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Tag: President Muhammadu Buhari

  • Wield ‘freedom responsibly’, President Buhari tells Nigerian media

    Wield ‘freedom responsibly’, President Buhari tells Nigerian media

    On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, observed globally every May 3, President Muhammadu Buhari recommits to freedom of the press, and urges media professionals to wield freedom responsibly, and without licentiousness.

    The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina noted that while celebrating the landmark day with the media, the President notes that freedom of the press is an irreducible minimum in a democracy that would flourish, adding that freedom must, however, be used responsibly.

    “That everything is permitted does not mean that there are no rules of correctness, particularly in a polity seriously challenged as ours now,” President Buhari says. “The media must be sensitive to what we are going through as a country, and anything that would exacerbate the situation, and further inflame passions and emotions, should be avoided.

    The media needs to ensure that while informing, educating, entertaining and setting agenda for public discourse, it does not encourage incendiary words and actions that could further hurt our unity in diversity.”

    Licentious freedom, the President says, is different from freedom with responsibility, and charges the Nigerian media to embrace the latter, rather than the former.

    On the part of government, President Buhari pledges greater cooperation with the media to discharge its duties, in line with the theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day, ‘Information as a Public Good.’

    He charges those who manage information for government to do everything in public interest, while also encouraging the media to use the Freedom of Information Act available to make its jobs easier.

    The President submits that it is very vital to have access to reliable information in an era of misinformation, disinformation and hate speech, all to cause discord in society.

  • Buhari Appeals to Nigerians for a Fair Assessment of his Government

    Buhari Appeals to Nigerians for a Fair Assessment of his Government

    Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to citizens especially the elite class to be fair in their criticism of his administration.

    President Buhari made the appeal in his address to Reverend Yakubu Pam, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, who visited the Presidential Villa on Thursday in Abuja.

    “Those criticising the administration should be fair in terms of reflecting on where we were before we came, where we are now and what resources are available to us and what we have done with the limited resources,” Buhari said.

    “We had to struggle paying debts, investing in road repairs and rebuilding, to revamp the rail and try to get power. This is what I hope the elite, when they want to criticise will use to compare notes.”

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    While commenting on security issues in the nation, particularly the Northeast, Buhari said “What was the situation when we came? Try and ask people from Borno or from Adamawa for that matter and Yobe.

    “What was the condition before we came and what is the condition now? Still, there are problems in Borno and Yobe, there are occasional Boko Haram problems, but they know the difference because a lot of them moved out of their states and moved to Kaduna, Kano and here (in Abuja).

    “We were not spared of the attacks at a time. The government is doing its best and I hope that eventually, our best will be good enough.”

    Th President however gave assurances that the welfare of Internally Displaced Persons was paramount on the agenda of government.

    “The people in IDP camps, the weak, aged, I feel sorry for the young because this is the time they are supposed to get education,” Buhari said. “We must not allow this time to pass because it will never be regained. So we are really interested in what is happening there and we are doing our best,” the President said.

    He commended the executive secretary on his appointment and activities on peace building around the country despite his short time in office.

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    Buhari assured him of the listening ear of the government whenever he had contributions to make.

    In his speech earlier, the visiting Reverend Yakubu Pam briefed President Buhari on some of the activities of the commission since he was appointed in July 2020, which he gave as the organisation of a peace summit on Southern Kaduna as well as peace building efforts in Plateau, Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa states.

    In addition to his achievement, Reverend Pam disclosed that the commission has proposed to host Christian religious leaders in a summit to help douse pressures within the polity.

  • President of Nigeria, VP, Others Will Take COVID-19 Vaccine on Live TV

    President of Nigeria, VP, Others Will Take COVID-19 Vaccine on Live TV

    It has now been confirmed that President Muhammadu Buhari, his Vice, Yemi Osinbajo, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, and other prominent Nigerians would be among the first set of Nigerians to receive the Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine on live television.

    This was disclosed by the Executive Director/CEO, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Faisal Shuaib, while speaking on Thursday in Abuja during the joint national briefing of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19.

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    Shuaib said: “This is to help drive awareness on the virus and the vaccine administration in the country when it finally arrived.”

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    He urged Nigerians not to be hesitant on the vaccines when they arrive as key government officials like president, vice president and SGF would take it on live TV.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Release of Kankara Schoolboys Vindicates Buhari, Let’s Re-strategize Security – APC Chieftain

    Release of Kankara Schoolboys Vindicates Buhari, Let’s Re-strategize Security – APC Chieftain

    The release of over 300 schools boys kidnapped by Boko Haram Terrorists on December 11 has been described as a vindication of the commitment and determination of President Muhammadu Buhari to rid the Nigeria of insecurity.

    This was said by the former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a statement on Saturday.

    A key figure in the rulling All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government (APC), Tinubu lauded President Buhari, and Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari for their intervention leading to the release of the kidnapped Kankara school boys.

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    “The initial abduction of the over 300 Kankara schoolboys from their dormitory in broad daylight was unsettling and raises serious concern. However, their prompt rescue from their abductors is heart-warming.

    “It vindicates President Buhari in his untiring commitment and determination to rid the country of insecurity and confront Boko Haram insurgents and bandits operating in some parts of the country’, Tinubu said.

    Mr Tinubu, who is widely speculated as nursing presidential ambition in 2023 also commended =men of the Nigerian Armed Forces an advised that more needed to be done to tackle rising spate of insecurity in the country.

    “I congratulate and commend the president for his prompt and decisive intervention. I must also congratulate Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari and men of our armed forces for bringing the boys back home.

    “This laudable effort must be sustained. We must all do more to tackle the evil-doers and see the back of the Boko insurgents and bandits.

    While Nigerians and some lawmakers have called for the sack of Security Chiefs over what seems to be failure to address security challenges bedeviling the nation, Tinubu also called for a re-strategized security architecture.

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    “We need to upgrade our security infrastructure and re-strategize. The armed forces themselves must renew their efforts to make not only our schools safe for students but also our cities and villages.

    “No development can occur in a climate of fear, uncertainty, and insecurity of lives and property.

    “I empathize with the agonized parents and relations of the abducted schoolboys and rejoice with them over the release of their children from the jaws of the abductors. These boys must now be reunited with their families, the APC chieftain said.

  • Release of Kidnapped Kankara Students Excites President Buhari

    Release of Kidnapped Kankara Students Excites President Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari has welcomed release of kidnapped students of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina State, describing their safe return as a big relief to their families, the entire country and international community.

    In a short remark shortly after their release was announced, President Buhari expressed the nation’s appreciation for the steps taken by all involved to make their release possible.

    President Buhari specifically cited what he called the “spirit of partnership and the collaborative efforts of the government of Katsina, Zamfara and military leading to the release.’’

    He commended the nation’s intelligence agencies, the military and police force for providing the environment for safe release of the hostages.

    “The Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, and the army worked extremely hard. As soon as I got the information I congratulated them. The Armed Forces know their job. They have been well trained and properly motivated.”

    On the issue of detainees held elsewhere in the country by either terrorists or bandits, the President gave assurances that his administration is aware of its responsibility to protect the life and property of the Nigerians.

    President Buhari urged the citizens to be patient and fair to the administration as it deals with the problems of security, economy and corruption.

    He noted that the administration was fully aware that it was elected to resolve challenges.

    “When we came, we made efforts that yielded the return of the Chibok Girls. When a similar incident of school abduction happened at Dapchi, we successfully returned all but one of the more than one hundred abductees. When this latest incident happened, we put in our efforts and today we have this result to show.”

    The President pointed to the successes of the administration in dealing with security in the South South and North East.

    He said the North West now presents a challenge which his administration is determined to deal with.

    “We have a lot of work to do, especially now that we have re-opened the borders. It is unfortunate that the bandits and terrorists continue to get weapons even under the circumstances of the border closure. We are going to dare them. We will deal with all that,” the President further assured.

    He prayed for the full recovery of the students, whom he said had endured significant hardships in the course of their six-day ordeal.

    The President assured of the determination of his administration to return to safety all citizens held against their will, a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President, Garba Shehu disclosed on Thursday.

  • Nigeria Looks to Deepen Ties with South Africa to Quicken African Development

    Nigeria Looks to Deepen Ties with South Africa to Quicken African Development

    President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed optimism that improvement in relations between Nigeria and South Africa will speed up the process of development on the African continent.

    Speaking in concurrence with the Chairman of the African National Congress (ANC) and South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, who came to the State House, Abuja on Friday as Special Envoy of his country, President Buhari cited his last trip to South Africa during which he and President Cyril Ramaphosa worked together in resolving the migrants’ crisis between two brotherly nations, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity, Garba Shehu disclosed in a statement.

    “There was this ‘small problem’ between our countries. I went there and we resolved it,” the Nigerian President told the envoy.

    He directed the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva to work with his South African counterpart on the requests he brought and report back to him for his action.

    The South African minister, who presented a letter from President Ramaphosa, said the relationship between Nigeria and his country was key to the development aspirations of the continent.

    While emphasising that the two nations need to work as partners, Mantashe said “this relationship will determine the future of Africa.”

  • Nigeria Presidency Dismisses Report Linking President Buhari to a ₦12m PMB Estate Transaction

    Nigeria Presidency Dismisses Report Linking President Buhari to a ₦12m PMB Estate Transaction

    The Nigerian Presidency has dismissed a document that purportedly reveals a sum of ₦12,500,000 was transferred to President Muhammadu Buhari from the coffers of the Ogun State Government.

    In a statement on Thursday, hours after the said document emerged and circulated online, Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu lamented that “fake news industry at work”.

    Describing it as a move to tarnish the image of President Buhari, the Presidency spokesman explained that: “A certain document showing the transfer of ₦12,500,000 from the Coffers of the Ogun State to a ‘PMB Estate’ is being circulated to tarnish the image of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “The President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) Estate is a large housing scheme in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. It was commissioned by President Buhari in the course of a State visit.

    “PMB Estate is owned by the Ogun State government, which honoured the President by naming it after him, of course that does not confer the ownership of the Estate to President Buhari”, Shehu explained.

    Shehu appealed that “the gossipy online newspaper, peddling the falsehood that the President Muhammadu Buhari, the tried and tested anti-corruption fighter is the beneficiary of this cash transfer should be ignored”.

    To further dissociate the President from the report, which has not been supported with facts, Garba argued that: “Before his election as civilian President, Muhammadu Buhari was a military pensioner and had never registered a company in his name or that of a proxy.

    “To set the record straight, we spoke with the official who posted the clarification of the payment voucher on Twitter. He worked with the Governor Amosun administration. He confirmed that the payment was made from the Ogun State Revenue Account to The PMB Estate Account for some work done on the Estate. Absolutely nothing to do with President Muhammadu Buhar”, he said.

    File Photo: President Muhammadu Buhari receives long time associate, former Ogun State Governor,.Senator Ibikunle Amosun I’m State House, Abuja.

    The President Muhammadu Buhari Estate is one of the projects initiated in the first term of fomer Ogun State Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun, which he reportedly boasted would help etch his tenure in the sands of history.

    Initially named Three Hills Estate, it was rechristened in honour of the president by the then Governor Ibikunle Amosun-led Ogun government.

  • President Buhari Appreciates Nigerians for Patience Amidst Myriad Economic Challenges, Unveils Gas Programme

    President Buhari Appreciates Nigerians for Patience Amidst Myriad Economic Challenges, Unveils Gas Programme

    President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja appreciated Nigerians and Organized Labour for restraint, understanding and patience as the country tackles myriad economic challenges, assuring that the Federal Government is working hard to ameliorate the situation.

    Speaking at a virtually held event at the State House to unveil National Gas Expansion Programme and National Auto-gas Roll-out Initiative, President Buhari said:

    “Let me now express my deep appreciation to Nigerians for their patience, and Organized Labour for its maturity and patriotism as we collectively navigate these global economic and other challenges.’’

    The President urged Nigerians to embrace the use of gas as an alternative to fuel, noting that:

    “It is no longer news that the vast Natural Gas resources, which Nigeria is endowed with has hitherto been used sub-optimally as a result of a dearth of gas processing facilities and infrastructural connectivity for effective and optimal domestic utilization.

    “As I mentioned above, with a proven reserve of about 203 Trillion Cubic Feet (TCF) and additional upside of 600 TCF ranking Nigeria as the 9th in the world currently, the need for domestic gas expansion and utilization is apparent.’’

    President Buhari said the deregulation of the downstream sector had exposed many to price volatilities in the global market, urging attention to more affordable alternative for energy, especially with Nigeria’s heavy reserve.

    “Therefore, the roll-out of the National Gas Expansion Programme, Auto-gas initiative is coming at the right time, especially in light of global crude oil market fluctuations coupled with the full deregulation of the local PMS market.

    “These developments have made it imperative to focus on gas as an alternative fuel to move Nigeria from the conventional dependence on white products for autos and prime-movers of industrial applications, to cleaner, more available, accessible and affordable energy source.

    “The outcome will not only cushion the effect of the downstream deregulation that this government has to painfully implement, but also create new markets and enormous job opportunities for our people.’’

    The President said the auto-gas initiative will lead to increased domestic gas utilization and enrich the trajectory of national economic growth and development, adding: “I therefore encourage everyone to embrace gas in form of LPG, CNG and LNG as an alternative fuel for autos and other prime-movers.’’

    “The Minister of State Petroleum Resources is hereby directed to commence the process of hand over of mass transit buses to Organized Labour as part of our government’s pledge to continue providing support that will ease the transportation challenges Nigerians are facing at this time.’’

    In his remarks at the event, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Timipre Sylva said the Ministry is focusing on development of skills, technology and manpower as well as growth in the utilisation of LPG, CNG and LNG.

    He added that the National Gas Expansion programme which was initiated this year to boost the utilization of gas in the short and medium term “is expected to create two million jobs per annum, promote skills acquisition and enhance technology transfer in addition to growing the nation’s GDP.”

    The Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mele Kolo Kyari informed that from 2016 to 2019, the Federal Government had spent over three trillion Naira subsidizing the pump price of petroleum products particularly PMS, insisting that the subsidy regime did not benefit the masses that the President is passionate about.

    He added that the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have made it impossible to continue with the onerous subsidy regime.

  • Nigeria to Become Net Importer of Petroleum with Launch of Modular Refinery

    Nigeria to Become Net Importer of Petroleum with Launch of Modular Refinery

    President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday said the establishment of modular refineries in the country will make petroleum products available in the country and eliminate importation.

    The President spoke at the virtual inauguration of the 5,000 barrels per day Waltersmith modular refinery in Ibigwe, Imo State, as well as the Ground-Breaking Ceremony for the Phase-2 works to expand the capacity of the refinery to 50,000 barrels/day, Presidency spokesman, Femi Adesina said in a statement.

    President Buhari said the deployment of modular refineries was one of the four key elements of his administration’s Refinery Roadmap rolled out in 2018, adding that its implementation will make Nigeria a net exporter of petroleum products.

    He expressed delight that Waltersmith refinery in Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State was coming on stream within two years of the commencement of the Roadmap, after many years of granting licenses for the establishment of modular refineries with nothing to show for it.

    ”Furthermore, there is increased momentum in the other three focus areas under the Roadmap covering the Rehabilitation of existing refineries, Co-location of new refineries, and Construction of greenfield refineries.

    ”The realization of the Refinery Roadmap will ultimately lead us to becoming a net exporter of petroleum products not only to our neighbouring countries but to the worldwide market.

    ”This modular refinery is the largest commissioned modular refinery in the country today.

    ”The role played by the Federal Government through the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in going into collaboration with Waltersmith Refining and Petrochemical Company is novel in concept and superb in delivery,” he said.

    The President described plans to commence the expansion of the capacity of the refinery to 50,000 barrels per day to refine crude oil and condensates as an important part of economic reforms the country is undergoing.

    ”I look forward to seeing this new phase completed within the target timeframe,” he said.

    President Buhari, therefore, directed the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), NNPC, as well as all relevant Government Agencies to provide Waltersmith Company all the necessary support to access crude oil and condensate feedstock for the timely delivery of the additional capacity.

    In line with his administration’s agenda on jobs creation, the President said he was pleased to note that hundreds of direct and indirect jobs were created during the construction of the first phase of the project in addition to the various business opportunities.

    Equally, he expressed hope that the construction of the second phase of the project will create bigger additional employment opportunities.

    President Buhari thanked the local community and the people of Imo State for hosting the refinery, which, he stressed, will bring prosperity and economic development to the area.

    The President commended the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, the Chairman and members of the Governing Council, and the management and staff of the Nigerian Content Development Board for making the public-private partnership a success.

    He also commended the Chairman, Board, Management and Staff of Waltersmith Refining and Petrochemical Limited for their professionalism and focus in getting the project completed.

    Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and the Minister of State, Petroleum, cut the tape on behalf of the President at the event which was also attended by the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mele Kyari, the Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Wabote and the Chairman of WalterSmith, Abdulrazaq Isa.

  • Magu’s Troubles Likely Worsens as Buhari Receives Inquiry Report on Ex-EFCC Chairman

    Magu’s Troubles Likely Worsens as Buhari Receives Inquiry Report on Ex-EFCC Chairman

    No respite yet for the former Acting Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, as his case resurfaced again at the State House in Abuja.

    This time, it’s the submission of the voluminous report by the Justice Ayo Salami-led Judicial Commission of Inquiry on the Investigation of Magu to President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Inside sources alleged that the report has essentially exposed Magu and he may have a lot to explain in the coming days.

    Speaking while receiving the report from Salami, Buhari reiterated his desire to make Nigeria a country that has no tolerance for corruption.

    According to him, “Corruption is present in all countries. Some governments treat it with levity. Some fight it all the time. I want Nigeria to be counted among those countries that do not tolerate but fight corruption.”

    In order to protect Nigeria’s political and economic systems, and the continuous existence of the Nigerian state from the serious threat of corruption, the President called on all stakeholders, and indeed every Nigerian to own the fight against corruption at their respective levels.

    Buhari pedged that the fight against corruption is one that must be fought without fear or favour, expressing his gratitude to members of the commission for their dedication and commitment to the fight against corruption.

    “The sad reality confronting us as a people is that there is corruption almost everywhere; at many levels of government, and nearly every stratum of our society. Mindful of the threat that corruption poses to us as a nation, this administration has specifically focused on the fight against corruption.

    “As a government, and in furtherance of our anti-corruption programme, we have since inception engaged in many reforms in removing corruption including but not limited to the enforcement of Treasury Single Account (TSA), strict implementation of the Bank Verification Number Policy and signing unto the Open Government Partnership. A lot of efforts have gone into building and development of our anti-corruption institutions.

    “We have so far kept faith with our promise and shall remain committed until Nigeria triumphs over the evil of corruption, attain a prosperous economic status and surmounts her security challenges.

    “However, the stark reality of widespread corruption becomes poignant when allegations of corruption touches on the leadership of an institution set up by law to coordinate and enforce all economic and financial crimes. It is an abomination that strikes at the root, and undermines the government’s anti-corruption programme.

    “It was in response to the serious allegations against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission that I set up a panel headed by the Honourable Justice Isa Ayo Salami, retired President of the Court of Appeal, via an Instrument dated 3rd July 2020 pursuant to the Tribunals of Inquiry Act (Cap T21, LFN, 2004).

    “We recognise that there are more grounds to cover in the war against corruption, and we are prepared to go out to possess those lands by cutting off any stream that nourishes the seed of corruption and supports its growth.

    “Let it be known that in the fight against corruption, no one is too big to tackle, as no individual is bigger than the Nigerian state,” Buhari said.

    Also speaking at the brief event in Abuja, Salami said Magu and 113 witnesses appeared and testified before the commission, adding that 46 petitions and memoranda were presented by individuals and organisations with complaints against the suspended Acting Chairman, EFCC or both.

    Salami noted that the commission also embarked on a nationwide physical verification of recovered forfeited assets, comprising real estates, automobiles, vessels and non-cash assets.

    He commended the President for the initiative to dispose all forfeited assets “because of the poor condition of the assets we saw during our physical verification nationwide.”

    Noting that the four chairmen of EFCC since inception were from the police, the retired Justice of the Court of Appeal also recommended that in appointing a new chairman consideration should be given to candidates from other law enforcement or security agencies and core staff of the EFCC as provided in the EFCC establishment Act of 2004.

    He expressed profound gratitude to the President for giving the commission members a wonderful opportunity to serve the nation.

    Idowu Sowunmi