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Tag: Buhari

  • NNPCL chair: Judgment voiding Araraume’s sack’ll be appealed — Buhari

    NNPCL chair: Judgment voiding Araraume’s sack’ll be appealed — Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to appeal the judgement which voided the sack of Sen. Ifeanyi Araraume as the Non-Executive Chairman of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

    Recall that Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Tuesday, April 18, declared that Araraume’s removal was unconstitutional

    The judge ordered that the former lawmaker be reinstated as the Non-Executive Chairman of the NNPCL with full benefits.

    Justice Ekwo, who also set aside every decision taken by the board after Araraume’s removal, awarded N5 billion as damages in favour of Araraume.

    However, President Buhari, in a statement issued on Wednesday, April 19, by his spokesperson, Femi Adesina, said the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation/Minister for Justice had yet to receive a formal copy of the ruling.

    Adesina stressed that the President had affirmed that due judicial process would be followed, and “NNPCL has already taken steps to go on appeal”.

    “The Administration respects the Rule of Law, and nothing will be done outside it to resolve the matter,” he added.

    Adesina quoted Buhari as calling for calm from all sides involved.

    Ararume, who was appointed by President Buhari in September 2021, was sacked and replaced with Margaret Chuba Okadigbo in January 2022.

    He, however, sued the Federal Government, praying the court to declare his sack as NNPCL board chairman illegal, unlawful, and unconstitutional.

    The former senator stated that his removal by a letter dated January 17, 2022, with reference number SGF. 3V111/86 was a violation of the CAMA law under which NNPCL was incorporated.

    Apart from asking the court to issue an order to return him to office, Ararume also demanded N100 billion as compensation for the damages he suffered following the unlawful removal

  • [Just In] Tenure elongation: Buhari sacks Immigration CG

    [Just In] Tenure elongation: Buhari sacks Immigration CG

    President Muhammadu Buhari has retired the acting Comptroller-general (CG) of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mr. Isah Jere Idris.

    This was sequel to the expiration of his initial extended one year tenure as well as the dust raised by several Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), who warned the Presidency against another consideration for Jere.

    The development was contained in secret notification of one year tenure extension expiration memo addressed to Jere.

    The memo, dated April 17, 2023 with code number CDCFIB/APPT.CG&DCG/61/VOL.IV/74 was signed by the secretary to the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, Obasi Edozie Edmond, on the orders of the Board chairman, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who is the Minister of Interior.

    Jere is by the retirement notice directed to hand over the duties and responsibilities of his office to the most senior officer in the Service, pending the appointment of a substantive CG of Immigration.

    Recall that Mr. Isah Jere Idris was appointed in acting capacity just before his retirement in April 2022 but got his tenure for one year ahead of ite expiration.

    The extended tenure will automatically elapse on April 24, 2023.

  • NNPCL Board: Araraume floors Buhari, as court voids removal as non-executive chairman

    NNPCL Board: Araraume floors Buhari, as court voids removal as non-executive chairman

    …estored to office

    …awarded N5bn in damages

     

    In a rare decision against a sitting President, Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court on Tuesday voided the removal of Senator Ifeanyi Godwin Araraume as non-executive chairman of the Board of the Nigeruan National Petroleum Company Lmited (NNPCL)

    Ekwo, in an hour-long judgment, resolved all the four questions formulated for determination in Araraume’s amended originating summons in his favour.

    As a prelude to the judgment, Justice Ekwo had first given rulings on the seven preliminary objections by the first, second and third defendants (President Muhammadu Buhari, NNPCL, and the Corporate Affairs Commission respectively).

    He dismissed six of the objections as lacking in merit and liable to be dismissed and one of them as premature as it dealt directly with the substance of the originating summons and therefore could not be given in the course of the hearing.

    The court answered all the four questions in the N100b suit filed against the federal government over his alleged unlawful removal as a non-Executive Chairman of the newly-incorporated NNPCL in the favour of the plaintiff (Araraume)- the first question in the positive, the second in the negative, the third in the negative and the fourth in the positive.

    All the answers were in support of Araraume’s questions for determination which dovetailed into the grant of almost all the reliefs sought as presented before the court on his originating summons.

    In the suit marked, FHC/ABJ/CS/691/2022, the former senator had formulated four issues for determination by the court.

    One of the issues was whether in view of the provisions of the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the NNPC, Companies and Allied Matters Act 2010 and the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the office of the non executive chairman was not governed and regulated by the stated provisions of the law.

    Araraume had also asked the court to determine whether by the interpretation of Section 63 (3) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the president could lawfully remove him as non executive chairman of the NNPCL for any reason outside the provisions of the law.

    He further asked the court to determine whether the president could sack him without compliance with expressly stated provisions of the Articles of Memorandum of Association of the Company, Section 63 (3) of the PI Act 2021 and Section 288 of the CAMA Act 2020.

    The former lawmaker asked the court for an order setting aside his removal via a letter of Jan. 17, 2022 with reference number SGF.3V111/86.

    He also asked the court for an order reinstating him and restoring him to office with all the rights and privileges of the office of the NNPC non executive chairman.

    Araraume had asked for N100 billion as damages caused him in the alleged unlawful and unconstitutional way and manner he was removed from the NNPC board after using his name to incorporate the entity.

    The court on Tuesday voided his removal; restored him to his office with all benefits; nullified all decisions that were taken by the board of NNPCL on his absence; and was awarded N5b damages.

    More details coming….

  • Why Buhari embarked on spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia – Presidential aide

    Why Buhari embarked on spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia – Presidential aide

    President Muhammadu Buhari, in the course of the week, embarked on an official and spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia to thank Almighty Allah as he prepares to handover the mantle of leadership to President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu, on May 29.

    President Buhari departed Nigeria on Tuesday for Saudi Arabia on official visit from April 11 to 19.

    An earlier statement issued in Abuja by Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s spokesman, said the journey would be Buhari’s last trip to the Kingdom as President.

    The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, and Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s spokesman, who spoke to newsmen on the significance of the President’s trip, said Buhari was in the Holy Land to thank Almighty Allah for the successful eight years in service of his country.

    The president, who was accompanied by his aides, first visited Madinah where he toured some historic religious places, including the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilisation in the city as part of his engagement in the Holy City.

    While at the Museum, the president maintained that ”the spread of true knowledge of the religion of Islam is the most important task now facing global Muslims.”

    He commended the Saudi government for deploying latest technological tools in presenting the core of Islam, its lofty purposes, and qualitative teachings.

    According to the President, the Muslim community needs a system that is futuristic, bringing knowledge and education in a new system that will make for a good understanding of the very features of the religion.

    Buhari observed the five daily prayers as well as Taraweeh prayer at the Masjid Nabawi before departing for Makkah via Jeddah, late on Wednesday, for the lesser pilgrimage.

    The president, alongside his aides, some traditional rulers, and religious leaders successfully performed Umrah rituals, amid tight security, upon his arrival at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

  • Buhari performs Umrah rituals in Makkah

    Buhari performs Umrah rituals in Makkah

    President Muhammadu Buhari successfully performed Umrah rituals, amid tight security, upon his arrival at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

    The president alongside members of his entourage were led by a delegation from the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Nigerian Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami in performing the rituals.

    The Nigerian leader had earlier visited some historic religious places in Madinah on Tuesday and Wednesday before he proceeded to Makkah for the Umrah.

    President Buhari had also visited and prayed at the Prophet’s Mosque.

    He arrived in the Kingdom on an eight-day official visit on Tuesday.

  • Buhari’s last Easter message: Thanks Nigerians, advise aggrieved parties over 2023 elections to patiently wait for judiciary

    Buhari’s last Easter message: Thanks Nigerians, advise aggrieved parties over 2023 elections to patiently wait for judiciary

    President Muhammadu Buhari has advised aggrieved parties over the outcome of the 2023 elections to patiently wait for the country’s legal system and he thanked Nigerians for showing understanding throughout his two terms in office.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports this was contained in his last Easter message to Nigerians while in office.

    Hear him

    “I join Christians in Nigeria and around the world to celebrate Easter, which commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, signposting his victory over death.

    “At the heart of Easter, is the triumph of light over darkness.

    “It is a season that reminds us that the Almighty can turn an unpleasant situation round for good.

    “Recognising that Easter is about renewed hope and a glorious future, I urge all Nigerians to continue to be confident and believe strongly in our country for better seasons ahead.

    “As a nation, we have gone through an election that has produced the next set of leaders at the federal and State levels.

    “I commend Nigerians for believing in the process. While I congratulate those that have been elected, I acknowledge that it is the right of those who feel dissatisfied with the outcome to seek redress. I expect them to wait patiently and allow our legal system run its course.

    “It has been a rare privilege for me to serve as your President since you gave me the first mandate in 2015 and renewed it in 2019.

    “Day after day, I have been guided by the vows I took to keep Nigeria united, prosperous and secure.

    “Our successes on security, economy, infrastructure, new oil frontier basins, landmark legal reforms as well as food sufficiency, among others, were possible because of the support of Nigerians.

    “As we celebrate this season with our families, neighbors and communities, let us do so in love, compassion, kindness, resilience and forgiveness.

  • Buhari sacks Saratu Umar as NIPC Boss

    Buhari sacks Saratu Umar as NIPC Boss

    President Muhammadu Buhari has terminated the appointment of Hajiya Saratu Umar as the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), with immediate effect.

    Mr. Femi Adesina, the President’s spokesman, confirmed this development in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    In a directive to the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Richard Adebayo, the president also mandated the most senior Director in the Commission to immediately take over in the interim.

    Buhari had in July 2022 approved the appointment of Hajiya Saratu Umar as Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the NIPC for a fresh term of five years.

    Umar was first appointed to the position in July 2014.

  • 2023 changed Nigeria’s political landscape, no more easy route to power – Buhari

    2023 changed Nigeria’s political landscape, no more easy route to power – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari, Thursday said the 2023 elections have proved the growing strength of our democracy and more especially, the sophistication of the Nigerian voter when it comes to the choice of the leaders.

    Speaking when he received the newly-installed Emir of Dutse, Jigawa State Capital, Alhaji Muhammad Hamim Nuhu Sunusi at the State House in Abuja, President Buhari said the stunning outcome of 10 Governors failing to make it to the Senate meant that there is no longer a guaranteed route to power and the voter is truly the king when it comes to elections.

    “It is a testament to the maturity of our democracy and to the amazing sophistication of the voter. What shocked me was that the ordinary citizen who is usually underrated has made the point of his political understanding of things. Assumption is always that you are Governor for eight years and you go to the Senate to crown the career. No one should underrate the Nigerian voter anymore. Politics will be more difficult, henceforth,” the President said.

    After listening to the Emir who listed several government projects put in place for Jigawa State under the Buhari Presidency, and a request for some more, the President promised to do his best for the State in the remaining time left, and to brief the incoming President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on those requests, agreeing with visitors that the particular problem of water supply to the State Capital is worrisome.

    The President told the Emir and members of the Emirate Council who accompanied him that he and the entire nation will continue to miss his friend, the late Emir, Alhaji Nuhu Muhammad Sunusi, saying that he will continue to pray for the repose of the deceased.

    The Emir and leader of the delegation, Alhaji Muhammad Hamim thanked the administration of Muhammadu Buhari for helping Jigawa State to excel in major rice production, for approving a rail link to Dutse from Kano and for the restoration of peace to the State, the entire nation and the neighbouring countries that had suffered past insecurity.

    The Emir also welcomed the upgrading of the Army Battalion in Dutse to a full military Brigade and requested the President to do something about the acute water shortage affecting the State Capital.

  • FEC Approves N392.786bn for Ministry of Works, Customs others

    FEC Approves N392.786bn for Ministry of Works, Customs others

    …N15.3bn for ICT digital devices for 2023 Census

    The Federal Executive Council, FEC, on Wednesday, approved a total of N392,785,113,356 contracts to ministries, parastatals and agencies.

    This was disclosed to State House correspondents at the end of the weekly Council meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Among the memoranda that received approvals were two presented on behalf of the National Population Commission (NPC), totaling the sum of N15,300,000,000, for procurement and installation of technology-based gadgets for use in the upcoming 2023 National Population and Housing Census.

    Briefing on the approvals for the NPC, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said while the first memorandum was worth N10.9 billion, the second one was valued at N4.4 billion.

    According to him, among those memos that were okayed today was the award of the contract for the supply and installation of information and communication technology (ICT) components for the 2023 Population Census. This is for the National Population Commission (NPC). It is meant for census. The ICT component contract was awarded for about N10.9 billion.

    “Another contract that was approved for the National Population Commission was the contract for the development and implementation of mobile device management solution for the personal digital assistance devices to be used for the 2023 Population Census. This is in the sum of about N4.4 billion”, he said.

    Shehu said council also approved contract for the development of external cost of infrastructure at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) new training academy at N3.3 billion naira.

    He added that the sum of one billion naira was equally approved for the contract for the procurement of 19 vehicles for the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

    The presidential spokesman said council okayed N65 million naira for variation in the cost for the supply of airport fire crash tenders in the Ministry of Aviation.

    Shehu said council approved policy on HIV/AIDS to protect people living with the disease and new regulations on woodworking ecosystem.

    According to him, “we don’t have the Minister of Labour and Employment today, but he got two approvals. One is pertaining to the woodworking ecosystem. Government has revised regulations pertaining to woodworking machinery and the entire ecosystem which dated back to 1959. New regulations have been put in place as empowered by the law. And by this approval, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice will domicile and gazette these changes that have been approved.

    “His other approval is on policy on HIV/AIDS. Basically, this is to guarantee personal human rights over people with HIV in work places so that they are not discriminated against and they are given equal rights.

    “So, that is what it is about. They are not discriminated against and they are given all that is due to them. And they are respected, especially with regards to their personal and human rights”, he said.

    Also speaking to journalists at the post-FEC briefing, Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fasola, disclosed that his ministry presented three memoranda, all of which were approved.

    According to him, while the first has is aimed at digitizing all records of the Ministry at the cost of N916,813,356, the other two are focused on physical road works, including the N36.459 billion Kaduna Eastern Bypass augumentation works to be executed on Sukuk Programme, and a N327.281 billion tax credit scheme granted BUA International Limited for construction of some roads in Kwara State.

    The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, told journalists that the Council granted approvals for three contracts for the Nigerian Customs Service, all totaling N20,969,400,000.

    “So this is a Nigerian Customs Service barracks and the contract was issued to two companies. Messrs AMSCO Limited is constructing 15 blocks of six numbers three bedroom flats at the Aviation Village here in Abuja. The contract is in the sum of N5.549 billion naira with a delivery period of 81 weeks.

    “The second part of it is the construction of 32 blocks of six two bedroom flats with religious center at the customs service barracks at also at the Aviation Village and this was given to Messrs WARAMS Limited in the sum of N12.843 billion naira with a delivery period of 144 weeks.

    “The Federal Executive Council also approved the procurement of 192 motor vehicles for the operations and administrative use of the Nigerian Customs Service. Different mix of vehicles, totaling 192, all of them Toyota brands. So there are Toyota Prado, Corolla, Camry, Land Cruiser and ambulances in the total sum of N9.649 billion naira including VAT with a delivery period of four weeks.

    “The third approval that we got was for the award of contract for the purchase of 210 units of residential accommodation at plot 413 Aviation Village, Abuja, for the Nigerian Customs Service, in favour of Messrs Abdulwahab Memorial Nigeria Limited in the sum of N16.125 billion naira, including the VAT”, she said.

    Meanwhile, Minister of Mines and Steels Development, Olamilekan Adegbite, said Council granted an approval for a new bill to generate a replacement for Nigeria Mineral and Mining Law 2007, which he said is obsolete.

    “What we did at the council today was just to approve a new bill to go to the National Assembly to replace the old law guiding mining in Nigeria. The law we are operating on now is 2007 Nigeria Mineral and Mining Law and 2007 to date is 16 years.

    “It has become obsolete. A lot of new things have come up in mining. There’s a renewed focus and everyone is coming there and as expressed today, it’s a new frontier for economic growth in Nigeria. So we need to update the law to in line modern realities and the laws with some amendments. The bill, the proposed Act, was passed in the Chamber’s with some amendments”, he disclosed.

  • Sen. Izunaso meets Buhari, says he wants to be Senate President

    Sen. Izunaso meets Buhari, says he wants to be Senate President

    Sen. Osita Izunaso (APC-Imo-West) met with President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja on Tuesday to intimate the president with his interest in the seat of the Senate President.

    He told newsmen after the meeting that there was a need to zone the Senate Presidency to the Southeast geopolitical zone.

    Izunaso said he is most suited for the position as he remains the highest ranking senator from the Southeast.

    “We are waiting for the party to zone the position to us. It is only fair and natural that the position be zoned to the Southeast.

    “Since, I’m the oldest senator from both the Southeast and South-South, it is obvious that I am vying.

    “There is no senator today in APC of Southeast or South-South extraction that did not meet me in the Senate. The Senate is an institution that believes in ranking.

    “I was in the House of Representatives before. I have been in the party for five good years.

    “I ran the party as National Organising Secretary, which saw us to victory in 2015 and in 2019. I think we have paid our dues,’’ he said.

    Izunaso is the third aspirant to the seat that had visited President Buhari in recent times.

    Others that had indicated interest in the seat are the Senate Chief Whip and former governor of Abia, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, former governor of Ebonyi, Senator-elect Dave Umahi, and former governor of Akwa Ibom, Sen. Godswill Akpabio.