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Tag: Buhari

  • Stop castigating governors, extend probe to officers at federal level – Matawalle tells EFCC Chairman

    Stop castigating governors, extend probe to officers at federal level – Matawalle tells EFCC Chairman

    Governor Bello Muhammed Matawalle of Zamfara State has reacted to a statement credited to the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) Malam Abdulrasheed Bawa, in which he claimed he had sent invitations to all outgoing Governors and Commissioners in a bid to commence investigation into alleged corruption and abuse of office perpetrated by them while in office.

    The governor, in a press statement on Wednesday, personally signed by him said the move by the anti-graft agency to probe outgoing governors and commissioners should be extended to officers in the Muhammadu Buhari Presidency and ministers.

    Matawalle said “My attention has been drawn to a statement credited to the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Malam Abdulrasheed Bawa, in which he claimed he has sent invitations to all outgoing Governors and Commissioners in a bid to commence investigation into alleged corruption and abuse of office perpetrated by them while in office.

    “While this is appropriate and commendable because it’s important for political office holders to account for their actions in office and EFCC is imbued with the power of investigation, however, this power must be exercised judiciously.

    “The investigation must be holistic and not selective. It is in this respect that the recent invitations and pronouncement by the EFCC Chair is imbalanced, incomplete, hypocritical and unnecessarily skewed.

    “This is counterproductive to the anti-corruption crusade itself, that is if Malam Bawa is actually committed to one.

    “In a bid to help the obvious knowledge gap and inertia exhibited by the EFCC Chair, the probe should be all-embracing and cover all officers.

    “I demand that the EFCC chair extend similar invitations to officers of the Presidency and members of the Federal Executive Council, which is the highest tier of government in the country.”

    Matawalle  has been in the media space where pleaded with President Muhammadu Buhari, not to approve any study leave for any officer critical to the take-off of the incoming administration Bola Tinubu.

  • Over 3 million Nigerians benefit from NYSC’s health rural dwellers initiative – DG

    Over 3 million Nigerians benefit from NYSC’s health rural dwellers initiative – DG

    The Director General of National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC) Brigadier General Ahmed has disclosed that over 3 million Nigerians have benefited from the scheme’s health put in place some years ago.

    The DG revealed this on Tuesday in Abuja, during the flag-off of special medical outreaches under the NYSC Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) organized as part of activities to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Scheme.

    He expressed that, since its establishment five decades ago, the National Youth Service Corps has remained an enduring platform for the mobilization of human and material resources for the actualization of the Nigeria of our dream.

    “Like other developing countries, Nigeria faces challenges in its health sector, but concerted efforts are being made by various stakeholders, including the NYSC, with a view to making the system more functional.

    “As a Scheme that has continued to expand its frontiers in the delivery of services to Nigerians, NYSC launched its Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) programme in 2014. It is a platform through which Corps medical personnel comprising Doctors, Pharmacists, Nurses, and Dentists, amongst others, provide free and quality health care for the people, especially the rural poor.

    “I am pleased to report that, so far, over three million Nigerians have benefitted from this initiative. The outreach being flagged-off today comes just five weeks after a similar one we conducted at the IDP Centre, Malaysia Garden, Abuja, where people came out in large numbers to receive free treatment for various medical conditions. We made other special interventions such as the administration of vaccines, sensitization of the community on HIV/AIDS prevention and sanitation, among others.

    “It is gratifying to note that Her Excellency, the First Lady, has shown more than a passing interest in the success of the HIRD. We are still relishing her benevolence in donating this high-capacity ultra-modern mobile clinic that is deployed here today. I am pleased to report that the facility, which was handed over to the Scheme a year ago, has greatly enhanced the efficiency of our health interventions.”

    He, however, pledged that the scheme will not relent in sustaining the initiative to ensure more Nigerian especially rural dwellers benefited.

    In her address the Chairman, NYSC National Governing Board Ambassador Fatima Balla Abubakar revealed that available records have shown that the programme, which is carried out every quarter of the year in all the States of the Federation and the FCT, has brought succour to over four million beneficiaries, who could not have afforded medical bills.

    “This special edition of the HIRD is organized in further demonstration of the commitment of the Scheme to putting smiles on the faces of Nigerians, and a reflection of its relevance in the trajectory of nation building.”

     

  • Buhari expresses sadness over attack on US Embassy staff, policemen, others

    Buhari expresses sadness over attack on US Embassy staff, policemen, others

    President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed condolences on the loss of lives of two U.S. embassy officials and two Nigerian policemen accompanying them in an attack by gunmen in Anambra.

    The affected persons were on official duty in Ogbaru Local Government Area of the State when the unfortunate incident occurred.

    The president, in a statement by his media aide, Malam Garba Shehu, on Wednesday in Abuja, said: “I was very sad hearing about the killing of the embassy staff and our policemen accompanying them.

    ”In this difficult time for the families of those killed, the American Embassy and the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, I extend the nation’s condolences over the very sad incident.”

    President Buhari has equally been briefed about the tragic killing of several persons in Bwoi District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau, and that of several villagers in Adaka village in Makurdi Local Government and in Ijaha community of Apa Local Government Area of Benue.

    According to the president, he is deeply pained to learn about these gruesome deaths and expresses sincere condolences to the families of the victims.

    “We share the grief of the American Embassy, the Nigeria Police Force and our communities in Plateau and Benue and remain committed to fishing out the perpetrators of the attacks and bringing them to justice.

    ”May God give their families the strength to bear the unfortunate losses,” the president added.

  • Few days to go: Buhari presides over FEC meeting, to consider 60 memos

    Few days to go: Buhari presides over FEC meeting, to consider 60 memos

    President Muhammadu Buhari is presiding over the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting.

    Buhari, on Tuesday, returned from a two-week vacation to the United Kingdom.

    This meeting is a precursor to the forthcoming valedictory session for cabinet members next week.
    The Council, as learnt, will deliberate on approximately 60 memos, as the administration rapidly approaches the end of its tenure.

    In attendance are the Vice-president Yemi Osinbajo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; and the National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (retd).

  • Transport minister denies involvement in alleged maritime contract mess

    Transport minister denies involvement in alleged maritime contract mess

    The Minister of Transportation Muazu Jaji Sambo, has denied alleged involvement in any purported maritime mess.

    Recently, an online medium published a story alleging that the the Minister hijacked a maritime contract at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), a parastatal under his supervision.

    But Sambo in while reacting in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen on Tuesday, said the information is misleading fabricated to tarnish his image.

    “My attention has been drawn to false and baseless publications on some online media platforms regarding my alleged involvement in a purported hijack of a maritime contract at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), a parastatal under my supervision.

    “These allegations are nothing but a smear campaign orchestrated to tarnish my reputation and undermine my work as the Minister of Transportation.

    “Let me be clear: Since I assumed Office as Minister in July 2022, my focus has been to meet the high expectations of stakeholders in the transportation sector. I have always acted with honesty, integrity and transparency, in accordance with the law and public interest.

    “Surprisingly, the news outlets that carried the false report relied on anonymous sources, fabricated documents and distorted facts to create a narrative that suits their agenda or that of their sponsors. They not only violated the core ethics of journalism and the principles of fair hearing but have shown contempt for the truth, objective journalism and balanced reportage.

    “It is even more laughable for anyone to think that just one man will sit back to award contracts of such a humungous amount. The contract awarding process in the Country is quite complex for manipulation.

    “These purveyors of falsehood forget that contract awards under our extant laws and regulations involve rigorous due process, diligence and authorizations by different agencies and levels of government such as the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP) and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) among others.

    “I’m certain some persons are intimidated by our achievements in the Ministry within a short time, thus their desperation to drag us in the mud. They are out to use me to chase clout. It is expected that with the transition to a new government, these persons and/or groups may want to target me as a basis to curry favour or seek relevance. Who is indeed afraid of Mu’azu Jaji Sambo?

    “Consequently, the public is urged not to fall for this propaganda. Under my leadership, this Ministry has executed initiatives to improve the Country’s maritime domain as well as the mobility and safety of Nigerians. We have also promoted innovation, sustainability and social inclusion in the transport sector.

    “Let me emphasise that I will continue to serve this nation with dedication and commitment till I exit Office. And even out of Office, I will remain a loyal and law-abiding Nigerian. I will not be intimidated or distracted by these false accusations, which only seek to divert attention. I am not involved in any (maritime) contract mess. The public should be guided.

    “Meanwhile, I have requested appropriate security and law enforcement agencies to expeditiously investigate the content of the misleading publications so that the peddlers of fake and malicious news will be made to face the law,” he said.

  • Emefiele implemented disastrous naira swap, don’t grant him ‘study leave’ – Matawalle warns Buhari

    Emefiele implemented disastrous naira swap, don’t grant him ‘study leave’ – Matawalle warns Buhari

    Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle has warned President Muhammadu Buhari not to approve any study leave or whatever kind of leave for any officer critical to the take-off of the incoming administration of Bola Tinubu.

    The Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, in a statement on Monday said Emefiele implemented the recent disastrous naira swap policy which put Nigerians into trauma.

    “One of such persons that has been speculated in the media to have sought a study leave is Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele.

    “If the leave has been approved, as reported in the media, the President should cancel it in the interest of peaceful transfer of power, accountability, and good governance.

    “The CBN Governor, Emefiele, superintended over the management of the country’s financial and monetary systems. He is the one who initiated and implemented the recent disastrous naira swap policy, the naira confiscation program, which put Nigerians through untold woes and trauma and set our economy backwards.

    “Two of my brother-governors and I took the Federal Government to court over this ill-advised policy and fought resolutely until we got a respite for our people from Emefiele and company. This same Emefiele now wants to proceed on study leave when he has some 10 months left of his tenure apparently in a bid to evade rendering accounts. This is unacceptable. President Buhari should not countenance this.  Emefiele must stay at his job to give full accounts of all that transpired under his watch to the incoming administration. He must answer all the questions the new regime may have for him particularly when he still has some months left of his tenure.”

  • Don’t let Emefiele, others go on leave before inauguration- Matawalle urges Buhari

    Don’t let Emefiele, others go on leave before inauguration- Matawalle urges Buhari

    Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State has pleaded with President Muhammadu Buhari, not to approve any study leave for any officer critical to the take-off of the incoming administration.

    Matawalle in a Press statement he personally signed on Monday, said such persons that has been speculated in the media to have sought a study leave is Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, (CBN) Godwin Emefiele, saying If the leave has been approved, as reported in the media, the President should cancel it in the interest of peaceful transfer of power.

    The governor praised President Buhari and his wife Aisha Buhari for showing they want a seamless orderly and peaceful transfer of power to the incoming administration.

    He however said, other officers in government have acted in a different manner. They are behaving as if they want to put spanners in the work for the incoming regime.

    The statement reads:

    “This is the import of this press statement today. I want, here and now, to urge President Buhari to not approve any study leave or whatever kind of leave for any officer critical to the take-off of the incoming administration of Asíwájú Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “One of such persons that has been speculated in the media to have sought a study leave is Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele. If the leave has been approved, as reported in the media, the President should cancel it in the interest of peaceful transfer of power, accountability and good governance.

    “CBN Governor Emefiele superintended over the management of the country’s financial and monetary systems. He is the one who initiated and implemented the recent disastrous Naira swap policy, the Naira confiscation program, which put Nigerians through untold woes and trauma and set our economy backwards.

    “Two of my brother-governors and I took the Federal Government to court over this ill-advised policy and fought resolutely until we got a respite for our people from Emefiele and company.

    “This same Emefiele now wants to proceed on study leave when he has some 10 months left of his tenure apparently in a bid to evade rendering accounts. This is unacceptable. President Buhari should not countenance this.

    ” Emefiele must stay at his job to give full accounts of all that transpired under his watch to the incoming administration. He must answer all the questions the new regime may have for him particularly when he still has some months left of his tenure”.

  • Buhari celebrates NYSC at 50, says scheme should not be undermined for any reason

    Buhari celebrates NYSC at 50, says scheme should not be undermined for any reason

    President Muhammadu Buhari has saluted the former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, for the effort of setting up the National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC) in 1973.

    The president, in a statement issued on Friday by his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, said the scheme must be sustained, with a constant reminder of the history, structure and purpose that should not be abused, trivialised or undermined.

    According to the him, the NYSC has truly achieved the goal of national integration by providing opportunities for cross cultural interactions and establishing a bridge for improved understanding.

    He, therefore, congratulated the former Head of State, and all Directors General of the Corps, past and present, for inspiring and sustaining a 50-year legacy that has strengthened a web of solidarity, ignited loyalty to the nation, broadened the horizon of citizens, promoted civic responsiveness, created a better understanding of various individual and ethnic identities, their diversities and underscored the bottom-line of the common values of fairness, justice, peace and unity.

    The President believes the NYSC remains one the strongest ideals of nation building, institutionally encouraging inter-cultural and inter-religious marriages, resettling of people of various tribes in different parts of the country, exploration of entrepreneurship and business opportunities in places, removing insularity among citizens, and enabling a new culture of oneness, brotherliness and neighborliness.

    He affirmed that the scheme must be sustained, with a constant reminder of the history, structure and purpose, that should not be abused, trivialized or undermined for any reason, by keeping a focus on the larger picture that Nigeria’s unity is a process and a collective responsibility that must not be negotiated.

    The President shares the joyous season of the milestone with all those that have enjoyed the adventures of the scheme, and have been sharing memories and pictures with nostalgia, while wishing potential corps members all the best as they move to different parts of the country, to share and explore new experiences of the diversity of Nigeria.

    He thanked the Nigerian Army, Directors General of the NYSC, and various private and public institutions for providing the enabling environment for the success of the scheme.

    The NYSC scheme was created by Gowon in a bid to reconstruct, reconcile and rebuild the country after the Nigerian Civil war with a view to the proper encouragement and development of common ties among the youths of Nigeria and the promotion of national unity.

  • Buhari relocates from official Presidential Villa, moves to new residence

    Buhari relocates from official Presidential Villa, moves to new residence

    President Muhammadu Buhari has moved out of his official residence at the Presidential Villa and relocated to the Glass House.

    This was done ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Bola Tinubu.

    The Glass House has served as a transitional abode for the outgoing president and their spouse during the handover period.

    The Glass House has also traditionally played a crucial role in the transition of power, providing a symbolic and practical space for the outgoing president and their spouse.

    The relocation of the President was made known by the First Lady, Aisha Buhari, in a video on her Instagram page after showing the incoming First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu around the State House.

    It was gathered that Mrs. Buhari took the incoming first lady around some strategic areas of the official residence of the Presidential family in Aso Rock.

  • Buhari remain in London for additional 1 week to see dentist

    Buhari remain in London for additional 1 week to see dentist

    President Muhammadu Buhari will be in London for an additional one week, at the behest of his Dentist, who has started attending to him.

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

    ”The Specialist requires to see the President in another five days for a procedure already commenced,” Adesina added.

    President Buhari had joined other world leaders to attend the coronation of King Charles lll on May 6, 2023.