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Tag: Buhari

  • Buhari, Saraki, Dogara, others grace Tambuwal daughter’s wedding

    President Muhammadu Buhari was among thousands of well-wishers who graced the wedding Fatiha of the daughter of Gov. Aminu Tambuwal in Sokoto on Saturday.

    Buhari was represented by the Leader of the Federal Government delegation and Minister of Justice, Alhaji Abubakar Malami.

    Other members of the delegation included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir Lawal, Defence Minister, Brig.-Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali, as well as the Minister of State, Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika.

    Also among the delegation were Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and the Sarkin-Fulanin Daura, Alhaji Musa Haro.

    The event was also attended by the Senate President Bukola Saraki and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, among other dignitaries.

    The hand of the bride, Aisha was given in marriage to Dikko, the Son of Katsina-based business Mogul, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal.

    The marriage was solemnised after the payment of N100,000 bride price, which was presided over by the Sarkin-Malaman Sokoto, Sheikh Buhari Sirriddawa.

    Prayers were offered for the success of the marriage as well as for sustainable peace and unity in Nigeria.

    Speaking to newsmen on behalf of the Federal Government delegation, Shehu said: “we are here to extend the goodwill message of President Buhari’’.

    “This is also an indication of the excellent relationship between President Buhari and Gov. Tambuwal.

    “While praying for the couple, i am also advising them to be patient with each other and never allow any third party to come between them.’’

    The epoch-making event was also attended by many serving and former governors, National Assembly members, diplomats, politicians, traditional rulers and Captains of Industries among others.

     

    NAN

  • [Read] Buhari’s New Year message to Nigerians

    My dear Compatriots,

    I am happy to welcome you to the beginning of a New Year in our beloved country Nigeria.

    I felicitate with you today at a time when our nation is witnessing a new and impressive turnaround in our security and socio-economic situation.

    I know you will join me to, once again, congratulate the heroic and gallant efforts of our military and other security agencies on their remarkable successes to rid the nation of terrorism.

    Following the successful capture of Sambisa Forest, spearheaded by troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, we have entered a new phase in our battle against our common enemy, Boko Haram.

    When we see our beloved 21 Chibok girls reuniting with their families and community for Christmas, it gives us the hope that those who are still in captivity will one day return to the loving arms of family, friends and well-wishers.

    I urge all Nigerians to be on the alert and watch out for strange figures settling in their communities, and report to the nearest security agencies, as our armed forces intensify the pursuit of fleeing terrorists from the captured Sambisa Forest.

    Misguided elements who decided to take up arms against constituted authorities must be brought to face the full weight of the law.

    The support of all Nigerians to security agencies to enable them successfully execute their mandate is crucial in our bid to effectively secure our country.

    Seeing the joyful return of thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to Damasak town in Borno State, following the reopening of Maiduguri/Gubio/Damasak road in Northern Borno on December 25, 2016, reassured us that the voluntary return of IDPs in other parts of the country is imminent.

    The Federal Government will spare no effort in seeing to the resettlement and rehabilitation of the unfortunate victims of terrorism and insurgency. I urge state governments, privileged Nigerians, donor agencies and countries to redouble their contributions towards this goal.

    Government is aware of some mistakes and wrongdoings in handling the affairs of IDPs. We are taking measures to correct those mistakes and punish the culprits.

    In this New Year, I want to reassure all Nigerians that our defence and security forces are more than ever before ready to perform their constitutional role of protecting lives and property in the country; and we will surely overcome all other forms of security challenges.

    The lingering security issues in several states will be frontally addressed. These ugly crises cannot be allowed to fester as they strain the unifying bonds of brotherhood and neighbourliness. Some sections of the press and some politicians should avoid provocative and inflammatory statements, while the government is painstakingly trying to find solutions to our challenges.

    I want to remind you on the first day of this New Year of an African proverb that says “it is easy to break a broomstick but not a bunch”. Nigeria is a bunch and is more than equal to troublemakers.

    I have interacted with a broad spectrum of Nigerians, the old and the young, and they have told me unequivocally that they believe in the unity and stability of Nigeria.

    The year 2017 provides an opportunity for us to build on those aspects of our national life that unite us. We are courageous, hardworking, hospitable, steadfast and resilient people, even in the face of difficulties.

    These are the attributes that define us and have for years confounded the pessimists who do not believe in our continued existence as a united and indivisible nation. We are a remarkable nation that has succeeded in harnessing our multiple diversities for national development. We must continue to support and tolerate one another and live together as one.

    We will continue to pursue peace initiatives in the Niger Delta as I again, call on our brothers in that region who have taken to violent disruptions of economic infrastructure to come to the negotiating table.

    As for our brothers and sisters of the Shia Community, we urge them, too, to embrace peace. They must accept the laws of the country they live in. They cannot be islands by themselves. At the same time, the law enforcement agencies must treat them humanely and according to the rule of law.

    On our part, in the past 20 months since our inauguration on May 29, 2015, we have focused our energies to turn around the economy, create jobs, fight corruption, and transform agriculture to replace oil and gas as a major revenue earner for the nation. I am encouraged that we are getting things right.

    The agricultural revolution has begun. Farmers in different parts of the country are experiencing bumper harvests; states are getting into strategic partnership towards attaining self-sufficiency in rice, and the era of over-dependence on oil for foreign exchange revenues is gradually waning. I am optimistic that the CHANGE we all yearned for in voting this administration to power in 2015 will manifest more and be sustained in different sectors, particularly agriculture, in 2017.

    As you may be aware, our economic recovery and growth plan in 2017 is anchored on optimizing the use of local content and empowering local businesses.

    In pursuit of this administration’s philosophy, we will continue to appeal that we buy “Made In Nigeria” goods. Like I said during the 2017 Budget presentation to the National Assembly, farmers, small and medium-sized manufacturers, agro-allied businesses, dressmakers, entertainers and technology start-ups, will remain the true drivers of our economic future. They are the engine of our economic recovery and their needs underpin our Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.

    On job creation, this administration will sustain existing programmes aimed at lifting a vast number of our youth out of poverty, while at the same time creating the opportunities for people to fend for themselves.

    Our determination to wrestle corruption to the ground remains unshaken. This fight, which will be guided by respect for the rule of law and due process, will not spare anybody or organ of government. It is a collective undertaking and resolve that must be seen to its logical conclusion in spite of certain distractions. The fate of our country lies partly in the success of this campaign. It will be unthinkable on my part to allow the boat of this crucial campaign promise capsize mid-stream.

    I thank you for the public support for our administration’s efforts to transform Nigeria. I assure you again that the current pains are temporary and will ease when the economic seeds in gestation begin to bloom to fruition. I urge you to continue to support this administration in its effort to transform Nigeria for the good of all.

    I wish you a Happy New Year, 2017.

    MUHAMMADU BUHARI

    President, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • Buhari signs Endangered Species Bill into law

    President Muhammadu Buhari has assented to the ‎Endangered Species Control of International Trade and Traffic Amendment Act 2016, earlier passed by the National Assembly.

    Sen. Ita Enang, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), made this known while briefing State House correspondents on Friday in Abuja.

    He said that ‎the Act was one of the 10 bills forwarded by the National Assembly to the President, adding that with the approval, the President had completed work on all the bills sent to him for his consent.

    “The President has assented to the bill sent by the National Assembly, The Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Amendment Act 2016.

    “This is one of the 10 Bills that were forwarded by the National Assembly to Mr President and he has just assented to this, almost completing every action on all the Bills that were forwarded to him by the National Assembly.

    “The intent of this amendment is to bring the penalty provisions in line with economic realities and to act as a deterrent or deter people from trafficking and trading in endangered species because endangered are preserved of the country.’’

    The Presidential aide said the intent of the amendment was to bring the penalty provisions in line with economic realities and to serve as a deterrent to people trafficking in endangered species “because endangered species are the preserves of the country”.

    According to him, the Act is to discourage trafficking in endangered species and will encourage the culture of the preservation of endangered species.

    He added that with the assent, the President had increased the penalties for violations of the provisions in line with today’s realities.

    The signing of the Act, President Buhari had so far signed 17 bills into law in 2016.

    Recall that the President in November signed eight bills into law which included the Prevention of Crime Amendment Act‎ 2016, the National Crop Varieties and Livestock Breeds (Registration) Amendment Act‎ 2016, Telecommunications and Postal Offences Amendment Act‎ 2016, the National Agricultural Land Development Authority Amendment Act‎ 2016.

    Others are the Produce Enforcement of Export Standards Amendment Act‎ 2016, the Agricultural and Rural Management ‎Training Institute Amendment Act‎ 2016, Bee Import Control and Management Amendment Act‎ 2016, and Water Resources Amendment Act‎ 2016‎.

    The President also signed eight other bills into law, on Dec. 20.

    The bills include the National Judicial Institute Amendment Act, 2016 and the Advertising Practitioners Registration Amendment Act, 2016‎.

    Others are the ‎Utilities Charges Commission Amendment Act, 2016, the ‎Quality Surveyors Registration Amendment Act, 2016 and ‎the Small and Medium Scale Industries Development Agency Amendment Act, 2016.

    The ‎Treaty to Establish African Economic Community Relating to Pan African Parliament (Accession and Jurisdiction) Amendment Act, 2016, the University of Abuja Amendment Act, 2016 and the ‎Chartered Institute of Stock Brokers Amendment Act, 2016 are the other bills signed by the President. B

    Commenting on the signed bills, the Senate President, Sen. Bukola

    Saraki, who had earlier met with the President behind closed doors, assured that more progressive bills would be passed by the National Assembly in the coming years.

    “It shows in part, what we have been able to do in the National Assembly and there are many more bills to come and the President is also responding to it.

    “You are going to see more of that in 2017, there are a lot of bills lined up.

    “For us in the Senate for example, in the last session just this last three months we did much more than what we did in the entire year.

    “The National Assembly is settling down and as such you will see much more bill passed for the President to sign.”

    Saraki, who joined President Buhari to perform the weekly 2-Raka’at Juma’at prayer at the Villa Mosque, described the recapture of Sambisa forest from Boko Haram as a great feat.

    “This is a great progress from where we were before. If you look at where we were a year and half ago, the challenges we had in that area for us to recapture the place‎, I think is a great feat.

    “It shows what we can do as a country when we have the commitment, purpose and the leadership required to do that.

    “As we have done that in the North East, I believe the other issue before us is the fight against corruption, the economy, providing jobs, peace in the Niger Delta,’’ he said.

     

    NAN

  • Why I was overthrown in 1985 – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari has stated that he was overthrown in 1985 for his tough stance on Naira devaluation and increament of petroleum products.

    He made this known in Abuja on Friday night, during the 2016 regimental dinner organized by the presidential brigade of guards.

    The president used the opportunity to reinstate the resolve of his administration not to devalue the naira or increase the price of fuel.

    Buhari also stated that his refusal to devalue the naira and increase fuel price during his time as Military Head of State in 1984-1985, led to his overthrow.

    “I have resisted the devaluation of the naira, increase of the petroleum products, among others,” he told the soldiers and officers.

    “When I was military head of state, I rejected similar advice by the IMF and World Bank to devalue the naira.

    “I refused and gave my reasons and the next thing I knew I was removed and detained for three and half years.

    “As a civilian president, I will do my best and I’m telling you all these because you are part of the leadership of this great country and God willing we will remain great.”

    Recall that as at May 2015, when President Buhari assumed office, the Naira stood at N197/$1. However, 18 months down the lane, the Naira now exchanges for N305?$1 going by the 2017 budget.

     

     

  • ‘Defend yourselves against Buhari/El-rufai’s sponsored killings’, Dokubo-Asari tells Southern Kaduna

    The leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force, Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, yesterday condemned the killing of Christians by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Southern Kaduna.

    Asari called on the people to defend themselves and balance the terror foisted on them by persons alleged to be agents of President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Ahmed Nasir El Rufai.

    Dokubo-Asari in a statement by his spokesperson, Rex Anighoro, tagged: “Buhari is a Futa Jallon Jihadist”, called on all minorities to support the people of Southern Kaduna.

    He said, “The Muhammadu Buhari and El Rufai-enabled ongoing genocide in Southern Kaduna is a supremacist and neo-colonialist conquest on the minorities of Northern Nigeria and by extension on all minorities in Nigeria.

    “Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari and the Niger Delta People Salvation Front cum Niger Delta People Volunteer Force call all people of Southern Kaduna to defend themselves and balance the terror foisted on them by Buhari and El Rufai’s agents.

    “We call on all minorities in the North and across the Nigerian union to mobilise support for the people of Southern Kaduna earmarked for extermination by the Gambari and Futa Jallon expansionists.

    “Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari and the Niger Delta People Salvation Front cum Niger Delta People Volunteer Force stand with the people of Southern Kaduna.”

  • SERAP drags FG to UN over Southern Kaduna killings

    Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has petitioned Ms. Agnes Callamard, Special Rapporteur on extra-judicial, summary or arbitrary executions, urging her to “prevail on the Nigerian authorities to halt further killings of innocent citizens in Southern Kaduna.”

    The group also demanded investigation into recent alleged killing of over 800 citizens, mostly women, children and the elderly in that part of the country by suspected herdsmen, and to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice, and to provide reparations to victims.

    The organization also asked Ms. Callamard to “request to visit Nigeria to conduct fact-finding mission into the circumstances surrounding the killings.”

    In the petition dated 30th December, 2016 and signed by SERAP executive director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, the organization expressed “concern that the killings of citizens in Southern Kaduna of Nigeria amount to serious violations of the rights to life; to security of the human person; to the respect of the dignity inherent in a human being; and right to property guaranted by not only the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) but also the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Nigeria is a state party.”

    The petition reads in part: “SERAP contends that Nigerian authorities have failed and/or neglected to respect these human rights and to exercise due diligence to ensure that these rights are not violated by private individuals such as herdsmen and other unknown perpetrators. Nigerian government should therefore be held to account for failing or neglecting to guarantee and protect the rights of the people in Southern Kaduna, regardless of whether such violations are directly or indirectly attributable to the state or its officials.

    “SERAP is concerned that the Nigerian government has failed and/or neglected to create an environment in Southern Kaduna to end the unlawful killings by failing to move their legal and institutional machinery towards the actual realisation of these rights. It is in fact the failure by the government to take adequate measures to prevent the violence which has contributed to the increasing number of victims.

    “SERAP believes that the killings would not have taken place if the Nigerian authorities have taken measures to prevent their happening and to address persistent impunity of those responsible for the violations and abuses. The lack of accountability for the attacks by herdsmen and other unknown perpetrators across the country has continued to create a culture of impunity which clearly is not compatible with the rule of law in a democratic society.

    “According to the leadership of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan in Kaduna State, a total of 808 people were killed in 53 villages across the four local governments areas in the state ridden by crisis.

    The church leaders also said that 57 people were injured; farm produce estimated at N5.5 billion were also destroyed, and a total of 1,422 houses and 16 churches were burnt during the attacks. The affected communities are spread across Kaura, Sanga, Jama’a and Kauru Local Government Areas where there had been persistent attacks on communities by gunmen believed to be Fulani herdsmen.”

    SERAP therefore urged Ms. CALLAMARD to prevail on the Nigerian authorities to: “Take measures to urgently secure the right to life, right to security and dignity of the human person and right to property of citizens in Southern Kaduna, and to prevent further attacks and killings by herdsmen and other unknown perpetrators;

    “Carry out an effective investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killings and to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice, and to provide reparations to victims;

    “Provide a framework of security for the protection of life, and to protect the lives of those individuals at risk from unlawful attacks in Southern Kaduna;

    “Provide for an effective remedy and reparation for the victims.‎”

  • Nigerian army presents captured Boko Haram flag to Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday received the captured flag of Boko Haram terrorists from the Sambisa forest from the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj. -Gen. Lucky Irabor of the Nigerian Army‎.

    Speaking at the 2016 Regimental Dinner organized by the Presidential Brigades of Guards in Abuja, the president who went down memory lane, remembered his ordeal which he said would have cost his life.

    But despite the development, the president said he had a good time, serving the army for 25 years.

    He charged the military to ensure the unity of the country, saying it was sacrosanct.

    He said: “I believe you are here because you want to be here and you cannot complain. We will do our best to build the national institutions in the country.

    “All these political madness in the country where in the north east, the Niger Delta or in the East.

    “There are 250 ethnic groups, so keeping Nigeria one is a task that must be done. So, even for personal reason you must make sure this country stays one and remain strong.”

    Speaking on the state of the economy, president Buhari recalled his position on the devaluation of the Naira, hike of the petroleum products among others.

    According to him, he rejected similar advise by the IMF, World Bank to devalue the Naira as a military Head of State.

    “I refused and gave my reasons and the next thing I knew I was removed and detained for three and half years.

    “As a civilian president I will do my best and I’m telling you all these because you are part of the leadership of this great country and God willing we will remain great”, he said.

    Also speaking, the Chief of Army Staff. Gen.Tukur Buratai said underscored the function of the brigade of guards, saying that apart from providing security to the president, they also provided security for the FCT.

    He also reminded the officers to need to maintain discipline at all times even in 2017, promising not to give up in the north east until the insurgents were completely wiped out.

    Buratai also promised to restore calm in other troubled areas of the country, however assuring that the army would remain apolitical.

    Handing over the flag to the president earlier, Irabor in whose command the Boko Haram stronghold, “Camp Zero”, in Sambisa forest was eventually captured disclosed that ‎about 1,240 suspected Boko Haram terrorists were arrested during a mop-up operation by troops inside the Sambisa forest.

     

  • Again, Buhari cancels visit to Bauchi, …read why

    Again, Buhari cancels visit to Bauchi, …read why

    President Muhammadu Buhari’s on Thursday cancelled his visit to Bauchi State.

    Buhari who was billed to visit the State on December, 13th to commission the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Hospital built at the new NAF base 29 close to the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, Bauchi said he (Buhari) led a delegation of some African leaders to The Gambia.

    The President was again scheduled to visit the State on Thursday, December 29th but the visit was also cancelled due to weather related conditions.” His aide on New Media, Bashir Ahmad, claims on Twitter.

    Meanwhile, Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abubakar in a broadcast message to his people, said that the cancellation of the visit was due to the poor visibility of the weather caused by the harmattan.

    Abubakar apologized to the people for the failure of the President to visit the state for the second time stating that it was not intentional.

    He said that a later date will be fixed for the President’s visit.

    “Because of the prevailing weather condition in Abuja this morning up to this moment that I speak with you (11:45am), visibility is less than 300 meters in Abuja. To that extent even International flights have not landed or taken off at the Abuja Airport.

    “For that reason, Mr. President was advised to put off his visit to Bauchi. I assure you, another date will be fixed and this time, for a state visit in which he will spend the night in Bauchi,” Abubakar stated.

  • Buhari performed below Nigerians’ expectation – Shekarau

     

    Former governor of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau has said President Muhammadu Buhari led administration has performed below expectation.

    The former minister of education said the All Progressives Congress, APC made several campaign promises which is yet to see the light of the day. He said the president’s continous blame of past administration for his shortcomings was no longer accceptable to Nigerians who elected him to fix the nation’s rot.

    Shekarau said this while responding to questions from newsmen in Gombe where he attended the closing ceremony of the Islamic Vacation Course (IVC).

    Shekarau asserted that the performance of Buhari since he assumed power in May 2015 was below average considering so many unfulfilled promises he made during electioneering campaign.

    In his words: “I think the assessment of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government is very obvious on the table.

    “As a teacher, the best way to assess an individual is to assess him on the scheme of his work, on his own promises. If you say you will cover a scheme of work A to D in a given year, then I will assess you on that.

    “The government has made a number of promises, particularly Mr. President himself and we have not seen things on the ground. There is hardly any concrete thing on the ground that you can see.”

     

  • Atiku hails military, Buhari over defeat of Boko Haram

    Atiku hails military, Buhari over defeat of Boko Haram

    Former Vice President and chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar congratulates the officers and men of the Nigeria Army on the spectacular feat of the invasion and sacking of Camp Zero, the last Boko Haram stronghold in Sambisa Forest.

    Describing the success of the soldiers as “a military feat worth celebrating”, the former Vice President says the Army has made good on its promise to finally defeat the terrorists and bring peace to the Northeast region of our country. He adds that by accomplishing this feat, the Army has shown that it has truly regained form and its famed fighting ability for which the Nigeria Army is known.

    The Turakin Adamawa says further that this spectacular victory is the result of committed and focused leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, the military Commanders at the battlefront, the intelligence agencies and the unity of purpose exhibited by the nation’s military chiefs to rid the country of the Boko Haram menace.

    Atiku Abubakar also commends Nigerians who at every point in the anti-terror war has always stood by and supported the military with prayers and good wishes. He also thanks the international community and close partners of Nigeria in the anti-terror war saying that the final routing at Sambisa Forest hopefully should herald the end of terrorism in the country.

    The Turakin Adamawa states that the victory presents the people and government of Nigeria as well as the country’s international partners with the challenge of consolidating the peace by joining hands for the rehabilitation, reconstruction and re-development of the entire Northeast region which was heavily devastated by the activities of the Boko Haram while the anti-terror war lasted.

    Arguing that final peace and reconstruction cannot take place without the return and resettlement of the displaced persons in IDP camps in the region, the former Vice President calls on the government and all stakeholders including international partners and donor agencies to seize the momentum of the final routing of the Boko Haram, to intensify the process of reconstruction and rehabilitation.

    Atiku Abubakar describes the new situation in the region as the best Christmas and New Year gift to a nation that has been under tremendous stress on account of the deadly activities of these insurgents adding that the Northeast region can now rejoin the nation’s development process which it has been denied by the over seven-year insurgency.