and fair election where people can vote and their votes should count,” he said.

    An aspirant in the July 14 governorship election in Ekiti State, Sen. Ayo Arise, said it was in the interest of Nigerians for Buhari to re-contest in 2019.

    Arise stated this while speaking with newsmen after picking his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for the election, at the APC National Secretariat, Abuja.

    The former lawmaker said that Nigerians would not regret the decision if they decided to re-elect Buhari in 2019.

    He noted that though the Buhari government had been faced with some challenges, it needed more than one term in office to truly develop the country.

    ´´Apart from governance being a continuum, I believe that if I want to tar a road between here and Lagos, then the life of a regime might not be able to finish it,´´ he said.

    He, however, said that the administration had achieved a lot in fighting corruption, ensuring security of lives and properties and infrastructural development.

    Arise maintained that Nigerians should continue to support Buhari for as long as possible “and as long as he is physically fit’’. (NAN)

  • 2019: Borno governor backs Buhari’s re-election bid 

    Borno Governor, Kashim Shettima, on Monday threw his weight behind President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to re-contest presidential election in 2019.

    Buhari at the National Executive Committee meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja on Monday had declared his intention to run for the election.

    According to Shettima, the President has the right of first refusal of the candidature of the party.

    Briefing State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Shettima said “We are fully in support of his decision and it’s part of democratic culture, traditionally the president has the right of first refusal of the candidature of their party, so it’s not something that is unusual or unwarranted or unconstitutional he has done the right thing, he is going to contest and we are solidly behind him.

    On whether the President consulted with the governors, he said “He is not under any obligation to consult governors or anybody; he has been under tremendous pressure to make that pronouncement so we should heave a sigh of relief since he has finally announced his intention to contest.

    Asked how supportive the governors will be to him, he said “We will give him the kind of support we gave him in 2015.

    Asked whether the declaration will not be distracting government, the governor said “Certainly it is not distracting government, it will even calm down governance so that people will concentrate on the real act of governance and deliver the dividends of democracy.

    On the chances of President Buhari winning the election, he said “Certainly, he is the single kinetic president in Nigeria’s political life till date.”

    Read Also: Buhari’s declaration will silence the opposition, says Okorocha

  • Buhari secure soft landing for Oyegun, others

    …as Oyegun Laments Character Assasination

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday secured a soft landing for members of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and leaders of the party at various levels when he appealed for waiver for them to re-contest the party position instead of resigning their position before doing so as provided for by the party constitution.

    Buhari spoke just as the National Chairman of the party; Chief John Odigie Oyegun laments what he regarded as virulent attacks and character assassination against his person, adding that he was restrained from seeking redress by his position as Chairman because such action would have adverse effect on the party.

    Addressing a meeting of the National Executive Committee meeting of the party, President Buhari said waiver should also be extended to executives at the Ward level whose tenures may have elapsed, and indeed to anyone knocking at our doors from other political parties.

    He commended members of the technical committee set up to advice the party on the issue of tenure elongation for doing a good job, saying their recommendation “shows a great sense of commitment to the ideals of our party with a view to consolidating and positioning the party to continue delivering good governance in the overall interest of Nigerians.

    “With the present state of the party and based on the report submitted by the Technical Committee, It is important to focus on how to move the party forward by avoiding actions detrimental to the interest of the party. Considering that politics is a game of numbers, we must not be a house divided against itself and must try to note, appreciate and accommodate our differences as far as the law permits.

    “Upon my review of the Report, my position is to ensure that the party tows the path of unity, legality and cohesion and not that of division. Therefore, I am stressing that we should strengthen our internal democracy by organising the Party’s Congresses and Convention where election of National Executive Committee members would be held. This will automatically end the cases filed by members seeking orders of Court compelling the party to hold its Congresses.

    “I also believe that the current executives should be free to vie for elective positions in the party if they so wish as permitted by our Party constitution. However, considering the provision of Article 31(1)(iii) of the APC Constitution which requires any serving officer desirous of seeking re-election to resign from office 30 days before election, I am not sure of the practicality of present serving officers’ ability to meet this condition.

    “Accordingly, the party may consider granting waivers to party executives at all levels so that they are not disenfranchised from participating in the elections should they wish to do so, provided this does not violate our rules.

    “Necessary waiver(s) should also be extended to executives at the Ward level whose tenures may have elapsed, and indeed to anyone knocking at our doors from other political parties. This is in the spirit of the Right to Freedom of Association guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

    “In this circumstance, the party should officially issue a statement on the above Waivers so that our house may be full. We all must not be ignorant of the times, and the journey that is ahead of us.

    “Just like our party symbol; “the Broom,” which typifies strength in unity, let us strive to remain united in our purpose. Victory is sure by the Grace of God, and together we must continue to sanitize Nigeria’s political environment.”

    In his remarks, Chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie Oyegun said the experience of the last few days has made clear that “the enormous task in our hands as we go into the elections next year”, adding that “the progressive ideology that we stand for must be an enduring political order in Nigeria, we who occupy this space now, as founding fathers, must be willing to make real sacrifices to lay a solid foundation for generation to come.”

    Oyegun said: “In the past few days, I have read news reports and all manner of comments and opinions that have tried to frame the majority decision of NEC as an attempt to primarily source “tenure elongation” for Oyegun and the NWC. This is quite unfortunate because nothing could be further from the truth.

    “We are looking for ways to minimize rancor in the party ahead of the next general elections and we are looking for ways to save the party from potential legal booby traps. These are both valid considerations. The challenge that we have faced has been how to reconcile the two in the best interest of the party.

    “On a personal note, I have had to endure virulent media attacks, malicious insinuations and outright character assassination. However, the responsibility imposed on me by my position as the National Chairman of the party demand that I rise above my Personal pains and refuse to yield to the temptation to react in a name that potentially complicates the situation for our party. However, I will like to urge everyone else to remember that regardless of our ambitions and personal, interests, the party is greater than all of us.

    “These sacrifices require of us to discipline our personal ambitions and selfish interests. If we do this, it would be easier for us to forge consensus and reach compromise, even on issues that appear to divide us.

    “I must say that disagreements, debates and contentions are the hallmarks of progressive politics. Therefore, let no one tell you that our party was about to collapse only because we disagree. Our strength however will continue to rest on our ability to forge consensus even from apparently irreconcilable issues.

    If anything, what our experience in the last few days has confirmed is that we can disagree without being disagreeable and that our party may be young, but we remain the bastion of progressive politics in Nigeria”.

    Read Also: http://staging.thenationonlineng.net/updated-buhari-declares-for-second-term/

  • Why we killed tenure elongation for Oyegun, others – Ganduje

    Ahead of another emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) which is expected to put an end to the ongoing controversy about tenure elongation for party leaders at all levels, Kano state Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje said they were against the idea because it will affect the fortunes of the party and portray it as an undemocratic party.

    The Governor said he was not part of the tenure elongation idea and said those of them who were not in support of the idea had managed to convince the governors in favour to jettison the idea and embrace an elective convention where new leaders will emerge.

    Speaking at an interactive session with a selected group of journalists in Abuja, Ganduje also declared his intention to seek reelection as Kano State governor in 2019, adding that the State has concluded plans to drag President Muhammadu Buhari to court if he fails to seek reelection for a second term.

    The governor said the contentious tenure elongation for the party executive will be reversed at the party NEC meeting scheduled for Monday, April 9, 2018 and a committee put in place to conduct congresses to elect leaders at all levels.

    He said that the few APC governors who were campaigning for the tenure elongation which he described as “illegal” have been convinced to see reasons why such should not be.

    Ganduje also revealed that Monday NEC meeting is expected to decide on date and time table for Congresses and convention of the party which will brings in new set of leaders at all levels.

    “Yes, there was controversy on this even though yesterday we  were able to put it at rest. But let me tell you the issues involved, those who are advocating for tenure elongation, they are advocating on the premise that when we hold congresses and convention according to their own perception, there will be a lot of problems and that problem will linger into election period. Well that is a perception, it could be that way and it could be that some people wanted to retain power. Therefore that reason biased.

    “However, I don’t belong to that school of thought. The constitution of our party has made a provision for four years and at the end of it we have to hold congresses and convention. The constitution of Nigeria has also provided for that, so we have no reason whatsoever.

    “If you are saying that there would be some problems, problems are part of ingredients of politics, there is no way you can practice democracy in a developing country without having some problems. There must be problems; there must be divergent views and disagreements. There will never be a time that things will be 100% normal. So even if there is problem, that is part of democracy and we will be able to move forward.

    “So for those who thought they would be able to continue, we said no and so I think Mr. President finally hit the nail on the head, by saying that he is not in favour of any tenure elongation.

    “Tenure elongation is undemocratic, it may lead us to litigation which will not be good for the party and we are happy that we have convinced the few governors that were for the elongation and on Monday we hope to have our NEC meeting where the previous decision will be reversed and by then timetable will be out for congresses at the ward level, congress at local government level, congress at the state level and finally convention at the national level.

    “I think that is the situation and I am happy to say that the chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum issued a statement, the chairman of the APC governors Forum also issued a statement and the national chairman of the party Chief John Oyegun made a statement as well to say that all is well.”

    Speaking on his decision to seek second term in office, Ganduje said: “In Kano, people are saying four plus four, that is they are urging me to contest again but I too feel that in order to continue with the good development that we have started, development require some time and the constitution has given four years and another four years in order to consolidate what one has started.

    “I am convinced that I too will seek for second term and people are also urging me to do so. Eventually it will be left to the people to decide whether I am will qualified or not.”

    On why President Buhari must re-contest in 2019, the governor said: “APC governors want Mr. President to continue. I am happy that it is not the president that said he wants to continue, it is the people that are saying continue but Mr. President has not made up his mind yet.

    “When he came to Kano, I told him that any time he decides not to contest we will take him to court, Kano state government will take him to court any time he decides not to contest. So we are waiting for him.

    “In this country we saw presidents who spent billions of Naira for third term, so what is the ruse about a constitutional second term. Some people who spent billions of Naira in order to go for third term, I think it should not be news or something like that.”

    Read Also: Tenure Elongation: APC NWC divided over technical committee

  • We have no hidden religious agenda, says Buhari 

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Abuja called on religious leaders to work towards the broader goal of building a strong and unified nation, and avoid insinuations that could divide the populace, especially along religious lines.

    He made the call while receiving a delegation of the Arewa Pastors Non-Denominational Initiative for Peace in Nigeria led by Bishop John Abu Richard, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The President, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, said religious leaders have the responsibility of creating an enabling environment for peace and development to thrive.

    He said “Some voices, for political or ethnic reasons are making unguarded statements accusing the government and myself in particular of religious bias.

    “Let me assure you, honourable clergymen that this is far from the truth.  In my career as a soldier, administrator, and politician, I have never veered from my oath of office.

    “When I had the honour to lead a Military Government there were more Christians than Muslims in the Federal Executive Council and the Supreme Military Council.

    “This was not by design but I appointed people on their merit without the slightest bias.  The present Federal Executive Council is also evenly balanced; again not by design but by respecting and rewarding individual qualities,’’ the President said.

    President Buhari noted that he was delighted at the proposition to hold a one day prayer and fasting meeting for the nation, April 26, 2018, assuring that he would direct the Inspector General of Police to provide adequate security for the gathering.

    In his remarks, the leader of the delegation said more than 45,000 pastors in the Northern part of Nigeria had registered with the initiative to use their pulpits for the propagation of the gospel of peace, and shun political distractions.

    He urged other pastors to support the administration as it works towards ending the violence in various parts of the country and avoid politically coloured sermons.

    Read Also:Proper accountability will secure youths’ future – Buhari

  • Buhari mourns Senator Mustapha Bukar 

    President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the government and people of Katsina State and the National Assembly on the passing away of Senator Mustapha Bukar, who represented Katsina North constituency.

    The President, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, described his death as a “great loss to Nigeria’s democracy and the engineering profession.’’

    President Buhari has also sent condolences to the family members, friends and professional colleagues of the legislator, who distinguished himself as an engineer before vying for political office to serve his people.

    The President recalled that as a young engineer the deceased used his ingenuity to proffer a lasting solution to the perennial water crisis in Katsina, working variously as a General Manager of the Water Board,  Director of National Water Rehabilitation Project and Director, Water Supply at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources.

    “Senator Bukar was so dedicated to his responsibilities and hardworking that he got an appointment with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, where he also demonstrated the same dedication and passion for service,’’ the President said.

    He added: “I am always touched by the death of dedicated and creative public servants like Sen. Bukar. We should emulate such rare and hardworking Nigerians for the progress of our country.’’

    The President prayed that Allah will bless and forgive the soul of the deceased.

    Read Also: Saraki mourns late Sen. Mustapha Bukar

  • Buhari’s critics are yesterday’s lawless, reckless leaders – Orji Kalu 

    Former governor of Abia State, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, has identified as challenges facing Nigeria today, the scathing criticisms of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration by persons who when they were in power, never obeyed the law.

    Kalu faulted Buhari’s critics, saying notwithstanding the cynical and vitriolic attacks against him, the president deserves a second term in office to complete his good projects for Nigeria.

    He spoke on Tuesday at the Ake Palace of the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, when he visited the monarch.

    Kalu, who is the coordinator of National Movement for Re-election of Muhammadu Buhari, declared that the president has done well to merit another term of four years in office.

    The ex – governor’s comments came barely 24 hours after former President Olusegun Obasanjo tongue – lashed Buhari-led government for allegedly being ineffective, incompetent and reeking of failure.

    According to him, Buhari has unfinished job to do and needs another tenure to complete it thoroughly.

    “The greatest challenge of our country is leaders not obeying the law. When they are leaders, they don’t want to obey the law; when they go out of leadership, they criticise everybody who wants to obey the law. This is the problem of the country.

    “We have had leaders who disobeyed every law of the land. We’ve also had leaders who were reckless when they were leaders and when they go out, they call people all kinds of name. We have also seen leaders that have never seen anything good in other people’s leadership, they only know about themselves.

    “So, we want to thank you for the support…I know you are close friend of President Muhammadu Buhari and I want you to maintain that friendship; don’t allow anybody to distract you whether people from here or from my area, stay in course.

    “President Buhari has not finished the job he came to do. If God gives him good health and long life, he has not finished. He has to go for another four years to be able to finish.

    “Despite people who are criticising and these people also took no criticism when they were in office. Despite people who are writing letters; these people we also wrote letters to them, they didn’t reply to our own letters,” Kalu said.

    Kalu, who lauded his host for his sterling military career, numerous community services and contributions to nation-building, declared that Nigeria’s unity is non-negotiable.

    He urged the Alake and members of the Egba Traditional Council not to relent in their support for the president.

    “In any democracy, there must be people for and against. We are for Buhari, some people are against and we wish them well. And we want to thank you for the key role of peace that you and other traditional rulers have been playing. Nigeria unity is non-negotiable.

    “We are for oneness of this country, we are for leaders who are sincere to lead us well, we are for leaders who are equally committed to the rules and tenets of democracy, ” he said.

    In his remarks, Oba Gbadebo hailed the former Abia governor for his message of love and strong belief in Buhari’s capacity to deliver good governance for the country.

    The Alake described Kalu as a great and detribalised Nigerian, whose tenure as governor was marked with monumental development of the state.

    “As a key stakeholder of the Nigerian project, your patriotic contributions to nation-building are commendable,” he told Kalu.

    The monarch, who noted that the nation’s Presidency remains the birthright of every Nigerian, promised to support Kalu whenever the nation beckons on him to contest as president.

    According to him, there is great hope for Nigeria when somebody from the South East could be mobilising support for a president who hails from the North.

    The Alake pointed out that giving Buhari a second term in office would enable him to consolidate on the achievements already recorded by the present administration.

    His words: “So, I am part of your team in campaigning that he be given a chance for another four years because those who made the tenure to be four by two know that while you are formulating your policies while you are thinking of what to do, you need time to now expect everything you have put in place in the first four years to germinate and to bring benefits to the people.

    “And we know what happens in Nigeria; there is always policy somersault. If a person goes after four years, virtually everything he has done will be turned over by whoever comes after; he won’t want the person that has come to get the credit for what he is going to sit upon. So, he would rather have it killed than to go ahead and implement.

    “So, as you are going around the country, we pray that God will be with you. That this effort you are putting in for the greatness of Nigeria, some other people will do the same thing for you because the headship and Presidency of this country is the birthright of every Nigerian and I pray that in your own time too, people will go round and solicit support for you. You have proved to be a great Nigerian totally devoid of tribal sentiment.”

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