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Tag: Presidential villa

  • On-shore/off-shore dichotomy: Osinbajo, Emmanuel meet in Aso Rock

    …Warns against inflammatory statements

     

    Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel on Thursday met behind closed-doors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The meeting followed the alleged inflammatory statements by some political leaders on the onshore/offshore dichotomy occasioned by the report of the Governor Nasir el-Rufai-led Committee to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on restructuring.

    Some of the recommendations of the report of the Kaduna State Governor committee on fiscal federalism and restructuring, centering on onshore/offshore dichotomy had not gone down well with some stakeholders from the oil rich region.

    Although the Federal Government claimed it had addressed grey areas relating to the sharing of Federation Account Allocation to littoral states as it concerns crude oil revenue.

    But Governor el-Rufai-led committee had recommended in the report presented to the party leadership, that “to promote the unity of the country and ensure that states are more financially empowered to deliver services to their residents, as well as ensure no one feels disadvantaged, the committee recommends that the Federal Government should expeditiously review derivation to reflect areas of consensus which are adoption of ‘state control of resources and pay FG,’ upward review of the current formula in favour of states and adoption of similar derivation formula in favour of solid minerals and power generation.”

    Reacting to the development while speaking with State House journalists, Governor Emmanuel said it was irresponsible for people who had no business with oil generation in the country to make sweeping statements that could jeopardise the polity.

    He said that he was bothered about inflammatory statements coming from people with little knowledge about oil and the economic implications.

    He said, “The Vice President is the Chairman of the National Economic Council so once you see a forward looking governor like us coming to have a discussion with him, you know it has something to do with the economy.

    “Whatsoever robs off in the state must also play part in the country especially a state that I run as the largest oil producer in this country today even though I mean as you all are aware, I don’t even have a dimple to show for it but at least we must do our best to make sure we contribute significantly to economy of this country, and probably also use this opportunity to tell those who do not understand few things not to make certain comments that would not allow this country to run the way it should run.

    “I hear people making all kind of comments at times somebody who doesn’t even understand, who has never seen crude oil before will come and tell you about onshore/offshore all those things is dead and has been buried, so let those people not just make inflammatory statements that will cause problems.

    “But by and large it has been a good meeting we discuss the entire economy of the nation I am also looking forward to a whole lot of happenings within this period because I can see our economy should move much faster, yesterday the oil price was well over $73 a barrel, this is a good sign of an economy that should get into a boom very soon.”

    He was optimistic that the nation’s economic recovery would move faster following Tuesday’s positive jump in price of crude oil at the international market.

    The governor said the country should capitalize on the new oil price to step up economic recovery and move the country beyond present level of development.

    He said, “Our economy should move much faster; yesterday the oil price was well over 73 dollars per barrel; this is a good sign of an economy that should get into improving very soon.

    “The Vice President is the chairman of NEC and once you see a forward-looking governor like ours coming to have a discussion with him, know that it is 100 per cent about the economy.

    “Whatsoever rubs off in the state must also play part in the country, especially a state that I run as the largest oil producer in the country today even though  as you all are aware I do not have a deep to show for it.

    “But at least we must do our best to make sure we contribute significantly to the economy of this country,’’ he said.

    On flood in Akwa Ibom state, the governor stated that the administration had tackled that but noted that erosion was a major concern because of the damage caused by the ravine.

    He said the state was playing politics of development which isolated it from the kinds of politics seen in the rest of Africa.

    He said, “We are more particular about development; look at the quality of leaders we have been bringing out since 2003 till today; look at the profile of the leaders and it is a clear direction that we are out for development.

    “We are not out for some of the propaganda that some other states play and we are not out for deceit; we are out for the truth and the truth stands out; I think we have done well,” he stated.

    Read Also: Ekweremadu briefs Osinbajo on Senate invasion

  • 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

  • Video: Freed Dapchi schoolgirls sing National Anthem in Abuja

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday received 106 released Dapchi schoolgirls and one boy at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The insurgents, Boko Haram, had abducted 110 school girls from Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State on the 19th of February, 2018.

    Dapchi girls

     

     

    Read Also: Buhari receives 106 Dapchi schoolgirls, one boy in Aso Rock

  • Dino Melaye is a noise maker, says Yahaya Bello

    …Dino can’t distract me – Yahaya Bello

     

    Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello on Thursday reacted to a video of Senator Dino Melaye, representing Kogi West, saying he has been roundly defeated and cannot do anything.

    Dino Melaye. in the recently released video on Instagram was seen singing, dancing and mocking the governor.

    Speaking with State House correspondents on the sidelines of the expended National Economic Council meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Bello claimed that he had not seen the video as he was too busy to listen to a noise maker.

    Bello said, “I don’t know there is any such video from anybody, I am not aware. Maybe, you may tell me what the video is all about, I am not aware if there is any such video.

    “You see Kogi state is a very complex state and I took it over when things were really bad and I am doing my best to ensure that we give quality service to the good people of Kogi state.

    “So any noise maker out there is just disturbing himself. So I just focused on the job as the executive governor of Kogi state, and I am doing my best and the people of Kogi state really appreciate my services to them.” he stated

    On the recent attack in Kogi, he said, “It was a very pathetic situation where about 12 people were killed and I visited that place. It is a place that was neglected by their own people and it was unfortunate that that incident happened and we have constituted Judicial Panel of Inquiry to look into the immediate and remote cause of that attack because this is not the first time that an attack is happening in that particular area.

    “In 2014 it happened where lives and property were destroyed but thank God with the support of the military, police and other security agencies were able to quickly move into action and then that particular incident had been stopped.

    “As we speak arrests are being made and investigations are on and by the time the Judicial Panel of Inquiry comes up with its own findings and recommendations, l am sure there will be a lasting solution to that crisis.

    On People’s Democratic Party (PDP) allegation that the rescued Dapchi girls is an arrangement, Bello said, “I think Nigerians are happy with Mr.President for the good job that he is doing for being proactive and for the quick response by the military and other security agencies in rescuing our Dapchi girls, I think it is a good job that they have done and I really congratulate Mr. President, I congratulate the APC, I congratulate the government and good people of Yobe State, I congratulate the girls and their parents and I congratulate Nigerians.

    “By the grace of God such effort is being made to ensure that the remaining Chibok girls are brought back. You will recall that when Mr. President came, probably the APC might have arranged the kidnap of Chibok girls then. So I think those that are accusing APC or our government of arranging such a kidnap are insensitive to the parents, to the children and to Nigerians. We shouldn’t push politics to certain level. So we should congratulate ourselves and I am sure such incident will not repeat itself in the country.”

    Read Also: ‘Assassination attempt’: Court orders prosecutor to appear with Melaye’s case file

  • We owe no personnel salary – Police

    The Nigeria Police Force has said none of its personnel is owed salary or allowances.

    The Force has also described as untrue the report that Policemen attached to the Presidential Villa, Abuja protested over unpaid allowance since 2015.

    The Nigeria Police Force in a statement in Abuja on Monday said no personnel of the Force has complained over unpaid salary.

    An online media had reported that Policemen attached to the Villa protested over unpaid allowances since 2015.

    The Force through it spokesman, CSP Jimoh Moshood said contrary to the report, no Policeman in the Villa or across the country protested at any time.

    The statement reads : “The Force wishes to categorically state that salaries and allowances of Police Personnel across ranks throughout Police Formations, Departments and detachments including those attached to the Presidential Villa are being paid as at when due, and on time.

    “Special and ad-hoc duties allowances are also promptly paid on completion of such duties.”

    Reacting to the report, Moshood said: “The report was carefully studied and was found out to be outright falsehood, unfounded, mischievous and fake news.

    “There was no time the Policemen in the Villa or anywhere else in the Country protested over any issue relating to payment of allowances or whatsoever.

    “Nigeria Police Force is a disciplined organization and its personnel are not allowed to engage in any act that can subject the Force to public ridicule or embarrassment.”

    It further reads: “It is incumbent on the Force to educate the writer of the report that Police personnel’s emolument includes salary and other allowances, and in addition all personnel of the Force enjoy insurance and assurance cover provided for by the Force and the Federal Government to cater for recognized and some unrecognized risks they are exposed to while carrying out core Police duties on daily basis.

    “Also, no Senior Police Officer in the Villa or anywhere else mismanaged or infringed on payment of allowances meant for the Police Personnel serving in the Villa.

    “It is pertinent for the public to know that no Police personnel serving in the villa has complained officially or otherwise of unpaid allowance since 2015.”

    The Force urged the media to always verify facts before publishing in order not to cause panic, tension and misinformation in the minds of the Public.

    Read Also: Police arrest suspected cultist, pipeline vandal in Bayelsa

  • Oyegun assures Tinubu of support

    Oyegun assures Tinubu of support

    National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun has assured former Lagos state governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of his full support in the reconciliation efforts within the party.

    Oyegun, in a letter dated February 23, 2018 was however silent on the issues raised by the APC leader in his letter.

    The Nation learnt that Oyegun’s letter was written after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential villa on Friday afternoon after Friday prayers

    A copy of the two paragraphed letter sited by The Nation reads: “I thank you for your letter dated February 21, 2018, for your prayers and good wishes for my health. I wish you the same and pray that our good God keeps you strong and grants you His peace.

    “Let me once again formally congratulate you on the peace making assignment Mr. President has entrusted you with. It is most challenging but I believe you will ultimately justify the confidence reposed in you by Mr. President. In this you have my fullest support.

    “Be assured, dear Asiwaju, of my highest regards now and always”

    Tinubu had, in a well publicised letter accused the APC national chairman of frustrating reconciliation efforts by taking decisions regarding some state chapters the party.

    Also, the Cross Rivers state chapter had accused the national leadership of undermining the reconciliation efforts by ordering a Congress to elect a chairman for the party in the state barely one month to the end of the tenure of the present executive in the state.

    Read Aslo: Tinubu to Oyegun: stop frustrating peace moves

  • South-south PDP leaders bow to vote out APC in 2019

    South-south PDP leaders bow to vote out APC in 2019

    Leaders of the South -south  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led states on Monday reiterated the resolve to work in  unity to ensure the party forms the next  Federal Government in 2019.

    The people make the declaration in a zonal Executive council meeting they held at the brick house in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital.

    Attended by key national leaders of the party from the zone, the people outlined some of the charges against the ruling Federal Government(FG), to include failure in providing good governance in the country, destruction if the economy, destabilization of the nation’s security infrastructure even as they have made the country to slide into unprecedented suffering.

    Following these ills, the Leaders are of the opinion that the need to vote out the ruling party out of office next year is not negotiable, in order to salvage what was left of the country.

    Speaking at the meeting, the host governor Nyesom Wike stated that the PDP leaders will do everything possible to ensure that the party emerges victorious in 2019.

    He said: “For us, what we want is free and fair elections for Nigerians to determine the future  of the country.  Nigerians are tired of the APC.

    “Nigerians have seen that the so called social group that calls itself a Political party is a failure. The only political party in the country  is PDP. APC took power by deceit, but they cannot govern”.

    He urged PDP leaders to remain focused as they have  a duty to salvage the country and set it on the path of growth.

    National Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus said that the country has collapsed, with  the Presidential Villa in ruins, necessitating  the solemn struggle to salvage the country in 2019.

    He said: “This crisis is no longer a laughing matter. The country  is coming to an end and we must rescue the nation “.

    The National Chairman said that PDP Governors are the only performing governors, while their APC counterparts  have failed their respective  states. He added that Ministers in the Buhari administrations   have failed to perform.

    “Come 2019, Nigeria will be liberated from the hands of the APC. The APC has lost ground in all the six geo-political zones. We have to take one final step to sack the APC vengeance government “, Secondus said.

    Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson called on the party leaders to support Prince Uche Secondus as he works towards a PDP victory in 2019.

    Also speaking, Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel said that the South-South forms the foundation for the revival of the country.

    Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio assured that the National Assembly will work with other PDP leaders to ensure that the APC is sent packing in 2019.

    A minute silence was observed  in honour of victims of the nationwide breakdown of security.

    Read Also:2019: PDP rejects automatic tickets for Atiku, other defectors

  • Buhari, security chiefs meet in Aso Rock 

    Buhari, security chiefs meet in Aso Rock 

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday met behind closed doors with security chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The meeting started around 11.a.m. as most heads of the security agencies arrived the seat of power before 11.a.m.

    The meeting is an enlarged one also involving agencies such as Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Fire Service.

    The meeting was still in progress at the time of filing this report

    Details Later…

  • ‘Senate to deliberate on state police’

    ‘Senate to deliberate on state police’

    The Senate majority leader, Ahmed Lawan on Friday said that the upper legislative chamber will deliberate on the possibilities of the country having state police.

    He spoke with State House journalists after observing juma’a at service at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    According to him, the senate is currently looking towards reviewing the country’s security architecture and will be open to any suggestion that will it achieve the objective.

    He commended Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for suggesting state and community policing, adding that the Senate would bring it on board.

    He said “Well, I’m not a legislature as such because I am only one member of the legislature. But as a committee member of the adhoc committee on security and the review of security infrastructure in Nigeria, I believe that the suggestion by the Vice President that we should go the way of state Police and even consider community policing, is very good suggestion and we are going to take it on board in the National Assembly

    The senator also hailed President Muhammadu Buhari’s  appointment of the former Governor of Lagos state Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to reconcile warring factions within the ruling All Progressives Congress.

    Read Also: Senate rejects report linking Fulani herdsmen, Benue militia to killings

    While pointing out that the committee is coming late, he said that it is expected to add value to APC which he said is plagued by some internal issues.

    “In fact that that committee should have been constituted long time ago because APC is plagued by some internal issues and I believe that these are issues that are surmountable.

    “The Tinubu committee will definitely add value into reconciling the warring sides so to speak. Time is against us, we have to really kickstart these process of reconciliation immediately and I believe that as a family we should be able to come out very much much United that we were before.” he said

    The Senator also urged Nigerians to be positive and support government’s efforts at sumounting insecurity challenges in the country.

    He also commended the recent collaboration between the legislature and the executive particularly, the just concluded national security summit, towards tackling security challenges in the country.

  • The governor-general, the chair and the beautiful bride (Is it true?)

    The governor-general, the chair and the beautiful bride (Is it true?)

    Three governors. Gesticulating and smiling. What could these helmsmen be discussing at the Presidential Villa yesterday just before the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting?

    One of them is Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos) (right) the “governor-general”, a title conferred on him by a brother-governor for his outstanding performance.

    Another is chairman of the Forum of Governors, Abdulaziz Yari, who is the governor of Zamfara State. Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal (left) completes the trio. He was speaker of the House of Representatives before defecting at the last minute in 2015 from the PDP to the APC.

    Tambuwal has been reported to be on the “shopping list” of the PDP in its quest for a return to power in 2019.

    The opposition party is looking for a “clean guy” from the North to battle President Muhammadu Buhari for the top job.

    On Wednesday, Tambuwal was in Asaba, the Delta State capital, in the company of PDP men – Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor Nyesom Wike and former Governor James Ibori. They held a meeting. Could they have been discussing Tambuwal’s return to the PDP ahead of 2019?

    Is the “governor-general” asking “the beautiful bride”,  (with the chairman as witness), “are we still together?”; “Is it true?”

    We may never know, until 2019.

    Yes. After all some politicians are masters of surprises —and inconsistency. They often change like the weather.