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Tag: President Muhammadu Buhari

  • Dapchi Kidnap, Rann attacks won’t happen again – Buhari

    Dapchi Kidnap, Rann attacks won’t happen again – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday said his administration is doing everything possible to ensure that the kidnap of the Dapchi School Girls and the recent attacks on humanitarian aid workers in Rann, Borno state, by the Boko Haram terrorists never happen again.

    He however appealed to the nation’s elite and the media to avoid creating fertile ground for clashes among Nigerians through “what is said and what is done”. Nigerian elite should hold Nigeria together by our actions and utterances as well as our values, the president stated.

    President Buhari maintained that the persistent attacks of the terrorists on soft targets such as the kidnap of the girls and the incident at Rann were to create the impression that the terrorists are still very much around, insisting that compared to when he took over the reign of governance in 2015; the insurgents have been effectively degraded.

    The President said since the kidnap of the girls, the nation’s armed forces have been fully mobilized to Borno and Yobe states to ensure the security and safety of the people as well as schools in that part of the country.

    The President made the remarks at the National Defence College, Abuja, while declaring open the 8th Edition of the National Security Seminar 2018 organised by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Defence College, NDC.

    The Theme of the Seminar was “Fighting Tomorrows’ Warfare Today.”

    The President who was represented by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, asserted that Boko Haram had been thoroughly degraded contrary to the views being held by Nigerians on the status of the insurgent group.

    Said he: “Boko Haram as we all know rejects authority and strives to take over territory, establishing a caliphate in line with ISIS objectives. Between 2012 and 2015 they seemed to be well on their way to achieve their objectives by annexing some territory of Nigeria and contesting territory with it.

    “As of march 2015 Boko Haram controls about 20,000square kilo. of Nigeria, that is about the size of Belgium, from the eastern border of Cameroun to parts of Lake Chad. In Borno 20 out of 27 local government are under Boko Haram control, including Mubi in Adamawa and some villages.

    “In addition to this, their footprints were registered in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano with the bombings of UN building and Police HQ in Abuja. That was the state of affairs as of early 2015. . Today BH does not occupy any local government area in Nigeria. And they no longer has the capacity to hold a territory and challenge the sovereignty of the state.

    “Gone are the days they operate outside the precincts of the northeast, leaving behind carnage and bloodshed. They are now operating as desperate criminal gang mostly in relics or groups taking over some communities, using children as suicide bombers, kidnapping innocent girls and children”.

    Buhari who lauded the gallantry and bravery of the nation’s armed forces, said Nigerians and the present administration would remain grateful to them for their sacrifice, stating that “as things are today, the situation would have been worse without the gallantry of our armed forces”.

    He said with the objectives of the Boko Haram group to establish a caliphate in Nigeria now made impossible by the military, the government, the people and the military must come to the understanding of the deception that is at the heart of the current spate of attacks and kidnapping that the group was bent on creating the impression that they are still very much around.

    President Buhari, who said the administration would rekindle the determination of the armed forces to subdue Boko Haram permanently, further assured that a multi-dimensional approach would be adopted to tackle the insurgent headlong.

    According to him, the administration would strengthen the intelligence gathering capabilities of the armed forces, adopt cutting edge technology to fight the insurgents and develop counter narratives that would make recruitment of young men and women into the Boko Haram group impossible.

    He also stated that besides the Safe School Initiative, the government would rebuild and secure communities destroyed by the insurgents, adding that all material conditions that make people take up arms against the state would be addressed.

    The Minister of Defence, Mansir Dan Ali said the current efforts of the military to rescue the Dapchi girls and the Chibok girls would take the centre stage, stressing that satellite communications system and other technological method would be deploy to rescue the girls.

    The Minister who was represented by Dr Hassan Abdullahi, a Director in charge of the army in the Ministry, said it was heart-warming for the organisers of the seminar to come up with the idea to address the multi-faceted security challenges facing the country.

    Dan Ali said from the look of things the Boko Haram insurgent group was taking advantage of technology, especially the social media platforms to create panic, terror and confusion in the society and urge the nation’s armed forces to move ahead of them by doing away with analogue technology and embracing digital technology.

    He also lamented that Nigeria’s reliance on foreign defence products are unhelpful in the fight against terror and other criminal activities in the country, regretting that the cyber space is being dominated by criminals.

    The federal government, he asserted, would not only partner with critical stakeholders to address the security challenges facing the country, but that scientific and technological solutions would be adopted to defeat terror.

    Dan Ali acknowledged the loss of lives and livelihoods, destruction of farm lands across the country, the activities of cattle rustlers, as well as destruction of communities, promising that government would do everything possible to restore hope and rebuild effected areas.

    The Commandant of the College, Rear Admiral Adeniyi Osinowo said the NDC was pleased to host the workshop with the tittle Fighting Tomorrows’ Warfare Today as a way of addressing the current security challenges holistically.

    Rear Admiral Osinowo said: “The theme of this seminar is well thought out for several pertinent reasons. Firstly, given the influence of technology on warfare and its overarching influence on wars since the cold war era, nations have invested in new and emerging technologies to improve their military for national power.

    “Secondly, notwithstanding possible return of interstate wars, the reality is that post-cold war Africa has been involved more in intra stat wars. Thirdly, contemporary warfare involves non-state actors, insurgents and terrorists groups in particular, and the majority of these wars have assumed greater dimension.”

    Read Also: Killings: I have my way of gathering intelligence – Buhari

  • Right leadership will entrench democracy in Africa, says Buhari

    Right leadership will entrench democracy in Africa, says Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in Accra, Ghana, said with the right leadership and implementation of public policies, Africa’s drive to eradicate poverty and entrench democracy is on course.

    In his speech at Ghana’s 61stIndependence anniversary celebration at the Independence Square in Accra, President Buhari noted that Nigeria and Ghana were benefitting immensely from leaders committed to improving their economies and tackling corruption.

    President Buhari, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, commended President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana on his achievements in the first year in office, lauding his committed fight against corruption and the passing of the Special Prosecutors Bill into law.

    He pledged Nigeria’s support to Ghana in the fight against corruption, noting that the menace of corruption had eaten into the fabrics of both societies.

    ‘‘From Nigeria, I have watched closely your achievements, ranging from your ingenious approach to creating jobs for the teeming youths through various initiatives, including the repositioning of agriculture for modern farming, ‘Farming for Jobs and Food’, Senior High School (SHS) free education, One-District-One-Factory, and One-Village-One-Dam as well as the improvement being recorded in the Republic’s macroeconomic indicators.

    ‘‘All these efforts, I am aware, have made Ghana to become a good destination for foreign direct investment just like Nigeria. Accept my congratulations!

    ‘‘I congratulate both the government and the Parliament for the quick passage of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act and its signing into law.

    ‘‘Your Excellency can be assured that you have a good partner in me as I look forward to any form of collaboration between Nigeria and Ghana in tackling the menace of endemic corruption.

    ‘‘Given all these public policies, it becomes reassuring that with the right leadership, Africa’s drives to eradicate poverty and to entrench democracy is on course,’’ he said.

    President Buhari, who was the special guest of honour at the ceremony, recounted the historic and cultural ties between Nigeria and Ghana, urging citizens of both countries to uphold the fraternal relations.

    ‘‘It is, therefore, my strong desire that we owe it as a duty to ensure that our good peoples continue to live in each other’s countries unhindered.

    ‘‘Our newly rejuvenated Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation has already provided us with good platform in resolving any differences while focusing on our main developmental objectives,’’ the President said.

    Commenting on peace and security in West Africa, the President commended Akufo-Addo’s contribution to ensuring peace in neighbouring Togo.

    ‘‘Permit me to put on record, Ghana’s untiring efforts in brokering peace in Togo, by bringing all the warring parties to the negotiation table.  I am appealing to the opposing parties in Togo to please come together and resolve their differences so that Togo will move forward.

    ‘‘In the same vein, I wish Nigeria and Ghana to continue to provide the impetus in realising the objectives and ideals of the founding fathers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to ensure security, peace and development of our region,’’ he said.

    Read Also: Buhari to attend Ghana’s 61st Independence Anniversary

  • Killings: I have my way of gathering intelligence – Buhari

    Killings: I have my way of gathering intelligence – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari Monday appealed to all Nigerians to embrace peace and live together with one another in harmony so that “there could be meaningful development and not destruction.”
    Buhari spoke in Jalingo -the Taraba State capital during a visit in the crisis-ridden State to console families who lost their loved ones and properties in waves of attacks.
    The president said he has a way of getting intelligence on happenings across the country, so he should not be expected to always go out to war fields to make noise and insult the sensibility of Nigerians before it would be known that he was taking actions against killings and insecurity.
    He was accompanied to Taraba by the ministers of Women Affairs, Defense, Information and Culture, member sof the National Assembly from Taraba and other Service Chiefs.
    He was received by Governor Darius Ishaku, in company of the Speaker of the state Assembly and other top government functionaries, before having an interface with stakeholders from the crisis areas in Government House.
    Buhari said he had chosen to visit Taraba first, before visiting Benue and Zamfara states, after his trip to Ghana, to also condole with the people of those states over their lost ones.
    He noted there were more killings in Taraba, Benue and Zamfara than other places.
    “I am here (Taraba) to meet with the leadership of the state, to offer my condolences to those who lost loved ones and properties in violence.
    “People, sometime, expect me to rush out to the fields, to go and make noise.
    “But I have my ways of gathering intelligence. I get to know what is happening across the country without necessarily going to those areas.
    “I will be going to Benue and Zamfara after I return from Ghana, to also condole with the people,” Buhari said.
    He called on traditional rulers in the state to step up activities in their various Chiefdoms to foster peaceful coexistence among their subjects and to remain vigilante at all times.
    Governor Darius Ishaku said the state was delighted to welcome the President in its trying time.
    The governor noted that Taraba state was a “mini Nigeria” as it has over 80 tribes and three religions to handle. “It is not easy to always balance things up here.”
    Ishaku said the state was  contending with a different specie and breed of herdsmen who are militias moving around with AK 47 riffles to remove anything in their way, unlike the known herdsmen who had cohabited with the people for decades without any serious skirmishes.
    “The problem is never between the locals. Both the local Fulani and other tribes blend without issues.
    “We have a new breed and specie of herdsmen militias who move around with sophisticated weapons; they are poised to remove anything in their track.
    “They must be arrested now before it degenerates to something we can not contend with”, Ishaku said.
    Opinion leaders from the warring tribes insisted justice and fairness must be seen taking course and the rule of law allowed to prevail for peace to return.

    Read Also:Buhari to visit Taraba, Benue, Yobe, two others

  • Buhari to attend Ghana’s 61st Independence Anniversary

    Buhari to attend Ghana’s 61st Independence Anniversary

    President Muhammadu Buhari will on Monday depart for Accra, Ghana, to attend the country’s 61st Independence Anniversary holding at the Independence Square on Tuesday.

    The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Sunday.

    According to the statement, President Buhari is the only foreign leader invited to the historic event as the Special Guest of Honour.

    “Similarly, other than his host, President Nana Akufo-Addo, the Nigerian leader is the only foreign guest scheduled to address the august gathering,’’ it added.

    It said that President Buhari would use the unique opportunity to reaffirm the long-standing warm relations between the people and governments of both brotherly nations.

    The President would also underscore Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening the bilateral ties in furtherance of democracy, good governance and overall development not only in the West African sub-region, but also the African continent.

    The statement said the President, who would be accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, and the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, will return to Abuja after the celebrations on Tuesday.(NAN)

  • Buhari congratulates Adeboye at 76

    Buhari congratulates Adeboye at 76

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday joined all members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Christians in Nigeria and many parts of the world in congratulating Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, General Overseer of the RCCG, on his 76th birthday on March 2, 2018.

    Speaking in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, also extended warm felicitations to the family and friends of the highly revered preacher and teacher of the word of God under whose leadership, since 1981, the church has grown to become one of the largest congregations in the world, with parishes in almost all countries.

    The President affirms that the exemplary leadership provided by the servant of God has resulted in an exponential growth of the church, which directly translates into development of infrastructure, building of educational and health institutions, as well as vocational centres that have created a means of livelihood for many Nigerians.

    Buhari commends Pastor Adeboye’s warmth and friendliness, recalling his visits to the State House, and most significantly, the historic visit in London when he was on medical vacation.

    The President believes Adeboye has planted seeds of the gospel that posterity will always remember, especially his divinely inspired dream of ensuring that there will be a church within every walking distance in the country.

    The President extols Adeboye for his humility, focus, discipline and sacrificial spirit of giving up his personal comfort, career and dreams, to take up the higher call of leading the Lord’s flock.

    Buhari prays that the almighty God will grant the church leader longer life, good health and more strength to propagate the word of God.

    Read Also: 76 HOURS MARATHON PRAISE FOR ADEBOYE’S BIRTHDAY

  • Video: Prophets of doom have been disappointed, says Odigie-Oyegun

    Video: Prophets of doom have been disappointed, says Odigie-Oyegun

    The National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr John Odigie-Oyegun has said that the outcome of the meeting of the party’s national caucus had shamed those prophets of doom who predicted his removal from office.

    The party chairman stated this when he briefed State House correspondents after the APC national caucus meeting which was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday night.

    Odigie-Oyegun, who described the outcome of the meeting as `beautiful and pleasant’, allegedly accused the media of manufacturing and exaggerating issues within the party.

    According to him, the meeting did not discuss any of the issues being speculated in the media contrary to what he has been reading in the social and traditional media outfits in recent times.

    “Absolutely beautiful as usual. You find that must of the problems that are supposed to exist.

    [jwplayer vIRF6xE3]

    “In fact I want to ask the media where did they dig them out (of) because we just had a pleasant meeting and all what I have been reading in the media none of it (happened), All the prophecies of doom none of it even came near for mention,’’ he said.

    Odigie-Oyegun also dismissed the assertion that the caucus discussed his exit date as party chairman, describing it as mere media speculation.

    He said: “It is the media we should ask where do they get those stories from, where do you get them? Nothing like that ever happened; nothing like that was ever discussed; nothing like that came up – beautiful, pleasant, intellectual, deep reasoning today about issues.’’

    He announced that the APC convention would be coming up in June.

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos and his Kogi counterpart, Yahaya Bello, who also spoke on the outcome of the meeting, said the party had no plan to effect changes in its leadership as being speculated in some quarters.

    Ambode described the meeting as `very successful’, adding that the party had succeeded in addressing major issues capable of promoting harmony and understanding among its members across the country.

    He said: “No, basically there are no cracks. What you called cracks are family issues and again caucus meeting like this tends to resolve family issues.

    https://soundcloud.com/thenationnewspaper/apc-meeting-prophets-of-doom-have-been-disappointed-says-odigie-oyegun

    “We had a very successful meeting; issues of major interest in the nation were discussed and also in the spirit of the reconciliation to make sure that the party becomes stronger and then we prepared ourselves for the major elections coming up and to make that the NEC meeting is also successful.

    “Those were the basic things that we discussed.’’

    Bello also lauded Buhari for exhibiting leadership qualities, saying members of the party had come out of the meeting more united and ready to conduct free and fair congresses at all levels nationwide. (NAN)

  • NASS, Executive feud slowed down governance process – Buhari

    NASS, Executive feud slowed down governance process – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday blamed the standoff between the Executive and the National Assembly for the failure of government to deliver on its mandate as it has slowed down the process of governance in the country. 

    The President who spoke at the National Executive Committee meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) however said the government was working hard to resolve the differences between the Executive and the National Assembly so that the country can move forward.

    Buhari acknowledge that the government has not met the expectations of many members of the party, but was quick to add that a few Nigerians however appreciate the depth of the wrath in the country when the APC took over government.

    He said: “I must acknowledge that the face of government has not met the expectations of many within our party. But few of us know or appreciated the depth of the wrath when we took office and that we spent the last two years bringing the country out of the mess we met it.

    “Furthermore, the standoff between the executive and the National Assembly slowed down the process of government. We are working hard to resolve the differences so that the country can move forward.

    The President paid tribute to the Nigerian people for massively support the government inspite of what he called distractions from proponents of business as usual.

    He said: “Nevertheless, I am not asking us to relax and take things easy. We all know that elections are looming in the horizon. We must therefore get our acts together. Accordingly, I implore all members of the party to give the Asiwaju committee full cooperation to resolve existing differences among our members in the states affected.

    “It is perhaps inevitable that there will be differences of opinion within the party. If we resolve them, then we can build a genuinely democratic party. But we must not lose sight of our common purpose as a party to break the mule of Nigerian politics and takes the country to new heights. Therefore, we have asked Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lead this process of restoring order, manage differences and strengthen the party.”

    While expressing appreciation to the party leadership at all levels for service to the party, President Buhari said “In particular, I commend the National Chairman for steering the party from success to success. From our resounding election victory in 2015, we have won elections in Edo, Kogi and Ondo as well as the much improved performance in Anambra elections and the party has moved from the party in government to the party of the Nigerian people.

    “Much credit is due for our APC state chairmen for stabilizing the country and to our Armed forces and the police and other security agencies for stopping Boko Haram in the country and driving them from their bases. No country, no matter how well secured can isolate acts of terror as we have seen in the United States, Europe, Asia and here in Africa.

    “We must support our security agencies to safe guard our country so that the job of development as outlined in our manifesto can proceed without too much interruption. We cannot afford to fail in reminding Nigerians where we came from in 2015.

    “I am happy to report that slowly and steadily, we have managed to stabilize the country and redirect the ship of state. We have restored prudence to manage of resources and confidence in Nigeria has been restored.

    “On February 23, Nigeria floated a 12 year and 20 year Eurobond in the international market which were both oversubscribed. The 12 year bond was, within days over subscribed by 332 percent, while the 20 year bond was oversubscribed by 372 percent.

    “We have stabilize the naira and increase our foreign reserve from 20 billion dollars to 40 billion dollars. Inflation rate is down. With considerably less resources available to the country, we have improved all the indices towards a stronger economy.

    “Soon, primaries at the wards, local government, states and the Centre will soon be due. I urge all members to take account of the fact that APC has a history of conducting free and fair primaries whenever consensus about any position is not reached. Regardless of the outcome of the primary processes which is imperative, we should all work together to ensure victory for our party.”

    National Chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun said the party has a tough year ahead of it with the general election as well as governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states and appeal that party members do everything possible to minimize disputations within the party and do everything to ensure that the party is in fighting shape come 2019.

    “We obviously have a very tough year ahead of us. It is year of challenges, multiplicity of activities beginning from the month of April when the processes for replacing officers of the party whose tenure will expire by June, the process of conducting challenging elections in Ekiti in July, in Osun in September.

    “These elections are precursors of the national elections. It is therefore necessary that we treat them with great seriousness because they are elections we should do everything to win. They are signals and signposts, indicators of what is to come in 2019. Preparations are also well underway for those elections.

    “In an atmosphere like that, contests whether at party level or primaries to select candidates for all positions from the House of Assembly members to the exulted position of Mr. President always present challenges.

    “I want to make a passionate appeal that everything be done to minimize the stresses within the party. We must do everything to minimize the disputations within the party and do everything to ensure that we are in fighting shape come 2019.

    “For that reason, I want to say once more that we are fully behind and in support of the initiative taken by Mr. President in setting up a team headed by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to effect such a reconciliation that are necessary within the party.

    “We have had challenges; we have had storms and weathered the storms. We have a government that took over at a very difficult circumstances but today, we can proudly say that the basic foundation of a new Nigeria economy is finally in place.

    “We are not talking now of a foundation that is based on easy money, not a foundation based on crude which for a long time sent all of us to sleep but an economic foundation built on the sweat and labour, resources- material and otherwise, of the Nigerian people. That is the foundation that lasts. The economic indices tell a clear story”.

  • Video: All abducted persons will be rescued safely – Buhari assures

    Video: All abducted persons will be rescued safely – Buhari assures

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday assured Nigerians that all abducted persons by insurgent groups including the schoolgirls from the Government Girls Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe, would be rescued safely.

    Buhari stated this  when he received three rescued lecturers of University of Maiduguri and the 10 Police Officers’ wives at the presidential villa, Abuja.

    He noted that the  rescue of his visitors  on Feb. 10 was a `very huge relief’ to him and to all Nigerians.

    Cue in audio – Buhari

    “Let me clearly reiterate the resolve of this administration to ensure all persons abducted by insurgents are rescued or released safely.

    “This is especially against the back drop of the recent sad incident where another group of girls were abducted on Feb. 19 from the Government Girls Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe.

    “I have since directed all security agencies to immediately ensure that every effort is directed to ensure safety of our schools and students as well as bringing back the abducted girls to their families,’’ he said.

    https://soundcloud.com/thenationnewspaper/all-abducted-persons-will-be-rescued-safely-president-buhari-assures

    The president told the rescued persons that apart from their family members, every peace loving Nigerian prayed for their safety and wished them early release from the hold of their abductors.

    “While government was fully aware of the expectations of your families and the general public for their immediate freedom, the path to your freedom was painstaking and protracted.

    “This was because the group responsible for your abduction was not in a particular location but based in different locations that if not properly handled could result in dire consequences,’’ he added.

    He thanked all the various security agencies for their professionalism throughout the process of arranging their freedom.

    He also lauded other agencies of government, sister nations in the Lake Chad region, the International Committee of the Red Cross who had contributed to their safe release.

    Buhari said that the federal government would also work closely with all stakeholders such as the United Nations, donor agencies and voluntary organisations towards rehabilitating and resettling all those displaced as a result of the activities of the insurgents.

    [jwplayer yW2U6NEE]

    On one of the abductees, Jummai Ibrahim, who was about to complete her service year when the incident occurred, the President said: “I suppose the NYSC should give a certificate of discharge to the person that spent the remaining of her Service somewhere else (with abductors).’’

    In his remarks, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Alhaji Lawal Daura, said the abducted NYSC Corp member would have passed out with the last batch in 2017.

    He disclosed that the DSS had chosen the path of negotiation for the release of the victims because it was considered as the safest.

    According to him, any forceful attempt to rescue the victims could endanger their lives.

    He said: “These negotiations took several months and the Department of State Services with support of the external elements of the group in diaspora and support from friendly countries and liaising with International Community of the Red Cross, made the rescue possible.

    “The process was slow due to the problem of dealing with two different groups based in different locations at the same time.

    “In addition, the negotiations took place mostly outside the country, though subsequently finalized in the theatre of operations.’’

    He further explained that the negotiations were mainly centred on an attempt at conflict mitigation which included the fate of arrested members of the insurgent groups especially, accepting to those found not to be culpable in any criminal action.

    The DG further maintained that the negotiation was also centred on the possibility of granting amnesty to those willing to surrender and ready to lay down their arms.

    Dr Solomon Yusuf, who spoke on behalf of the abductees, thanked the government and all Nigerians for ensuring their release.

    He said: “While we were in captivity and we said with 180 million or more Nigerians, will Nigeria ever come to rescue us! We lost hope.

    “Sir, you surprised us. After seven months for us in the university and eight months for the 10 ladies, Nigeria rescued us. This shows that the life of every Nigerian is important and is worth rescuing.

    “Sir, we are grateful. You gave us hope when there was no hope And we are excited, we thank you Sir.

    “We also want to appreciate the DSS, the Nigerian armed forces, and the entire team that worked together to make sure we regained our freedom.’’ (NAN)

  • APC State chairmen seeks tenure elongation for Oyegun, others

    APC State chairmen seeks tenure elongation for Oyegun, others

    …backs Buhari for second term

    Ahead of the National Executive Committee meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC), 31 state chairman of the Party yesterday canvassed a two year extension for the present leadership of the party, to avert what they called challenges within the party.

    The APC chairmen joined other leaders of the party and governors on the platform of the party to endorse President Muhammadu Buhari for a second term in office, asking the President to present himself for reelection in 2019.

    The communique was copied to the President, the National Chairman of the party, the Senate President, Speaker of House of Representatives, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, National Leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum 

    The APC has been engrossed in an internal crisis for sometime now, with rumours making the round that the Chief John Odigie-Oyegun led National Working Committee was working for an extension of the tenure of the present executive. 

    Rising from a one day meeting in Abuja on Monday evening, the APC chairman under the auspices of Forum of the All Progressives Congress State Chairmen said the time between the national convention to elect a new leadership for the party and the published timetable by the Independent National Commission (INEC) was too short to achieve anything.

    The Forum also called for the immediate suspension of the proposed amendment of the party constitution, adding that the last amendment carried out in 2014 was yet to be tested.

    They passed a vote of confidence on the Buhari led government and the leadership of the party led by Chief Oyegun.

    The communique which was signed by the 31 state chairmen reads: “The forum after dissections and thorough appraisal of the APC led Government hereby unanimously passed vote of confidence on our dear President. Muhammodu Buhad, the National Chairman of our great party Chief John OdlgIe ayegun and other leaders of our great party for their numerous achievements despite the challenges so far experienced in our dear country. We also urge Mr. President to present himself for second tenure come 2019.

    The Forum of chairmen also resolved: “That we support His Excellency Senator Bola Tinubu led peace and reconciliation committee and urge the committee to expedite action in reconciling members of the party. The forum also call on all the members of our great party to give maximum support to the committee to achieve sustainable peace in the party 

    “In view of the short period between the time available for the proposed party congresses and INEC published time table for conduct of party primaries and general elections, the forum resolved that the tenure of the present officers of the party at all levels be extended by 2 years to avert challenges in the party. 

    “In view of the reasons as adduced above, and the fact that the present constitution as amended in 2014 has not been fully tested in the short life of the party, the forum resolved that the proposed amendment of the party constitution be suspended. 

    “The forum extends our heartfelt condolences and sympathizes with the good mode of Benue, Adamawa, Taraba, Zamfara, Yobe and Bomo States for the attacks on them by the enemies of our dear country. We also urge our security agencies to do more to ensure the rescue of the captives and curtail the activities of these criminals in our country”.

    Chairmen of Lagos, Yobe, Adamawa, Ebony, Kano, Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Rivers,  gombe, Niger, Bayeksa, Nasarswa, Anambra, Cross Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Delta, Kogi, Imo, Enugu, Borno, Osun, Ekiti, Obun, Ohio, Ondo, Benue, Edo and Zamfara states and the FCT

    Among those who signed the communique are Chief Henry Ajomale (Lagos), Ansley Ojezua (Edo), Chief Akin Oke (Oyo), Ben Nwoye (Enugu), Haddy Ametuo (Kogi) among others.

  • Buhari vows to rescue abducted girls, others 

    Buhari vows to rescue abducted girls, others 

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday promised that his administration will leave no stone unturned to safely rescue all abducted Nigerians by terrorists.

    He gave the assurance while addressing the recently freed abductees taken by terrorists in Borno State including ten girls and three lecturers.

    The President said “While government was fully aware of the expectations of your families and the general public for their immediate freedom, the path to your freedom was painstaking and protracted. This was because the group responsible for your abduction were not only different but based in different locations that if not properly handled could result in dire consequences.

    “I thank all the various security agencies for their professionalism throughout this process, as well as other agencies of government, sister nations in the Lake Chad region, the International Committee of the Red Cross who have contributed to this feat of bringing you all home safely.

    “While thanking the security agencies and all those who facilitated this, let me clearly reiterate the resolve of this administration to ensure all persons abducted by the insurgents are rescued or released safely. This is especially against the backdrop against the recent incident where another group of girls were abducted on the 19th from of Government Science and Technical Girls College, Dapchi, Yobe State.”

    According to him, he has already directed all security agencies to immediately ensure every effort is directed to ensure safety of the schools and students and safe return of the abducted girls to their families.

    He added “Government remains unrelenting towards rescuing all those abducted. Government will also work closely with all stakeholders especially the United Nations and other donor agencies, voluntary organizations towards rehabilitating and resettling all those displaced as a result of all these conflicts, to quicken resumption of meaningful social economic activities.

    “I remain very mindful of the pains and injury collectively meted out by the insurgents and we will ensure that government does not leave any stone unturned to degrade and contain these insurgents and ensure that complete peace returns to our land.

    “Once again, I’m pleased to see that all of you are now free and will soon join your loved ones as well as be fully integrated back into the society.

    “Nigerians sympathise with you on your ordeal and wish you welcome back to your families and friends.

    “And I suppose the NYSC should give a certificate of discharge to the person that spent the remaining of her Service somewhere else (with abductors),” he stated.

    He went on “This administration has been unrelenting in your rescue and freedom from your captors several months ago. I was terribly saddened by the incident of the abduction of June 20th last year and the brutal killing of six others on the spot along Damboa road, while heading for the burial of a close one in Askira Uba local government of Borno State.

    “The second was the July 26th last year of the abduction of three university staff who were on official mission to explore the possibility of the exploration of oil at the Lake Chad Basin.

    “I can assure that apart from your family members, every Peace loving Nigerian prayed for your safety and wished for your early release from the hold of your abductors.

    “Your rescue on the 10th of February this year was a very huge relief to me personally as well as to all Nigerians.

    “Let me say that this government treasure all the human lives particularly that of its citizens and following your abductions, the security agencies were directed by me to do everything humanly possible to ensure the safe release of every one of you and other persons under hold of the insurgents,” he said.

    The Director General of Department of State Services (DSS), Lawal Daura listed the names of the abductees, who were brought to the President on Monday, to include Jummai Ibrahim, who was serving her NYSC at the time of her abduction, Esther Wazari Kwasina and Amina Adams Gomdiya, Gloria Bulus, Paulina Amos, Tani Audu, final year student in the University of Maiduguri, Fustina

    He told the President that his organization chose the path of negotiation because it was considered as the safest.

    “Because any forceful attempt to rescue the victims could endanger their lives. These negotiations took several months and the Department of State Services with support of the external elements of the group in diaspora and support from friendly countries and liaising with International Community of the Red Cross, made the rescue possible.”

    He said that the process was slow due to the problem of dealing with two different groups based in different locations at the same time.

    According to him, the negotiations took place mostly outside the country, even though subsequently finalized in the theater of operations.

    He said “The negotiations were mainly centered on an attempt at conflict mitigation which includes the fate of arrested members of the insurgent groups especially, accepting to free by government those found not to be culpable in any criminal action. Also, possible cessation of hostilities especially the attacks with IEDs on innocent civilians, worship centers, schools and other public places in return for temporary stoppage of air strikes by helicopter gunships.

    “Lastly, the negotiation was also centered on the possibility of granting amnesty to those willing to surrender and ready to lay down their arms by the federal government.” he said

    Speaking on behalf of the abductees, a Lecturer and Doctor of Geophysics, Dr. Solomon Nicholas Yusuf, said that they lost hope completely while in abduction.

    He said “While we were in captivity and we said with 180 million or more Nigerians, will Nigeria ever come to rescue us! We lost hope. Sir, you surprised us. After seven months for us in the university and eight months for the 10 ladies, Nigeria rescued us. This shows that the life of every Nigerian is important and is worth rescuing.

    “Sir, we are grateful. You gave us hope when there was no hope and we are excited, we thank you Sir.

    “We also want to appreciate the DSS, the Nigerian armed forces, and the entire team that worked together to make sure we regained our freedom. We appreciate the labour of love they have shown to us.

    “We also want to appreciate Nigerians for praying. We were informed that the entire nation was praying for us and we were excited and we said oh God what is this? This is love. Sir, we are grateful.

    “Sir, from the University, it is a golden opportunity for us to see you and to share our fears and concern because we were abducted while working for the nation. And right now going back home to us is still a nightmare because of our experiences.

    “Sir we have this golden plea with all due respect. Sir, if there is an opportunity for us to be relocated and maybe given another job, Sir, this is our golden request. This is the only opportunity we have to share with you. But we appreciate everything done, the sacrifice you have given to us, thank you Sir,” he stated.

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