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Tag: Shagari

  • Shagari: Buhari directs flags to fly at half-mast for 3 days

    President Muhammadu Buhari has once paid tribute to the late President Shehu Shagari and directed that the national flag and other flags should fly at half-mast in military and para-military formations as well as public buildings for three days, starting from Dec. 30.

    In a statement personally signed by him, Buhari declared: “The late President represented almost the last link with the government of our founding fathers under Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. He was also the first elected President of Nigeria.

    “The late Alhaji Shagari was a man of many parts: teacher, local authority administrator, politician, minister, and finally President. He served his country with dedication and moderation.

    “Over the years, through interaction at the Council of State, he and I came to understand and appreciate each other, whatever the differences we may have had in the past.

    “On behalf of the Federal Government, myself and family, I send my condolences to the people of Nigeria, particularly to the late President’s family and the government and people of Sokoto State. May his soul rest in peace.”

    Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State had declared Monday, Dec. 31 a public holiday to enable residents offer special prayers for the repose of the soul of Shagari, who died at the age of 93 and has since been buried in his home town according to Islamic rites. (NAN)

  • ‘Diezani loot’: Court remands Shagari, four others in police custody

    •Shekarau, two others quizzed, released by EFCC

    A SOKOTO Federal High Court yesterday remanded former Deputy Governor Mukhtari Shehu Shagari, the state Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate in 2015 governorship election, Abdallah Wali and three others in police custody for allegedly accepting N500 million from ex-Minister for Petroleum Mrs. Diezani Alison Madueke.

    They will be in police custody till tomorrow when their bail applications will be heard against the offence, which Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) said contravenes the anti-Money Laundering Act of 2011 as amended.

    Other defendants in the five-count charges are Nasiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, the state Chairman of PDP, Ibrahim Milgoma and former Commissioner for Information Ibrahim Gidado.

    One of the charges accused Gidado (first defendant), Shagari (second defendant) and Milgoma (fourth) of conspiring in March 2015 to accept N500 million from one Abdulrahman Ibrahim without transacting same through a financial institution and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under Section 16(2) (b) of the same act.

    When the charges were read to the defendants, they pleaded not guilty.

    Justice Saleh Idrissa adjourned the case till tomorrow for the hearing of bail applications and remanded the defendant in police custody.

    Also, the EFCC yesterday invited former Minister of Education Malam Ibrahim Shekara, former Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Amino Wali and Mansur Ahmad for questioning over issue relating to alleged money laundering.

    Shekarau and the two others were quizzed for over an hour for laundering N950 million, funds earmarked for 2015 general election logistics.

    Abdul Adamu Fage, the counsel to Shekarau, who briefed reporters after the arrival of the former minister, said his client and others were at the EFCC to honour an invitation from the commission in preparation for their arraignment tomorrow.

    It was learnt the former minister and others were later released by the agents of the commission after interrogation.

     

     

     

  • ‎Diezani loot: Court remands Shagari, Wali, others in police custody

    A Federal High Court sitting in Sokoto on Tuesday remanded the former deputy Governor of the state, Barrister Mukhtari Shehu Shagari, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governorship candidate in 2015 general elections, Senator Abdallah Wali and three others in police custody till May 24 when their bail applications would be heard.

    They are standing trial for allegedly accepting part of proceeds from former Petroleum Minister Diezani Madueke  which contravenes the money laundry Act of 2011 as amended.

    The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) instituted five count charge against them dated 4th, May, 2018.

    Also listed  as defendants are :Alhaji Nasiru Dalhatu Bafarawa and younger brother of the former Governor Atahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa,  the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Milgoma and the former Commissioner of Information, Alhaji Ibrahim Gidado.

    According to the charge order,  Gidado (1st defendant),  Shagari (2nd) and Milgoma (4th) had in March 2015 conspired to accept N500 million from one Abdulrahman Ibrahim without transacting same through a financial institution and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (prohibition) Act,2011 as amended which is punishable under section 16(2) (b) of the same act.

    It added that Gidado had accepted cash payment of N500 million and eight million respectively from one Abdulrahman Ibrahim and PDP in the state contrary to section 1(a) of the money laundering act, 2011 as amended and punishable under section 16(2) (b) of the same act.

    Read Also: Diezani: $40million was conveyed in cash to a bank chief

    It further stated that Shagari, Dalhatu and Wali had in March, 2015 conspired and took possession of the sum of N500 million which formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act of Diezani Alison Madueke as gratification and as such committed an offence contrary to section 18 (a) of the money laundering (prohibition) act, 2011 as amended and punishable under section 15(3) of the same act among other charge.

    When the charges were read to the defendants, they all pleaded not guilty  and  EFCC counsel  Barrister John Ojogbane prayed the court to adjourn the case to enable him present his witnesses and the defendant be remanded till the adjourned date.

    However, counsel to the  1st, 3rd and 4th defendants, Barrister Ibrahim Abdullahi opposed to the second application as according to him, prior to their arraignment, they had been on administrative bail granted to them by the EFCC since 2016.

    “And in the verifying affidavits before this court. It shows that investigation had been concluded and while on administrative bail they had been cooperative with EFCC till date,” he said

    Abdullahi added that the 3rd defendant has instrumental spinal surgery which he has been battling with.

    He urged the court to take decision notice of exibits a,b and c annex to the application of bail of the 3rd  defendant which has shown he should be placed on straight bed rest and grant them bail.

    Similarly, counsels to the 2nd and 5th defendants, Barrister Ibrahim Idris and Barrister Aiyelabegan Abdulkadri while aligning themselves with the bail application, urged the court to uphold the administrative bail earlier granted the defendants by the EFCC.

    Responding, Ojogbane urged the court to ignore their applications as  the administrative bail had expired since the time the defendants were served with the charges.

    He added that they received their applications by 6pm on Monday and they need two days to formerly respond to them.

    The Presiding Judge, Justice Saleh Idrissa adjourned the case till May, 24 for the hearing of bail applications and remanded the defendant into police custody.

  • Jonathan, IBB, Shagari absent at Council of State meeting

    Jonathan, IBB, Shagari absent at Council of State meeting

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan, former military President, Ibrahim Babangida and ex-President Shehu Shagari were conspicuously absent at the time the Council of State meeting started at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday.

    The former leaders present when the meeting started at few minutes past 11:00 a.m. were Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd) and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd).

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo arrived after the national anthem and the opening prayers were said.

    The meeting was the third Council of State meeting held under President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Also at the meeting are Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Chief Justices of Nigeria and Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

    Governors of Adamawa, Benue, Kebbi, Jigawa, Delta, Lagos, Nasarawa, Abia, Sokoto, Imo, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Kano, Plateau, Ogun, Rivers, Zamfara, Ebonyi and Kaduna States are also attending the meeting.

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, was absent when the meeting started.

    The meeting started when President Buhari arrived the Council Chamber and went round the place to shake hands with those present.

    The first meeting under Buhari was held on October 21, 2015, while the second was held in September 2016.

    The National Council of State is chaired by President Buhari, with Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo as Deputy Chairman.

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

  • Ekwueme: Fearless, integrity epitome – Osinbajo

    Ekwueme: Fearless, integrity epitome – Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Sunday described late former Vice President Alex Ekwueme as fearless and an epitome of integrity.

    He said this in his remarks at the Service of Songs and Night of Tribute in Abuja for the late Second Republic Vice President who died in a London Hospital on November 19, 2017 at 85.

    Osinbajo noted that Ekwueme was the most remarkable person to serve the nation and believed in its indivisibility.

    He said that while alive, the late octogenarian possessed profound humility that came from the understanding of how much there was to learn and demonstrated it by his evident willingness to listen and learn always.

    “As Vice President, he set an excellent example of loyalty, discipline, team spirit and fidelity to the nation.

    Read also: All for Ekwueme

    “He was fearless and with the courage of his convictions, he led the G-34, the group of eminent Nigerians who confronted military dictatorship in its darkest and most fearsome days in Nigeria’s history.

    “He contributed significantly to the return of democracy in 1999,’’ he recalled.

    Osinbajo stated that in national and international discourse, as an elder in ECOWAS even on the most emotive subjects, the deceased spoke truthfully and ensured that his words built rather than destroyed.

    He also said that late Ekwueme worked tirelessly to build and maintain the bridges established across ethnic and religious lines by many through the years.

    “He never for once doubted the validity of one indivisible Nigeria,’’ the vice president said.

    He recalled the late vice president’s incarceration for about 20 months after the Shagari administration was toppled but that he was cleared as having never abused his office.

    Osinbajo said that Ekwueme’s principled and fearless leadership in confronting the military dictatorship of late Gen. Sani Abacha, especially when it chose to succeed itself, was unequalled.

    According to him, the late Ekwueme had principled interventions in many national debates and in all, he epitomised impeccable integrity, courage and selflessness.

    “His values, like himself, remain relevant in every age and time.’’

    Osinbajo said that Ekwueme had remarked that he would like to be remembered as someone who came into public office to render service and rendered it selflessly.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that other dignitaries, including the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo and Minister of Labour, Dr Chris Ngige, paid tribute to the late octogenarian.

    Nwodo said he was not mourning Ekwueme, but was rejoicing because God gave Nigeria such a man.

    For Ngige, Ekwueme was a political master who did not disappoint the nation during the 1994/1995 Constitutional conference.

    Former President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, represented by his son, Aminu Shagari, in a tribute said he would continue to relish the memorable time he had with his late former Vice President.

    “He lived a simple and uncomplicated life,’’ he said, adding that he nominated to run with him twice because of his high level of discipline and integrity.

    President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, Secretary to Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Prof. Jerry Ghana, Prof Uzodimma Nwala, and the deceased’s younger brother, Prof. Laz Ekwueme, extolled his virtues.

    A representative of the Ekwueme’s Community, Oko, Anambra, Mr Handel Okoli, thanked the Federal Government for putting all structures in place for the burial of their son.

    He, however, requested that the late former vice president’s name should be immortalised for his vision of nationalism and patriotism to be exemplified.

    NAN

  • Buhari a honest leader, says Shagari

    Buhari a honest leader, says Shagari

    Former President Shehu Shagari has urged Nigerians and the international community to support President Muhammadu Buhari and his administration, saying he is an honest, incorruptible and detribalised leader.
    Shagari, who clocked 92 on Saturday, said the President was doggedly fighting corruption to sanitise governance and therefore, needed the prayers and support of all Nigerians.
    He told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto that Buhari was a true nationalist, whose penchant for Nigeria’s socio-economic development was unparalleled.
    He said the president was striving to salvage the country from the hands of anti-Nigeria forces and appealed to Nigerians to continue to pray for leaders “rather than cursing them’’.
    “Buhari is also intensifying efforts to truly diversify the economy by taking attention away from heavy dependence on oil revenue,” the former president said.
    He hailed efforts made by the present administration to improve the security situation in Nigeria and urged the government not to relent.
    Also yesterday, Captain Bala Shagari (rtd), eldest son of the former President, described his father as “humble and disciplined,” saying they were proud of him.
    He said the family was grateful to God for the life of their father, adding that it was a blessing that he had lived to 92 years and was still strong.
    “We must show gratitude to Almighty Allah for his longevity. Our father is an invaluable blessing from God; he is free with us and always provides wisdom and guidance to us.
    “He is never greedy and he is a person who never solicits for anything or position; only gets it purely on merit,” Shagari added.

  • Osinbajo, Saraki, Jonathan greet Shagari at 92

    Osinbajo, Saraki, Jonathan greet Shagari at 92

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Bukola Saraki and former President Goodluck Jonathan have congratulated Second Republic President Shehu Shagari, on his 92nd birthday.

    In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, the acting president praised Shagari’s selfless service, leadership and steadfast commitment to the advancement of Nigeria over the years.

    The Acting President expressed confidence that the honesty and strength of character with which former President Shagari had been known, would continue to be a source of inspiration.

    Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, hailed the sterling contributions of the nonagenarian to the sustenance of democracy, national peace and growth.

    He said: “I am delighted to join millions of Nigerians to wish you a happy birthday as you clock 92, while looking forward to partake in many more joyous moments to celebrate your eventful and most successful life.”

    Jonathan, in a statement by his media adviser, Ikechukwu Eze, said: “In and outside office, you have continued to inspire generations of Nigerians through your patriotism, selflessness, simplicity and unwavering commitment to the peace and unity of our dear country.

    “You diligently served your nation as a teacher, parliamentarian and President and have continued to serve her, even in your old age, as an elder statesman and sage, who calmly offers his wise counsel on national issues.”

  • Fed Govt owes Jonathan, Obasanjo, IBB, Shagari, 10 months salary allowances

    Fed Govt owes Jonathan, Obasanjo, IBB, Shagari, 10 months salary allowances

    Another shocking picture of the economic recession was painted yesterday.

    Former leaders – Goodluck Jonathan, Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Babangida and Shehu Shagari have not been paid their salaries and allowances since January.

    Members of the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, who visited the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), were shocked by the news.

    Paucity of funds due to non approvals by President Muhammadu Buhari was blamed for the inability to pay the entitlements of the former leaders.

    Payment schedules were said to have been sent to President Buhari for approval to access funds from the Service Wide Vote to pay the outstanding allowances.

     The SGF, Mr. David Lawal Babachir, attributed the failure to pay to lack of funds in Service Wide Votes for salaries of former presidents.

    Babachir told the committee members: “There is a department responsible for payment of former Presidents. At present, funds are not available in Service Wide Votes to do that. We are aware that there was a protest in Bayelsa State that former President Goodluck Jonathan was not paid, but we have explained that he is not the only one affected.

    “Others affected are Inter Religious Council, traditional rulers council and so on. For some reason, we have been writing and writing, but there has been no response. And there is presently no money to pay them.

    “The budget for this year’s Democracy Day was N33 million and we had to do it on credit; we are yet to pay. There are lots of retreats which ought to be organised but there is no money to do any. The last time we got any release was in August.”

    The Senator Tijjani Kaura (APC, Zamfara North)-led committee members frowned at the non-payment of the former presidents’ entitlements.

    They canvassed a joint action by the Office of the SGF and the committee to resolve the “most unfortunate” problem.”

    The lawmakers also emphasised the need to draw the attention of the Budget Office and Ministry of Finance to the development.

    Vice Chairman of the committee, Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, described the non-payment of former presidents as abnormal.

    Hunkuyi said: “What we have seen here is an abnormality. Before referring any matter to the National Assembly, it is a function of the executive to appropriate funds. Therefore, the SGF should understand that there is something wrong in this office that must be addressed.

    “There is no way you can run the expenses of this office without cash backing. We definitely have to draw the attention of the Budget Office and Ministry of Finance to the problems.”

    Former Sokoto State Governor Senator Aliyu Wamakko, a member of the committee also criticized the non-payment of former presidents by the office of the SGF.

    Wamakko said: “We can understand if former President Goodluck Jonathan has not been paid because he just left office. But for someone like Shagari, who lives from hand to mouth, it’s something I can’t understand. This development is really unfortunate;  it doesn’t indicate seriousness, and it doesn’t indicate fairness.”

    The SGF who laboured to calm the lawmakers, said: “When I got into this office, there was a lot of money in this account, but there was no Treasury Single Account.

    “Before the government left office, they jacked up salaries. We told former Presidents Jonathan and Obasanjo that they cannot earn twice what the others were earning. So we told them we wanted to review it, and we did. So they now earn what the others earn as well.

    “When I came into office, there was N1.5b in the account. We had payment of all liabilities which came to 700 million. Then we wrote to the President to return what was left to the TSA. That was how we came back to a zero balance.

    “It is painful to me because as a person I know all of them (ex-presidents) personally. Now, why have we not been able to get the money? We requested for a budget of N700 million, complaining, but the President has his way of doing things.

    “Look around, you’ll see government vehicles breaking down every now and then. Really, I know the challenges the Budget Office is facing, but the truth is, the funds are not just there. In any government, there are certain agencies that must be served first before others. So we have agreed on that. However, we will lean harder on the finance ministry to see that the situation is turned around.

    “As SGF, I’m getting embarrassed and demeaned by chasing money coming from demands. All MDAS come to me for things to be done, and it is not quite easy, but we will try our best.

    “Last year, these political appointees had nothing. As to assistance, we really need assistance, if not but to retain all what we have budgeted for.”

    Babachir urged the National Assembly to intervene by approving funds proposed by his office in the 2017 budget to be submitted soon.

    “What is in our budget, we need your help to defend it. This is part of the change agenda, so we must learn to sew our cloth according to the material,” he said.

    The committee faulted the office of the SGF over replication of 2016 budget details in its 2017 budget proposal.

  • Shagari seeks peace, unity at 91

    Shagari seeks peace, unity at 91

    Ex-President Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari yesterday urged Nigerians to embrace peace and unity.

    The elder statesman, who marked his 91 years’ birthday at his Sama Road home in Sokoto, said: “We should live in peace with one another, irrespective of our religious, ethnic and cultural differences.

    “God has His reasons for creating us together as a nation and our differences are aimed at cementing our unity.”

    He celebrated the birthday with a prayer session, led by the Chief Imam of his home, Sheikh Abubakar Gudun.

    Shagari enjoined leaders to uphold social justice and piety and shun greed.

  • Jonathan greets Shagari at 91

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday congratulated the nation’s first Executive President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, who turns 91 on Thursday.

    Jonathan, in his congratulatory message, described Shagari as a blessing to the nation.

    He noted that the ex-President’s long-standing commitment to peace and development would continue to inspire many Nigerians to offer their best to the nation.

    He said: “I wish to, most compassionately, congratulate you on your 91st birthday.

    “I am glad the Almighty Allah has blessed you with long life and good health, in line with your selfless dedication to noble causes and human progress

    “You have been of immense blessing to Nigeria while serving her in various capacities as a teacher, nationalist, politician and statesman.

    “The nation will continue to be grateful to you because of your vision, wisdom, democratic ideals and outstanding achievements as President.

    “Your altruism, patriotism and long-standing commitment to peace and development will continue to inspire many Nigerians to offer their best to their country.”

    The former President further prayed to God to grant Shagari more productive years “to see our dear nation progress in peace, unity and prosperity.”