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Tag: Presidential villa

  • Osinbajo seeks high level of integrity by financial institutions

    Osinbajo seeks high level of integrity by financial institutions

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, has urged financial institutions to uphold a high level of integrity and forthrightness in the discharge of their duties.

    Prof. Osinbajo made the call when a delegation from the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) paid him a courtesy call at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Osinbajo, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on media and publicity, Laolu Akande, said financial institutions have a crucial role to play in helping the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to fight corruption, as well as in improving the country’s economy.

    He said that as a financial body, ANAN should call out individuals who are allegedly tied to some levels of financial crimes to step down from their positions, so as to help curb corruption in the financial sector.

    “The level of integrity that we expect is not necessarily what we are seeing, especially in respect to financial statements and all of that,” the Vice President said.

    He also commended the association for the important roles it has played in regulating the country’s financial sector since it was incorporated in 1979, adding that a high level of integrity by financial institutions would help improve the lives of citizens.

    Speaking earlier, the ANAN delegation, led by its president, Alhaji Shehu Usman, praised the Buhari administration for its leadership in the affairs of the nation, the fight against corruption, insecurity and improving the economy.

    The delegation appealed to the Federal Government to increase the appointments of their members into key positions in the civil service.

  • Buhari, Ugandan President meet in Aso Villa

    Buhari, Ugandan President meet in Aso Villa

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday met behind closed doors with the Ugandan President, Yoweri Kaguta Musveni, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The First Lady of Uganda, Mrs Janet Museveni, was with her husband.

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

    Details later…

  • Buhari, Ghanaian President meet in Aso Rock

    Buhari, Ghanaian President meet in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday met behind closed doors with Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The meeting started at 3:25 p.m. when the Ghanaian President arrived the Presidential Villa.

    The meeting was held at the new Banquet Hall of the State House.

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

  • Paris Club refund: Buhari decries governors handling

    Paris Club refund: Buhari decries governors handling

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday met with members of the National Council of traditional rulers and decried the way the Paris Club Refund was spent by some state governors.

    The Federal government had on May 4 released details of the second tranche of Paris Club refund to States totalling N243. 795 billion.

    The refund is in respect of over-deductions on Paris Club, London Club Loans and Multilateral debts between 1995-2002.

    The President, who met with the traditional rulers at the new Banquet hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja frowned at the inability of the affected state governments to pay the retirement benefits and outstanding salaries of workers with the payment of the refund.

    “We have to digress this much because I would like to convince you that I’m living with the problems of this country day-by-day, and mostly those of the ordinary people.

    “There are Nigerians that haven’t been paid for six months; there are Nigerians that have not been paid their retirement benefits for years.

    “I’m appealing to the governors, (that was why we voted money, we borrowed money), please make sure anybody under you, pay them because most of them depend on that salary to pay rent, school fees,’’ he said.

    He pledged that his administration would continue to do its best in executing developmental projects to uplift the standard of living of all Nigerians irrespective of their geo-political backgrounds.

    The President noted with delight that the country would be witnessing bumper harvest across the country, this year.

    He said the bumper harvest was as a result of the prayers of Nigerians which was graciously answered by God.

    “We are lucky, last year and this year, the rainy season was good. If it were not good, I’m confiding in you, which country shall I run to? But God answered the prayers of most Nigerians.

    “The rainy season last year was good, this year, from the reports I’m getting, it is good. We thank God for that, only God can do that for us otherwise there would have been lot of problems in this country.

    President Buhari thanked the traditional rulers for their continued prayers and support to the government and urged them not to relent in efforts toward ensuring peace and stability in their respective domains.

    He enjoined them to continue to educate their people on the need to ensure the continued survival of Nigeria as a geo-political entity.

    Earlier in his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto, Dr Sa’ad Abubakar, said the traditional rulers were in the Presidential Villa to wish the President and the country well and to express their unflinching support for the administration.

    He, however, challenged the President to tight up his belt in the discharge of his responsibilities for the betterment of the country.

    The Sultan reassured that the traditional rulers would continue to pray for the good health of the president as well as peace and prosperity of the country.

    The Sultan also expressed the willingness of the traditional rulers to continue to partner with the government in the fight against corruption and other social vices in the country.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that six traditional rulers, one from each geo-political zone of the country, spoke at the occasion where they reassured the support of their zones for the Buhari administration as well as the continued existence of Nigeria as one country.

    The Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Barkindo Mustapha, who spoke on behalf of the North-East traditional rulers, also offered special prayer for God to continue to give the President good health to enable him deliver on his promises to Nigerians.

     

  • Buhari, governors meet in Aso Rock

    Buhari, governors meet in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday met with the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo and state governors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The meeting, which took place in the Council Chamber, started immediately after the President observed his jumaat prayer in a mosque beside his office.

    Some of the Muslim governors also joined the President for the prayer.

    During the meeting, which included governors from all the major political parties, the President commended Osinbajo for running the country with intellect in his absence.

    He said: “I have just addressed members of APC and PDP senior officials that came to welcome me back. I thank you very much for the national approach in your leadership, those who are leader at political level and those who are chief executives in their respective states.

    “I had so much time to watch television, especially NTA 24. I heard so much information about the states. I am very pleased with the states, you are all doing your best and you are lucky. Your best is proving to be good enough on agriculture and solid minerals. You are succeeding in agriculture because I think people cannot afford foreign food.”

    “The devaluation of the naira is not our making. It may not favour us, but it is something we cannot change. Some people were asking me if we should be more strict on the borders, but I want to thank God last year and this year is better than what it used to be.”

    “The efforts of the vice president are commendable. He used his intellect to run all over the place. I was seeing him 24 hours on NTA.

    “I congratulate them and I allowed him to come and see me to thank him personally for what he has done.”

    The President said he was very happy with the national prayers that were held for him, noting that they crossed various religions and ethnicity.

    On the protesters abroad who called for his resignation or for him to return to Nigeria, he said: “In fact some groups in London came and sang the national anthem and asked that I should go back home, indeed I have come back home. I hope those who went there are not stuck there, they will come back and join us.

    “Those that are stuck there with the Brexit, I hope they have weighed the implications that it won’t affect them including those that have properties there and those who are not paying tax here.

    “I hope when they sale their properties there they will bring some of the money here. We need it very badly here.

    “I thank you very much. My morale has been raised greatly by the love shown to me and the security of the country.”

    Speaking on behalf of the governors, the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Abdulaziz Yari, commended the President for always bailing the governors out of economic challenges.

    He noted that many states at the inception of this administration owed up to 28 months workers’ salaries.

    He said the consistent release of bailouts have assisted states to clear salary backlogs.

    On his part, Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, assured President Buhari of the governors’ support in the bid to transform the country.

    He also commended the President for always treating governors equally, irrespective of party affiliations.

    Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, said: “First of all we thank God Almighty, we thank the good people of Nigeria and those outside the country who stood firm behind Mr. President and the country.

    “Our President went to take care of his heath and now he is back healthy and healthier than before. We are here to appreciate him. We thank almighty God that he is back safely. We equally thank his able lieutenant, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who held the country firm in his absence.

    “That is the demonstration of team work. It has equally shown that Nigerians selected the best and elected the best in 2015 general election and today Nigeria is better for it.

    “We thank people across the world who really stood firm behind the country in the absence of Mr. President. He is back and we are celebrating life. We are celebrating health.”

  • Buhari, PDP, APC leaders meet in Aso Rock

    Buhari, PDP, APC leaders meet in Aso Rock

    …We will give you a run for your money, PDP tells Buhari

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday met behind closed doors with some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition party, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The meeting, which took place at the new Banquet Hall of the State House, had the National Chairman of the APC, John Odigie-Oyegun and the Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee, Senator Ahmad Makarfi, in attendance.

    Speaking during the meeting, the President said “I thank you sincerely, collectively and individually for finding time from your busy schedules to come all the way to Abuja and welcome me back home.

    “This visit signifies the unity of Nigeria. It is not a party occasion. It is not a political gathering. It is a symbol of our National unity. It is also an expression of the maturity of our democracy.

    “Multi-party democracy is a very tried and tested form of government. Opposition does not mean hostility, enmity or antagonism. Democracy needs opposition, one which is vibrant but responsible.

    “I am very pleased to see you assembled here all shades of opinion in Nigeria. Please convey to our countrymen and women in your respective states my deep gratitude to all those who prayed for my recovery. I am imploring all Nigerians to continue praying for peace and prosperity in Nigeria.” he said

    Odigie-Oyegun said that the President has demonstrated that he is the father of all irrespective of political affiliations.

    He said: “I want to say on the lighter note that people were surprised that the PDP and the ruling party the APC were coming together to felicitate with you Mr. President at the joint meeting.. Most were suspicious that we are going to announce another grand measure.

    “I want to thank you for the uniqueness of today’s event.  We have not only come jointly to welcome you back and wish you well.

    “You initated this unique day and you are sending a message, a very clear message all over the country that you have come back in spite of all that happened,” he said

    Makarfi, on behalf of the party, thanked God for the recovery of the President from his health challenges.

    According to him, his party was constantly praying for the President’s recovery while he was still in the United Kingdom.

    He said “Mr. President, it is with a deep sense of gratitude to God Almighty, that the entire family of the Peoples’ Democratic Party joins our compatriots in welcoming you back home from your medical vacation.

    “We thank Him for your recovery even as we pray that He continues to guide and guard you as well as give you greater strength to shoulder the onerous responsibilities of your office, for the betterment of our country.

    “It is on record Mr. President that while you were away, being the major position party in the country did not stop us from praying for your quick recovery and return to Nigeria.

    “This is because we honestly believe that the President of our country, whatever party flag he or she flies, is our president; and his or her health, is substantially linked with the nation’s health in so many ways. So a prayer for your health Mr. President, we believe is a prayer for the good health of our country. This was why at several fora, we did, and enjoined others, irrespective of party affiliation, to pray for your quick recovery. It is a thing of joy, that Allah has answered our prayers

    “In any case this PDP firmly believes that opposition is no madness; it will therefore never wish ill of anybody, let alone the person saddled with the responsibility of leading our country. Mr President, you will agree with me that the PDP has more than a fair knowledge and experience of the weight of that responsibility.

    “Mr President, having welcomed you back and prayed for you, let me seize this opportunity to assure you, and through you, the entire country, that the PDP having assumed the leadership of the opposition in this country, is poised to play that role energetically, vibrantly, but very decently and with all sense of responsibility.

    “This we shall do by giving you a good run for your money and constantly keeping you on your toes as we all strive to make this country better

    “We assure you of our cooperation as much as the opposition can possibly give to enable you give your best in the process navigating the ship of our state into of a better tomorrow. We are glad to note that already the legislators of our party are cooperating with those of the majority party in both arms of the National Assembly to ensure a smooth legislative sail for the system.” he said

    Makarfi added “We are also proud of the contributions of our governors to the deliberations and other activities of both the National Council of State and the National Economic Council.

    “Mr President, I want to reiterate our offer and assurances of PDP’s cooperation with the government on any programme sincerely designed to take Nigeria to higher levels. We identify with, and will continue to support the fight against terrorism as well as other crimes that have sneaked into our consciousness like kidnapping and banditry, as well as farmers/herdsmen clashes and other crimes camouflaged as such and all other anti-social vices that slow down our nation’s wheels of progress.

    “We also offer our support for the fight against corruption and appeal that the institutions saddled with this onerous task be given a necessary encouragement and independence to do the right thing. This will help in further strengthening our institutions and insulating them from undue political interferences.

    “It will also help give them a more credible outlook in the eyes of the public. There is no way we can have a respectable voice in the comity of civilized nations until we rebuild our institutions and imbue them with the necessary independence and confidence that will improve both their visage and standing with the citizenry.

    “The government should lead the charge in this regard by, especially, exhibiting greater respect to judicial pronouncements as well as respecting the fundamental rights of all Nigerians.

    “The PDP as a great believer in the unity of this country will also partner with the government in any way(s) that will strengthen our historic bond and rebuild bridges of our beautiful relationships that seem to be cracking at the moment,” he stated.

     

  • Buhari, security chiefs meet in Aso Rock 

    Buhari, security chiefs meet in Aso Rock 

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday met with security chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The meeting, which started few minutes after 11 a.m, is taking place at the President’s official residence.

    It was still in progress at the time of filing this report.

    Details later…

     

  • Presidential Villa agog as President Buhari returns to Abuja

    Presidential Villa agog as President Buhari returns to Abuja

    The Presidential Villa Abuja is agog with activities as staff and security personnel are making last minute preparations to receive President Muhammadu Buhari who is expected back to the country today.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Buhari, who has been on medical vacation in the United Kingdom for the past 100 days is expected to arrive the Nnandi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja at 3.00 p.m.

    NAN reports that other itinerary members of staff in the Presidency are also on standby, while security vehicles and personnel attached to the President’s convoy had since left for the airport to receive the president.

    NAN also observed that members of the Presidential Guards Brigade were seen moving toward the airport after conducting rehearsal at the Arcade in Abuja.

    The President, whose absence sparked-off protests both in Nigeria and London with some asking for his resumption or resignation, is expected to make a national broadcast to Nigerians on Aug. 21 at 7a.m.

    Buhari left Nigeria on May 7, for the second round of his medical treatment in London after receiving 82 rescued Chibok school girls who were abducted by the Boko Haram sect in 2014.

    While in London, Buhari received a number of visitors, including Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who first hinted Nigerians about the President’s recovery.

    Other visitors are leaders of the All Progressives Congress, state governors, Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker Yakubu Dogara.

    Pastor Enoch Adeboye, leader of the Redeemed Christian Church of God also visited the President.

  • Osinbajo pledges support for IPI 2018

    Osinbajo pledges support for IPI 2018

    …Tasks media leaders to deal with hate speech

     

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday said that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration will partner the Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI) to host a hitch-free 2018 World Congress of the Global Network of Free Media.

    He gave the assurance when the board of the Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI), paid him a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa to intimate him on plans for the forthcoming event scheduled for Abuja in June 2018.

    In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on media and publicity, Laolu Akande, Osinbajo said “It is a very important opportunity for Nigeria to showcase ourselves and also to show that Nigeria is safe and secure for business. It is also an opportunity to advertise all of our ease of doing business initiatives.’’

    The Acting President also assured the visiting IPI board that states could participate in the hosting of the event especially as it provides “an important opportunity for tourism and for them to showcase some of the great initiatives that they have.’’

    He urged the local organizing committee to consider putting on the agenda of the event, the issue of hate speech and its implications for our polity and for peace and security.

    According to him, “the forum is an important one for raising the question of hate speech and its implications for our country, for our polity and for peace and security.’’

    He added: “somehow these things are resonating all over the world, new found nationalism and all of that. But I think for us here in Nigeria, it is a very important issue.

    “I think that it is important that we find ways of controlling these things. I think that we owe a responsibility, especially leaders of journalism, to find ways of dealing with this issue because it is a cancer.’’

    Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation and chairman of Thisday newspaper, Chief Nduka Obaigbena solicited the support the Federal Government in the hosting of the event in different areas including, the provision of a secured and safe environment for delegates, visas on arrival amongst others.

    Obiagbena stated that the issue of hate speech will indeed form one of the thematic issues to be discussed during the IPI congress.

    He thanked the Acting President for the pledge to support IPI Nigeria in the hosting a hitch-free congress.

     

  • ASUU strike didn’t follow due process – Minister

    ASUU strike didn’t follow due process – Minister

    The Federal Government on Wednesday insisted that the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) did not follow due process.

    Briefing State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, admitted that the Federal Government has failed to meet up some ASUU’s demand.

    He said “Very sad that I am here and ASUU is on strike, late last year we had a meeting because ASUU gave one week notice of strike and we were able to work out some agreement, I must confess government has not fulfilled its part of the bargain, even though we are unhappy that ASUU went on this strike without following due process and giving us good notice, we realised that we promised something and we didn’t fulfill it.

    “I hope I will be meeting them later today or tomorrow and am sure we will be able to reach some agreement so that the strike will be called off as soon as possible.

    “Am sure you are aware of the issues we agreed on, there is the issue of re-negotiation which is the only one they agreed government has done what it promised because we set up the re-negotiation team and negotiation is already ongoing.

    “There is the issue of Earned Allowances and I think because of some miscommunication what we promised could not be done, but am assuring ASUU and the whole nation that this is going to be done.

    “There is the issue of registration for Nigerian Universities Pension Commission. I think that one there are few issues that need to be sorted out with the Nigerian Pension Commission, I believe there will be no problem with that.

    “The issue of their staff school which I think the court has given them verdict to go ahead with it, they have requested that they should be allowed to stay off TSA and I think government will not do this but there are some peculiar funds in the university like endowment which are monies kept and all the interest they generate, prices and so on are given.

    “Government will exempt that one only, but universities it is part of the peculiarities, they just must log on. I hope later on when I meet them today there will be total agreement.” he said

    He said that ASUU needs to give account of the releases made by the government for the Earned Allowances before more payment can be made.

    According to him, the government has the money to pay.

    Asked to reconcile the statement  he made during the last dispensation about ASUU strike, when he said ‘So, instead of hectoring ASUU to call off its strike, the nation should be praying for more of its kind in other sectors of the economy,’ the minister said that was still his position.

    He said if ASUU had not forced former President Goodluck Jonathan, he would not have created the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), without which he said, the university system would have collapsed.

    The minister emphasized: “That is still my view. I believe ASUU is composed of patriotic people, very responsible.

    “If I can look at what their struggle is, they force the then government to create TETFund and today, without TETFund, the university system would have collapsed.

    “I’m not supporting ASUU, am supporting what is good. If it is something bad, I will condemn it.” he added

    The Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed disclosed that FEC approved the memo from the Ministry of Transportation for rehabilitation contract for Itakpe-Ajaokuta rail line.

    He said that the contract was awarded to CCECC at the tune of $122.62 million and to be completed in 15 months.