TheNewsGuru

Tag: President Buhari

  • NLC president lambasts president Buhari, scores him low on all development indices

    NLC president lambasts president Buhari, scores him low on all development indices

    Joe Ajaero the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, has knocked president Muhammadu Buhari, saying that he performed poorly for eight years in areas of power supply, infrastructure, and industrial relations with aggrieved unions.

    Ajaero added that political parties also contribute to the poor performance in government, saying that politicians always underperform after being elected into office.

    According to him, political parties in the country lack ideologies.

    He added that he does not expect much from the incoming administration, since they are from the same party.

    He said this on Monday, when he paid a visit to the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) head office in Abuja as part of his familarisation tour of unions.

    His words, “We want a government that Nigerians will enjoy and this level of underdevelopment will stop. Because what we are saying is that Nigeria is underdeveloping. We are rescinding everywhere. At the point that Buhari took over government, in the power sector, for instance, they were hovering between 4,000 to 5,000 megawatts averagely. And in the past eight years, it has been reduced to about 3,000. That is moving back from where we were.

    “ASUU strike used to be three to four months, under his watch, we started recording eight months of ASUU strike. We are rescinding.

    “If you check the infrastructure, it is still the same thing. If we were paying N50,000 for air ticket before, we are paying about N80,000 today. So, the new government, we are still waiting to get their own agenda. Because if we follow the manifesto of the APC, they will sustain what Buhari has done, and if it is underdevelopment that they are sustaining, then there is a problem. So the NLC will wait for the agenda of the new government before we comment.

    “You can see that parties no longer implement their manifesto. So that is why we are worried. We can’t talk about the agenda of any government. We can only wait for them to state their own agenda.”

  • President Buhari to commission largest biggest single refinery in Lagos today

    President Buhari to commission largest biggest single refinery in Lagos today

    President Muhammadu Buhari alongside five other African leaders will today commission the Dangote refinery in Lekki Lagos.

    Dangote Refinery  650,000 barrels per day (bpd) facility expected to be the biggest single refinery in the world, will according to Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) add about $21 billion (N9.7 trillion at the current exchange rate) yearly to the Nigerian economy.

    Recall that president Buhari’s pledge to fix state-owned refineries in Port-Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna did not see the light of the day.

    However, Dangote refinery is expected to bridge the gap between crude oil export abroad for refinery.

    This is coming as some stakeholders yesterday said Nigeria’s 445,000 barrels per day refineries, despite being repaired, may become obsolete and difficult to sell going by the new Dangote Refinery.

    Concerns are however mounting as stakeholders, who spoke in separate interviews asked Nigerians to get ready to buy products at a higher price as they insisted that while the new refinery broke the monopoly in the sector, pricing mechanism would have to change.

    In promises detailed in the APC policy document and manifesto, Buhari’s 100 days covenant, speeches at campaign rallies and town hall meetings, Buhari before winning the 2015 election, pledged to remove fuel subsidy and fix the refineries, barely nine days to leave office the promises remained a mirage.

    Although the refineries have been awarded, the Port-Harcourt Refinery has failed deadlines given by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

    While Europe is relying on Nigeria for crude export after banning export from Russia, its previous reliance on African countries would face a yearly reduction.

    Nigeria currently sends about 547.5 million barrels of crude into the international market yearly, with an agreement to supply 300, 000 barrels per day to the Dangote Refinery, adding to its regional supplies, the oil market would automatically face a shortfall of 109.5 million barrels yearly. With obligations to supply about 445,000 barrels per day, initially meant for the refineries to contractors on the Direct Sale Direct Purchase (DSDP) deal, the development could push Europe to rely more on Middle East and Asia to meet its supply while the global market could have close 700,000bpd shortfall from Nigeria.

    In 2022, the West African bloc was supplying about additional 200,000 barrels per day to Europe to augment the loss from Russia.

    On the product side, while the West Africa region imported about one million barrels per day of petroleum products last year, with 60 per cent of all products coming from Europe, at full capacity, Dangote Refinery alone would have reduced the import by over 65 per cent if most West African countries turn to the refinery for supply.

  • We learnt many lessons during the 2023 elections – President Buhari

    We learnt many lessons during the 2023 elections – President Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari has revealed that the just concluded 2023 general elections gave room for his government to learn a lot of lessons.

    According to Buhari, the polls showed that a government can be elected peacefully and fairly.

    Femi Adeshina, the Presidential spokesperson,  made this known via a statement on Friday, he said that the president spoke about the lessons that were learnt while addressing the Commonwealth leaders summit in London.

    On March 1, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the flag bearer of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, as the winner and he is expected to be sworn into office on May 29.

    However, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) have gone to court to challenge Tinubu’s victory.

    “Despite some pockets of violence, we have demonstrated that a government can be elected peacefully and fairly.

    “Lessons have been learned and moving forward, we hope to perform even better.

    “Based on this, I am delighted to note that we have taken another step towards deepening our democracy with peaceful, transparent and credible outcomes,” Buhari said.

  • Lai Mohammed spreading fake news on Peter Obi – Edwin Clark

    Lai Mohammed spreading fake news on Peter Obi – Edwin Clark

    Nigerian nationalist and  Ijaw leader, Edwin Clark, has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to call Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, to order over his alleged gagging of the media and also making unfounded and unproven allegations against members of opposition political parties.

    Clark had in a statement castigated Minister Lai Mohammed for spreading lies against the presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi.”

    Clark posited that Mohammed has become the mastermind and disseminator of fake news.

    He, therefore, called on Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, to investigate Mohammed and charge him to court.

    The senior citizen went on: “It is, therefore, highly hypocritical within government circles today, that statements made to ensure that there is diligent dispensation of justice with regards to the largely flawed 2023 elections that didn’t threaten the existence of the country are being tagged treasonable.

    “Even more regrettable is the fact that an innocent stakeholder in the person of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of Labour Party, who has not uttered a word, is being mischievously dragged in.

    “Moreover, rather than mention the names of those who have been raising this question, while drag the name of Obi, who has been totally silent on the subject matter, if not for cheap political gain.

    “Like I said, Lai Mohammed did not base his information on any credible intelligence report from the state agencies, but on propaganda and falsity.

    “Therefore, I am of the opinion that he should be charged for spreading an unhealthy information and fake news against an innocent Nigerian, who is very prominent and has proven his worth in the country.

    “Lai Mohammed used the exalted office of the nation’s Ministry of Information to commit this perfidy.

    “Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of Labour Party in the just concluded elections, has never taken the laws into his hands. He is going about his case, in the constitutionally provided way.

    “He was the first to seek redress in court over what he felt was an unfair and unjust manner of conducting elections. It is his constitutional right to do so.

    Muhammadu Buhari, in the number of times he contested and failed elections, did same.

    “We all know that at no time from the beginning of the current political season did His Excellency, Peter Obi, make any statement that in whatever manner constituted a breach or threat to the peace and security of this country.”

  • President Buhari speaks on the credibility of 2023 elections in the country

    President Muhammadu Buhari has finally spoken on the conduct and credibility of the just concluded 2023 general elections in the country.

    According to him, the fact that many governors sought to go to the Senate but failed is a pointer to the fact that the election was free, fair and credible, saying that there was no easy route to power.

    He described the Nigerian polity and democracy as growing and getting more sophisticated because Nigerian voters now realize that they have a say when it comes to the choice of their leaders.

    The Katsina-born politician made his position known while playing host to the newly-installed Emir of Dutse, Jigawa State Capital, Alhaji Muhammad Hamim Nuhu Sunusi at the State House in Abuja on Thursday.

    He said the stunning outcome of 10 Governors failing to make it to the Senate was a reflection that there is no longer a guaranteed route to power. Just as he noted that the voting population is truly the king when it comes to elections.

    On May 29th, 2023 president Buhari would have completed his tenure as Nigeria’s president and will retire to Daura in Katsina.

    His words, “It is a testament to the maturity of our democracy and to the amazing sophistication of the voter. What shocked me was that the ordinary citizen who is usually underrated has made the point of his political understanding of things.

    “Assumption is always that you are governor for eight years and you go to the Senate to crown the career. No one should underrate the Nigerian voter anymore. Politics will be more difficult, henceforth”.

    Recall that Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, his counterpart in Abia state Okezie Ikpeazu were two prominent governors that failed to get elected to the 10th senate.

  • Buhari to flag-off third oil field in Northern Nigeria

    Buhari to flag-off third oil field in Northern Nigeria

    Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari will flag-off  the third oil field in Northern part of the country on Tuesday.

    The third oil field flag -off  was contained in a public announcement on Monday by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

    The oil field is located in Ebenyi at the Headquarters of Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

    The flagging-off is scheduled for Tuesday, 28 March 2023.

    It is the second oil field in the North Central region; the first was the Ibaji Oil field in Kogi state.

    In the history of Nigeria’s exploration, the Ebenyi Oil field is the third in Northern Nigeria; the first was Kolomani, located in the Bauchi/Gombe axis.

    15 January 1956 was the first time Nigeria discovered crude oil in commercial quantity in Oloibiri, a community in the Niger Delta region.

  • President Buhari mourns Gen Diya, says he was dedicated, courageous

    President Buhari mourns Gen Diya, says he was dedicated, courageous

    President Muhammadu Buhari has joined millions of Nigerians to mourn the passing of Lt. General Oladipo Diya

    Diya served as the Chief of General Staff from 1993 to 1997 and Vice Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council in 1994 under the late Gen Sani Abacha.

    Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity  sent the condolence message on behalf of the presidency, he quoted the President as describing General Diya as bold and courageous during his career in the Nigeria military.

    Buhari also said the late Diya dedicated his service to the country as General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, Commandant, National War College (1991–1993), Chief of Defence Staff and Military Governor of Ogun State from January 1984 to August 1985.

    The President recalls that Diya was known for his brilliance, exceptional organizational skills and discipline and he displayed these virtues in the important roles he held in office as a military officer.

    Buhari also noted that the former Chief of General Staff was known for his love, belief and loyalty to the country which he cherished so much and fought gallantly on the frontlines to defend her unity.

    “On behalf of the Federal Government and family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Diya’s family, friends and colleagues,”Buhari stated.

    He prayed that General Diya’s soul finds rest with his Creator, and may his contributions to the nation never be forgotten.

  • President Buhari swears in seven ICPC board members

    Nigeria’s president Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday sworn in Seven board members of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, (ICPC) for a duration of four years.

    The ceremony  which was preceded by the Federal Executive meeting took place  at the State House, Abuja early Wednesday, Morning.

    Buhari, who administered the oath of office to the re-appointee ICPC members, charged them to be diligent and committed to their duties.

    The members include Justice Adamu Bello (retd.), Katsina State; Hannatu Mohammed (Jigwa State), Olubukola Balogun (Lagos State), Obiora Igwedibia (Anambra State), Dr. Abdullahi Saidu (Niger State), Yahaya Dauda (Nasarawa State), and Grace Chinda (Rivers State).

    All seven board members were first inaugurated by Buhari in 2019, with their renewed term of office to elapse in March 2027.

  • Buhari congratulates China’s president, Xi Jinping on his historic 3rd term re-election

    Buhari congratulates China’s president, Xi Jinping on his historic 3rd term re-election

    Following the re-election of  Xi Jinping for another five-year term as the President and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) of the People’s Republic of China, Nigeria’s president,  Muhammadu Buhari has sent in his congratulatory messages to him.

    Xi Jinping has been re-elected in a historic third term to continue leading the country.

    President Buhari’s message  was contained in a statement by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja.

    According to Buhari, under the leadership of President Xi, relations between Nigeria and China, which dates back to 1971 when both nations formally established diplomatic ties, have expanded rapidly on strategic cooperation and bilateral trade.

    The Nigerian leader, therefore, expressed the hope that the future outlook of the strategic partnership with China would continue to blossom in bounds and leaps in the areas of military, trade, political, oil and gas and finance relations.

    Buhari also expressed the belief that such a partnership would include cooperation in the telecommunications, agriculture, infrastructure development, and manufacturing sectors.

    The President wished the government and people of China continued peace, progress, and prosperity under the able and trusted leadership of President Xi.

  • President Buhari jet out to Qatar for UN conference on least developed countries

    President Muhammadu Buhari has travelled to Qatr for the 5th United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

    The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani  extended invitation to Nigeria’s president

    The once-in-a-decade conference under the theme, “From Potential to Prosperity”, will be held from 5th to 9th March.

    The summit will find solutions to the issues of poverty, food insecurity, hunger, weak infrastructure, inadequate health facilities, and climate change.

    It garners the support of the international community for accelerating sustainable development in the LDCs and assists them to make progress towards achieving prosperity.

    In his speech, President Buhari will reiterate the need for sustainable solutions for countries facing severe challenges.

    He will reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to support such nations and highlight the government’s assistance over the years.

    The delegation includes ministers and other officials who will sign some agreements and Memoranda of Understanding with the Qatari government.

    Presidential spokesman Garba Shehu indicated that the President is expected to return to the country on Wednesday.