Politics

I’ll govern Nigeria like Yar’Adua-President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu

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President-elect Bola Tinubu says he will follow the good examples of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s when he assumes office from May 29.

Mr Tinubu, in a tribute to commemorate the 13th year of the former president’s demise, described the late president as a “friend and political associate” who Nigeria will never forget.

“May 5, 2010 may have long gone but, for some of us, the wound is still fresh. We remember the day as much as we remember the purposeful life lived by Mallam Umaru Yar’Adua.

“As I prepare to take the reins of leadership of this country on May 29, I am determined to follow the good examples set by leaders like Mallam Umaru Yar’Adua who showcased exceptional sense of propriety and selfless service to our dear country,” Mr Tinubu said.

“Rest on, dear brother. May your soul continue to find peace with your Maker, ameen”.

Mr Yar’Adua, a former Katsina governor between 1999 to 2007, succeeded former president Olusegun Obasanjo in office in May 2007.

His reign was cut short after he died in a Saudi Arabia hospital in May 2010. He had spent many months treating undisclosed hailment before his shocking demise.

Brought in via an election which he admitted was “flawed”, Mr Yar’Adua was hailed for initiating reforms in the electoral process.

He also saw to the dousing of the then-raging Niger Delta agitation which crippled the oil sector, the nation’s top earner.

Lifestyle, Politics

Fire guts EFCC office in Enugu

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A building belonging to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Enugu has been gutted by fire.

EFCC Head of Media, Wilson Uwujaren who confirmed this in a statement issued on Friday afternoon, May 5, said one of the buildings within the Zonal Command was consumed by the inferno. No life was lost during the incident.

Uwajuren said;

“The incident which occurred at about 12.30 am Friday, was triggered by a surge in public power supply.

“The ensuing inferno was later put out through the combined efforts of the Enugu State and Federal Fire Service.”

Politics

Adamawa REC granted bail

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Suspended Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Hudu Yunusa-Ari has been granted bail after coming under a police investigation for declaring Aisha Binani of the All Progressives Congress as winner of the governorship election of the state before the conclusion of the collation of results.

He was allowed to go home alongside two other Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) commissioners and another official who are also being interrogated.

Their release on administrative bail came with some conditions which include depositing their passports and restricting their movement within the Federal Capital Territory.

A senator reportedly stood as surety for Yunusa-Ari after he was interrogated for three days while in custody of the police.

The Nation reported that the Inspector-General of Police Alkali Baba personally interrogated the REC, the national commissioners and the others.

During the session, Yunusa-Ari, according to sources exchanged words with the INEC commissioners over claim that he fled and was incommunicado.

The interrogation session dwelt on allegations of bribing during the Aril 15 Supplementary election after which REC declared All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Ayisetu Dahiru Binani as governor-elect, which collation of results was going on in usurpation of the Returning Officer’s role.

A source told the publication;

“Our investigators have interacted with the REC, some INEC National Commissioners and other officials undergoing interrogation. We have asked the affected officials to submit their traveling documents.

“The REC promised to drop his passport at the Force Headquarters yesterday. And if it is necessary to arraign any of the officials after the conclusion of the ongoing investigation, it will be easier.

“In line with the law and international best practices, the police have granted bail to the REC, the National Commissioners and all officials under investigation. They have been released accordingly. The bail surety for the REC is a Senator.

“But all those quizzed got an advisory to limit their media visibility for unfettered investigation. With the involvement of the IGP and his management team, you can determine the commitment attached to this case. Granting bail will not hamper investigation.

“There were allegations and counter-allegations on nocturnal meetings, choice dinner and bribery scandal during the elections. Detectives will look into this dimension of influence peddling and bribery. The scope of investigation will be widened.“

Politics

We’ll make corruption unattractive, Tinubu assures Nigerians

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President-elect, Bola Tinubu, has said his incoming administration will put incentives and policies in place that will make corruption unattractive for judges and other Nigerian workers.

A statement by the Office of the President-elect signed by Abdulaziz Abdulaziz on Thursday quoted Mr Tinubu as making the pledge in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during the inauguration of the Magistrates Court complex.

The event was part of Mr Tinubu’s two-day visit to the state to inaugurate projects executed by the Nyesom Wike administration.

Mr Tinubu said with the right incentives that guarantee a conducive working atmosphere and policies that make it easy for workers to acquire credit facilities for essential needs the temptation for corruption would reduce.

“You don’t expect your judges to live in squalor, to operate in squalor and dispense justice in squalor. This is part of the changes that are necessary. We must fight corruption but we must definitely look at the other side of the coin.

“If you don’t want your judges to be corrupt you got to pay attention to their welfare. You don’t want them to operate in hazardous conditions,” he said.

The president-elect said lack of consumer credit which could make it easy for workers to acquire property such as houses and cars makes them susceptible to corruption.

“If you have consumer credit that will reduce the propensity for corruption. We don’t want our judges to play foul, to compromise justice. I promise we are going to review all of these in a policy think tank.”

Mr Tinubu also reiterated his commitment to the unity of Nigeria promising to be fair to all.

“The unity of this country is not negotiable. That is what Wike and I are promoting jointly. I promise I will be fair to all.”

Earlier, Governor Wike said the complex contained 24 courtrooms, offices and other facilities meant to decongest the state high court complex and expand access to justice.

He said his administration consider the welfare of judges and condition of courts essential for speedy justice dispensation.

Mr Wike charged the state Judiciary to ensure proper maintenance of the edifice for which financial provision had been made.

He once again thanked the President-elect for accepting to visit the state and commission the projects.

Politics

Governor Buni approves N765 million final payment for projects in 17 LGAs

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Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe has approved N765 million as final payment for work-plan-based projects across the 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Malam Ali Mustapha, disclosed this in a statement signed by Mr Alhassan Mamudo, the Information Officer of the ministry on Thursday in Damaturu.

He said that Mr Buni had approved the release of the money amounting to 40 per cent being the remaining balance.

Mr Mustapha said that the payment was done after 60 per cent completion of the work in the 2022 work and action plan.

The permanent secretary said that the total cost of the projects was N1.7 billion, adding that 60 per cent had since been paid.

He said that the projects are: Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), agricultural activities and health care services, among others.

“This was done after the committee on Local Governments’ budget for the year 2023 scrutinised and prioritised various developmental projects across the LGAs.

“While thanking the governor for graciously approving the fund, we are assuring that the ministry will monitor and supervise all the projects.

“This is to ensure the execution of qualitative projects as well as have value for money on the projects under reference,” he said.

Politics

EFCC and ICPC ask court to dismiss Keyamo’s suit seeking Atiku’s probe

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) have approached a federal high court in Abuja to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Festus Keyamo, Minister of State for Labour, seeking the probe and prosecution of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

Keyamo had filed a lawsuit seeking a court order for the law enforcement agencies to arrest the former vice president following an audio recording released by Michael Achimugu, Atiku’s former aide.

Achimugu had claimed that Atiku used shell organizations to divert public funds. However, ICPC and EFCC’s lawyers faulted the competence of the suit and prayed the court for its dismissal on grounds of not meeting the requirements of the law.

They argued that Keyamo should have first obtained the leave of the court in seeking to compel an agency of the government to act.

Atiku Abubakar’s lawyer who was also in court, faulted the competence of the suit and accused Keyamo of engaging in abuse of office.

Benson Igbanoi asked the court to decline jurisdiction among other grounds, that no cause of action was disclosed by the plaintiff. O. C. Uju, Keyamo’s lawyer, asked the court to dismiss the objections raised by the defendants and proceed to hear the case on merit.

Justice James Omotosho who presided over the case, adjourned till June 5 for ruling on the preliminary objections.

Politics

Presidential election tribunal commences hearing on May 8

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The Presidential Election Petitions Court has slated Monday, May 8, for the hearing of the petitions challenging the declaration of Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the President-elect.

This means the legal battle by candidates disputing the announced results would resume on that date.

According to Tinubu’s legal team, Monday’s hearing is a pre-hearing session. The hearing was set aside to cross-check if there are any applications before the main hearing will start.

The timetable for the hearing of substantive matters will be set after the pre-hearing.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, on March 1, declared Mr Tinubu the president-elect after his party scored the highest number of votes in the February 25th polls.

He had polled 8.8 million votes to defeat Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who scored 6.9 million, Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) who amassed 6.1 million, and 15 others.

Messrs Atiku and Obi have both disputed the results and filed separate petitions seeking orders to annul the election or declare them the winners of the polls.

Mr Atiku urged the court to cancel the election and order a fresh election due to alleged irregularities that marred the February 25 polls in thousands of polling units.

Mr Atiku and the PDP argued that as of March 1, when Mr Tinubu was declared the winner of the election, the entire results and accreditation data from polling units had not been transmitted and uploaded by INEC.

Peter Obi, in his petition, argued that the election was characterised by various irregularities, including the non-qualification of Mr Tinubu and his running mate, Kashim Shettima, to contest the election.

He also alleged that Mr Tinubu failed to win a majority of lawful votes and also one-quarter of lawful votes cast in the FCT.

The tribunal stopped receiving replies from the petitioners on April 23.

Politics

President-elect Tinubu urged to focus on electricity

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Association of Rural Electrification Contractors of Nigeria (ARECON) has urged President-elect Bola Tinubu to pay extra attention to electricity projects and challenges confronting the sector.

The association made the plea in a statement signed by ARECON’s spokesman, Rotimi Raheem, on Wednesday.

Mr Raheem dismissed reports of alleged misconduct of the managing director of Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Ahmad-Salihijo Ahmad, adding that allegations of conflict of interest were false.

He said since 2020, ARECON, under its present leadership, had approached the business of electrification differently through a five-year strategy document that had strengthened the internal working of REA.

Mr Raheem said ARECON had consistently been improving REA project delivery vehicles, saying that the agency was established to align with the federal government’s objectives on project delivery.

According to him, ARECON has consistently delivered to REA clean and sustainable energy infrastructure nationwide under the power ministry.

He said allegations of fraud and conflict of interest had recently been recounted against Mr Ahmad.

According to him, ARECON described these attempts as ploys by detractors to tarnish the image of the MD of REA.

He explained that the REA boss had also described as untrue and defamatory a petition written against him to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) by Donnington Nigeria Limited, accusing the REA chief of holding the position of a director in Velocity Logistics and Marine Services Ltd while equally serving as MD/CEO of the agency.

Mr Raheem said in 2022, REA officially hit and crossed the one million connection milestone by deploying a standalone solar home system for improved energy access across Nigeria.

He said the objective of SHS for households and MSMEs component of the Nigeria Economy Power (NEP) was to help millions of households and MSMEs access better energy services at affordable cost.

“The target beneficiaries are people in off-grid locations or underserved customers that have inefficient and unreliable energy access.

ARECON also believes that for the tempo to be sustained in the realisation of sustainable electricity across Nigeria, as REA continues its vision and mandate of universal access to affordable electricity, it is imperative for paid elements to abstain from false allegations against the MD of REA,” stated Mr Raheem.

Politics

APC dissociates self from Tinubu’s visit to Rivers

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has dissociated itself from the planned visit of President-Elect, Bola Tinubu to the state today May 3.

The state governor, Nyesom WIke on Tuesday, May 2, declared a public holiday in the state to give the residents of the state the opportunity to give Tinubu a rousing welcome.

In a statement on Tuesday, May 2, the spokesperson of APC in the state, Darlington Nwauju, described the visit as private and on the invitation of Governor Wike.

He added that the visit has nothing to do with the APC in the state.

“We challenge the Governor being an outgoing governor (Mr Wike) to play less divisive politics and exercise restraint in planting seeds of discord amongst opposition political parties.

We are aware that the governor has been working so hard to paint a false perception of the collapse of the APC structure in Rivers State even when he had in previous well-documented interviews vowed never to have anything to do with a “cancer party (APC),” Nwauju said Governor Wike who is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), fell out with leaders of his party and has been very cordial with Tinubu.

Politics

Nigeria worse off not having Osinbajo as president– Sanusi Lamido

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Former Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, says Nigeria is worse off not having the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo as the President of the country.

Sanusi stated this while speaking at a book launch titled:

“Osinbajo Strides: Defining Moments of an Innovative Leader,” on Monday, May 1.

According to the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Nigeria lost by not electing Osinbajo as its president and that failure of the political system to throw him up as president has made Nigeria worse off.

“And I dare say, we all agree that Nigeria is worse off for not having someone like him (Osinbajo) as president, but I do hope that he will be available to serve and to advise and to put in his best for the country and continue to do. So I’m sure he will, in whatever capacity he finds himself in the future, and maybe we’ll still be lucky to have him lead us at some point or take some leadership role as a statesman,” Sanusi said.

Recall that Osinbajo contested for the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential primaries in June 2022 against the President-elect, Bola Tinubu; former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; among others.

He however lost to Tinubu who emerged the party’s flagbearer and won the February 25th presidential election.

Politics

Abia state House of Assembly speaker impeached

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The Speaker of Abia Assembly, Hon Chinedum Orji, has been impeached by members of the state House of Assembly. Orji was impeached at about 9 am Tuesday, May 2.

About 18 of the 24-member House signed for the Speaker’s impeachment, while four refused to sign.

They include Ginger Onwusibe, Munachim Alozie, Solomon Akpulonu, and Kelechi Onuzuruike.

Orji’s removal followed a motion moved by Hon. Chukwudi Apugo (Umuahia East), and seconded by Hon. Okey Igwe (PDP, Umunneochi).

Meanwhile the police and other security agents have taken over the premises of the state Assembly to forestall any breakdown of law and other.

Politics

Ondo APC suspends 30 for anti-party activities

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has suspended 30 members in Akoko South East Local Government for alleged anti-party activities.

The party said the affected persons undermined its chances during the 2023 general election by working for opposition political parties.

The suspension was contained in a letter signed by the Secretary of Akoko South East Local Government, Mr. Segun Bakare. He said the suspension was first done at the wards before it was ratified at the local government level.

Some of those suspended include Ajayi Johnson (Angle), Amuleya Tolorunloju, Oripelaye Akeem, Bello Abiodun, Amodu Paul Bayo, Bello Soji, Ajowele Wahab, Oloruntobi Ojo, Obaya Adedayo, Ayara Dorcas, Adurewa Kayode, Femi Agbede, Dr. John Adanike, Ajibola Olorunyomi, Imoru Ibrahim, among others.

Politics

Akpabio Visits Buhari In Abuja

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Akwa Ibom State Senator-elect, Godswill Akpabio, visited the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), at the State House in Abuja on Sunday night.

Akpabio presented his certificate of return to the President during his visit.

The former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs is among those aspiring to be the Senate President in the 10th National Assembly.

Politics, World News

Ex-finance minister Peña wins Paraguay’s presidential election

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Santiago Peña, the governing conservative Colorado party candidate, has won the presidential election in Paraguay.

The 44-year-old had 42.8 per cent of votes, with nearly all ballots counted, the national electoral authority said on Sunday.

According to the electoral authority, Mr Peña, a former finance minister, had a 15-point lead over centre-left rival Efraín Alegre, 60, from the Concertacion coalition.

Over the past 76 years, Partido Colorado has lost just one election in the South American country – it was not in power from 2008 to 2013.

Five years ago, Alegre lost to Mario Abdo Benítez, the outgoing incumbent.

Abdo Benítez was not allowed to stand again for constitutional reasons – the president is only allowed one term.

Paraguay has almost seven million inhabitants and, along with Bolivia, is the only country in South America without access to the sea.

It’s main exports are soy, electricity and beef.

In addition to the president, the Senate, the Chamber of Deputies and governors were newly elected on Sunday.

According to the electoral authority, the Colorado party also appeared to have defended its majority in parliament.

Politics

My father will make Nigeria better-Tinubu’s son

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Seyi, son of President-elect, Bola Tinubu, has assured Nigerians of a better country and a renewed hope in the incoming administration.

He gave the assurance on Saturday in Abuja when he joined other supporters and admirers of his father at the Day 34 of the pre-inauguration hangout.

The daily pre-inauguration hangout which began on March 26, was organised by a political pressure group, Patriots in Defense of Democracy.

Mr Seyi, who arrived at the Unity Fountain, venue of the hangout along with his team, was ushered in with various scintillating cultural displays.

He appreciated all supporters present at the hangout and assured youths that the incoming administration would give priority to their needs in all areas, particularly in appointive positions.

The group’s convener, Mr Tosin Adeyanju, said the daily pre-inauguration hangout was in solidarity with the mandate freely given by Nigerians to Tinubu on Feb. 25.

He said the hangout was aimed at redirecting the ongoing narratives about the presidential election and the emergence of Mr Tinubu as the president-elect.

Mr Adeyanju said that the hangout would continue until May 29, when Mr Tinubu would be sworn in as the country’s 16th democratically elected president.

“The attendees had been here for 34 days now to chase out anti-democracy preachers as well as to stand on the mandate freely given to Mr Tinubu, the President-elect.

“We have had several events, including a medical outreach to bring health facility closer to the attendees as a way to adding colour to the hangout,” he said.

Mr Adeyanju said the hangout was being sustained by contributions from friends and Mr Tinubu’s well-wishers.

Politics

Kidnapped NPC commissioner freed

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The abducted Federal Commissioner of the National Population Commission (NPC) for Bayelsa State, Mrs Gloria Izonfuo, has been released after spending fice days in kidnappers’ den.

Recall that Izonfuo was on Sunday evening alongsidde her maid and driver at Ogbakiri junction on the East-West Road.

Spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, who confirmed her release said;

“Yes, she was released on Friday along with her driver and maid, and they have been reunited with their families.”

Iringe-Koko however declined to confirm whether or not any ransom was paid to secure Mrs Izonfuo’s release, adding;

“We’re still investigating with a view to apprehending the kidnappers.”

Politics

President Buhari rocks military uniform to attend Army Parade

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President Buhari attended the Nigerian Army Trooping and Presentation of Colours parade 2023 this morning April 27, dressed in a ceremonial military uniform.

President Buhari who is a retired Army general, arrived at Eagle Square, venue of the parade, at about 10:18am in accompany of his Chief of Staff, Prof Ibrahim Gambari.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor; the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, Inspector-General of Police Usman Baba; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao; Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, Senate President Ahmad Lawanwere in attendance.

Also in attendance are former were former Nigerian leaders Yakubu Gowon and Goodluck Jonathan.

Politics

Supreme Court approves FG’s request to file more grounds in appeal against Nnamdi Kanu

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The Supreme Court has granted leave to the Federal Government to bring nine new grounds of appeal against the release of pro-Biafra agitator, Nnamdi Kanu.

The ruling was given on Thursday, April 27, by a five-member panel led by Justice John Okoro, following a motion by the counsel to the Federal Government, Mister Tijani Gadzali.

The Federal Government is also allowed to include these nine new grounds as part of its amended notice of appeal dated 28th October 2022.

During the resumed hearing today, counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, Mike Ozekhome, informed the court of his motions seeking for bail of his client and another seeking for his transfer to the Kuje Correctional Facility to get proper medical attention citing his failing health at the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

He stated that Kanu is seriously ill and needs medical attention he can’t get at Kuje prison.

Further hearing on the case has been adjourned till May 11.

Politics

Buhari is not aware of promises made to Nigerians by support groups in 2015 – Femi Adesina

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President Muhammadu Buhari’s spokesperson, Femi Adesina has said that his principal is not aware of some of the promises made by some support groups to get him elected in 2015.

Commenting on some of the promises made during the 2015 campaign during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, April 27, Adesina insisted that what happened in 2015 was that there was a rash of documents passing off as the All Progressives Party manifesto.

He said;

“What happened in 2015 was that there was a rash of documents passing off as the party’s manifesto.

“You didn’t know which one was from the party or a support group. For instance, there was a document, ‘100 things Buhari will do in 100 days’. It was when I resumed as his media adviser that I asked him about that document and he knew nothing about it.

“I’m not strictly a party person, so I do not know if some promises are part of the manifesto. But I know that each party would have promises before being elected into power and whoever is elected to power must key into those promises.

“What I’m telling you is that as at 2015, there were various types of documents which even the party didn’t know because there were many support groups who came out with their own promises.”

Adesina added that Buhari couldn’t fulfill some of his pre-election pledge due to sad economic realities.

He said;

“A country can only spend the money it has, it can’t spend the money it doesn’t have. When the realities of the economy change, you have to adjust and do what you are able to do according to the realities of the economy.”

Business, Lifestyle, Politics

Aisha Buhari seeks investment in cardiovascular diseases treatment, prevention

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Aisha Buhari, Nigeria’s first lady, has called for adequate investment in the country’s treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Mr Buhari made the call on Wednesday when she received the beneficiaries of her free cardiovascular (heart) surgery at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The beneficiaries were at the Villa on a thank-you visit to the first lady for her assistance.

The first lady also expressed her desire to continue collaborating with other health sector development partners toward providing the necessary care to children of underprivileged families in Nigeria.

“Through my Aisha Buhari Foundation and the Future Assured, an idea was conceived to partner with other international heart surgeons from Italy to undertake free heart surgeries for Nigerians in need of such services,” Ms Buhari stated.

The first lady added;

“The mission was deliberate to provide medical care to the needy, especially children with critical heart conditions, and today we are able to celebrate with the beneficiaries after a successful operation.”

The chief medical director of the Federal Medical Centre Jabi, Sa’ad Ahmed, commended the first lady for a partnership with the Italian surgeons.

According to Mr Ahmed, the beneficiaries would have found it difficult to cope with the conditions without the intervention of the first lady.

A beneficiary, Murtala Dodo, lauded the first lady for resuscitating his life after battling the disease for a long time.

Ms Buhari had, on January 24, invited a team of cardiac surgeons from Italy to offer free heart surgery for less-privileged children in Nigeria

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