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Tag: Garba Shehu

  • Crash: What President Buhari said about death of 2 NAF pilots

    Crash: What President Buhari said about death of 2 NAF pilots

    President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the death of two Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots in a plane crash on Tuesday in Kaduna.

    The President’s media aide, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement on Wednesday night in Abuja, said the president made his feelings known while reacting to the death of the two pilots, Abubakar Alkali and Elijah Haruna Karatu.

    “I am shocked beyond words by the demise of these two promising young men who risked their lives in the service of the country.

    “There is no reward big enough to pay for the services of these young and dedicated professional airmen in the service of their country,” the president said.

    While extending his sympathies to the Chief of Air Staff and the families of the deceased, Buhari called for “more safety measures to forestall tragic incidents of this kind.”

    The president, who welcomed the decision of the NAF authorities to investigate the cause of the crash, called for the publication and implementation of the recommendations of reports of past investigations into air crashes.

    He said the publication and implementation of the reports would help to prevent future tragedies and also assist families and friends of the deceased to put a closure to the tragic incidents, he added.

  • Presidency accuses Kukah of neglecting Bible’s teachings

    Presidency accuses Kukah of neglecting Bible’s teachings

    The Presidency on Monday told the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, to leave government to the voters and the politicians they elect, while he concentrates on his job, “as it is expressed in James 1:27″.

     

    Last Sunday, Kukah, in his Easter message, spoke at length about Nigeria and lambasted President Muhammadu Buhari administration over security challenges, corruption and disunity being witnessed in the country, quoting verses in the Bible.

     

    The President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, made the Presidency’s position known in a statement titled ‘Kukah’s virus of hate.’

     

    Quoting different biblical passages, the presidential spokesman faulted the bishop, saying “from his pulpit, he devoted his Easter message not to Christ’s death and rebirth so man might be saved – but to damning the government in the most un-Christian terms.”

     

    While accusing Kukah of neglecting Bible’s teachings, Shehu said Easter should be a time for renewal, and for hope and “not a time for religious leaders to play politics, or politicians to play religion.”

     

    He added, “Nigeria knows too well Bishop Kukah’s views of the government. He has made quite clear how much he dislikes them from the day they were elected.

     

    “Whether expressing his political views is a good use or an abuse of religious office is for others to decide. But the people of Nigeria have spoken- twice: they support this government at the ballot box. They have not been swayed by hateful talk from any bully-pulpit.

     

    “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”

  • No mercy for perpetrators of Plateau killings – Buhari

    No mercy for perpetrators of Plateau killings – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the brutal terrorist attacks in Kanam and Wase Local Government Areas of Plateau, describing the killings as heinous.

    In a statement by his spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, on Tuesday in Abuja, the president said the perpetrators should not be allowed to escape justice.

    “They should not be spared or forgiven,” he further directed.

    He ordered law enforcement agencies to work strenuously with the government of the state, to bring the situation under control and take steps to bring the culprits to justice quickly.

    Buhari expressed condolences over the terrorist incident, saying that as a matter of priority, peace must return at all costs to the state and the entire country.

    “I urge all our citizens, the people of Plateau State in particular, to expose the perpetrators of such incidents, their sponsors and those who encourage such criminals who carry out these dastardly acts of murder, so that the law will take its course.

    ”They must not be forgiven,” the president said.

  • President Buhari apologizes to Nigerians for electricity, petrol shortage

    President Buhari apologizes to Nigerians for electricity, petrol shortage

    President Muhammadu Buhari has apologized to Nigerians for the shortage of petrol and electricity in the country.

    In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, President Buhari expressed sincere regrets for the inconvenience caused to citizens of the country.

    On shortage of petrol, he said: “The administration knows the fuel shortage has placed a strain on Nigerian citizens and businesses, but relief is on the way. I especially apologize to all sections of society for this.

    “The government is working round the clock to attend to this issue. An action plan agreed upon earlier this month is being implemented to address the scarcity.

     

    “Working together with the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), this plan is now bearing fruit.

     

    “Sufficient fuel supply has returned to a handful of states, with the queues at stations falling. In the coming days, we expect this to be the case across the rest of the country.

    “Looking to the longer term, funds are being targeted toward keeping fuel availability affordable for the country. The international energy markets have surged drastically in recent months, the government will, however, ensure that consumers are protected against these price spikes.”

    The President added that he has received information that some people are not behaving properly at the depots and among owners of petrol stations and in this regard, he has directed the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the NNPC and the entire security apparatus of the nation to take strong action against those responsible.

    On the issue of electricity blackouts being experienced across the nation, President Buhari remarked that “the blackouts seen in the national grid are also being addressed. A dip in hydroelectric generation due to seasonal pressures has coincided with technical and supply problems at thermal stations.

     

    “On this, the government is also working tirelessly to resolve the issues at the latter to guarantee sufficient power flows into the national grid.

    “As part of emergency measures put in place following a meeting convened with key stakeholders to address the low power generation in the country, the main challenge was identified as being one of low gas power generation as a result of sabotage of gas pipelines leading to the shutdown of power plants coupled with ongoing routine maintenance on other gas power plants.

    “To recover over 1000MW, actions were agreed upon between the players in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) and also NNPC.”

     

    “The actions targeted the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) plants, (Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) and power plants run under NNPC Joint Ventures, Agip and Shell (NAOC and SPDC) and progress on the key actions have already ensured the restoration to the grid of 375MW after the pipeline from “Okpai 1” was repaired.

    “To also ramp up the underutilized capacity of the NDPHC capacity, a USD 50 Million Gas Supply agreement is being finalized to secure the sustainability of up to 800MW of underutilized NIPP assets.”

     

    The President assures that the government’s attention to these problems will bear fruits very soon.

  • 2023: Learn from PDP’s 16 years of failure – Buhari advises APC members

    2023: Learn from PDP’s 16 years of failure – Buhari advises APC members

    President Muhammadu Buhari has advised members of All Progressives Congress APC to eschew backstabbing and learn from Peoples Democratic Party PDP 16 years of failure.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports this was contained in a statement issued by his media, Shehu Garba admonishing his party members at the same time taking a swipe at the main opposition party, the PDP.

    Buhari in his words said: They failed in 16 years in power and a failure as opposition.

    ”Yes, we are entitled to our own share of dissent and intra-party discord. These are common in all parties, left and right all over the world.

    He warned the leaders (and membership) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to desist from name-calling and backstabbing ahead of the oncoming March 26 Convention, remain steadfast and maintain its unity if the party is to continue in the path of victory and its dominance at all levels throughout the country.

    President Buhari asks the members to look at the once-powerful, ”main opposition” Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) now enfeebled and adrift and learn lessons in disunity, mismanagement and corruption.

    ”They failed in 16 years in power and a failure as opposition.

    ”Yes, we are entitled to our own share of dissent and intra-party discord. These are common in all parties, left and right all over the world.

    ”But parties splintered by competing egos destine themselves to the worst possible fate,” the President warned.

    ”As the country prepares for the long run up to the 2023 presidential election, we all expect a robust debate on the issues that matter and what is going in the APC should be a reflection of this, not the infighting we are seeing. There must be no more distractions ahead of the convention to choose new leaders.”

    He recalled that the APC started out with a confidence of victory and the party today enjoys that confidence in nearly two-thirds of our 36 states.

    Yet, he noted, this is a party that has been in existence barely for eight years, becoming the dominant party because it has thrown open its doors to defectors from other parties, big and small.

    Read full statement below:

    PRESIDENT BUHARI ASKS FOR ORDER IN APC

    President Muhammadu Buhari warns the leaders (and membership) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to desist from name-calling and backstabbing ahead of the oncoming March 26 Convention, remain steadfast and maintain its unity if the party is to continue in the path of victory and its dominance at all levels throughout the country.

    President Buhari asks the members to look at the once-powerful, ”main opposition” Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) now enfeebled and adrift and learn lessons in disunity, mismanagement and corruption.

    ”They failed in 16 years in power and a failure as opposition.

    ”Yes, we are entitled to our own share of dissent and intra-party discord. These are common in all parties, left and right all over the world.

    ”But parties splintered by competing egos destine themselves to the worst possible fate,” the President warned.

    ”As the country prepares for the long run up to the 2023 presidential election, we all expect a robust debate on the issues that matter and what is going in the APC should be a reflection of this, not the infighting we are seeing. There must be no more distractions ahead of the convention to choose new leaders.”

    He recalled that the APC started out with a confidence of victory and the party today enjoys that confidence in nearly two-thirds of our 36 states.

    Yet, he noted, this is a party that has been in existence barely for eight years, becoming the dominant party because it has thrown open its doors to defectors from other parties, big and small.

    This alone, addition to the fact ”we didn’t start on the note of arrogance of power, nor see government as a vehicle for self-aggrandizement, to be held at all costs, but a vehicle to bring development to all without discrimination-political, ethnic or regional to our dear country made this success possible.”

    The party, he went on to note, is proud of the fact that in its short period of existence, it has won two general elections decisively and despite losing a few states in 2019, it steadfastly expanded its pan-Nigerian outlook with significant defections of the opposition Governors and parliamentarians into its fold.

    ”Given all that is at a stake, we can expect contests into offices as we are now faced with to be heated although candidates and their promoters for party offices are not so much debating policy differences but differences of management, personality, character, and suitability for the most important leadership roles in our country and therefore the continent.”

    It is equally clear that over the last week or so, the internal management affairs of the APC have been afforded generous media coverage – over and above its importance to the voters of Nigeria.

    It is important to ask what benefits the poor are getting during the period of intense negative coverage.

    When precisely the party’s convention is held and who is the party’s chairman is hardly a matter for the average voter: vastly more important is who convention delegates will elect as the party’s flagbearer in the coming weeks to take forward the party’s platform to the people in the general election in February next year.

    It is therefore important for the media to put such matters into perspective. No one is debating policy differences here. That is for the general election. None of the declared aspirants and any of those that may step forward will change because of who may be in the party in the chairman’s seat. It is essentially the same party.

    Of course the media are welcome to comment on the content of the character of the potential APC candidates; discuss their suitability for leadership; scrutinize their offer to the membership. But to focus on the routine internal divisions and magnify them into what they have become today is a waste of everyone’s time, amounting to no more than a discussion over seating arrangements.

    This is not what Nigerians talk of in their communities. They have an inclination only for things that matter.

    Garba Shehu
    Senior Special Assistant to the President
    (Media & Publicity)
    March 12, 2022

  • Buhari felicitates Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi at 61

    Buhari felicitates Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi at 61

    President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, on the occasion of his 61st birthday.

    In a congratulatory message issued by his spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, on Friday in Abuja, the Nigerian leader recognised His Highness’ steadfast commitment to Nigeria’s economic development, peace and stability.

    The president noted that the crown prince had demonstrated compassion to the Nigeria’s humanitarian needs and lending a helping hand to deal with the impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

    He also saluted the leadership and visionary foresight of the crown prince which, he said, had brought economic development and prosperity to the people of United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    The president affirmed that this had made the Middle East country an important voice and strategic player in the regional and international sphere.

    According to the president, the crown prince is also reckoned globally to have worked tirelessly to promote religious tolerance and harmony.

    Buhari recounted that he had shared a number of special moments with His Highness over the years, which had further strengthened the relations between Nigeria and UAE.

    He, therefore, wished the crown prince more years of health and happiness, and prayed for the progress of both countries.

  • Buhari commiserates with Keyamo over father’s death

    Buhari commiserates with Keyamo over father’s death

    President Muhammadu Buhari has extended heartfelt condolences to the Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, on the passing of his father, Pa Matthias Keyamo.

    In a condolence message released by his spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, on Sunday in Abuja, the president joined members of the Keyamo family, friends and the people of Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State in mourning Pa Keyamo.

    He described the deceased as a respected community leader, who loved his children with great passion and did his best to prepare them for leadership positions and opportunities.

    The president added that late Keyamo was a father who deeply cherished the benefits of friendship and mutual respect to people, irrespective of their background.

    Buhari believed that the deceased was an embodiment of Nigeria’s greatness and rich diversity, having spent some of his adult life in Kaduna and Ilaro, Ogun State, before settling in Ughelli.

    The president urged the family of Keyamo to draw inspiration from the strength of character of their beloved father and grandfather, and prayed that God would comfort them at this time.

    ”May the soul of the departed rest in peace,” the president prayed.

  • Buhari mourns Bashir Tofa, describes him as “true nationalist”

    Buhari mourns Bashir Tofa, describes him as “true nationalist”

    President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the passing of one-time Presidential Candidate in a two-horse race, Bashir Tofa, ”a politician of note, who was also a promoter of Islamic culture and civilization”.

    The president made his feelings known in a tribute to the deceased which was released by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, on Monday in Abuja.

    President Buhari described the late Tofa as a true nationalist that would be difficult to replace.

    The president said: ”The late Tofa was noted for his untiring commitment to public enlightenment and was unafraid to speak the truth all the time that he lived.

    ”He set up the Bureau for Islamic Propagation, BIP, in the mid-80s that helped to unite Muslim Scholars in the Northern States, narrowing the differences that characterized their relationships. The BIP also published books and newspapers.

    ”He was, till the end, a patriot to the core. He envisaged a better Nigeria for all. We pray that this dream and collective aspiration and necessary commitment will not go with him. We owe it to his memory and to the nation.”

    President Buhari prayed to Allah to repose his soul and grant fortitude to the bereaved family and friends, the Kano Emirate Council as well as the government and people of Kano State to bear the loss.

    Meanwhile, the President has dispatched a delegation to Kano with a condolence letter to Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State.

    The team is made up of the Ministers of Defence, retired Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi, and Water Resources, Sulaiman Adamu, accompanied by the Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media and Publicity), Garba Shehu, and the Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris.

  • Garba Shehu recovers from COVID-19

    Garba Shehu recovers from COVID-19

    Spokesman to President Muhammadu Buhari, Garba Shehu has disclosed his speedy recovery from Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Shehu made the disclosure on Wednesday, thanking God and individuals, who checked up on him during the period he was battling the ailment.

    “I thank Almighty Allah for my speedy recovery from COVID-19. My prayers and deepest respect are for all of you, who prayed, called or texted expressing your concerns for me.

    “May all of our countrymen and women still afflicted with the virus fight this scourge with all their might and get well soon,” Shehu stated via his official Facebook page.

    TNG reports this is the second time it is public knowledge that the presidential spokesman contracted the dreaded disease.

    In 2020, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity first contracted the disease.

    In March of that year, via Twitter, he tweeted that he had tested negative to the deadly Coronavirus disease.

    Back then, the presidential aide, advised all citizens to stay at home as recommended by relevant authorities to guide against the spread of the virus.

  • Electoral Bill: Again, Presidency says Nigeria’s interest first

    Electoral Bill: Again, Presidency says Nigeria’s interest first

    The Presidency has again justified President Muhammadu Buhari’s rejection of the Electoral Act amendment bill, saying the action is meant to protect the country’s democracy from moneybag political parties including his party, All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Malam Garba Shehu, who said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, was reacting to those expressing reservations over the president’s decision to withhold assent from the Electoral Act amendment bill 2021.

    According to the media aide, the president arrived at his decision to withhold assent after careful review of the amended bill.

    The statement read in part: ”The President’s decision to withhold assent from the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2021 has come under scrutiny from media and political circles.

    ”This is quite correct because it is a decision that will impact all Nigerians. The President’s Office has decided therefore to issue an official statement to make its position clear.

    ”Nigeria’s strength as a nation and its status as one of the wealthiest economies in Africa with one of its highest standards of living owes above all to its proud democratic processes, which are enshrined in the Electoral Act of 2010.

    ”It is this Act which the new bill seeks to amend. These amendments have been presented as a means to enhance and build upon our democratic processes.

    ”After careful review, the President’s Office has found that the opposite is true.

    ”Rather, the proposed amendments entail significant legal, financial, economic and security consequences for all Nigerians, principal among which would be a severe spike in the cost of holding primary elections by parties – integral to democracies the world over.

    ”And who would shoulder these costs? The Nigerian taxpayer of course. And who would benefit? Only the richest of political parties.

    ”At a time when the nation is seeking to extricate itself from the economic mire of the worst global health crisis in living memory, whatever other merits the new bill may have, now is not the time for such frivolous spending of public money.”

    He also dismissed the assertion in some quarters that the president’s refusal to assent the electoral amendment bill was meant to rig the 2023 general elections in favour of his party, the APC.

    The media aide said: ”Inevitably, the usual voices are making themselves heard, with cynical claims of election rigging and so on. This is nothing new.

    “We heard their self-serving cries of fraud in 2015, when we saw the first peaceful transfer of power in independent Nigeria’s history.

    ”Then again in 2019, when President Buhari was re-elected with a lead of over three million. We will hear them again in 2023.

    ”Until then, the President will do whatever he can to protect this county’s democracy, and that includes withholding assent from this Bill.

    ”It is worth noting that, as one of Nigeria’s largest political parties, the ruling APC is one of those that stand to benefit from a bill that favours wealthier parties. But it is not the job of this government to protect the APC.

    ”It is the job of this government to protect Nigeria, her people and her democracy.

    ”To those that would rather that limited public funds be spent on politicking during this time of global crisis, we say: cease these cynical games.

    ”Tell the Nigerian people openly what you want. Put your – or rather their – money where your mouth is.”