The Nation Newspaper

Tag: President Muhammadu Buhari

  • Looters list can’t divert attention from misrule, says PDP

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has said that the Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have failed in their ploy to use their so-called looters lists to divert public discourse from the raging questions on their numerous scandals, manifest sleazes and overall failures in governance.

    The PDP, in a statement on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, said the nation has now seen that the Federal Government has no case against the PDP, as the list of looters released by the government only have individuals who were not indicted or convicted for corruption. The party said some persons on the list were are not even members of the PDP.

    The statement said, “It is now a notorious fact that the whole essence of the flimsy and contemptible lists was to cause public misperception, ‘change the topic’, and divert international and national discourse from various serious issues.

    “Some of these issues include the parlous state of the nation’s economy caused by President Muhammadu Buhari’s misrule, for which Nigerians are now resorting to vices, including slavery and suicides as options.

    “The intensive global vote of no confidence on President Buhari-led APC-government, particularly on its painful anti-people policies, as presented in damning verdicts by international figures, the latest being the world renowned Bill Gates.

    “The vote of no confidence on the Buhari administration by eminent statesmen, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former military President Ibrahim Babangida and former minister of defence and ex-chief of army staff, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, who also indicted this administration of failure to protect the citizens.

    “The international interest over speculations of conspiracy theorem on the alleged manipulation of security in the abduction and return of the Dapchi schoolgirls for which Amnesty International (AI) has called for an open inquest.

    “The international embarrassment over alleged procurement of the Martin Luther King Jr Award for President Buhari, which has now attracted global opprobrium to our dear nation and entire citizenry.

    “The Transparency International (TI) latest verdict, indicting the Buhari-led government of superintending over the spiraling of corruption in Nigeria in the last three years.

    “Efforts by the Buhari Presidency to conceal the N9 trillion corrupt oil contracts at the NNPC, alleged stealing of N1.1 trillion worth of crude oil, looting of N18 billion Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) intervention fund and the stealing of N10 billion National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), all by APC officials and Presidency cabal.

    “The public resentment that trailed President Buhari’s last week’s visit to Lagos as well as his embarrassment at the National Mosque last Friday, where worshippers demonstrated their resentments to his administration and almost resorted to near mob action.

    “These are issues that cannot be swept under the carpet using any ploy whatsoever.

    “While we still challenge the APC to name any members of the repositioned and rebranded PDP convicted for corruption, we wish to remind them that our three-day ultimatum to explain the source of looted fund to finance President Buhari’s 2015 campaign still subsists and no amount of blackmail or intimidation can stop Nigerians from holding the dysfunctional APC accountable”.

    Read Also: FG avoiding issue we raised on looters’ list, says PDP

  • The man behind Buhari

    Since May 2015, Colonel Mohammed Lawal Abubakar has held one of the toughest assignments his career could ever offer him. He was appointed the Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari.

    With the appointment, Abubakar is to protect and be ready at all times to lay his life for the President.

    Abubakar has not handled his job with kid gloves. He approaches every public function and other assignments both within and outside the country with the highest level of precision and seriousness they deserve.

    He keeps an eagle’s eye on his principal, watching over every move he makes. He leaves no stone unturned to ensure the safety of Mr. President at all times.

    His job goes beyond just standing behind the President at official functions and ensuring that his principal was okay at the function.

    First and foremost, his role as a military officer and ADC to the President is mostly ceremonial and to give the Presidency dignity and honour.

    He usually follows the President whenever he goes out on official duties.

    He is supposed to escort the President out of the Presidential Villa into a waiting car, opening the door, then standing at attention and saluting when the President sits on the back seat.

    He then closes the door and occupies the front passenger seat.

    Abubakar, at times, carries the President’s personal items like mobile phones and speeches.

    He also receives gifts or other items on behalf of the President.

    Like a queen protecting the king in a game of chess, Abubakar has perfectly deployed the bishops, knights, castles and pawns, the human resources under his control, to protect Mr. President.

    Many soldiers of his rank, no doubt, were as qualified to be the ADC to President Buhari in 2015, but other qualities stood him out among the pack.

    Abubakar, who was born on the 28th of March 1973 at Wusasa Zaria, Kaduna State, attended the Nigerian Military School (NMS) Zaria from 1985 to 1990 where he was said to have developed early leadership skills.

    Just like his principal, President Buhari, Colonel Abubakar was also the Head Boy of his set, where he was nicknamed ‘Boy Regimental Sergeant Major’.

    After graduating from NMS in 1990, he had a stilt stay at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria as a science undergraduate student.

    Abubakar, who later proceeded to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 1992 on gaining admission as a member of 44 Regular Course to read Biological Sciences, is a tested and experienced commander, trained and discipline instructor, security manager and a talented investigator.

    Abubakar’s qualifications include Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Sciences from the Nigerian Defence Academy, Masters in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice and Masters in International Affairs & Diplomacy (MIAD) both from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

    Courses he had attended included the Young Officers’ Course Infantry, Military Police Officers’ Basic Course, Regimental Signal Officers’ Course and Police Administration and Security Management Course.

    Others are the Junior Division Course (Army), Military Police Officers’ Advanced Course, Senior Course (32) Army, Joint Military Adviser/Attachee Course and Alternative Dispute Resolution Course at Dubai (United Arab Emirate) and several other seminars and workshops.

    In his career, Colonel Abubakar, so far, has travelled to over 40 countries globally and is married to Hajiya Fatima Musa and blessed with a daughter, Aisha Nawal.

    In the course of his service to the nation, Colonel Abubakar has earned numerous decorations and medals including Forces Service Star (FSS), Meritorious Service Star (MSS), Passed Staff College (PSC), Passed Junior Staff Course (PJSC), Command Medal (CM), Field Command Medal (FCM) and United Nation Mission in Sierra Leone Medal (UNAMSIL).

    Others include General Operations Medal (GOM), Golden Jubilee Medal, Centenary and Operation Zaman Lafiya Medals.

    Before his current assignment, Colonel Abubakar had also served in various Army units and formations within and outside Nigeria at different capacities.

    They include Lagos Garrison Command Provost, United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone, Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police Admin Company Apapa Lagos, Special Investigation Bureau Apapa Lagos (Briefly) and Army Headquarters Provost Group Lokoja.

    Others include Nigerian Army School of Military Police Basawa Zaria for 4 years as an Instructor and Staff Officer Grade 2 training and operations, Nigerian Defence Academy Provost Kaduna as Commander NDA Provost and an Instructor, then Seven (7) Division Provost Group Maiduguri as the pioneer Acting Provost Commander.

    Abubakar was also the Camp Commandant Giwa Barracks detention facility (Operation Zaman Lafiya) between November 2013 and 2014, which held over 1500 suspected Boko Haram Terrorist detainees.

    He was the first Camp Commandant to host/receive the International Committee of the Red Cross and Crescent to the detention facility in January 2014.

    He also served at the Nigerian Army Training Centre Kontagora as Staff Officer Grade One Operations and Training.

    The ADC also coordinated the training of 143 Battalion on Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency with the United States Rangers and the British Military Advisory Training Teams respectively.

    Abubakar, who turned 45 years old last week Wednesday, had no choice but to continue to perform his duties on that his special day.

    He was standing solidly behind the President when the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting started at the Presidential Villa that Wednesday.

    Abubakar took part in the engagements of the President that Wednesday before retiring to his residence to mark the day with his family.

  • Buhari presiding over most corrupt govt in history – Fayose

    Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has faulted the list of alleged looters unveiled by the Federal Government which he described as “concocted and afterthought to cover the shame of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.

    Fayose alleged that President Muhammadu Buhari was presiding over “the most corrupt government in the history of Nigeria and protecting looters of the country’s commonwealth.”

    The Ekiti governor likened Buhari to a father who is protecting his children that are armed robbers but calling on security agents to arrest children of his neighbour for stealing meats from their mother’s pot,

    Fayose in a statement on Monday by his Special Assistant on Public Communication and New Media, Lere Olayinka, insisted that the administration Buhari presides over lacks the moral justification to call some people “looters” alleging that his (Buhari’s) presidential nomination form was procured with looted cash.

    He reiterated that Nigerians were more interested in their welfare, security of their lives and physical development of the country than tales of concocted lists of corrupt Nigerians, who are only corrupt in the estimation of the government because they do not belong to the APC.

    Fayose said: “With the Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, saying that corruption has become more endemic in Nigeria than it was in the last 16 years.

    “With the country moving 12 places below its rating, a honourable government would have stopped using fight against corruption as its major achievement and releasing names of people that are still under trial as looters just to cover up its failure.

    “The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) never pretended to Nigerians that it had corrupt people in its fold and the party never protected them. Today, the party has gone ahead to offload the corrupt elements into the APC and they were not only accepted gladly into the party, they were given prominent appointments by the President.”

    “For any lists of alleged looters to be credible, the President, who is protecting looters should be number one while those looters in his government should follow.

    “His nomination form was bought with proceeds of corruption and those who bought the form and financed his election were paid back with the return of all their seized properties, ministerial appointments and even disappearance of prosecution witnesses in EFCC cases.

    “A government that reinstated and promoted Abdullahi Maina, who was declared wanted for corrupt practices by the International Police Organisation, (INTERPOL) and dismissed in 2013 for alleged N2.1 billion pension fraud and used APC broom to sweep the $25 billion contracts scam in the NNPC under the carpet is nothing but a government of plunderers and that is the clear definition of Buhari’s government.

    “It was in this same government that the Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole suspended the National Health Insurance Scheme Executive Secretary, Professor Usman Yusuf for alleged corruption and the President recalled him even without the knowledge of the Minister.

    “Up till today, nothing has happened to the probe panel on the allegedN500 million bribery said to have been paid to the President’s Chief of Staff (COS), Abba Kyari by officials of MTN to influence government to discontinue its heavy stance on the $5 billion fine imposed on the company.

    “Therefore, no matter how hard they try now, they can no longer hoodwink Nigerians with their deceit of fight against corruption. Even APC Senator, Shehu Sani once said that the President uses insecticide to fight corruption involving his perceived political opponents, but use deodorant when it comes it affects his own men.”

    Read Also: PDP replies APC, lists cases of alleged looting under Buhari

  • I’m grateful to those investing in Nigeria – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday expressed appreciation to foreign and local investors that agreed to commit their investment into Nigeria, aimed at boosting the country’s economy.

    Buhari, who unveiled a plaque to commemorate his visit to the Eko Atlantic City project, expressed his appreciation to investors after being shown round the project by Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State.

    He said that their investment had helped to provide employment for Nigerians, reducing the rate of unemployment in the country.

    “I am extremely grateful to those that agreed to invest so much in our country.

    “I have just gone round to see the Eko Atlantic City. I am extremely impressed with the potentiality of this project and the amount of jobs and its effect on the economy and what it is capable of bringing,’’ Buhari said.

    The President, while expressing his satisfaction with the ocean reclamation embarked upon by the state government and its partners, said that the investment had impacted on the country’s economy.

    Earlier, Ambode said that the project was an example of what the private sector could do to the nation’s economy.

    Ambode, who said the project was initiated by the Bola Tinubu administration, noted that it had actually saved the whole of Victoria Island from potential danger.

    He said that the project, which would spread over 750 square kilometres, upon completion, would eventually be bigger than Victoria Island.

    In an interview with newsmen, Tinubu, who accompanied the President on the tour, described the Eko Atlantic City project as a solution to a potentially dangerous liability.

    According to Tinubu, the ocean surge at the Ahmadu Bello end could have wiped out the whole of Lagos Island.

    He, however, advised the Federal Government to replicate the project on the nation’s coastline.

    The inspection marked the end of Buhari’s two-day visit to the state.

    Read Also: Buhari, Tinubu say they are on rescue mission

    NAN

     

  • ‘Buhari, Masari deserves second term’

    Former Katsina state Head of Service and Chairman, task force on Petroleum, Alhaji lawal Aliyu Daura has declared both President Muhammadu Buhari and his state governor, Aminu Bello Masari as deserving of a second term in office, thanks to their performances especially in the area of infrastructure, human capital development and the resuscitation of the economy

    Alhaji Daura who made the declaration during an exclusive interview with the Nation Friday in the state capital, maintained that the current stability in both Economic and Political sphere enjoyed by Nigerians is attributable to the high performance in office, recorded by the Buhari administration

    He said ’’Buhari is frankly committed to the fight against insecurity, ant-corruption, and stabilization of the economy, introduction of Treasury Single Account, TSA, and the intergraded pay roll system’’

    ‘’presently am not a card carrying member of any party, so that no one can accuse me of being partisan, but objectively speaking ,I think he deserve a second term in office’’

    The retired civil servant further alluded to the high level of reception accorded the president especially during his recent tour of the North East and the North Central states on security concerns, as clearly indicating the measure of acceptance Nigerians are willing to accord the President

    On Masari, he maintained that the governor has made his mark on the areas of infrastructural and human capital developments. He added that the policies of the present government in the state as well as the systematic implementation of their budgetary provisions are veritable indicators that they are running a people oriented government that deserves continuity

    On petroleum supply in the state the task force chairman assured that with the committee’s determination to ensure compliance with extant laws and regulation on petroleum products, the state has witnessed the last of petroleum scarcity

    He said ’’we are in constant surveillance and on the look -out for any untoward practices, we also collaborate with DPR, PMAN, NNPC and the major marketers, there is no massive smuggling across the borders except through villages with jerry cans’’

    Read Also: Buhari greets Nigerians at Easter

  • Ambode to Buhari: Lagos truly deserves a special status

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday evening urged President Muhammadu Buhari to seriously consider the possibility of granting Lagos a Special Status to enable it sustain its position as the driver of the nation’s economic growth.

    Governor Ambode, who spoke at a State Dinner in honour of President Buhari at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, as part of activities to commemorate his two-day official visit to the State, expressed concerns that 26 years after the Federal Capital was relocated from Lagos to Abuja, the State has been left to strive for development without much Federal support.

    The Governor said that despite the strategic position the State plays in the nation’s economy, there was still much untapped potentials and opportunities for economic, social and cultural growth in the State, which he said his administration was doing its best to explore by strategically focusing on improving the ease of doing business, entertainment, sports and tourism.

    He, however, said that for these potentials to be realised, the State requires Federal Support, adding that several attempts by some eminent personalities to push for a Special Status for Lagos as well as a bill seeking to accord the State same was turned down by the Senate.

    “Mr. President, it has become glaring that Lagos State cannot achieve this alone. Mr. President, 26 years after the Federal Capital was relocated from Lagos to Abuja, the State has been left without much Federal support.

    “Your Excellency, despite all these, Lagos State needs more and Lagosians deserve more. Eminent Nigerians have called on the Federal Government to grant our State a Special Status. I recall that a bill seeking to accord it a Special Status has been rejected three times in the Senate. Lagos deserves a Special Status if we want the State to continue to serve as the major driver of the nation’s economy,” Governor Ambode said.

    Thanking President Buhari for magnanimously yielding the State’s request to reconstruct the Oshodi International Airport Road into a 10-lane world-class road and transform the Presidential Lodge Marina into a monument and cultural legacy, Governor Ambode also seized the occasion to request the President to cede the ownership and management of the National Stadium, Surulere and the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu to the State Government to enable it revive them for the benefit of all.

    “Mr. President your word has been your bond as far as your promises to Lagos State are concerned. You approved the reconstruction of the Oshodi to Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road into a 10-lane world-class road that will be ready by the end of this year. You gladly released for our kind use, your Presidential Lodge in Marina because you believe in our vision to transform the lodge into a monument and cultural legacy as part of the Onikan-Marina cultural and architectural regeneration.

    “In addition, as part of our drive to use entertainment and sports to drive tourism and economic growth, we again ask of Your Excellency to consider ceding the ownership and management of the National Stadium Surulere and the National Arts Theatre Iganmu to Lagos State. These two edifices have been left to decay and our government is in the best position to revive these assets and make them viable again for the benefit of all Nigerians.

    “This is not too much to ask but we are reassured that our President is a listening father who understands the yearnings of Lagosians. We are confident that he would listen and respond positively to the demands of about one-eighth of the nation’s population resident in Lagos,” Governor Ambode said.

    Speaking on Friday after conducting President Buhari round the Eko Atlantic City (EAC) which is a multi-billion dollar project expected to accommodate over 150,000 people who would reside there and another 250,000 who would work and commute within the city on a daily basis, Governor Ambode said the project was a practical example of how the private sector could partner with government to boost the economy.

    He recalled that the project, which was conceived and initiated during the tenure of former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was a brilliant engineering display which had saved the whole of Victoria Island from ocean surge and other threats.

    “This project has actually saved the whole of Victoria Island and is standing on over 750 square kilometres bigger than Victoria Island itself when it is eventually completed. This is just an example of what the private sector can really do to the Nigerian economy and that is why we have made it possible that Mr President should take a practical tour of how we can really move the Nigerian economy when we partner with the private sector,” Governor Ambode said.

    Responding, President Buhari commended the initiators of the EAC, saying he was extremely impressed with the potentials of the project, which according to him, would create jobs and boost Nigeria’s economy.

    “I have just gone round to see the Eko Atlantic City. I’m impressed with the potentiality of this project and the amount of jobs and positive effect which this project is capable of having on the economy.

    “I’m really grateful for those who agreed to invest so much in our country to get a secured area for operations capable of handling big businesses and investments throughout Africa,” the President said.

    Read Also: Buhari hails Ambode for developing Lagos

     

     

  • Our policies have led to improvement in transportation network, others – Buhari

    PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI’S 2018 EASTER MESSAGE TO THE NATION

    Fellow Compatriots,

    I am indeed delighted to join our Christian brothers and sisters to commemorate this year’s Easter celebration.

    We thank the Almighty God for granting us the opportunity to celebrate another Easter at a time of great promise and hope for our dear nation, despite the challenges we also have.

    Easter, the season in which Christians mark the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, represents the triumph of good over evil; and life over death. It is also a time to show love, forgiveness, compassion and renewed hope in the Grace of God.

    The Holy Scripture affirms that happiness and fulfilment in life do not flow from acquiring the best things in life but in being richer in a relationship with God and fellow human beings.

    Let us use the opportunity of this special season to deeply reflect on how everyone of us can imbibe the profound teachings of Jesus Christ with renewed vigour.

    In so doing and by placing the joy, comfort and happiness of others above ours, we will make a statement that vices such as, hate speech, bigotry, corruption, banditry and terrorism have no place in our nation.

    We must do all it takes to love our neighbours and display increased spirit of tolerance and accommodation.

    I commend those who recognise and support our unwavering efforts to prevent the spread of conflicts in our communities; check wanton criminality and the taking of innocent lives; unite the country; and steer the ship of state to a steady path of economic growth, job creation and development.

    While we enjoin law-abiding fellow compatriots to work for peace and social justice in our beloved country, let there be no doubt of our resolve to firmly resist others who may want to make cheap political capital out of current national security challenges.

    Our programmes and policies in the last three years have resulted in bringing down the prices of staple crops, gradual improvement of road, rail and electricity infrastructure and making Nigeria the preferred destination for investors.

    More than ever before, we are ready to consolidate on these gains and ensure that we improve the lot of our communities in the years ahead.

    Thankfully, our Dapchi schoolgirls who were safely released recently after 30 agonising days in the hands of their abductors, have been reunited with their families.

    I am very optimistic that all others, including the Chibok girls who are still in captivity will be safely released unconditionally to their families. I urge you to continue to pray for their safe return.

    In the meantime, I have given clear instructions to our security agencies to prioritise safety in schools in areas where the humanitarian and security situation are still dire, in addition to ensuring adequate protection of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

    As we approach the period of campaigns, I appeal to our political actors and other stakeholders to resist any act that could mar the integrity of our electoral process.

    I am optimistic that with God on our side, the dark days of Nigeria’s elections being manipulated by violence and rigging by corrupt politicians and their agents are over.

    They are confined to the dustbin of history where they rightly belong.

    I remain committed to bequeathing a legacy of supremacy of the people’s will through the ballot box.

    May this year’s Easter celebration bring us renewed hope and confidence as a great nation.

    Muhammadu Buhari

    President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

  • Buhari commissions Ikeja Bus Terminal 

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday began his two-day official visit to Lagos State with the unveiling of ultra-modern Ikeja Bus Terminal designed to redefine public transportation in line with the Bus Reform Initiative of the State Government.

    The President, accompanied to the facility by the State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode and other government functionaries, lauded the State Government for various initiatives aimed at catering for movement of the growing population of the State and making modern buses available to the people.

    He particularly commended Governor Ambode for his developmental strides in the last three years, saying the projects were indeed laudable.

    “I commend the Governor for development and strides he recorded within the first three years of governance. I recognize the push of the State Government in reforming public transportation especially the Bus Reform Project which will make modern transport buses that are air-conditioned available to the people.

    “I acknowledge the vision of Lagos State Government to revamping the railway transportation system. Presently, we have outlined in new-year message of the plan for a-Pan African Railway Transportation. I commend Lagos State for also developing rail infrastructure to cater for movement of its growing population,” President Buhari said.

    While assuring that the Federal Government’s plan for transport infrastructure especially the ports would be strictly adhered to, the President said his administration remained committed to order the development of the country, and as well further stabilize the economy, create an enabling environment for job creation, tackle security and draw Nigeria to acceptability.

    Earlier, Governor Ambode said the Ikeja Bus Terminal signposts the commitment of his administration to reform public transportation infrastructure and management in the State, adding that the vision remained the provision of a functional, efficient and integrated transport system to support the populace and facilitate commerce.

    He said: “In the last three years, we have committed to revamping and providing a new integrated transport system to support our growing population. We have initiated and completed the provision of infrastructure that are scalable and would support the daily needs of our people to meet their connectivity and mobility needs.

    “The Ikeja Bus Terminal is one of our flagship transport infrastructure under the State Bus Reform Initiative. The first phase of this programme will see 13 new Bus terminals introduced including major terminals at Oshodi, Yaba, Ojota, Agege and the already completed Tafawa Balewa Bus Terminal.

    “We have commenced the introduction of 5,000 new buses into the Lagos economy in the next 3 years. We will inject 820 environmentally-friendly high capacity buses in the first phase of this reform by September 2018, 300 New Bus Stops, 3 Bus Depots, and Intelligent Transport System which will aid Lagosians to plan their journeys on our public transport system.”

    Ambode specifically thanked President Buhari for approving import-duty waiver received on the buses in the Phase One of the scheme, saying that arrangement was now in place for the buses to be assembled in Lagos within the next 20 months, which would in turn create jobs for the people.

    He said aside bus and road transportation reform, the State Government was also promoting Non-Motorised Transport such as walking and cycling paths to give the people modal choices while promoting healthy living, just as he said that the rail transport infrastructure was being put in place.

    “Work is ongoing on the 27-kilometre Blue Line Rail project from Okokomaiko West of Lagos to Marina in Central Lagos. We are in discussions with various investors and stakeholders on our urban rail project, the Red Line from Alagbada to Marina.

    “Mr. President, the success of a highly populated, cosmopolitan smart city-State like Lagos is strongly dependent on the efficiency of its transportation system. We are committed to a functional, efficient and integrated transport system which will support our population and facilitate our commerce and we will continually work till we achieve this objective, Governor Ambode said.

    The Ikeja Bus Terminal, which is estimated to convey about 200,000 passengers daily across 23 destinations, has been fitted with all aspects of public transport operations such as buses, passengers’ insurance, 13 ticketing boots, route licensing, terminal bus attendants and operating companies.

    Apart from eliminating all the previous chaos and difficulties associated with boarding bus to different locations, the facility which is sitting on 10,000 square metres land space, is equipped with Intelligent Transport System (ITS), food court, shops, rest rooms, ATM Gallery, free Wi-Fi, electronically controlled shades, fully air-conditioned terminal, among others.

    The ITS enables would-be passengers to know the arrival and departure time of buses from the comfort of their homes, offices or anywhere and properly plan their journey.

    Statistics show that over 12million Lagosians and 80million Nigerians use public transportation daily without standard facilities and the Ikeja terminal is one of the 13 designed to change the narrative in Lagos by exposing the people to befitting and comfortable environment to commute across the State.

    Read Also:Ikeja Bus Terminal: Buhari applauds Lagos’ giant strides in three years

  • Buhari pays two-day visit to Lagos

    President Muhammadu Buhari will on Thursday begin a two-day official visit to Lagos State, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan said on Wednesday.

    According to Bamigbetan, the President, will during the course of his visit carry out some groundbreaking ceremonies and inspect some ongoing projects in the State.

    He said the President, on arrival, will attend the Colloquium organised to mark the 66th Birthday of the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu scheduled to hold at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday.

    He said the President would perform the official flag-off ceremony for the construction of the Lekki Deep Sea Port project, Ibeju Lekki.

    Bamigbetan said on completion, the multi-purpose Lekki Deep Sea Port, located at the heart of the Lekki Free Trade Zone, would be one of the most modern ports in West Africa, offering enormous support to the growing commercial operation across Nigeria and the entire West African region.

    He said the President would also inspect the ongoing construction works at the Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island.

    He said the Eko Atlantic City Project, a planned city being constructed on land reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean, is projected to accommodate at least 250,000 residents and a daily flow of 150,000 commuters, adding that the development will also have a positive environmental impact, as it will help in stopping the erosion of the State’s coastline.

    The Commissioner said the President would also commission the Ikeja Bus Terminal, expected to commute over a 100,000 residents across 23 bus routes in the State.

    According to him, the Ikeja Bus Terminal is part of the comprehensive plan to redefine public transportation which the present administration is implementing across the State.

    Aside the Ikeja Terminal, the Tafawa Balewa Square Bus Terminal has been commissioned, while work is ongoing in Yaba, Oyingbo, Ojota, Agege and other areas.

    It would be recalled that the State’s Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal had on Tuesday announced traffic diversions and alternative routes ahead of the President’s visit assuring that adequate preparations have been made to mitigate the impact of the road diversions on residents, while access would be given to any emergency situation.

    The State Government had also declared Thursday, March 29 as work free day to ease movement in and around the State as well as enable Lagosians come out enmasse to welcome the President.

    Read Also: Lagos declares tomorrow work-free day for Buhari’s visit

  • Tenure elongation is illegal says Buhari

    …As NEC insists earlier position stands till further notice

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday shocked members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) when he told them that the decision of the body to extend the tenure of the National and state leadership of the party was an act in illegality and was capable to drawing the party back.

    The President said the decision which would see members of the National Working Committee and State Working Committee remaining in office for one year after the expiration of their tenure contravenes the party constitution and the 1999 constitution as amended.

    But rising from the NEC meeting, the party said the decision of the last session of its NEC held on February 27, 2018 remains until the outcome of a technical committee set up to advice the party on the next line of action.

    The President who arrived the APC national Secretariat at exactly 11.17 said he has sought legal advice from his legal team and came to the conclusion that the decision of the party was capable of steering up divisions and endanger the fortunes of the party, thereby giving the opposition and the media instruments to work against it.

    President Buhari said allowing caretaker committee to run the party outside the constitutional provision is likely to have adverse effect on the party, pointing out that if the tenure of the leaders of the party can be legally faulted, any primary conducted by them may not be able to stand the test of time.

    He said: “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 present executive expires in June this year, they should be allowed to continue for another one year. This motion was duly carried by majority of members present at the last NEC meeting, even though some of our party members have spoken vehemently against it, while others have taken the matter to court.

    “On my own, I have taken time to review and seek advice on the resolution and what I found is that it contravenes both the APC constitution and the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria. While the APC constitution in article 17 (1) and 13 (b) limits the tenure of elected officers to four years  renewable by another election, the 1999 constitution of Nigeria as amended, in section 223 also proscribed periodic election for party executives at regular intervals which must not exceed four years.

    “Furthermore, article 31 of our party constitution provides that any principal officer wishing to recontest or contest foe 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 election once the tenure of the current executive approaches its end. A caretaker committee cannot remedy the situation and act in place of elected officials. Furthermore, I think that if we deviate from the constitutional provisions, we might be endangering the fortunes of our party.

    “If the tenure of our party executive can be legally faulted, it means that any nomination and primary election they may conduct can also be faulted. This is not to talk of divisions that may arise or is already arising within the party when some of our party 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 believed that it is better to follow strictly the dictate of our party constitution rather than put APC and its activities at grave risk. Fortunately, we have already approved a timetable for the holding of congresses and primary election. I think this should be allowed to go forward and efforts should now be geared towards making them great success.”

    The President explained that while he was merely expressing his own opinion that does not preclude them from discussing the issue, saying “I want to tell you members of NEC that this does not preclude us from discussing this matter. We have so many SANS in the house.

    “If people think the constitution, both for the party and the country has facilitated the decision we have taken, all well and good. I don’t feel too strongly about that. The only thing I feel strongly about is that we should not allow our party to be vulnerable and susceptible to  to the opposition by delaying us and going to court and quoting appropriate constitutional provision from either the party or national constitution to delay us or devise us further.

    “Please take note of this my statement. There are knowledgeable people among you. So, please feel free to discuss and let us quickly, with the help of the legal adviser clear the issues that are raised.

    “But I have taken time to listen to the legal advisers constitutionally given to me in the Ministry of Justice and conclude that our decision contravened the party constitution and the constitution of the country.

    “So, please feel free to bring facts and we will discuss and reflect on them and proceed to accept whatever we feel should be done and be prepared to face the face the opposition either in court or  the pages of newspapers. Let us make sure that our programmes are not disrupted by court actions.”

    However, addressing newsmen after the meeting which lasted for about two hours, National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi said members commended the President for allowing them to express their opinion on the issue after taking a position and constituted a technical committee to work within two days and advice the party on the next line of action”

    He said the meeting did not take any decision on the tenure elongation issue, saying the “position of the last NEC still stand pending the outcome of the technical committee report. That position may change tomorrow. But after the technical committee report, NEC will still have to meet to either reverse itself or affirm its earlier decision”.

    Collaborating Abdullahi’s position, Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello said the decision taken at the last NEC meeting of the party was not to elongate the tenure of the party executives, but to ensure that crisis that may arise from party primaries does not affect the fortunes of the party during the fourth coming general election in view of the time frame available to them.

    However, The Nation gathered that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo also warned against allowing the tenure elongation issue sail through, pointing out that it is bound to have adverse constitutional effect on the programmers of the party and give the opposition a weapon with which to fight the party.

    Addressing the meeting earlier, National Chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie Oyegun said the party was proud of the president’s handling of the issue of the Dapchi school girls, describing it as a miracle done by the President.

    Oyegun said the meeting was a continuation of the last meeting of the party NEC to discuss the review of the party constitution and also review the report of the True Federalism committee as it affect the future of the nation

    Among those who attended the meeting include Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Governors Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe, Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina, Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi, Yahaya Bello of Kogi, Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun, Godwin Obaseki of Edo, Rochas Okorocha of Imo, Sani Bello of Niger, Tanko AlMakura of Nasarawa, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano, Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa, Samuel Ortom of Benue, Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto, Simon Lalong of Plateau, Nasir El Rufai of Kaduna, Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi and Jibrilla Bindo of Adamawa state attended the meeting.

    The deputy governors of Kwara, Osun, Oyo, Zamfara and Borno states as well as members of the National Assembly also attended the meeting.

    Read Also: Buhari faults tenure elongation for Oyegun, others