TheNewsGuru

Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

  • Maritime University take-off fulfilment of Buhari’s promise – Presidency

    The Presidency has said commencement of academic activities at the Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State is part of fulfilment campaign promises made by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, who made this known in a statement yesterday, said the Buhari’s administration is committed to develop the Niger Delta in line with its new vision for the region.

    The presidential aide said the Maritime University commenced lectures for the 2017/2018 academic year yesterday and that a total of 196 students have so far been accepted into the University to commence their academic programmes.

    TheNewsGuru reports the Maritime University was granted approval in January by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to commence undergraduate degree programmes effective from the 2017/2018 academic session.

    According to Akande, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) had also listed the University in its Central Admissions Processing System in January 24, 2018, while interviews for academic staff positions were conducted between 1st and 2nd of March, 2018.

    “The NUC had approved that academic activities commence in three faculties namely; Transport, Engineering and Environmental Management, with a combined total of 13 departments with various specializations – from Marine Engineering, Marine Economics to Climate Change, Fisheries and Aquaculture,” he said.

    It would be recalled that President Buhari had approved an increase in the take-off grant allocated to the University from the N2 billion earlier announced to N5 billion.

    “This sum was included in the 2018 budget presented to the National Assembly in November 2017.

    “Similarly, an additional N1 billion was approved by the President to support essential infrastructure works and staff recruitment in the University in November 2017,” Akande said.

    Following the commencement of operations in 2017, the University had, in November 2017, invited job applications for academic staff with advert placement in major national dailies.

    Also, the Delta State government had donated two 500KVA generators to the University.

    “Following President Muhammadu Buhari’s meeting with leaders of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) in November 2016, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, was delegated to undertake a tour of the oil producing communities in 2017; and the take-off of the Maritime University was one of the major requests tabled before the Federal Government,” Akande quoted.

     

  • JUST IN: Omo-Agege reacts to suspension by Senate

    The office of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has responded to the suspension of the Delta Central Senator by the red chamber, saying the Senator remains unfazed and remains an ardent supporter of President Muhammadu Buhari’s agenda.

    TheNewsGuru reports the Nigerian Senate during plenary on Thursday suspended Omo-Agege for 90 days over the remarks he made at a press conference that the amendment of the 2010 Electoral Act which changes the sequence of elections set by INEC is targeted at President Buhari.

    “The issues acted upon today by the Senate are pending before a court of competent jurisdiction and therefore subjudice.

    “It is the Senate’s view that the issues be withdrawn from court for an amicable resolution to hold. Until a resolution is reached, it is better to respect the court processes by not commenting on them,” a statement signed by Senior Legislative Aide to the Senator, Prince Efe Duku, and made available to TheNewsGuru read.

    Although the Senator on February 21, 2018, apologized to the Senate over his comments about electoral act Amendment, the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges had recommended in its report that Senator Omo-Agege be suspended for 181 legislative days.

    “We note that as part of the resolution of the issues, the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Bukola Saraki ruled that the Parliamentary Support Group, PSG, (Senate) for President Muhammadu Buhari should be disbanded.

    “This should be a matter for the over 50 members of PSG to decide, possibly with President Buhari on whose behalf they openly work as Distinguished Senators of the Federal Republic.

    “In the circumstance, we appeal for calm and assure that as a fervent believer in the rule of law, our Senator is in positive spirit.

    “He deeply respects the institution of the Senate and his good friends in the Senate. He will never undermine them.

    “He remains an ardent supporter of Mr. President’s agenda for a better nation for all and will continue to work assiduously for his re-election,” the Senator’s aide further stated.

     

  • Leah Sharibu: Archbishop of Canterbury mounts pressure on Buhari

    The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, today met with President Muhammadu Buhari urging him to as a matter of urgency secure the release of Leah Sharibu who is still held in Boko Haram captivity.

    TheNewsGuru reports the Archbishop discussed the complex security situation in Nigeria and government’s efforts to address it with Buhari, and he offered support in seeking a sustainable solution to the herder-farmer conflict.

    “I also raised the urgent situation of Leah Sharibu – the 14-year old Dapchi Christian school girl still held captive by Boko Haram for refusing to convert to Islam – and urged the President to do everything possible to secure her release,” the Archbishop said.

    The Archbishop and President Buhari today
    The Archbishop and President Buhari today

    Read Archbishop Justin Welby remarks after meeting with President Buhari:

    It was an honour to meet President Buhari of Nigeria in London today. We discussed the complex security situation in Nigeria and their government’s efforts to address it, and I offered support in seeking a sustainable solution to the herder-farmer conflict.

    I expressed deep concern about the suffering resulting from raids on Christian communities and villages as far south as Delta State. We discussed the causes of such depredations, which have led to very many deaths and threaten an escalation of violence. I urged measures to restore confidence in the neutrality of the state, and spoke of the suffering of the poor in such tragedies.

    I also raised the urgent situation of Leah Sharibu – the 14-year old Dapchi Christian school girl still held captive by Boko Haram for refusing to convert to Islam – and urged the President to do everything possible to secure her release.

    I briefed President Buhari about my pastoral visit to Nigeria in 2014 following the abduction of the Chibok girls, and assured him of my continued prayers for the release of all those still in captivity. The President promised that the Government would do all in its power to secure their release.

    No country or society can flourish without excellent education – so it was good to speak with the President about how education helps tackle poverty. I highlighted the vital role that churches in England play not just in educating a million children, but in providing them with values, identity and purpose.

    Please join me in standing prayerfully with those suffering from the herder-farmer conflict, Boko Haram insurgency, and all those mourning the loss of loved ones. It’s so important that we pray for the peace and progress of Nigeria – and particularly for the liberating peace of Jesus to be with all those held in captivity.

     

  • 2019: We’ll pay for Buhari’s nomination form – APC UK

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) United Kingdom chapter, said it would pay for Expression of Interest and Nomination form for President Muhammadu Buhari to re-contest in 2019.

    The chapter made the promise in a statement by its Spokesman, Mr Jacob Ogunseye, on Tuesday in Abuja, following Buhari’s declaration on Monday that he would seek a second term.

    It said that the president’s declaration was reasonable and satisfactory, adding that his second term would make Nigeria stronger as well as preserve the tenets of democracy in the country.

    It stated that the chapter`s expectations had been met by Buhari`s declaration, and assured that it would work assiduously for the electoral success of the APC at all levels.

    President Buhari needs to consolidate on the achievements his administration has recorded in over three years, especially in economic growth, anti-graft war, security and youth development.

    “He deserves a second term and we are proud that he has yielded and declared his readiness to re-contest the election as Nigeria’s President in 2019 in earnest.

    “His administration’s achievements in the areas of security, economic growth, anti-corruption war and social development and other areas are visible to Nigerians,’’ the chapter said.

    It added that Nigerians should consider the re-election bid as a major step to consolidate and re-invent the country into an emerging economic and democratic world power.

    It called on Nigerians across the world, irrespective of religion and geographical location, to see the re-election bid of the president as a major step that would help Nigeria to stabilise.

     

  • Second term: Buhari’s remarks at APC NEC meeting

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday in Abuja declared his intention to seek re-election for second term in the 2019 general elections.

    President Buhari made the declaration at a closed-door meeting of the National Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The President said he was responding to the clamour by Nigerians to recontest in 2019, adding that he wanted to give NEC the honour of notifying them first.

    Shortly before making the declaration, the President presented a speech on the report submitted by the APC National Executive Technical Committee.

    His remarks:

    REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, ON THE REPORT SUBMITTED BY THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS NATIONAL EXECUTIVE TECHNICAL COMMITTEE 9TH APRIL, 2018

    I am delighted to welcome you all to this very important meeting in the affairs of our party and our country. I want to specifically thank members of the Technical Committee for a job well done within the limited time frame.

    2. It shows a great sense of commitment to the ideals of our party with a view to consolidating and positioning the party to continue delivering good governance in the overall interest of Nigerians.

    3. With the present state of the party and based on the report submitted by the Technical Committee, it is important to focus on how to move the party forward by avoiding actions detrimental to the interest of the party. Considering that politics is a game of numbers, we must not be a house divided against itself and must try to note, appreciate and accommodate our differences as far as the law permits.

    4. Upon my review of the Report, my position is to ensure that the party tows the path of unity, legality and cohesion and not that of division.

    5. Therefore, I am stressing that we should strengthen our internal democracy by organising the Party’s Congresses and Convention where election of National Executive Committee members would be held. This will automatically end the cases filed by members seeking orders of Court compelling the party to hold its Congresses.

    6. I also believe that the current executives should be free to vie for elective positions in the party if they so wish as permitted by our Party constitution.

    7. However, considering the provision of Article 31(1)(iii) of the APC Constitution which requires any serving officer desirous of seeking re-election to resign from office 30 days before election, I am not sure of the practicality of present serving officers’ ability to meet this condition.

    8. Accordingly, the party may consider granting waivers to party executives at all levels so that they are not disenfranchised from participating in the elections should they wish to do so, provided this does not violate our rules.

    9. Necessary waiver(s) should also be extended to executives at the Ward level whose tenures may have elapsed, and indeed to anyone knocking at our doors from other political parties. This is in the spirit of the Right to Freedom of Association guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

    10. In this circumstance, the party should officially issue a statement on the above Waivers so that our house may be full. We all must not be ignorant of the times, and the journey that is ahead of us.

    11. Just like our party symbol; “the Broom,” which typifies strength in unity, let us strive to remain united in our purpose. Victory is sure by the Grace of God, and together we must continue to sanitize Nigeria’s political environment.

    12. Once again, I welcome you all to this meeting with the hope that we will, in our deliberations today, conduct ourselves without rancour and promote the highest interest of the party and the nation.

     

  • He will fail: Femi Fani-Kayode reacts to Buhari’s reelection bid

    He will fail: Femi Fani-Kayode reacts to Buhari’s reelection bid

    Former minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has said President Muhammadu Buhari will fail in his bid to contest the 2019 presidential elections.

    “He will fail,” were the exact words the former aviation minister used in reaction to news reporting Buhari officially announcing intention to run in the 2019 general elections.

    “@MBuhari has declared his intention to seek for a fresh mandate.He should prepare himself for the biggest demystification in Nigeria’s history.A man whose legacy is nothing but blood, death, destruction, corruption,division,conflict,failure and carnage wants to run.He will FAIL!” Fani-Kayode posted on Twitter.

    https://twitter.com/realFFK/status/983320987168108546

    In a similar development, former aide to the ex-president Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, has said, “The man knew that his 2nd term declaration is unpopular, unpleasant and unpalatable to the vast majority of Nigerians which is why he ran away to London as soon as he announced the news”.

    “One would have thought he is contesting for @Theresa_May’s job the way he dashes to the UK,” Omokri added.

     

  • Nigerians reacts as Buhari confirms contesting 2019 presidential elections

    Nigerians reacts as Buhari confirms contesting 2019 presidential elections

    Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari, amidst reactions, has doused speculation surrounding his second term ambition by personally confirming he will contest the 2019 presidential elections.

    President Buhari made the confirmation after his personal assistant, Bashir Ahmad, first tweeted about it on Monday morning.

    “Today at the National Executive Committee (NEC) Meeting of our Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), I announced my intention to run for a second term of Office in the 2019 Presidential Elections,” Buhari confirms.

    This ends months of speculation about whether 74-year-old President Buhari plans to run for reelection.

    Meanwhile, Nigerians have reacted to the Buhari’s declaration and key among them are Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, and former aide to the ex-president Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri.

    “@MBuhari has declared his intention to seek for a fresh mandate.He should prepare himself for the biggest demystification in Nigeria’s history.A man whose legacy is nothing but blood, death, destruction, corruption,division,conflict,failure and carnage wants to run.He will FAIL!” Fani-Kayode posted on Twitter.

    “It is a good thing that it was @Elrufai who announced President @MBuhari’s second term because his chances of re-election is as tall as Elrufai. A man whose supporters can’t declare one thing he has initiated and completed has declared us all fools by this 2nd term declaration.

    “Since Buhari hasn’t initiated and completed even one project as #BuhariChallenge proves, I urge him to use 2019 election to redeem himself. Initiate and complete a free election and give Nigerians the opportunity to fulfill their desire to retire you from politics next February!

    “The man knew that his 2nd term declaration is unpopular, unpleasant and unpalatable to the vast majority of Nigerians which is why he ran away to London as soon as he announced the news. One would have thought he is contesting for @Theresa_May’s job the way he dashes to the UK,” Omokri stated.

     

    Buhari’s first term has been beset by poor health, which saw him spend months in the UK last year receiving treatment.

    Meanwhile, before announcing his reelection bid, Buhari has been reported ready to leave Abuja for the United Kingdom today.

    “Buhari will today leave Abuja for an official visit to Britain where he is due to hold discussions on Nigeria- British relations with Prime Minister Theresa May, prior to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings scheduled for 18th to 20th April,” the presidency said in a statement.

    However, the statement did not mention if the President will undergo any medical checkups in the UK.

    The statement did say the President will also meet the Chief Executive Officer of Royal Dutch Plc, Mr. Ben van Beurden in connection with Shell and other partners’ plan to invest $15b in Nigeria’s oil industry.

    According to the Presidency, these investment ventures will lay the foundation for the next 20 years’ production and domestic gas supply.

    Buhari will also in the UK renew discussions with the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Rev. and Rt. Hon. Justin Welby, a good friend of the President, on inter-religious harmony in Nigeria and worldwide.

    President Buhari defeated former President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 presidential elections.

     

  • Breaking: Buhari officially announces intention to run in 2019

    President Muhammadu Buhari, who is expected to leave Abuja today for an official visit to the United Kingdom, has officially announced his intention to contest the 2019 presidential elections.

    Bashir Ahmad, Personal Assistant to Buhari on New Media made this known on Monday morning.

    “President Muhammadu Buhari has just officially announced his intention to seek re-election in 2019. Details soon…,” he posted on Twitter.

    Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has also confirmed the President’s intent.

    Shortly before making the declaration, the President presented a speech on the report submitted by the APC National Executive Technical Committee.

    Buhari’s Speech:

    1. I am delighted to welcome you all to this very important meeting in the affairs of our party and our country. I want to specifically thank members of the Technical Committee for a job well done within the limited time frame.

    2. It shows a great sense of commitment to the ideals of our party with a view to consolidating and positioning the party to continue delivering good governance in the overall interest of Nigerians.

    3. With the present state of the party and based on the report submitted by the Technical Committee, It is important to focus on how to move the party forward by avoiding actions detrimental to the interest of the party. Considering that politics is a game of numbers, we must not be a house divided against itself and must try to note, appreciate and accommodate our differences as far as the law permits.

    4. Upon my review of the Report, my position is to ensure that the party tows the path of unity, legality and cohesion and not that of division.

    5. Therefore, I am stressing that we should strengthen our internal democracy by organising the Party’s Congresses and Convention where election of National Executive Committee members would be held. This will automatically end the cases filed by members seeking orders of Court compelling the party to hold its Congresses.

    6. I also believe that the current executives should be free to vie for elective positions in the party if they so wish as permitted by our Party constitution.

    7. However, considering the provision of Article 31(1)(iii) of the APC Constitution which requires any serving officer desirous of seeking re-election to resign from office 30 days before election, I am not sure of the practicality of present serving officers’ ability to meet this condition.

    8. Accordingly, the party may consider granting waivers to party executives at all levels so that they are not disenfranchised from participating in the elections should they wish to do so, provided this does not violate our rules.

    9. Necessary waiver(s) should also be extended to executives at the Ward level whose tenures may have elapsed, and indeed to anyone knocking at our doors from other political parties. This is in the spirit of the Right to Freedom of Association guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

    10. In this circumstance, the party should officially issue a statement on the above Waivers so that our house may be full. We all must not be ignorant of the times, and the journey that is ahead of us.

    11. Just like our party symbol; “the Broom,” which typifies strength in unity, let us strive to remain united in our purpose. Victory is sure by the Grace of God, and together we must continue to sanitize Nigeria’s political environment.

    12. Once again, I welcome you all to this meeting with the hope that we will, in our deliberations today, conduct ourselves without rancour and promote the highest interest of the party and the nation.

    ——————————————————————-

    Buhari will today leave Abuja for an official visit to Britain where he is due to hold discussions on Nigeria- British relations with Prime Minister Theresa May, prior to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings scheduled for 18th to 20th April.

    The President will also meet the Chief Executive Officer of Royal Dutch Plc, Mr. Ben van Beurden in connection with Shell and other partners’ plan to invest $15b in Nigeria’s oil industry.

    These investment ventures will lay the foundation for the next 20 years’ production and domestic gas supply, according to the Presidency.

    President Muhammadu Buhari will also in the UK renew discussions with the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Rev. and Rt. Hon. Justin Welby, a good friend of the President, on inter-religious harmony in Nigeria and worldwide.

     

  • Oshiomhole talks tough against looters

    The former governor of Edo, Mr Adams Oshiomhole, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government, to adopt a “ruthless” measure against alleged looters of the nation’s treasury.

    Oshiomhole, who disclosed this on Sunday in Benin, described as mindless the stealing by the then Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led Federal Government.

    The former governor noted that it was the right of Nigerians to know the level of rot that transpired in former President Goodluck Jonathan’s government.

    “I think that if other Nigerians don’t understand the power of transparency, the right to know, the media should uphold that right and defend it.

    “What was stolen was not from private purse; the house that was destroyed was not a private residence.

    “We are talking of resources, which if it is distributed on basis of equality, divide by 180 million people you will be a lot richer.

    “I think my only complaint is that the Federal Government should be more ruthless because there are lot of people who should be in court who are not there.

    “When I was still in the office and I said the kind of money they stole was huge in dollars they paid hired writers to ask how I knew.

    “I have interacted with power vertically and horizontally. I know that we cannot be lamenting today without understanding that the treasury was burgled yesterday.

    “I think the promise of democracy is that good or bad, the people have the right to know and that is the starting point and particularly important.

    “I think the people have the right to know and if any of them think that what has being said is not true, they can go to court.

    “All of them who are involved and those who they are looking for, they should put everything in public domain and that is the promise of democracy and it is about you.

    “Just by virtue of being in a winning party they helped themselves so much.

    “One of the acting chairmen of PDP, Ahmed Makarfi, I used to respect him so much, I heard him saying that the reason they did not indict Diezani was that the money missing and everything that was done, Goodluck approved.

    “If President approved the money, should it be stolen and not go into the federation account or used for the intended purpose.

    “Jonathan may have immunity against prosecution but he doesn’t have power to appropriate what the national assembly have not done.

    “Right now, they are now saying the national assembly should not approve the $1 billion the Federal Government is going to spend on security.

    ‘’This is a party that spent well above that without going to the national assembly at all.”

     

  • Herdsmen menace: FG begins process to rebuild ravaged communities

    Herdsmen menace: FG begins process to rebuild ravaged communities

    President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to commence an assessment of the extent of damage in communities affected by violence caused by herdsmen-farmers clashes in some parts of the country.

    This was stated by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo today during the inaugural meeting of the recently composed Governing Council of NEMA at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    “Mr. President has directed that we do a survey and assessment on the damage done to towns cities, communities that have been affected by violence in some parts of the country, including the farmers-herders clashes. NEMA will play a leading role in this and the Presidency will also provide direct support.

    “We will involve the people in the affected communities, and not just bring people from outside these communities, in the rebuilding efforts. We will involve people in these villages, artisans and other people in the communities, with required skills so that they can also benefit economically as we rebuild these communities,” Prof. Osinbajo said.

    TheNewsGuru recalls that at the monthly meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) on February 15, Prof. Osinbajo informed the Council that President Buhari had approved the formation of a national Committee to look into the rebuilding of communities affected by the violence in the affected states.

    This is in line with the Buhari administration’s commitment towards finding permanent solutions to the herdsmen-farmers clashes in some parts of the country, and ensuring the peace.

    During today’s inaugural meeting, the Vice President, who is the chairman of the Governing Council, congratulated the new members and expressed the hope that the board would continue to be committed to the task ahead, adding that NEMA has been very visible in its role.

    “NEMA has been taking on assignments even beyond its mandate. This is a responsibility that we must take seriously,” he said.

    TheNewsGuru reports the Vice President further urged the agency to devote more to public sensitization regarding matters of emergency in the country and what the public needs to do in such circumstances.

    Prof. Osinbajo added that NEMA should engage stakeholders more to participate in addressing its responsibilities, including the private sector and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

    Members of the board include the Director-General, NEMA; the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF; representatives of the Ministry of Transport and Aviation; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Health; Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Water Resources. Other members include representatives of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force.

    At the meeting, the Director-General, NEMA, Engr. Mustapha Yunusa Maihaja, made a presentation on the work, role and challenges of the agency.

    Meanwhile, the Vice President also today received a delegation from Oxford Business Network for Africa from the Oxford Business School, London, United Kingdom, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Led by Mr. Bayo Owolabi, the delegation thanked the Vice President for his role in Nigeria’s improved ranking in the World Bank Doing Business report, while also commending the Federal Government for its efforts in improving the country’s economy generally, supporting the establishment of technology hubs in the country, among other socio-economic development initiatives.