TheNewsGuru

Tag: President

  • Nigeria going through a ‘very turbulent’ time under me as president – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday acknowledged that the country was passing through a ‘very turbulent’ time under his leadership as President.

    The president said this during the inauguration of the Food Security Council chaired by him.

    He however, listed some of the efforts his administration has taken to address some of the challenges bedeviling the nation.

    Read the president’s full speech below.

    ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE FOOD SECURITY COUNCIL,

    MONDAY, 26TH MARCH 2018

    PROTOCOLS:

    Two weeks ago, I announced my intention to establish and chair a presidential level committee that focuses on food security, I am happy that today it has become a reality.

    2. Nigeria’s journey in the last three (3) years, has been a very turbulent one. The country’s need for critical job creating sectors which has been ignored for decades is now beginning to yield results.

    3. We introduced the National Social Investment Programmes targeting millions of Nigerians who are living from hand to mouth.

    4. We launched agricultural programmes focusing on import substitution, job creation and rural development thereby bringing socio-economic transformation to the millions of citizens living in some of the most remote rural parts of our country.

    5. We commenced the long term Pollution Remediation Projects in the Niger Delta with the hope of restoring dignity and normalcy to the millions of Nigerians impacted by decades of pollution in their communities. Fishing and farming will resume once blighted areas are rehabilitated.

    6. We intensified our participation in the Lake Chad Basin Commission with the goal of reversing the shrinkage of the lake, which impacts the livelihoods of over 45 million farmers, herdsmen and fishermen in the LCBC countries.

    7. We issued the first ever green bond that will act as a catalyst for investments in renewable energy and afforestation projects. This was oversubscribed, sharing market confidence in the country and our government.

    8. We established the Agro Rangers Unit within the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to protect the billions of naira of investments recorded in Nigeria’s agricultural sector across the country.

    9. We continued to equip the Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency to fight maritime criminals such as pirates and sea robbers who adversely impact offshore and inland fishing activities in our waters.

    10. These programmes and many more, have started yielding results and if sustained, will transform the lives of millions of Nigerians across the country.

    11. We are well aware that the full results will not be felt or seen overnight. The journey is long. It is therefore our collective duty to ensure the actual and potential positive impacts of these programmes are sustained, improved and expanded.

    12. A key mandate of the Food Security Council is to continuously assess and enhance these infant, but impactful programmes, thereby guaranteeing they achieve their full potential.

    13. We shall also develop new programmes and projects that will protect and indeed, create more jobs in farming, fisheries, animal husbandry and forestry.

    14. As we all know, land is use for farming, grazing and forestry, Water is used for irrigation, livestock sustenance and fishing. Therefore, any strategy for land and water management must take into account the interconnectivity of all these key sectors to ensure equity and sustainability.

    15. We will also not lose sight of the other issues that will impact our food production ambitions such as;

    a. Population growth.

    b. Urbanisation,

    c. Industrialisation

    d. Rural Infrastructure Development and

    e. Climate Change.

    16. These factors will also stress and stretch our land and water resources. This means we must invest in research and development to enhance yields and outputs.

    17. Moreover, we are not insulated from Global and Regional events. Accordingly we develop local programs, but not lose sight of events from a far and their impact on us. Specifically, issues such as smuggling and dumping, which is our responsibility to ensure we develop and enforce strategies to protect Nigeria from these illegal and unhealthy imports.

    18. The Council includes Governors representing the six (6) geopolitical zones. Some geopolitical zones have similar Eco climatic conditions. The council is therefore a platform to further enhance the collaboration between the federal and state governments. We shall share success stories and collaborate to address common threats.

    19. We will also engage key stakeholders representing the core sectors of the Food Value Chain. Regular consultations will be held with investors, development partners, financiers, academia and our friends and allies abroad.

    20. Our deliberations will look into all the issues and our decisions will be implementable and impactful. We shall stay focused, first and foremost on securing our food requirements and employment for our people, especially the youth. We shall feed ourselves and build an inclusive Nigeria for ourselves and for future generations.

    Thank you may God bless our country.

     

  • Yoruba Council of Elders President, Idowu Sofola dies at 84

    The Secretary-General, Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), Dr Kunle Olajide, has confirmed the death of YCE’s President, Chief Idowu Sofola, a prominent Nigerian jurist, Bencher and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association.

    Sofola, who died on Friday night in Lagos at the age of 84, took over from retired Maj.-Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo, who passed on in 2017.

    Sofola, who was born on Sept. 29, 1934, he was the first black to be appointed the Secretary of the International Bar Association (IBA) and was a prominent member of the Ikenne Social Circle and the Obara Ruling House for the Alakenne Royalty.

    Olajide told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone on Saturday that the YCE was grieved and shocked by Sofola’s death, who he said, was not ill or bedridden.

    “I spoke with him few days ago, congratulating him on the appointment of his son as a high judge and we were planning an event to host him.

    “The icon is leaving us at a critical time particularly in Yorubaland as the country prepares for the 2019 general elections.

    “He was an intelligent man of Yoruba extraction and the vacuum he left behind will be difficult to fill.

    “It is great shock to me and YCE; a strong advocate and believer in true federalism, brilliant lawyer and defender of human rights and democracy,” he said.

    Olajide, who said he was leading a delegation of YCE headquartered in Ibadan, to the Ikenne home of the Sofolas in Ogun, added: “His death is terrifying.”

    He condoled with the immediate family, Ikenne people, Ogun State and the Yoruba on his demise and prayed that may Allah grant his soul rest.

     

  • Why I want to be Nigeria’s President in 2019 – Sule Lamido

    A former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, on Thursday said his presidential ambition was not out of desperation for power, but for genuine service to the people of Nigeria.

    Lamido made the statement in Lagos during a meeting with members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

    He said his decision to contest for the number one seat in the country was out of commitment to fix the country and reposition it for greatness.

    The former governor said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had not done well in government, and so must be flushed out in the next election.

    Lamido said the country had not fared better in security, economy and anti -graft war, on which they anchored their manifesto.

    He cited the herdsmen killings and the resurgence of Boko Haram atrocities as some of the failings of the present government.

    Lamido said the abduction of Dapchi schoolgirls, who were eventually returned, reflected the lack of capacity of the present government government to ensure security.

    He urged the PDP to put its acts together to defeat the APC in 2019.

    “We in the PDP should put our acts together and ensure we flush APC out in 2019.

    “God would judge us if we allow the APC to return to power,” the ex-governor who is being prosecuted for corruption, said.

    Lamido urged the would-be delegates to the PDP national convention to look out for merit, consistency and loyalty to the party in choosing the party’s presidential candidate.

    He said he was eminently qualified to pick the party ‘s ticket as he was consistent, committed and an avowed member of the PDP.

    Lamido thanked members of the Lagos PDP for the warm reception accorded him and thanked the party chairman in the state for facilitating his coming to Lagos.

    He said he once worked in Lagos and felt at home being with the PDP family in the state.

    In his comments, the state party chairman, Moshood Salvador, said members were delighted to have Lamido in their midst.

    He said the high turnout at the reception showed how much members loved him.

    Salvador dismissed the insinuations in some quarters that PDP was divided in the state.

    He said the fact that party executives across the state were at the reception meant that PDP in the state was one.

    “PDP is not divided in the state. All the council excos are here. Everybody is here. The party is not divided.

    “Whatever bad people are saying about the party in the state is nothing but all lies,” he said.

    Salvador said he had done a lot to reposition the party since he was elected, and the spirit in the party was very high.

    Lamido was accompanied on the visit by former Minister of Works, Mr Mike Onomalemen, among others.

     

  • BREAKING: Mauritania President, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim resigns over financial scandal

    Mauritius President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, who has been implicated in a financial scandal, resigned on Saturday, her lawyer said, just days after she refused to stand down.

    Gurib-Fakim, Africa’s only female head of state, submitted her resignation in the “national interest,” her lawyer Yousouf Mohamed told reporters, adding that it would take effect on March 23.

    Details soon…

     

  • Saraki, Ekweremadu congratulate Eboe-Osuji on election as ICC President

    Senate President Bukola Saraki on Monday congratulated Mr Chile Eboe-Osuji, a Nigerian Judge, on his election as the President of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

    TheNewsGuru.com reports this is the first time a Nigerian would be elected president of ICC.

    Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja on Monday described the appointment of Eboe-Osuji as a development positive for Nigeria.

    He noted that the emergence of Eboe-Osuji during the 10th session of the Assembly of State Parties of the ICC, at the UN Headquarters in New York, was a testimony that Nigeria and Nigerians had what it took to continue to provide leadership at both local and global arena.

    While wishing the eminent jurist a successful tenure, Saraki said he was sure that the Judge would work to justify the confidence reposed in him by his colleagues who voted to elevate him to the position.

    “No doubt, the Presidency of the ICC represents a huge responsibility. It is my hope that Eboe-Osuji will help lead the Court to new levels of successes in the next three years,” Saraki said.

    Similarly, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu said the election of Eboe-Osuji as the President of the ICC was an honour for Nigeria and the entire Africa.

    Ekweremadu, in a Statement by his Special Adviser (Media) Mr Uche Anichukwu said Eboe-Osuji’s emergence as President of the Court did not come as a surprise, given the jurist’s pedigree and wealth of experience.

    I congratulate you most warmly on this well deserved honour done to you and indeed Nigeria and Africa as a “whole.

    “Your emergence is indeed a boost to the determination of the ICC and the global community to end genocides, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression as well as help the victims to find justice.

    “You were well prepared for the elevation and onerous task by your sound education and experience.

    “You distinguished yourself both as a prosecution counsel at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and also as a senior legal officer to the Tribunal’s judges.

    “You also excelled in your service at the Special Court for Sierra Leone, Legal Advisor to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in addition to the high profile cases you have been involved with since assuming office as a judge of the Court in 2012,” Ekweremadu added.

    Ekweremadu described the Imo State-born jurist, the first Nigerian to be elected as an ICC judge, as a worthy ambassador of the Nigerian legal and judicial system.

    The deputy senate president urged the ICC President to remain on the path of excellence and justice.

    Eboe-Osuji graduated with a Law Degree (LL.B) from the University of Calabar in 1985, before studying for a master of laws (LL.M) at the McGill University in Canada.

  • Mauritius first female president to resign after credit card expenditure row

    Mauritian President, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, will step down next week, the Prime Minister, Pravind Jugnauth, said on Friday.

    Mr. Jugnauth said Mrs. Gurib-Fakim would resign after she was accused of using a credit card issued by an international Non-Governmental Organisation to buy clothes and jewellery.

    The prime minister added that the president would resign after the March 12 celebration of the country’s 50th anniversary.

    The prime minister, who did not comment on the row over credit card expenditure, had previously said that everyone involved would shoulder his or her responsibility when asked about the issue by reporters.

    Mrs. Gurib-Fakim, a chemistry professor, appointed to the largely ceremonial post in 2015 as the island nation’s first female president had denied any wrongdoing, saying she had refunded the money in question.

    “I do not owe anything to anybody. Why is this issue coming up now almost a year later on the eve of our independence day celebrations,” she said in a March 7 speech.

    The local L’express newspaper reported that the president had shopped in Italy and Dubai using a credit card issued by Planet Earth Institute.

    The organisation supports education by offering scholarships, and the president served there as unpaid director.

    The newspaper reported that the card was to promote a doctorate programme named after the president.

    Planet Earth Institute was not immediately available for comment.

     

  • Festus Iyayi: Court sentences killer driver to seven years imprisonment

    The dangerous driver, Danladi Baba, who drove recklessly and thereafter sniffed life out of the former President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Festus Iyayi, in a road traffic crash on the Lokoja- Abuja Highway has been sentenced to seven (7) years imprisonment without an option of fine.

    According to a press statement by the Corps Public Education Officer, Bisi Kazeem, the ruling took place today at a Chief Magistrate Court 11 seating in Lokoja where the case was originally instituted in Cop v Danladi Baba SMCM/CR76/2014 case file.

    The Chief Magistrate, U. Hussain, who presided over the court, lamented the rate of recklessness on our roads and cautioned other road users who might tread the same route like Mr. Danladi, on the position of the law over dangerous driving and other lawlessness exhibited on our roads.

    Iyayi, the famous winner of the Commonwealth Prize for Literature, who was born in 1947 in Ugbegwu, Ishan in Edo State was killed in a motor accident on his way to the National Executive Meeting of ASUU. He was in the company of Anthony Monye-Emina and two others in continuation of negotiation with the federal government.

    Bisi Kazeem who spoke on behalf of the Corps opined that the Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi, applauded the judiciary for ensuring that families of victims of road traffic crashes get necessary justice for the loss of their loved ones.

    Oyeyemi, therefore, assured the public that erring drivers will now face appropriate sanctions and further urged the motoring public to always abide by established rules and desist from any act that will lead to loss of lives on our roads.

     

  • Catholic bishops elect new president

    The Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, has elected a new president to replace the Archbishop of Jos Catholic Diocese, Ignatius Kaigama.

    The newly elected bishop, Augustine Akubeze, is the current Archbishop of Benin Diocese. He was elected during the first 2018 plenary session of the CBCN this week in Abuja.

    The election results were, however, not announced till Thursday evening at a Holy Mass currently ongoing at Saint Charles Lwanga Parish, Apo, Abuja.

    Akubeze’s predecessor, Mr. Kaigama, served two tenures of three years each, before leaving office.

     

    Details later…

     

  • 2019: ‘I will run for President’ says Fela Durotoye as he joins party, ANN

    2019: ‘I will run for President’ says Fela Durotoye as he joins party, ANN

    Motivational speaker and leadership coach, Fela Durotoye, has declared his intention to run for president in the 2019 general elections on the platform of the Alliance for a New Nigeria (ANN).

    In a statement sent to members of the Fela Durotoye Leadership Network, he revealed that he’s joined the ANN to realise his ambition of transforming the country.

    According to him, the country has all the resources it needs to be a desirable place for anyone to inhabit, provided it gets the right leadership.

    His full statement read, “As you may already know, over the last 13 years, I have committed my life and resources to doing all I can to build a New Nigeria that would be the most desirable Nation to live in by December 31, 2025.

    “From nation building projects like Mushin Makeover (which was recorded as the largest non-governmental urban renewal project in Africa’s history), to raising the standard of education in our schools and higher institutions through projects & initiatives, to helping our young people across our nation Deliver The Future to corporate transformation projects and most importantly championing the largest non-governmental Values Infusion project through the 10 lifestyle personal creed that we share together on this network that has now been endorsed and actively promoted by a multitude of Nigerians across all gender, tribe, social class or religious affirmation..

    “As I have stated severally on this platform and in public, I have come to the conclusion that good governance is critical for any nation to accomplish its full potential. In fact, without good governance every other good work carried out by its citizens would ultimately be like pouring water into a basket and is therefore not sustainable.

    “This is why it became important for us to set up the RUNNING FOR A NEW NIGERIA platform, where we galvanize a critical mass of people who would participate in the governance process either by VOTING or BEING VOTED FOR at the 2019 General Elections and beyond.

    “In line with our Values one of which is to “BE A ROLE MODEL WORTHY OF EMULATION”, I had to decide to get involved in the political arena rather than staying on the sidelines and only challenging others to go in.

    “It is my hope that as I step unto the political scene, many more of our brightest and best will arise to heed our nation’s clarion call to contest for elective offices, win the elections, and most importantly collectively deliver good governance to our nation.

    “Therefore, to be clear, I am aspiring to contest as a Presidential Candidate in the 2019 General Elections.”

    “A lot of people have asked me ‘FD, what party will you be running on? Is it APC or PDP?’

    “Whilst it is true that these parties may have formidable grassroots structures, I strongly doubt that these old parties with their old ideology (of God-Fatherism also known as Selectocracy, Rulership, Money Politricks etc) would be able to deliver to us a New Nigeria.

    “And so, over the last few months, I have researched into several political parties to determine if their ideologies, vision and values resonate with those we share together on this Network.

    “I am glad to announce that one party has resonated more with me than others in Ideology, principles & a truly democratic internal political process that is open to all to aspire & provides a level playing field for the best candidates to emerge at all levels for Legislative & Executive offices.

    “I believe it is safe to say that I have found my political home, which I truly believe would be a HOME FOR ALL NATION BUILDERS.

    “Today, 2pm, 22nd of February 2018, I would be formalizing my membership with the ALLIANCE FOR A NEW NIGERIA (ANN) and formally joining the party.

    “ANN is a party founded by Professionals & technocrats with great political insight and wisdom required to build a formidable nationwide grassroot movement within the next 12 months and beyond. The National Chairman is Dr. Jay Osi Samuels, a Medical Doctor and a Renowned Public Health Practitioner respected globally.

    “As I move further on this noble cause, I’d like you to pray with me for divine wisdom, grace, favor, courage, strength & discernment.

    “Secondly, it is my desire that you will, like I have done, decide to step in the political arena and go beyond just registering to vote but also becoming a member of a Political Party where you would have voting rights, ability to choose your own candidates amongst those aspiring for office and where your potential aspirations cannot be stifled by any god father.

    “I strongly believe that your involvement in the political arena either as a member or aspirant within a political party would strongly enhance our ability to deliver good governance for the New Nigeria.

    “As you thoroughly consider the various political parties, I’ll like to recommend for your favorable consideration the Alliance for a New Nigeria. I want you to join ANN not just because I asked you to, but only if the Party Ideology resonates with yours as it does with mine.

    “Lastly, as we together run for a New Nigeria, I would like us to create a buzz for this major milestone and spread the news by sharing the images from my page to all your social media handles, using the hashtag #RunningForANewNigeria & #DeliverTheFuture.

    “It’s 12 months the Presidential Election and we only have enough time to ACT QUICKLY, so let’s make each day count.

    “It’s time to choose our future over our past. IT IS OUR TIME… And together, we will deliver the future.

    “God Bless You. And May God Bless our Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

  • Political experts rate Donald Trump worst president in US history

    …as Barrack Obama emerges eighth

    Donald Trump is the worst American president in history, a panel of political experts has decided.

    The current incumbent of the White House came last in the survey of political scientists, while his predecessor, Barack Obama, was in eighth place.

    Abraham Lincoln was in first place, followed by George Washington in second and Franklin D Roosevelt in third.

    The survey was based on the views of 170 members of the American Political Science Association’s Presidents and Executive Politics section, and was published in the New York Times.

    Mr. Trump has taken the place of James Buchanan – who was in charge when the US plunged into civil war – at the bottom of the list, which was last published in 2014.

    Mr. Obama moved from 18th to 8th in the past four years, while Bill Clinton slumped from 5th to 13th. Andrew Jackson fell from 9th place to 15th.

    “Trump’s initial rating places him in an ignominious category, but dozens of presidents have had slow starts and have course corrected to improve their public esteem,” the study said.

    “Beyond his reputation or ranking, Donald Trump’s very presidency may alter perceptions of presidential legacies as his unique approach to the office continues to surprise.”