TheNewsGuru

Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

  • ICC 20th Anniversary: Buhari delivers keynote address [Full speech]

    ICC 20th Anniversary: Buhari delivers keynote address [Full speech]

    Protocols:

    I am honoured to be with you here today to celebrate the anniversary of this vital global institution. I say “vital” because the world needs the ICC.

    Let me start by congratulating you, Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji, on your election as President of the International Criminal Court, and also thank the judges of the Court for electing you, a cherished son of Nigeria. Nigeria is very proud of you, Mr. President. Let me also express my gratitude to the International Criminal Court for inviting me to speak on this occasion.

    As we know, the International Criminal Court was established twenty years ago as a global court, inspired by the Nuremberg trials of World War II war criminals, to hold people accountable for crimes against humanity, war crimes, crimes of genocide and aggression. In addition to preventing impunity, promoting adherence and respect for the rule of law and fundamental freedoms worldwide and to punishing those in leadership positions responsible for the most appalling crimes and atrocities, the ICC has given hope for justice to so many, by demanding strict adherence to the rules of international humanitarian law.

    With the alarming proliferation of the most serious crimes around the world, the ICC, and all that it stands for, is now needed more than ever, in ways that were unforeseeable to its founders. The ICC may have been created at a time of optimism that it would not need to be utilized frequently, but, unfortunately, the increase in international crimes has only increased the Court’s relevance.

    Indeed, while limits on the ICC’s jurisdiction mean that it cannot presently act with regard to some of the dire crises of the day in states that are not parties, by acting where it can, the ICC reinforces the demand for justice far beyond its own cases. A strong and effective ICC has the potential to send a powerful message about the international community’s commitment to accountability, a message that will be heard by both victims and perpetrators. Equally, a strong and effective ICC demonstrates the international community’s commitment to the rule of law.

    A strong and effective ICC can also act as a catalyst for other justice efforts, expanding the reach of accountability. These could include serious cases of corruption by state actors that severely compromise the development efforts of countries and throw citizens into greater poverty. These could also include cases of illicit financial flows where countries are complicit and obstruct repatriation of stolen assets. As the African Union Champion on Anti-corruption, these are issues dear to my heart. The Rome Statute created more than a court; it created the outline for a system of justice for horrific crimes rooted first in national courts doing their job, and where they fail to do so, the ICC stepping in only as “the court of the last resort”

    The ICC also needs increased cooperation and financial resources from its member states. State parties should express their commitment to increasing efforts in these areas, including pledging concrete assistance. The twenty years of the Court’s existence have witnessed several challenges, some of which had threatened the very existence of the Court itself. Most notable were the withdrawals and threats of withdrawals of membership of the Court by some States, as well as accusations of bias in the exercise of the jurisdiction of the Court. Thankfully, the Court has addressed these challenges in a dignified and commendable way.

    Nonetheless, the Court needs to take on board all constructive criticisms and allay lingering fears and concern through targeted messaging, awareness raising and possible modification of some legal provisions. If properly articulated, communication and awareness raising would surely engender trust and encourage greater cooperation of Member States with the Court and even encourage non – Member States to decide to become Members. It must avoid even a hint of bias or political motivations.

    The goals and responsibilities of the Court are no doubt very challenging and daunting but with the cooperation of all, coupled with the high caliber of Judges and staff of the Court, the challenges are not insurmountable. I therefore urge all States not to politicize the decisions of the Court but to always bear in mind the rationale for the establishment of the Court in the first place.

    I urge all States that have not yet done so to, as a matter of deliberate State policy, accede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court so that it can become a universal treaty. Nigeria has cooperated with, and supported the Court at all times. This, we have demonstrated by our full and transparent cooperation on matters on which we are being investigated and also in our several Country statements at the sessions of the Court. Our cooperation with the Court is borne out of our strong belief in the respect for the rule of law and human rights, and in our firm commitment to the sanctity of fundamental freedoms at international and domestic levels, as ingrained in the objectives for establishing the Court.

    In conclusion, let me intimate you that Nigeria is preparing to conduct general elections in 2019. Contrary to the tragic incidents that characterized the 2011 general elections in Nigeria which necessitated preliminary investigations by the International Criminal Court, I assure you that all hands are on deck to prevent any recurrence of such tragic incidents. We shall do everything possible to ensure that Nigeria witnesses the conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections in 2019.

    Again, I congratulate the Court on its 20th Anniversary and wish it continued growth, relevance and success in the years to come in its vital role as a bulwark against man’s inhumanity to man.

    Thank you for your attention.

     

  • Abuja Metro begins full commercial operations

    Abuja Metro begins full commercial operations

    Personal Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on New Media, Bashir Ahmad, has stated the Abuja Light Rail, the Abuja Metro will commence full commercial operations today.

    The Presidential Aide made this known on Sunday with a tweet on his official Twitter handle.

    “After commissioning by President Buhari on Thursday, the full commercial operations of the Abuja Light Rail, the Abuja Metro will commence tomorrow, Monday,” he tweeted.

    TheNewsGuru recalls President Buhari on Thursday inaugurated the Abuja Light Rail Project and commended the Chinese Government for its investment in Nigeria’s economy.

    During the inauguration at Abuja Metro Station, the president said the accomplishment of the project demonstrated his administration’s commitment to addressing critical infrastructure needs in the country.

    He said the exercise also demonstrated the administration’s determination to ensure prudence in the management of public resources, value for money considering the huge investments in the project in keeping with the ideals of its Change Agenda.

    Buhari said transportation was the live wire of any city and expressed optimism that the inaugurated of the project would bring about a boost to the economy of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and enhance social life.

    “I am aware that what we have on ground today are coaches meant to provide skeletal services as we await the main set of the rolling stock for full operations,’’ he said.

    Buhari said he had been briefed on the outcome of the recent visit of the ministers of FCT and Finance visit to China during which agreements for the procurement of the main rolling stock were signed.

    The president assured Nigerians of the Federal Government’s continued support for all the negotiations toward the realisation of the Abuja Light Rail system.

    He thanked the Chinese Government and people for their investment in Nigeria and commended CCECC Limited – the Contracting Firm, for the quality of work and timely delivery of the project.

    “Let me place on to the Government of China and the EXIM Bank of China for their support on this and many other projects currently being executed in the country.

    “This gesture further cements the already existing cordial relations and developmental partnership between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China.’’

    The president urged the FCT Administration, especially the management of the rail services, to ensure efficient operations, good customer service and maintenance culture in the operations.

    The Minister of FCT, Malam Musa Bello, revealed that the Abuja Rail Mass Transit System was an integral part of the FCT Transportation Master Plan.

    He said the plan was designed primarily to transport large numbers of people and goods from satellite towns into the Metropolitan Public Transport system and the different Phases of the Federal Capital City.

    He said the Abuja rail system was packaged in six lots planned for phased development, based on preferential demand and available financial resources.

    He added that the Abuja Rail Mass Transit System was planned to integrate with the National Rail Network when eventually completed.

    “The Abuja rail is divided into Six (6) Lots and with total length of 290km. The lots are:

    “Lot 1: From Nnamdi Azikwe Expressway through the Transportation Centre (Metro Station) via Gwagwa to Kubwa;

    “Lot 2: From Gwagwa via Transportation Centre (Metro Station) to Nyanya/Karu;

    “Lot 3: From Transportation Centre via Idu Industrial Zone to Nanmadi Azikwe International Airport;

    “Lot 4: From Kuje Satellite town to Karshi Satellite town with the remaining legs of the Transit way line 2;

    “Lot 5: From Kubwa via Bwari to Suleja and Lot 6: From Airport via Kuje and Gwagwalada to Dobi,’’ he explained.

    The minister said the implementation of the project had been divided into phases, with phase 1 inaugurated by the president.

    He said FCTA had concluded an infrastructure soft loan agreement with Exim Bank of China for the supply of the remaining coaches, including their maintenance for three years at a cost of 194 million dollars.

    He said the bank would fund the project up to 157 million dollars or 85 per cent of the total cost, while FCTA would bring in a counterpart fund of 37million dollars (15 per cent).

    Bello said FCTA had since commenced work on phase II of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit Project.

    He said the phase 11 would cover a distance of 32.54km from Nnamdi Azikwe Expressway at Garki Area I via the Transportation Centre to Gwagwa and from Bazango Station to Kubwa.

    He said the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in 2017 approved the project for construction by CCECC at a cost of 1.3 billion dollars.

    “We hope that the minister of Finance would consider putting this key project in the next borrowing plans, the minister of Budget and National Planning would agree to it, the National Assembly would approved it and that China – Exim Bank would fund it as a mark of goodwill for the cordial relationship between our two countries,’’ he said.

    The president was taken on a guided tour of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit and Abuja new International Terminal at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

    The Minister of State, Aviation, Mr Hadi Sirika, and Bello led the tour at Idu Rail Station and Abuja airport.

    The Abuja Rail Mass Transit is the first mass transit project in Nigeria as well as in West Africa.

    Some commuters and residents of the Federal Capital Territory have extolled Thursday’s inauguration of the First Phase of the Abuja metro rail line by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The rail line, which connects the Abuja city centre and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, terminates at the Standard Gauge Railway Station in Idu, with the complete network planned to link Abuja with satellite towns such as Nyanya, Kubwa, Maraba (Nasarawa state) and Lugbe.

    Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the inauguration of the project at the new metro station in Central Business District (CBD), the residents expressed the hope that the rail transport system would bring relief to the current transportation problem in and around the territory.

     

  • Ekiti victory, a verdict on Buhari’s performance – FG

    Ekiti victory, a verdict on Buhari’s performance – FG

    The Federal Government says the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the just concluded Ekiti governorship election is a verdict on the performance of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed who disclosed this at a media briefing on Sunday in Lagos, said the election was “a referendum and Nigerians have given their verdict’’.

    “With the victory of the APC in the election, Nigeria people have spoken, and they have spoken loudly, about their perception of the APC-led Buhari administration.

    “The election was more than one state’s gubernatorial poll.

    “It was a referendum on the performance of the Buhari administration. And Nigerians have given their verdict.

    “Its not just a defeat for the PDP, its a defeat for all the naysayers who have made themselves the spokespersons for Nigerians,’’ he said.

    The minister added that the APC’s victory at the governorship poll “is a death knell for fake news’’.

    He explained that anyone who monitored the social media before and during the election would think it would be a landslide for the PDP, but the reality was different.

    “We want to most sincerely thank the people of Ekiti state for ensuring that the election was free, fair and credible.

    “This was attested to by local and international observers.

    “We also thank the Ekiti people for turning out en masse to exercise their franchise,’’ he said.

    Mohammed recalled that in 2014, the votes of the people of Ekiti did not count because the then PDP-led Federal Government used federal might to hijack the election and concoct the result.

    He said that the then ruling party barred two serving opposition governors from travelling to Ekiti to support their fellow governor.

    “They wilfully shut the Akure airport and we, leaders of the opposition APC then, were forced to return to Lagos by road in the night.

    “With the roles reversed in 2018, we did not pay the PDP back in its own coin, because of our strong belief in the rule of law. The rest is history,’’ he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Dr Kayode Fayemi, the APC candidate as the winner of the Ekiti governorship election.

    INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Idowu Olayinka who announced the results said the APC candidate won with 197,459 votes as against Prof. Kolapo Olusola of PDP with 178,121 votes.

     

  • Buhari departs Abuja for Netherlands

    Buhari departs Abuja for Netherlands

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday left Abuja for Netherlands to participate in activities commemorating the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the presidential aircraft conveying the president and some of his aides left the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at about 1.30 p.m.

    The Chief of Staff to the President, Malam Abba Kyari, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Malam Musa Bello and the Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Idris Ibrahim were among government officials at the airport to bid the President farewell.

    Mr Femi Adesina, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity on Saturday disclosed that Buhari was the only world leader invited to deliver a keynote address during the Solemn Hearing to commemorate the anniversary at Courtroom 1 of the ICC’s Headquarters at The Hague.

    He said: “In buttressing Nigeria’s commitment as a member of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC, the President, as the current anti-corruption champion for the African Union, will use the global platform to reaffirm Nigeria’s support to the fundamental values of the Rome Statute and to the ideals of the ICC.’’

    Adesina said the President would also highlight his administration’s campaign against corruption in Nigeria at the event.

    The presidential aide further revealed that, after the event at the Courtroom, the President would have a bilateral meeting with the ICC Prosecutor, Ms Fatou Bensouda.

    He said that Buhari would also attend a dinner hosted by Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji, the President of the ICC who is a Nigerian.

    “The Nigerian leader, while in The Hague, will meet with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, to discuss bilateral issues such as migration, peace and security, and economic cooperation.

    “The President and his delegation will have a separate round table with some Dutch Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of companies based in Nigeria with a view to urging them to expand their investments, especially in agriculture, oil and gas in Nigeria,’’ Adesina added.

    He said Buhari would also tour the Port of Rotterdam and Shell refinery in Pernis, Hoogvliet.

    According to Adesina, on the margins of the President’s visit, Nigeria and the Netherlands will sign a Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral consultations.

     

  • Full statement: PDP flays Buhari, claims Abuja light rail project

    Full statement: PDP flays Buhari, claims Abuja light rail project

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flays President Muhammadu Buhari and his dysfunctional All Progressives Congress (APC) for attempting to claim credit for the Abuja Light Rail Project, even when Nigerians are aware that the project was conceptualized, initiated and policy-propelled by the PDP.

    The party said President Buhari’s showboating and rush to commission the rail project, without giving credit to the PDP, even when his administration contributed nothing to the project, underscores his desperation to claim achievements made by others in a frantic bid to cover incompetence and failure of his administration.

    It is crystal clear that President Buhari cannot comprehend the design, scope and utility projection of the rail project resulting in his hollow speech at the photo-op commissioning ceremony.

    Is it not unfortunate that, after three years in office, President Buhari cannot boast of any development project conceptualized and executed by his administration in any part of the country, resulting in his numerous face-saving stunts, including commissioning projects executed by others, amongst them, a bus stop in Lagos and a borehole in Jigawa states.

    The PDP usually watch with amusement whenever President Buhari and the APC seek to claim credit for our achievements in various sectors. However, while we understand their predicament of having nothing in their scorecard ahead of the 2019 general elections, we state that poaching the achievements of others cannot help them in anyway.

    It is even more pathetic that not only that the Buhari administration lacks the capacity to articulate and run any precise economic policy or project, it is also so inept that it cannot leverage on those handed over to it by the PDP, resulting in the helpless situation we have found ourselves as a people.

    The PDP however urges Nigerians not to despair especially as the 2019 general elections offer them the firm opportunity to vote out this inept administration and return a development-oriented and competent government on the platform of the repositioned and rebranded PDP.

     

  • Buhari’s remarks at commissioning of Abuja light rail system

    Buhari’s remarks at commissioning of Abuja light rail system

    I am very pleased to be here today to formally Commission the Abuja Light Rail System. The completion of this very important project is a dream come-true.

    I commend the Hon. Minister of F.C.T for the hard work and sense of purpose towards the realization of this long awaited modern transportation system for both FCT residents and visitors.

    This accomplishment clearly demonstrates our commitment to addressing critical infrastructural projects and keeping with the ideals of the Change Agenda to ensure prudence in the management of public resources, value for money considering the huge investments in this project.

    Transportation is the live wire of any city. I am very optimistic that a modern rail service would bring about a boost to the FCT economy and greatly enhance social life. I am aware that what we have on ground today are coaches meant to provide skeletal services as we await the main set of the rolling stock for full operations.

    I have been briefed on the outcome of the Hon. Ministers of F.C.T and Finance recent visit to China, during which the MOUs and agreements for the procurements of the main rolling stock were signed. May I therefore assure Nigerians of Federal Government’s continued support for all the negotiations towards the realization of the Abuja Light Rail system.

    Today, what we have in the Federal Capital Territory is another evidence that we are a government that delivers on its promises. I have observed keenly other milestones that this Administration has achieved, especially in the areas of education, public utilities and infrastructure development.

    I commend the efforts of the Hon. Minister of F.C.T. as well as the support and patience of the residents, while we are working to improve the city’s transportation service. I am thankful to the Government and people of China for their investment in the Nigerian economy. I commend the CCECC Limited – the Contracting Firm, for the quality of work and timely delivery of this project.

    Let me place on record the Nigerian government’s appreciation to the Government of China and the EXIM Bank of China for their support on this and many other projects currently being executed in the country.

    This gesture further cements the already existing cordial relations and developmental partnership between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China. I would also like to thank our Nigerian Consultants, Messrs Transurb Technirail Consult Limited for their services.

    Let me conclude by urging the FCT Administration, especially, the management of the rail services, to ensure efficient operations, good customer service and maintenance culture in the operations punctuality of the rail. Now it is my honour and sincere pleasure to commission the Abuja Light Rail System.

    Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

     

  • Breaking: Buhari commissions first light rail network in WA

    Breaking: Buhari commissions first light rail network in WA

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday commissioned the Abuja Light Rail after being awarded since 2007 and facing several delays.

    TheNewsGuru reports Buhari was joined by Ministers of Transportation/FCT, Rotimi Amaechi, Mohammed Bello, and SGF, Boss Mustapha.

    All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole and Minister of Budget, and other top government functionaries were also present.

    The commissioning is the first phase of the Abuja Light Rail mass transit that is expected to cover 12 stations within the metropolis.

    The completed phase one; 2 Lines, Yellow and Blue, has connections to Abuja Airport and the National Rail Line.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BlILHlCDcWL/?taken-by=thenewsgurung

    After the official commissioning, President Buhari took a guided tour of the to Idu Metro Station and Airport Metro Station.

    The Abuja metro is said to be the first light rail network in West Africa.

     

  • Buhari congratulates NLNG on signing of FFED contract

    President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the management and shareholders of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas company (NLNG) on the signing of the contracts for the Front End Engineering Design (FFED) of Train 7 of the NLNG Project.

    The President’s congratulatory message was contained in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Wednesday.

    The President also congratulated the NNPC and its Joint Venture partners, Shell, Total and AGIP, on the signing of the FFED contracts.

    He also welcomed the signing of an MOU between NLNG, “B7 JV Consortium” and “SCD JV Consortium,” on Wednesday in London.

    The MOU paves the way for the additional Train 7 that would increase the country’s gas production output from 22 million tonnes per annum to 30 metric million tonnes per annum.

    President Buhari also acknowledged the commitment of all parties in supporting his administration to launch the “gas revolution” in Nigeria by ensuring the realisation of Train 7, which had been stalled for many years under previous administrations.

    He expressed optimism that this significant step would culminate in a Final Investment Decision (FID) for the much-awaited multi-billion dollar Train 7 expansion programme by the end of this year.

    The President noted that the signing of the contract for the plant expansion project after an eight-year delay was a sign of irreversible commitment by the Joint Venture to enter the FID stage.

    According to him, this is a clear indication of the return of confidence of investors in Nigeria following the good governance practices instituted by his administration.

    He also noted that the 7th train which was expected to provide “some 8,000 jobs is not only important for the country, but also an important benchmark for the Niger Delta region, which rightly yearns for development projects.’’

    The President recalled with nostalgia that several signature projects, launched under his watch, which would have accelerated the growth of Nigeria’s economy, including the NLNG, had sadly suffered neglect and abandonment by succeeding administrations.

    President Buhari, who was a former Federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources, observed that the NLNG had the goal of establishing 12 trains by early 1980s but growth of the project was stunted.

    He said so far, only six of those trains have been inaugurated.

    The President, however, noted that with the signature project back on the cards, “it is destined for his administration to complete the project.

    “This project perfectly keys into the Federal Government’s ‘Economic Recovery and Growth’ agenda.

    “It signifies foreign investors’ confidence in our country’s economy.”

     

  • Chris Ngige: Fayose says Minister is his good friend

    Chris Ngige: Fayose says Minister is his good friend

    Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has thanked President Muhammadu Buhari’s Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, for campaigning for his governorship candidate.

    TheNewsGuru reports the Minister of Labour and Employment got himself into a big mess on Tuesday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally held at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti.

    Ngige, instead of campaigning for the APC party he represents, he faltered and campaigned for the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor Fayose instead, in the presence of his boss and the mammoth crowd present at the rally.

    Reacting to the development, Fayose called the Minister his good friend, and thanked him for campaigning for him, saying the Minister is not afraid to say the truth.

    “I thank my good friend, Dr Chris Ngige for campaigning for me at the APC rally in Ado Ekiti yesterday.

    “Dr. Ngige is a man who is not always afraid to say the truth and that’s what he demonstrated yesterday even in the presence of the President and other APC leaders,” he said.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BlDhxIiBq6C/?taken-by=thenewsgurung

    Ngige at the rally, turning to President Buhari, said, “Mr President, the leaders of our party, our people are ready, they are ready and on Saturday it will happen.

    “Especially those from the South west for the mistake they made in 2014, so they won’t make that mistake again”.

    “If you marry two wives, you go know which one wey better. Fayose is the better Wife, he dey cook, he dey give him husband better food, he no dey give am trouble, so you must bring back Fayose on Saturday,” he said to the amazement of the crowd.

     

  • Labour Minister, Chris Ngige gets into big mess [Video]

    Labour Minister, Chris Ngige gets into big mess [Video]

    The Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr. Chris Ngige, got himself into a big mess on Tuesday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally held at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the Labour Minister found himself in the big mess after he faltered by campaigning for the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor Ayodele Fayose, instead of the APC he represents.

    Heavy security was on Tuesday mounted in every corner of Ado Ekiti, as President Muhammadu Buhari led top notches of the ruling APC to Ekiti for the Grand Finale of the party’s mega rally for Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

    At the rally, Ngige, either by commission or omission, praised the PDP and Governor Fayose in the presence of Buhari and the mammoth crowd that greeted the occasion.

    The Minister, who mostly spoke in Pidgin English, said “E go happen on Saturday. Those wey wan Saturday to happen raise your hands with your PVC and everything”.

    Turning to President Buhari, Ngige said, “Mr President, the leaders of our party, our people are ready, they are ready and on Saturday it will happen.

    “Especially those from the South west for the mistake they made in 2014, so they won’t make that mistake again”.

    “If you marry two wives, you go know which one wey better. Fayose is the better Wife, he dey cook, he dey give him husband better food, he no dey give am trouble, so you must bring back Fayose on Saturday,” he said to the amazement of the crowd.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BlDhxIiBq6C/?taken-by=thenewsgurung