The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity

  • Buhari to electorate: Don’t get tired of voting

    President Muhammadu Buhari has called on Nigerians not to get tired of voting in today’s supplementary elections.

    The polls, according to him “are no less important than others before them,” he said yesterday ahead of the makeup elections.

    President Buhari, who thanked voters for re-electing him for a second term in office, said he would never forget their sacrifices in defying harsh weather conditions to vote for him.

    ”I was deeply overwhelmed by your show of incredible confidence in me, and I will never let you down. Thank you for your sincere show of support for me,” his  Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, quote him as saying, in a statement yesterday.

    Buhari, therefore, appealed to voters to come out en masse and participate in the supplementary elections in  17 states.

    He asked  voters to vote for the candidates they believe will deliver on promises because it is their “constitutionally guaranteed democratic rights.”

    Buhari also dismissed rumours and insinuations that he was forcing voters to elect candidates other than those they preferred.

    Describing the rumours as baseless, the President said at no time did he give instructions that the electorate should vote particular candidates.

    ”I believe in the will of the people, and I cannot, therefore, put pressure on voters to elect leaders they don’t like,” he said.

    President Buhari also called on INEC and security agencies to ensure that the supplementary elections are conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law and constitution.

    The President assured Nigerians that he is ready to work with elected representatives of the people regardless of party platforms on which they are elected.

    President Buhari said he will work in the best interest of the country and democracy.

  • Buhari to voters: Keep up enthusiasm during supplementary elections

    President Muhammadu Buhari has called on Nigerians to come out en masse and participate in the supplementary elections scheduled for 17 states on Saturday, March 23, 2019.

    President Buhari, who thanked voters for re-electing him for a second term in office, said he would never forget their sacrifices in defying harsh weather conditions to vote for him.

    In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, the President said: ‘‘I was deeply overwhelmed by your show of incredible confidence in me, and I will never let you down. Thank you for your sincere show of support for me.’’

    President Buhari, however, appealed to voters not to get tired of coming out to vote in the supplementary elections, adding ‘‘these elections are no less important than others before them.’’

    Read also: Judgment: Wild jubilation in Adeleke’s home town in Osun

    He appealed to voters to vote for the candidates they believe will deliver on promises because it is their “constitutionally guaranteed democratic rights.’’

    Buhari also dismissed rumours and insinuations that he was forcing voters to elect candidates other than those they preferred.

    Describing the rumours as baseless, the President said at no time did he give instructions that the electorate should vote particular candidates.

    ‘‘I believe in the will of the people, and I cannot, therefore, put pressure on voters to elect leaders they don’t like,’’ the President said emphatically.

    President Buhari also called on INEC and security agencies to ensure that the supplementary elections are conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law and constitution.

    The President assured Nigerians that he is ready to work with elected representatives of the people regardless of party platforms on which they are elected.

    President Buhari said he will work in the best interest of the country and democracy.

  • PDP suffered greatest loss in fourth republic, says Presidency

    The Presidency on Thursday night said that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has suffered the biggest Presidential election loss in the fourth republic.

    This was contained in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu.

    Since the loss, he said that PDP has been doing everything to destroy the country’s democracy.

    According to him, the PDP is deteriorating public discourse.

    Read also: PDP optimistic of success in supplementary polls

    He said “Since they suffered the biggest election loss in all presidential elections in the Fourth Republic, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP has been doing everything they can to damage the foundation of the country’s struggling democracy.

    “By rejecting them at the polls, Nigerians are saying that they are sick of their pessimistic and negative politics. PDP believe they must be in power as a birthright.

    “If they are not power, in the states or at the center, they will use all means to spread instability. In President Buhari, they have met their match.” he said

  • I’ll leave legacy of free, fair elections in Nigeria – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday in Daura declared that he would want to be remembered as a leader who kept his word that elections in Nigeria must be free, fair and credible.

    The President spoke while receiving Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State, who came to formally inform him of his election victory in last Saturday’s Governorship poll.

    He also commended Nigerians who heeded to his pre-election appeals to cast their votes peacefully.

    The President, according to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, described last Saturday’s Governorship and State Assembly elections across the country as largely successful.

    He said: “I have maintained a position that elections must be free and fair and people have the right to make their choices and vote their consciences. I am happy they understood the message and did just that.

    ‘‘Power is a public trust that belongs to the people. Power is not by strength or wisdom but by Providence. Elected persons must be fair and just.

    Read also: Borno gov- elect pledges security, rebuilding, resettlement

    “This is the legacy I want to leave behind. A leader must be fair and just. All leaders should strive to do that.’’ he said

    Governor Masari, who was accompanied by officials of the All Progressives Congress (APC) party in Katsina State, thanked the President and the party for the support which led to his decisive victory on March 9.

    The governor pledged to work for the good of the people of Katsina State, in line with the vision of the Next Level government at the centre.

  • I’ll do more, Buhari reassures Nigerians

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday renewed his pledge to work harder and consolidate on the gains on security, economy, jobs creation, anti-graft corruption and infrastructure upgrade.

    Speaking while hosting the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) at the State House in Abuja, the President promised not to let Nigerians down.

    In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity Garba Shehu, the President was quoted as saying: “This is my last lap. I will try and work even harder than I have done. I assure you that I will not let you down. I pray that my best will be good enough.”

    The President, who thanked members of the ACF for their consistent and dogged support, said he remained appreciative of their goodwill.

    He said: “I’m very appreciative of this visit, especially when I have seen some of my seniors, some of my colleagues and a couple of my juniors, among the team. This reminds me of the good old days when we were in the military.

    “Actually, nobody dropped from the sky. For Arewa Consultative Forum to identify with me, having come from this geo-political zone, I’m very much appreciative of this.

    “I’m very pleased with the address of the chairman who reminded me of the undertaken we made, basically on the three important things my party campaigned on and succeeded.

    Speaking on behalf of the ACF, the Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Mallam Adamu Fika, said the organisation had visited to congratulate President Buhari on his re-election.

    Fika lauded the Federal Government for completing some strategic projects undertaken by previous administrations in the North but abandoned.

    He listed some of the abandoned projects as the Baro Dry Port and the Mambilla Hydro Power station.

    Mallam Fika said: “It is pleasing to note that since then, the Baro Dry Port has been commissioned, while some other projects have been reactivated and are now being implemented.

    “We pray that those organs of government charged with the responsibility for the implementation will double their efforts to ensure that these projects are executed fully to their logical conclusion within reasonable time.”

  • Buhari condemns killings in Kajuru, Kaduna State

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday night said that he was “pained beyond words” by the news of the new wave of killings on election eve in Kaduna State.

    Reacting to the reports of violent killings in Kajuru local government, Kaduna State, President Buhari described it as an “act of cowardice.”

    In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, the President assured that security forces will investigate and apprehend all those involved.

    Read also: Election: FRSC sets up Situation Room

    “The perpetrators of this mayhem will not go unpunished,” said the President.

    He said that the action will not distract the nation from the elections starting tomorrow (today).

    His government, he said, is determined to foil the designs of those who want to disrupt the exercise.

  • Allow law enforcement agencies do their work -Presidency

    The Presidency on Tuesday said that it has taken note of the orchestrated campaign against President Muhammadu Buhari each time a Very Important Person (VIP) is invited by the law enforcement agencies, in the discharge of their legitimate duties and functions.

    In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, the Presidency said that the law of the land is intended for all, not for the poor or those at the lowest rungs of the social ladder.

    Read Also:Security: Presidency blasts Northern elders, Afenifere, Ohanaeze, others

    It added “It is odd, strange and bizarre that while ordinary citizens can be called up to answer questions or be interrogated, the VIP cannot be questioned without the annoying insinuations of partisanship, persecution or outright politicization.

    “This country cannot achieve development in peace when important cases are viewed through a political prism and the law is considered as being applicable to some, and not applicable to others.

    “The workings of law enforcement agencies are set out in the constitution and the laws of the country. If they worked at the discretion of past presidents, who decided who to question and who to detain, Nigerians should get used to the fact that this President is different. President Buhari does not and will not influence or interfere with cases.

    “The constitution clearly directs law enforcement agencies to promptly report and investigate any actual or potential infringement of the law and also initiate proceedings against all those involved.

    “This President is not the one who directs them on what to do.

    “President Buhari does not stand in the way of law enforcement either. Under our constitution, he has no powers to stop the investigation of anyone or institution. When they are set to investigate anything and anyone, the best friend of the law is the one who lets them do their work.

    “The President’s constant refrain is that he will not tolerate any form of illegality including corruption and the law enforcement agencies have been given complete freedom to identify and bring all culprits to justice. His instructions to them are very clear: Anyone with a case to answer or found guilty should not be spared,” it said.

    The statement also said that accused persons should approach the courts to plead their innocence rather than going to the public to plead persecution.

    “The country is better served when the law enforcement agencies are allowed to do their work and we must stop the actors of this dangerous game of politicizing law enforcement,” it stated.

  • Ten modular refineries reach advanced stage – Presidency

    Ten modular refineries reach advanced stage – Presidency

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration is committed to promoting the establishment of privately financed modular refineries in the country.

    This, he said, will increase local refining capacity, create jobs, ensure peace and stability in the Niger delta region.

    A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Laolu Akande, said that the initiative which featured prominently in recent talks between the Federal Government and the oil-producing areas, as represented by PANDEF, will also reposition the petroleum industry and ensure self-sufficiency of petroleum products, while serving as a disincentive for illegal refineries and oil pollution.

    According to the statement released on Saturday, he said “At an end-of-the-year review meeting of the Niger Delta Inter-Ministerial Committee at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, before the holidays, Prof. Osinbajo noted that the Federal Government, in line with its Niger Delta New Vision, is targeting measurable objectives in its efforts towards implementing development projects in the region.

    “The December 22 meeting received a report that 38 licensed privately financed greenfield and mini-modular refineries investors have so far indicated interests in the establishment of refineries in the region, and at least ten (10) of the licensed refineries investors are at an advanced stage of development.

    “The advanced stage of development means that these projects have passed the Licence to Establish (LTE) stage, while some have the Authority to Construct (ATC) licence or close to having it because they have met some critical requirements in the Licensed stage.

    “There are three stages in the process of refinery establishment; Licence to Establish (LTE), Authority to Construct (ATC) and Licence to Operate (LTO).

    “So far, 10 modular refineries are located in five out of the nine states in the Niger Delta region; namely Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Imo states.

    “Also, two out of these 10 – Amakpe Refinery meant to be located in Akwa Ibom, and OPAC Refinery to be based in Delta State – have their mini-refineries modules already fabricated, assembled and containerized overseas, ready for shipment to Nigeria for installation. The total proposed refining capacities of the 10 licensed refineries stands at 300,000 barrels.” it added

    Noting the issue of funding as a major challenge to most of the investors, and the primary reason holding further progress of the refinery projects, the Vice President directed that the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources keep providing the necessary support and creating the enabling environment for positive investments in modular refineries by engaging key government agencies

    The agencies include the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board, NCDMB, and financial institutions, including the International Finance Corporation, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, Bank of Industry, amongst others.

    The Vice President stressed the importance of ensuring that the oil communities have a stake in the modular refineries and directed that an appropriate model be developed to achieve that.

    Other issues addressed at the end of the year meeting include the Maritime University, Ogoni Clean-up, and other related issues such as increasing support for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the region.

    On the Maritime University take-off, the Vice President noted that further support would be given by the Federal Government to ensure the training of staff to give the best to the incoming students of the institution.

    On the Ogoni clean-up, the Project Coordinator for the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, (HYPREP), Dr. Marvin Dekil briefed the meeting that progress has been made in several areas of the clean-up.

    He listed the evaluation of existing water facilities in the four local government areas in Ogoni land in the process of providing clean drinking water, demonstration of remediation technologies at sites in some of the impacted communities; hiring of and the technical training of Ogoni scientists. The Coordinator added that health impact assessment would be conducted in some communities in the coming weeks.

    At the meeting were the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Unguru Usani; Minister of Education, Alhaji Adamu Adamu; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu and the Minister of State for Environment, Ibrahim Usman Jubril.

    Others include the Director-General of Nigeria Maritime Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside; Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Corporation, Mr. Nsima Ekere; and the Special Adviser to the President on the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Brig-General Paul Boroh (rtd).

     Also read  Private refinery vows to end fuel scarcity

  • Buhari commiserates with Egypt over attacks on mosque

    Buhari commiserates with Egypt over attacks on mosque

    President Muhammadu Buhari has sent condolences to the government and people of Egypt over the heartless attacks on a mosque in North Sinai that left many dead after prayers on Friday.

    President Buhari, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, condemned the dastardly act on innocent worshipers.

    He said that the attacks has further reinforced the position that terrorism has no relationship or respect for any religion, and should be visited with the full wrath of the law.

    The President reiterated that the workable panacea to such mindless and irresponsible attacks on citizens would be a global joint action that continually shares intelligence, simulates scenarios and regularly updates on both local and international threats.

    He prayed that the almighty God will receive the souls of the departed, and comfort the families of those directly affected.

    Read Also: Buhari charges religious movements to fight corruption

  • Buhari approves new measures to check terrorist activities

    Buhari approves new measures to check terrorist activities

    President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the request of the Minister of Defence, Brig-Gen. Mansur Dan Ali (rtd) for the stationing of a full battalion of Special Forces in Zamfara to check activities of bandits in the state.

    The president’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, said Buhari also approved the commencement of the newly-established 8 Division of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto in the new Order of Battle (OBAT).

    The presidential aide revealed that Buhari also ordered a military crackdown on bandits operating in rural communities in Zamfara.

    He said the president’s order followed fresh attacks on some communities in Shinkafi and Maradun Local Government Areas of the state.

    The President has also approved the movement of the 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army from Sokoto to Gusau upon the take-off of the 8 Division.

    “To tackle the desperate actions of Boko Haram terrorists in the North-east, through the use of mostly female, underage girls as suicide bombers, President Buhari has equally approved the setting up of an intelligence fusion centre in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, for the purpose of gathering and sharing intelligence among the security agencies in the country.

    “This phase of the war will be intelligence-driven and the new centre is expected to intensify the harvesting and sharing of intelligence so as to bring to an early closure, the desperate last-minute activities of the terrorists.

    Read Also : Mubi mosque suicide attack cruel – Buhari