Lifestyle

Eid-el-Kabir: Buhari, Tinubu, Atiku task Nigerians on sacrifice

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As Muslims celebrate Eid-el Kabir, the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) arrived in Daura, Katsina State to celebrate the Sallah holiday. Meanwhile, the President; Senate President Ahmed Lawan; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other Federal Government dignitaries have congratulated Nigerians on the Sallah celebrations.

In a similar vein, presidential candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, and the main opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, felicitated Nigerians, urging Muslims and Nigerians to live exemplary and peaceful lives with one another according to the dictates of Islam.

Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State and Nyesom Wike of Rivers State also called on Nigerians to use the opportunity to imbibe and demonstrate the values of peace, love and sacrifice that the celebration embodies.

The leaders also prayed for peace, unity and prosperity of the country during the festivities, while lamenting the spate of violence perpetrated in recent times.

They also prayed for the safety of security agencies who are fighting against bandits and non-state actors to preserve the sovereignty of the nation.

Lawan said the ninth National Assembly would continue to work assiduously and collaborate with the other arms of government towards stabilising the security and economy of the country to the relief of all Nigerians.

He said, “Since the inauguration of the ninth Assembly in 2019, we have enacted a good number of quality legislations to improve the security situation and boost the economy.

“We know that more needs to be done to overcome the challenges. The government is not relenting in addressing the challenges and we are confident they will soon become history.

“As we approach another election year, I earnestly urge Nigerians to look to the future with hope. We will continue to play our roles as a government and count on the prayers and support of the people.”

In a similar vein, Gbajabiamila; the deputy speaker, Idris Wase; and the minority caucus also rejoiced with Muslims, while calling for prayers, unity and patriotism.

Gbajabiamila, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi said, “At times like this, the speaker said it is incumbent on the people to be united as one people to face the challenges confronting the country. The speaker is optimistic that with prayers, Nigeria will overcome her challenges, while calling for special prayers for the peaceful conduct of the 2023 general elections.”

Wase, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Umar Puma, called on Muslims to use the holiday to offer prayers for the unity and progress of the country in the face of the current economic and security challenges.

Similarly, Tinubu, and his wife, Oluremi, in separate statements urged Muslims faithful to embrace peace, unity, tolerance and justice as they celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir.

Tinubu in his statement on Friday stated that the significance of the holiday should not be neglected.

The former Lagos State governor further described the increase in violent attacks as “most troubling” stating that the perpetrators of “such inhumanity do so in opposition to Islam and all that it means.”

His wife urged Nigerians not to give up on the unity of the country. She stated, “As we collectively confront our challenges as a nation and build a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria, by acknowledging God’s supremacy, genuine love and respect for one another, I enjoin us to remain steadfast to the cause of a united Nigeria.”

Atiku also urged the current regime to show love to the people, in the spirit of the Eid-el-Kabir by prioritising the needs of the citizens and discharging its responsibilities. While praying for the peace of the nation, he urged Nigerians to work hard for the “unity of all peoples, tribes, and faiths in the country.

He said in a statement, “I wish to also task the government at all levels to play its constitutional role, by being upright and dutiful and prioritise the needs of the people they have taken an oath to serve. The unity, security and development of our country are sacrosanct.

“The expression of love and sacrifice symbolised by the Eid-el-Kabir celebration has a strong effect on the relationship between the government and the governed. It is incumbent on the government to optimally discharge its responsibilities to the people. It is only when this is done that there can be love between the government and the governed.

“As stakeholders, the citizens too should take a lesson from the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir by being up and doing in their civic responsibilities.

“As we inch towards the deadline on the ongoing voter registration exercise, the people must ensure that they play their roles by not just getting their permanent voter cards, but casting their votes for the best candidates in the elections next year.

“Above all, I pray for peace during and after the Eid celebration even as I task Nigerians to work even harder in ensuring unity of all peoples, tribes and faiths in the country.”

Meanwhile, a former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, congratulated Muslims and other faithful on this year’s Eid-el-Kabir. While urging them to remember those whose movement had been restricted by the activities of non-state actors when they converge on different grounds to worship Allah, he urged Nigerians and Muslim clergies to pray for peace, security, unity and prosperity of the country.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki urged Muslims to demonstrate in their daily activities the values of the celebration which are “obedience to Allah, genuine sacrifice to and faith in their creator.” He also urged Nigerians to pray for God’s guidance in the choice of visionary leaders in the forthcoming elections.

The statement read in part, “As we get ready to go to the polls next year to elect new leaders, we should pray for the guidance of Allah in doing what is right and working honestly for the elections to produce leaders whose policies, programmes, and projects will restore unity, peace, stability, prosperity, inclusivity, justice, equity and patriotism in our country.”

The governor of Lagos State also felicitated Muslims as he urged Nigerians to make sacrifices for the  development of the country.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, the governor called on Lagos residents to draw lessons from the Prophet’s examples by avoiding any action that could disturb the peace, unity, and stability of the country.

The statement read in part, “This symbolic Islamic festival is a reminder to us that there will always be great rewards when we have abiding faith and patience in trying periods; persistence in prayers and tenacity in our beliefs. It also reminds us of the sacrifice we are expected to make not only for spiritual fulfillment but also for the progress of mankind and development of our society.”

Also, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, pledged that the Assembly would continue to come up with bills to protect the lives and property of residents of the state.

The speaker, in  a statement, said, “Concerning the safety of lives and property, Lagos remains a shining light; a good example of a government that works for its people. With all the arms of the government working together, we have achieved greater feats in the area of security.

“Your representatives at the Assembly have never shied away from the task of making our dear state attractive and better for its residents. We have made laws and passed resolutions that have helped in this regard,” he said.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has also felicitated Muslim faithful in the state over the celebration, with the call on them to celebrate with moderation.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, he stated, “As we know that the country is being confronted with challenges, particularly security, I want to enjoin our Muslim brothers to celebrate with moderation. As Islam preaches, they should also remember the poor and share the merry with them.

“Similarly, the festival must be used to invoke Allah’s mercy on our country, state and homes, especially at this period our nation is faced with banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and insurgency.”

Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, also urged Muslims to use the occasion to offer prayers for sustained development, peace and unity, as the state prepares for its governorship election.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, the governor said, “Therefore, as Muslims, we must always exhibit the act of genuine sacrifice and submission to the will of Allah which are the major lessons of this festival. We must endeavour to make sacrifices for ourselves, our families, our neighbours, our state, and our country.

“As a government, we have done everything possible to ensure a credible and peaceful exercise come July 16, 2022. I reassure you that I will continue to work for the socio-economic development and prosperity of our dear State.”

The Kwara State governor, who congratulated the Muslim community on the dawn of Arafah Day as well as the Eid-el-Adha, said the two occasions offered the faithful another rare opportunity to seek God’s bounties as well as bond with one another in an atmosphere of love and unity.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor specifically congratulated the pilgrims from Kwara State and Nigeria as they reached an important milestone of the spiritual journey to Mecca, tasking them and citizens back home to take advantage of the moment to beseech Allah for His continuous mercies on the state, Nigeria, and humanity as a whole.

“Similarly, I appeal to our compatriots to imbibe the lessons of Eid-el-Adha as exemplified by Prophets Abraham and Muhammad, which are patience, sacrifice, faith in God, resilience in good causes, and selfless service to God and humanity. In this wise, nothing is too big to give for collective security, peace and progress of our state and Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, Obaseki in a statement said, “I felicitate our Muslim brothers and sisters on the celebration of the Eid-el-Kabir. As we join our Muslim faithful to mark this auspicious celebration, I urge everyone to imbibe the lesson of sacrifice that it symbolises. Beyond personal convictions, we all have a deeper and greater responsibility to God and humanity.

 “Eid-el-Kabir offers us another opportunity to rededicate ourselves to our beneficent creator, and reinforces the virtues of patience, tolerance, and love.”

“These times demand that in our struggle to build a better nation, we are united and join hands across ethno-religious inclinations to work for our collective progress.”

Also, Wike has sued for peace, saying it is key to enhancing stability and the growth of the country.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kelvin Ebiri, he congratulated Muslims and prayed for peace and wisdom in solving the challenges facing the nation, especially insecurity.

The governor promised that the State will continue to protect the rights of every citizen in the state and guarantee the freedom of worship and association as enshrined in the constitution.

Operatives deploy officers

State police commands have assured citizens to go about the Eid-el Kabir celebrations without fear. While it felicitate residents, it said it had deployed adequate operatives, tactical squads, and DPOs to all the nooks and crannies of the state, including vulnerable and crime-prone areas, to ensure the safety of lives and property.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Abiodun Alabi, in a statement on Friday, by the command’s spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, directed all Area Commanders, DPOs, Tactical Commanders and Intelligence Officers to ensure that all areas were well covered.

Similarly, the Edo State Police Command has deployed 3,426 personnel to provide security and maintain traffic during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

In a statement issued on Friday by its Deputy Public Relations Officer, ASP Jennifer Iwegbu, the command said, “In the light of the above, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abutu Yaro, has deployed 3,426 Police and traffic personnel in an effort targeted at decimating crimes and criminality as well as improving the security of lives and property during and after the celebration.”

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Ari Muhammed, has warned ‘mischief makers’ to steer clear of the state, noting that they would be decisively dealt with during the Eid el-Kabir celebration.

In a statement by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Edafe Bright, Muhammed said, “The CP warns cultists and mischief makers to steer clear as the command will deal decisively with anybody who is found wanting.”

Meanwhile, the Commander, Ekiti Amotekun Corps, Brig. Gen. Joe Komolafe (retd.), said on Friday that operatives of the security agency had stepped up patrol of roads in the state. He said they had also put in place necessary security arrangements ahead of the Eid-el Kabir celebrations.

Komolafe said, “Nobody should entertain fear; we will be on the highways and patrol the Eid grounds to see that we are close to the places and after the exercise, everybody can go home and enjoy the celebration. We are networking, we are having 24 hours patrol to ensure that Ekiti is safe,” he said.

In a similar vein, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Federal Capital Territory, Babaji Sunday, has directed worshippers to park their vehicles 200 metres away from the Eid prayer ground located on Airport Road in Abuja.

In a statement by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Josephine Adeh, on Friday in Abuja, said, “No vehicle will be permitted to park 200 meters close to praying grounds in all praying ground within the FCT.”

While assuring the residents that tactical and intelligence assets had been strategically deployed, he said, “Worshipers and residents are, therefore, advised to cooperate with Police officers, deployed strictly for enforcement.”

The Yobe State Commissioner of Police, Haruna Garba, has promised a hitch-free celebration in the state.

He said the state command would continue to sustain ongoing efforts in the fight against crime and criminality before, during and after the festivities.

Politics

Terrorist attacks: We’ll hold Buhari accountable, I’m pained – Ndume

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Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South Senatorial District has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to start taking responsibilities and act like Commander-in-Chief over the terrorist attacks happening on a daily basis in almost every part of the country.

According to him, it is the responsibility of the President to address Nigerians and not his advisers releasing statements after every attack.

Featuring on Channels Television on Thursday evening, Ndume said he was totally disappointed with the response coming from political leaders who should be ordinarily responsible for the lives and well-being of Nigerians.

Ndume said he feels pained to be called a Senator because most of them were almost helpless in the current situation and were like mere observers.

Asked whose responsibility it is to brief Nigerians after such fatal attacks on citizens, Ndume said, “the service chiefs are there, the NSA is there and the President is there.

“This is not a State matter but if it was in the State, the State Governors should be doing that. You see it happening everywhere. You see it happening everywhere.

“Honestly, we’re in trouble. Don’t take these things lightly. I’m worried…we should be talking about how to address this matter and what citizens need to do…I’m really disappointed with the response of so many leaders.

“And it’s our responsibility. The responsibility of the government is security and welfare of its citizens and then you have leaders responding as if it is a casual thing and not their responsibility.

“It is our responsibility. I feel pained to be called a Senator and almost like helpless- most of us are like that- sitting down as observers.”

On how he’ll fix the current security situations, Ndume added, “I’ll call the security Chiefs to brief me properly, then I’ll brief the nation on what is going on, sharing with them what needs to be shared without compromising the security situation.

“The President or whoever is in charge is supposed to sit some people down and get results, not just making statements. I’ve said it before, when it comes to issues like this, it is the President who is supposed to be addressing Nigerians, not some advisers.

“The President should be taking responsibility. He is the President! You see, religiously, by the time you ask people to elect you as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, anything that happens to any Nigerian, we’ll hold you accountable for it “

Politics

Sack Aregbesola now over repeated jailbreaks, HURIWA urges Buhari

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Civil rights advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, has said the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, must be sacked with immediate effect over his failure to put an end to the incessant attacks on prisons in the country.

HURIWA’s position was contained in a statement on Thursday signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, where it condemned the jailbreaks under Aregbesola’s watch.

The group stated that, in the last five years, there have been over 15 jailbreaks under the former Osun State governor while over 3,000 inmates have escaped from custody.

The PUNCH had reported that terrorists attacked the Kuje Correctional Centre on Tuesday night, heavily armed with explosives, which led to the loss of lives.

During the attack, the terrorists reportedly freed over 600 inmates, including 64 suspected Boko Haram members who were held in custody.

HURIWA also urged the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), to quit asking rhetorical questions on how the intelligence system of the country failed to detect Tuesday’s attack at Kuje prison in Abuja on social media.

The group demanded the President immediately set up a judicial panel of inquiry on prison attacks in the country and ensure that such assaults on the entire security apparatus of Nigeria do not recur.

The statement reads in part, “The spate of jailbreaks under President Muhammadu Buhari and Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, is alarming and condemnable. Even under then-President Goodluck Jonathan, who had no military experience or background, jailbreaks weren’t as rampant as what Nigerians see these days.

“The frequent and recurring jailbreaks show the inefficiency of all those President Buhari appointed into office and his unwillingness to sack them show also that the President tacitly want the situation to continue to fester.

“HURIWA demands the sacking of the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; and his Defence counterpart, Bashir Magashi; for perpetual incompetence. We also call for a broad-based judicial panel of inquiry on prison breaks in Nigeria to be constituted.”

Politics

Buhari Moves To Halt APC 22 Senators’ Defection As Defeated Aspirants Storm Aso Rock

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President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday moved to stem the exodus of Senators from the All Progressives Congress (APC) following their inability to get return tickets to the National Assembly.

Meeting with some of them including Senator Smart Adeyemi who was led by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to his office at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, he noted their concerns about the future of the ruling party but praised their effort to find a solution.

The President assured them that as the leader of the party, one of his roles is to create an environment for members to vent their grievances.

He said he had noted their concerns over the outcomes of the just concluded party primaries, the threat to the majority held by the APC in the National Assembly and its likely consequences to the fortunes of the party.

While pointing out that there must be a winner and loser in every contest, he revealed that he had been inundated with complaints about the primaries, assuring that he would continue to address the challenges through the party machinery.

He urged party members to exercise restraint, promising that justice would be done.

The President said: “I thank you for the decision to approach me with your concerns over the future of the party and for pursuing a solutions approach for the challenges thrown up by the recent election-related activities, particularly the Primaries.

“As the leader of the party, one of my primary roles is to ensure that our culture of internal democracy and dispute resolution is strengthened by creating the opportunity for members to ventilate their opinions, views and grievances at different levels.

“Notwithstanding the fact that we have accomplished 23 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, our journey is still in a nascent stage and we continue to learn from our challenges and mistakes.

“Similarly our party is still evolving in its culture and practice and it is my expectations and hope that we should attain a mature level in our internal conduct.

“I have noted your grievances particularly as it concerns the just concluded processes. The cost to the nation, the threat to the majority of positions held by our party in the legislative chambers and likely consequent causes to the electoral fortune of the party as we approach the General elections. We must not allow these dire threats to come to pass.

“I must acknowledge that in every contest there must be a level playing ground, just as there would be grievances at the end. That is the test of our democratic credentials, systems and practices.

“I have since the conclusion of the process been inundated with various reports and complaints. In keeping with our ethos therefore I shall continue to address the insuring challenges and grievances through the party machinery while paying keen attention to the outcomes.

“I must also remind you of the primary primacy of justice in all our actions if Justice is denied its outcome is usually unpleasant, this is because you the members keep the party running. I should add that as part of the policy of using the party machinery for effective resolutions of conflict, the chairman and some members of the national working committee visited the National Assembly recently to dialogue with our legislators.

“The leadership of the party is currently addressing the outcomes as part of the way forward. I am encouraging all party functionaries to adhere to the truth and to be fair to all parties in any dispute. This is important because our strength and victory in the election lie in the unity of the party in our ability to prevent or heal any injustice perceived unread.

“I urge you and all party members to exercise restraint and continue to demonstrate commitment to the ideals while we continue to build and develop the party and the country.

“Finally, Let me assure you that Justice shall prevail, aggrieved members shall be assuaged in the interest of the party and the nation shall be protected.’

In his remarks, the leader of the delegation, Chief Whip of the Senate, Sen. Kalu, said at least 22 senators and members of the party were unhappy with the outcome of the primaries in their states, noting that they felt disenfranchised by the process.

He said the legislators had made sacrifices for the growth of the party and democracy in the country, asking for the President’s kind intervention.

“Mr President, in the Senate we have worked hard and consistently sold your programmes beyond party lines. Be assured always of our support,” he added.

Lifestyle, World News

Lifeless body of a young woman who is yet to be identified has been found in Kubwa, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

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Lifeless body of a young woman who is yet to be identified has been found in Kubwa, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

A heartbreaking pictures revealed that the young woman was butchered and dumped among refuse waste.

Details of the incident are still sketchy but residents of the area said they don’t know who dumped the body.

The body was discovered in the early hours of today, June 20, one of the eyewitnesses said, adding that the young lady might be a prostitute.

The eyewitness also suggested that the young woman might be used for rituals by one of her customers.

Beware of graphic content, see more pictures below…

Lifestyle, World News

I want new tanker and not national honour – Man who drove a tanker of fire and saved a Delta community from explosion says.

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Ejiro Otarigho, the driver who drove a burning fuel tanker away from a community in Delta state has disclosed that he needs a new vehicle. 
 
Speaking after the senate asked President Buhari to confer him with a “befitting national honour as he may deem fit for his extraordinary act of bravery, courage and skill that prevented the loss of human lives and property on a massive scale”, Ejiro said it’s not been easy since losing the tanker as it was the only way he fed. 

 
He also told Punch that the thought of hundreds of lives and property engulfing in flames as a result of the tanker fire, gave him the spunk to drive the truck to a location where there will be no disaster.
 
Ejiro said; 
 

“I have received calls from them (Delta state government) but I am not interested in any national honour of any sort right now.

“I know God has brought me to a good place where my story is now being told. All I want is a replacement for my burnt tanker so I can go back to my job.
“I have just been at home and truck driving was the only way I fed. It has not been easy for me since I lost my tanker.”

 
When asked if he would like to get a new job and abandon the dangerous business of tanker driving, he said;
 

“of course, I will. It is a risky job.
“Imagine if I had died that day, nothing would have been said of me. If the government has something better for me, I will do it without looking back. All I want is to be able to take care of myself and my family legitimately.”

Politics

Muslim-Muslim ticket: CAN, others warn parties as Buhari meets govs, PDP names Atiku’s VP Thursday

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• Muslim-Muslim ticket dangerous, declaration of war, CAN warns parties, vows stiff resistance

Groups including the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Catholic Society of Nigeria have warned political parties against fielding a Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2023 presidential election.

They gave the warning as the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), the All Progressives Congress governors and the party’s presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday intensified moves to pick Tinubu’s running mate ahead of Friday’s deadline by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Groups campaigning for Tinubu told The PUNCH that what mattered was a responsive and responsible government, not religion.

Since the  emergence of Tinubu, a southern Muslim, there has been controversy over his running mate for the 2023 presidential election with CAN insisting that a Muslim-Muslim ticket was a recipe for crisis.

But the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in an interview with Channels Television on Sunday, said competence not religion should be considered when picking a running mate.

CAN,  in an open letter addressed to all political parties on Tuesday said it would take a Muslim-Muslim ticket as a declaration of war and would mobilise against political parties that adopted it.

The religious body in the letter advised politicians not to sow seeds of religious conflicts among Nigerians.

The letter which was signed by the national secretary of the association, Joseph Daramola was addressed to the chairmen of all political parties in Nigeria.

He stated that although there were reports of corruption at presidential primaries, it was a big relief that generally the activities were largely peaceful.

According to him, although it is the responsibility of political parties to pick their candidates, there is the need to strike a balance,” to guarantee that the nation enjoys peace and security after elections.

“As the umbrella body of Christians in Nigeria, we call on all the presidential candidates to choose men or women of alternative religion as their running mates. For avoidance of doubt, the CAN will not accept any presidential ticket that is Christian-Christian or Muslim- Muslim.

“This simply means that where the presidential candidate of the party is a Christian, the deputy should be a Muslim; and where the presidential candidate is a Muslim, the deputy should be a Christian.

“There should not situation where the presidential ticket of a political party in Nigeria, whether a major or minor party, will be two Christians as presidential candidate and running mate, or two Muslims as presidential candidate and running mate. All within us as Nigerians must be done to douse religious and ethnic tensions in the land.

“This minimum requirement for a valid presidential ticket in the Nigeria of today is that it is religiously diverse. With the crisis of religious fundamentalism and its mainstreaming into policymaking and administrative actions in Nigeria today, anything short of a Christian-Muslim or Muslim-Christian ticket is an undisguised effort to nurture religious conflicts and destabilize the country.”

Daramola added that in view of  growing religiously motivated terrorism, including   the recent attack in a church in Owo, Ondo State,  “any plot to have both the President and Vice President come from the same religion is a deliberate effort to ignite the fire of religious warfare in Nigeria.

“The weaponisation of religious difference in the recent past as never before is a cause for concern and a sufficient reason for those of us who do not want this nation to go into avoidable crisis to cry out now. It will be plain disrespect for diverse religious communities in Nigeria for any party to go against common sense to foist a single religious ticket in a religious plural country with serious problems of religious extremism and violence on Nigerians. No party in Nigeria can deny the existence of credible men and women from both Islam and Christianity that can be their Presidential and running mate.

“Whereas CAN is not a partisan organisation and does not involve itself with the process of partisan politics, it has a responsibility to defend the religious freedom of Nigerian citizens, whether Christians or not. CAN has a responsibility to speak out and mobilize civic action against threats to the unity, peace and security of the Nigerian state.

“Therefore, we give notice to all political parties that we will protect the religious diversity of the Nigerian state and will “mobilize politically against any political party that sows the seed of religious conflict by presenting to Nigeria a presidential ticket that is Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christian.

“We will consider such action as a declaration of war against the freedom of religion, the peace and security of the Nigerian state. We will consider such insensitive action as evidence of a deliberate action to plunge the country further into religious violence and extremism and destroy the foundations of the continuation of the Nigerian state.

“As the presidential candidates prepare to nominate their running mates, we sound the note of warning,  through this letter, that only a diversified presidential ticket will be acceptable to Nigeria in line with the constitutional requirement of power sharing and the responsibility of sensitivity to Nigeria’s deep religious diversity.

“We pray that God will give the political elites the wisdom to seek peace and prosperity for the mistreated citizens of Nigeria and avoid the path of provocations that lead to violent conflict. May God guide our leaders to become statesmen and women who are dedicated to the promotion of the common good and not the mindless pursuit of destructive selfishness.”

Also, a group, the Oodua Youth Parliament,  called on Tinubu to pick a northern Christian..

It  said  picking a Christian running mate from the Northern part of the country would give Tinubu and the APC  the desired victory.

This was contained in a statement issued by the leader of the group Abdulmojeed Oyeniyi, on Tuesday.

Northern Christians and pastors under the aegis of Arewa Christians and Indigenous Pastors Association warned against the imposition of a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

The group,  in a statement by the chairman, Rev. Shehu Luke, stated, “The ACIPA has observed with sadness the hijack of Nigeria’s political process and perhaps our future by a few money bag politicians with the tacit conspiracy of some of our legislatures and the Presidency.

“While the recently concluded primary elections of the major political parties have a public semblance of transparency, it is obvious that there was a covert inducement of delegates through a well orchestrated machinery which influenced.”

“Competence matters’

In its reaction, the Director of Publicity, Tinubu Support Organisation, Ekiti State, Abiodun Alonge, in an interview with The PUNCH, said what mattered to Nigerians was a government that could deliver the greatest good for the greatest number of the people and not whether the president and vice president belonged to same religion or not.

Alonge said, “The issue of Muslim-Muslim ticket or Christian-Christian ticket for Nigerians as of now is a non-issue. Hunger has no religion, poverty has no religion. If a Muslim is the President of Nigeria and a Muslim is the Vice President, as long as there is good healthcare, good education, jobs and our students are in the school uninterrupted by strikes for four years, no one will say it because Muslims are in power. The same thing if a Christian is President and a Christian is vice president.”

When asked for his take on Muslim-Muslim, the leader of the Grassroots Network for Asiwaju Tinubu group, Mr Abiodun Mafe, said he was concerned about the competence and capability of the person who will fill the vice president slot of the party.

On its part, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria in a statement on Tuesday warned political parties against the imposition of a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

The statement which was signed by the Secretary General of the CSN, Very Rev. Fr. Zacharia Nyantiso Samjumi​​, said, “Ordinarily, there would have been nothing wrong with a Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christian ticket in a democratic dispensation if there is mutual trust and respect for the human person and where the overriding desire for seeking political office is the fostering of the common good. But one cannot really say so of our country at the moment.

“The present glaring crisis and division in the nation, a Muslim-Muslim ticket would be most insensitive and a tacit endorsement of the negative voices of many non-state actors who have been threatening this nation’s unity and peaceful coexistence without an arrest.”

Also, youths in the APC, under the aegis, of  the APC Youth Progressive Forum, at a press conference in Bauchi on Tuesday  rejected the Muslim/Muslim.

They therefore, called on the presidential candidate of the APC to pick a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara as his running mate.

The National Chairman of the group, Ukkasha Hamza Rahama, said the choice of Dogara,  would douse tensions in the country.

Buhari, govs

Meanwhile, Buhari on Tuesday met behind closed doors with the APC governors at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Although the governors declined to speak with the media after the meeting, it is believed to be in  connection with last-minute hunting for a running mate for the party’s standard bearer, Bola Tinubu.

Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State, led the governors to the meeting.

Attending the Villa meeting were the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; governors Babagana Zulum of Borno, Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna, Mohammed Abubakar of Jigawa, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, Simon Lalong of Plateau, Yahaya Bello of Kogi,  and Hope Uzodinma of Imo.

Constitution doesn’t stipulate religion as a criterion for choosing VP, says Gov Uzodimma

Meanwhile, the Imo State Governor,  Hope Uzodimma, has said the constitution of the country  does not recognise religion as a factor for picking a running mate.

The governor stated this in an interview with the state House correspondents after a meeting with the President.

He said, “There is nowhere in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria where religion is a factor or characteristic as to who becomes the president or who becomes the running mate.

“But we are looking for a united Nigeria, where governance will be the issue, where a president would be adjudged by his capacity to deliver democratic dividends, and develop Nigeria to look like other parts of the Western world where democracy is working.

“The decision also to choose a running mate does not reside with any of us, the governors. It is the presidential candidate that will look at the local characteristics and every factor—political and apolitical—that will make him win his election and take the decision. So, it’s not a decision that we will sit here and take for the candidate.”

Noting that running mates are not elected at primary elections, the governor warned about the danger of divisiveness when picking one.

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party will on Thursday announce the running mate to its presidential candidate, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

The party’s National Chairman,  Iyiochia Ayu, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja before the commencement of a committee saddled with the responsibility of picking the vice-presidential candidate.

The PUNCH  had on Friday reported that the PDP had constituted a committee consisting representatives of of the National Working Committee and the Board of Trustees members as well as former governors with the mandate of picking its vice-presidential candidate.

According to the report, those who are lobbying for the slot include the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and his Delta State counterpart, Ifeanyi Okowa.

At the committee meeting on Tuesday, Ayu said the running mate would be unveiled in the next 48 hours.

He explained that the meeting was in furtherance of consultations aimed at arriving at a choice which Nigerians would be glad to elect into office.

Ayu said, “The presidential candidate of our party would have been here, but this morning he suddenly dashed somewhere. He apologised and if he comes early, he will join us. But we will go ahead with the assignment he has given us.

“The candidate wrote to us, as the administrative arm of the party, on the choice of his running mate.

“Various organs of the party are well represented in his committee —NWC, Governors Forum, National Assembly, former governors which have put forward their candidate

“This deliberation will be chaired by my able Deputy, Ambassador Umaru Damagum

“I wish you a successful deliberation and I hope you come up with a conclusion between tomorrow and Friday.

“Our presidential candidate, this time, has decided to carry everybody along unlike 2019 when he didn’t consult widely in his choice of running mate.

The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Aminu Tambuwal; Bauchi State Governor,  Bala Mohammed; Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom; former Senate President, David Mark; former Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko; former Cross River State Governor, Liyel Imoke, and Senator Philip Aduda.

A  Senior Special Assistant to Tambuwal, who is also a member of the special convention of the party,  Yusuf Dingyadi,  said the governor had no candidate  for the  VP slot.

He said, “The party is looking for a vice presidential candidate who is loyal, acceptable, committed and no one is committed rather than those who has suffer for the party.

“This advisory committee, when they finished, they will submit their report of whom they choose to the national chairman who will in turn forward same to the presidential candidate.

“The PDP is not going to choose anybody because of injustice or because we are afraid of election. Our party is going to win 2023 election by God’s grace.

“We are going to bring to Nigerians, the best team, those who understand problems ad can solve it and not those ran away from people.

“We are also not concerned about the problem of APC, concerning Muslim-Muslim tickets, we don’t look at religion but rather looking at making Nigeria to be united” he added”

He said advisory committee is made up of Governors, former Governors, former principal members of the national assembly, former ambassadors among others under the chairmanship of Ambassador Illiya Damagum, the deputy national chairman North.

When contacted, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, said, “The word Advisory Committee is impressive, when it is an advisory committee it means it has to report to other bodies. Will it be wise for me to make comment on an advisory that may or may not happen?

“The party will come out. We are a party of process, a party of order. We will let the public know. At the appropriate time, we will get back to let you know the running mate.”

VP screening committee

The National Working Committee of the PDP has approved composition of a committee that will screen the party’s nominated vice presidential candidate.

According to the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, members of the committee include the Chairman, High Chief Tom Ikimi; Secretary, Dr. Akilu Indabawa; Administrative Secretary, Sunday Omobo.

In a statement on Tuesday, Bature, also said members of the committee include Capt. Idris I. Wada (rtd); Chief Osita Chidoka; Rt. Hon. Binta Bello; Chief Mrs. Alh. Mutiat Adedoja; Rt. Hon. Austin Opara; Prof. Aisha Madawaki; Mrs. Ayotunde George-Ologun; Chief Mrs. Chidiebelu Mofus, and H.E. Fidelis Tapgun.

The statement read, “The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, Pursuant to the PDP’s Electoral Guidelines, PART VI Paragraph 14, has approved the nomination of the following party stakeholders to serve on the vice presidential candidate screening committee for the purpose of the screening/verifying the nominated vice presidential candidate of our party.

“The screening exercise will be at the National Working Committee Hall, Wadata Plaza, Abuja FCT, on Thursday, June 16, 2022. Time is 10am prompt.”

A PDP chieftain  in Rivers State, Sydney Gbara  said the party’s constitution should be considered at all times.

Gbara, in an interview with one of our correspondent said the people of the South should not be excited or jostle for the position of a  running mate.

He said, “Well, in the first place, if we want to face equity in all fairness as to how the rulership of this country should go as it is recommended by the constitution of the PDP, the construction recognizes zoning.netween the North and the South.

“So, it is only natural that this time around since the North’ has rules for eight good years under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, power would have naturally gone to the South.

“But going by the situation we have found ourselves, we the people of the South-South should not be too excited by jostling for the position of the Vice President, knowing full well that ordinarily it is supposed to be our turn now to take up the presidential slot.”

But a political analyst, Dr Busari Dauda said the inability of any party to agree on its running mate portended danger to the party and the nation.

He said, “I think this has an implication not only on the candidate but the polity if the committee and leaders are not on the same page in deciding who the running mate will be.”

Another analyst, Olaseni Shalom  said, “A presidential candidate needs a Vice President he can trust as long as the party has their contribution. This should be left to the candidate to decide first if he needs someone he can trust, someone that complement him.”

Dr Pius Akhimien of English Department, Lagos State University, advised the PDP. He stated, ‘‘The PDP has to consider the geopolitical zone of the running mate, religious belief.  If I were to advise the PDP, I will suggest it allows the running mate come from  the South, who  must be a Christian.’’

Politics

Nigeria’s economy ruined under Buhari, says Dino Melaye

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A former Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye, said Nigeria’s economy had been ruined under the administration of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).

According to him, Nigeria has been turned into an unenviable poverty capital of the world.

In a press statement made available to our correspondent, Melaye said over 82.9 million once-thriving Nigerians could no longer afford their daily meals and other necessities of life.

Melaye also faulted the president’s Democracy Day Speech.

“From the speech, it is even glaring that the dividends of democracy are yet to be felt by Nigerians under this administration. From the speech, I sincerely expected Mr. President to succinctly enumerates the dividends the citizens had gained under his administration. But unfortunately, the speech was full of promises to get things right. Mr. President, after how many years in the office? Are you not tired of these promises? Well, be informed that Nigerians are tired and fed up with your promises.

“For the avoidance of doubt and for the umpteenth time Mr. President, the dividends of democracy Nigerians are yet to reap and are clamouring for under your administration include but not limited to good governance, rule of law, respect for human rights and social justice, fight against corruption, economic empowerment and a better standard of living. But is disheartening that this administration has failed on all fronts more specifically on these three- insecurity, corruption and economy you promised to tackle in 2015.”

The former lawmaker said Buhari has failed Nigerians as the countrymen now live with perpetual fear.

“People killed or kidnapped on daily basis and having their carcasses littered on the street. We can no longer travel to any part of this country with the hope of arriving safely

“As I stated sometime last week, the corruption scandals oozing out of his government have never been witnessed before in the history of Nigeria. Transparency International revealed that Nigeria is more corrupt today than it was in 2015. The United States’ 2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices released by the US Department of State has described the scale of corruption in Nigeria under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration as massive, widespread, and pervasive.

“My fellow Nigerian, as we celebrate our democracy day today, let it be our resolution not to continue this way. Let it be a wake-up call. We cannot afford to get it wrong come 2023. We must vote this government out and remind them that supreme power is vested in the people. The year 2023 will be a year we decide whether to continue wallowing in the valley of the shadow of death by allowing APC to continue or we want to be taken to the promise land by a Nigerian who can unify this country and transform the economy.

“I, therefore, encourage Nigerians to get their Permeant Voters Card, make sure we vote come 2023, protect our votes and save this country from these economic cankerworms and scavengers and have the economic transformation we all longed for,” he said.

Politics, World News

Buhari writes APC governors, seeks support for Tinubu

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“Our candidate, His Excellency, Sen, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is no stranger to you. So now is the time for all of us to come together and march forward, as we did in 2015, to a convincing APC victory.”

President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF) and other party members to work together and ensure victory for Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the party.

Mr Buhari, in a letter addressed to the Chairman of PGF, Atiku Bagudu, the governor of Kebbi State, said Mr Tinubu is no stranger to the governors.

The excerpts of the letter was released by the Senior Special Assistant to the President, Garba Shehu, on Thursday.

In the letter, Mr Buhari commended the Kebbi State governor, who served as the chairman of the election committee of the just-concluded convention, for his professional and efficient conduct of the primary election.

“I was pleased to see how you were very professional and efficient in handling the sensitive political position of Chairman Progressives Governors Forum.

‘‘Your commitment in pursuit of equity and fairness speaks volumes in the cooperation displayed by APC Governors. This indeed demonstrates the camaraderie that brought us together over 8 years ago.

‘‘The party primaries were peacefully conducted and the delegates have selected the candidate to carry the APC flag in the 2023 Presidential Primaries,” he said.

The president said he looks forward to working with the governors to ensure Mr Tinubu wins the 2023 election.

‘‘Today, as a patriotic APC member and stakeholder, I trust that you will come together to work with our candidate to win the 2023 elections.

‘‘In the past 7 years in government, we have achieved a lot. However, we have a lot more to do. The APC project is far from over and we need all of you to come together to ensure our progressive journey to peace and prosperity is sustained.

‘‘Our candidate, His Excellency, Sen, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is no stranger to you. He is our friend and brother. We know his commitment, his track record, and his capacity to lead our party to success. So now is the time for all of us to come together and march forward, as we did in 2015, to a convincing APC victory.

‘‘I look forward to working closely with APC Governors to support Sen. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all our APC candidates to success in 2023.

‘‘While I wish our great part success in the 2023 elections, please accept, the assurances of my consideration and personal regards,” Mr Buhari said.

Mr Tinubu emerged as the flagbearer of the APC after defeating 13 other aspirants, including Mr Buhari’s deputy, Yemi Osinbajo.

The vice president got a paltry 235 votes to come third behind Mr Tinubu, who amassed 1,271 votes and former Minister Rotimi Amaechi, who got 316 votes.

Eight persons also stepped down from the presidential race at the convention ground with seven of them endorsing the former Lagos State governor and one supporting Mr Osinbajo.

Politics

Buhari agreed to support Tinubu for President – Buba Galadima

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A signatory to the 2013 merger of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Buba Galadima, tells ENIOLA AKINKUOTU and TOPE OMOGBOLAGUN about the agreements between Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) and former Governor Bola Tinubu of Lagos State.

As a former associate of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), do you think the President will impose his candidate or leave it open for all aspirants to contest in the Presidential primary of the APC?

You don’t need to be a prophet or soothsayer to know that the President will indeed anoint whosoever he wants to be the candidate of the APC. But what one needs to look at is whether he could do that with some sense of decorum, with some sense of decency, with some sense of consideration for the opinion of the majority members of his party. My answer is No. Therefore, whoever he anoints will cause bickering,

infighting, and a lot of anti-party activities. This will bedevil the APC.

As one of the founding members of the APC, was there any agreement at any time that Tinubu would succeed Buhari?

Not perfectly an agreement, but there was an understanding because Tinubu with one other person and the President also with another person sat down and the information we got was that they agreed that if Tinubu would help Buhari win, he would become the Vice-President. When that was not possible, they called him to ask him to assist because of the exigencies of the time, which wouldn’t have allowed for a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

They said that whatever he does, he should deploy and make sure that Buhari becomes President and that when he (Buhari) is going, he would also do whatever he would in his powers to assist Tinubu to become President. It looks like they are now going back on that understanding. And a promise is a promise whether written or unwritten because if you can subvert it, God knows your heart. And God never accepts betrayal. When you are committed, whether it is sour or bitter, or tasty, you have to swallow it.

Now,  it looks like they want to go back on that understanding with Tinubu. This is why Tinubu is bitter and I understand this bitterness, because of what has happened to him, which I told him years back. I told him what was going to happen to him. And everything that I predicted those years is now happening. My prayer for him (Tinubu) is that he should come out of this unscathed and healthy. That is my biggest prayer for him.

But for him, it looks like he has already been subverted. The only way he can get his momentum is if the party agrees to do primaries. If the party agrees to go to the primaries, I have no doubt in my mind that Tinubu may emerge victorious, but as far as the consensus which they want to adopt is concerned, he is out of the game.

Who were those present when Buhari and Tinubu reached this agreement you claimed?

I won’t tell you but the people involved know. Tinubu came to the meeting with a former governor while Buhari came with a sitting governor. That is why that governor is solidly behind Tinubu today and because of the fear of God. But I wouldn’t want to mention the names of the two of them, because, Tinubu himself has alluded to this kind of understanding.

So are you saying that Buhari is the kind of person that does not honour promises?

Well, I don’t know. You should be the judge or ask Tinubu to whom he made the verbal promise.

So you foresee a situation whereby the party can have some crises or can even break if Tinubu is schemed out?

Well, the truth of the matter is that Nigerian politicians are cowards. Nigerian politicians are unprincipled. If they are courageous and principled, the APC would have broken into pieces a long time ago. But because of betrayals, God will never allow the APC to succeed, and even if they succeed, they will never have peace.

So what do you think of Tinubu’s outburst in Abeokuta last week and the threat by the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, to punish him?

Well, who is the APC chairman? Where was he when some of us were fighting for Buhari? Where was he? He should remember what he did to us in 2003. Is it because Buhari has forgotten?

If Buhari recollects what the APC national chairman did to him, he would not even ever allow him to shake his hand, let alone make him chairman.

What did the APC chairman do in 2003?

Well, you can ask him (Adamu Abdullahi) that Buba Galadima said that you did something to Buhari in 2003. And that it is abominable to the extent that he (Buhari) shouldn’t even shake hands with you or stay under one roof with you. Let him tell you what he did to Buhari during our campaigns.

But some may argue that in politics, alliances change. What would you say of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo who was Tinubu’s protégé but is now running against his former boss?

So, politics does not connote decency or respect at all? Is that what you are trying to tell me? I am a principled person. I am with Rabiu Kwankwaso, for example now, even if you give me the whole of the Central Bank of Nigeria, that cannot change me. And you can ask Goodluck Jonathan’s people about me. In 2015, they tried to induce Sule Yahaya, who was our director-general; Mustapha Saliu, the man from Kwara State who was Deputy National Chairman of the CPC and me, just for us to make an appearance and endorse the candidacy of Jonathan but we refused to take it.

Therefore, we are not doing things for personal benefits. We do things hoping that it would be the best for Nigeria. That is why I don’t believe in sentiments; primordial sentiments of religion, tribe or where one comes from. We have tried all these and we have failed as a nation. Why don’t we try for once capacity and capability to accommodate all Nigerians and deliver Nigeria from this present status instead of predicament?

You think Osinbajo should have given up his presidential ambition for loyalty to Tinubu?

If he doesn’t, can you now trust him? If you look at how Osinbajo came with Tinubu and he’s now contesting against Tinubu who brought him, how safe would you be to work with such a person?

If the man who did all this to someone who made him commissioner, made him this, made him that and he is now fighting him. You will now want to fight for him now, what would be your status later in life with him?

Now that you are in the NNPP…

(Cuts in) I am the national chairman of the Reformed APC, a faction that broke off from the APC and I am still one. But there is no law, either an act or the constitution of the party, or that of the country that prevents any member of any political party from supporting a candidate of other parties.

Maybe my knowledge is small, but if you think there is, please advise me on the law or in the section of the constitution that stops that so that I could stop parading myself as Chairman of the Reformed APC or supporting another candidate or aspirant of another political party.

Are you not afraid that they can expel you for anti-party activities?

What are they waiting for? Even if they expel me, that is physical. It is because of me that there’s the APC. Even, the APC never held a Board of Trustees meeting since its inception. If I were chairman of INEC, I would de-register the party for that contravention of the article of BOT.

It is already indelibly written up to eternity that I was the number four person who signed the amalgamation treaty of the APC; you can’t take that away from me again. Anybody that is chopping or stealing in the APC now is to my foresight of signing to amalgamate the party to become APC.

The northern governors have all agreed that the presidential ticket will go to the South. So don’t you think that it’s almost automatic that at least the APC is going to come out with every southern presidential candidate?

You don’t know the reason they did that, and how powerful they can be. But that is the decision of their party. I don’t give a damn about it. Because every political party envies getting to a position where they can achieve success, it’s not about sentiment, if they think that a southern presidential candidate will give them victory? So be it.

If other people think that a northern presidential candidate will give them victory, so be it. That is democracy. But what we’re asking for is a level playing field, free, fair, transparent, processes and election. So let he who has got the support of the majority of Nigerians win

What do you see emerging as the candidate for the APC?

That’s not my problem. We are not afraid of the person that the APC will pick because if Kwankwaso is given a proper atmosphere and levelled the playing field, he will defeat anyone who emerges on the platform of PDP or APC, even if they are put together.

Why do you think Kwankwaso will win when the NNPP doesn’t even have a single governor?

It’s because you don’t believe in yourself. You don’t believe in your capacity to organise and network Nigerians. Kwankwaso became the governor of Kano State for the second time without a councillor, without a local government chairman, without a member of the state or National Assembly. Without any elected person. He contested the election in 2011 and won the governorship of Kano. We can replicate that for Nigeria.

Politics

The bilateral agreements Buhari signed during his trip to Spain 

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President Muhammadu Buhari visited Spain on Wednesday, where he met the Spanish President, Pedro Sanchez, King of Spain, His Majesty, King Filipe VI, and gave a speech at the headquarters of the World Tourism Organization, WTO, in Madrid.

During the visit, bilateral agreements and MoUs were signed covering areas of prisoner transfer, sports and culture, and the economy.

Nigeria’s Minister of Justice and Honorable Attorney General of the Federation (HAGF), Abubakar Malami, signed these 3 Agreements on behalf of the FG.

What they said

Media aide to the Presidency, Tolu Ogunlesi stated that the bilateral agreements covered Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, Extradition, and Transfer of Sentenced Persons.

The Presidency stated that “The Agreement on Transfer of Sentenced Persons will allow Nigerians serving jail terms in Spanish prisons (there are apparently quite a number of them) to complete their sentences back home if they so wish. (I’m told the Agreement also guarantees some form of legal aid in Spain).” 

They also added that five (5) MoUs were signed between Nigeria & Spain by Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama, Sports Minister Sunday Dare, and Trade Minister Niyi Adebayo on Economic & Trade Cooperation —Sports —Health —Tourism —Science Cooperation

Politics

Buhari Meets APC Govs Over Presidential Primary Election

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President Muhammadu Buhari is currently meeting with governors elected on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The meeting, it was gathered, was on the forthcoming presidential primary election of the party scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday next week .

All the APC governors are present in the meeting.

Lifestyle

CAN to Buhari: Order immediate rescue of kidnapped Methodist Prelate, two others

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The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Monday asked the President Muhammadu Buhari, to facilitate the rescue of the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Samuel Uche and two others from kidnappers’ den.

Uche was reportedly abducted on Sunday in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State along with the Rt. Rev. Dennis Mark, the Methodist Bishop of Owerri, and the Prelate’s Chaplain by unknown gunmen suspected to be armed herders.

Recall that bandits have kidnapped at least 10 clerics in 2022 alone and none was rescued by the security agencies. In two instances, the victims were killed by their captors.

In a statement released on Monday and signed by the Special Assistant, Media and Communications, to the CAN President, Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, the apex Christian body urged Buhari to direct the security agencies to free the Methodist Prelate and his companions immediately.

The statement reads in part, “We condemn the abduction of the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Samuel Chukwuemeka Kanu Uche and two others in strong terms and call on President Muhammadu Buhari to give an express order to the security agencies to free them immediately and stop the incessant abduction of clerics and other innocent Nigerians forthwith.

“If a great Servant of God of Uche’s calibre could be kidnapped like a three-year old baby on a major road without any resistance from the Police, it speaks volume of what our security architecture has become.

“This is no more a country one can be proud. No reasonable government can continue to leave the citizens in a terrible state of insecurity as we are presently. This situation is not good for our nation at all.

“We, once again, call on President Muhammadu Buhari to do all within his powers to get these servants of God released very soon and unhurt.”

CAN also said the Buhari administration must redeem its image of widespread insecurity by bringing sanity to the violence before leaving office.

“To those who are holding these Servants of God, we appeal to them to let go of them because they are not responsible for whatever reasons that made them criminals.

“We call on Christians and other well meaning Nigerians to join us in praying for their release immediately,” CAN added.

Politics

Buhari to unveil NNPC Ltd July 18

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President Muhammadu Buhari will unveil the new Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited on July 18.

The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, disclosed this on Tuesday while receiving the CEO of the Year 2021 Award of the Leadership Newspapers Group in Abuja.

Kyari, who addressed the gathering from Kampala, Uganda, where he is attending the African Petroleum Conference (CAPDE VIII), thanked the newspaper for the award.

The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) signed by the President in 2021 restructured the NNPC as a new entity.

Politics

Umahi visits Buhari, insists on political solution to Kanu’s case

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The Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, on Tuesday paid a “thank you visit” to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The President paid two-day working visit to Ebonyi last week and commissioned some projects including a facility at the University of Medical Sciences, Uburu, the Presidential Lodge and the Government House in Abakaliki, among others.

The governor, who addressed State House correspondents at the end of the visit, said he was in the State House to deliver a letter of appreciation to the President from the leaders of the South-East region for his recent working visit to Ebonyi and by extension to the region.

He said: “I came to the Villa to see the President and give him a thank you letter from South-East leaders, which expresses their deep appreciation for the visit of the President on a two-day working visit to Ebonyi, by extension South-East.

“I thought it necessary to do that as quickly as possible, our people are deeply very happy with the President and very appreciative of all the rewards of that visit.”

On the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, the governor insisted on a political solution to the problem.

He dismissed the insinuation that the people of the South-East zone were no longer interested in the “Nigeria Project.”

The people of the South-East, according to him, are not in support of any form of agitation or plan to secede from Nigeria.

Umahi said: “I had many months back met with the President, where we had very detailed and frank discussion on that particular matter. South-East people are tired and I have always said that we are not totally in support of agitation to secede from the Nigerian nation.

We want to belong to the Nigerian nation and as the Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, I have publicly said it, I have defended it, I don’t care about the attacks and those who have taken to the politics of that matter in our place.

“So, the President graciously granted my request for a political solution but you see, when the President repeatedly said the matter is in court, we must appreciate his pedigree and integrity.

“He cannot just as a President say he is going to destroy the matter in court.

“But there is always room for dialogue and out of court settlement and that is what we are looking for.

“He has said, your cultural leadership should be able to initiate that with Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer.’

“But, this is over six months and we have been begging the President of Ohaneze to take up that responsibility.

“So, that is the position and we are waiting for the President of Ohaneze to kick-start this political dialogue.

“I met with the Attorney-General of the Federation, he is very well disposed to it,

“I have also met with the Director General of the Department of State Services and he is also disposed and the same with the Inspector General of Police – so the ball is in our hands.”

Politics

Presidency replies Clarke on tenure extension, insists Buhari will leave office in 2023

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The Presidency said on Tuesday President Muhammadu Buhari would handover to an elected President at the end of his tenure on May 29 next year.

The presidency was reacting to a demand by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Robert Clarke, for an elongation of the President’s tenure by six months.

Clarke, who featured in a programme on Arise TV on Monday, said the President required the tenure elongation to enable him to fix the country’s challenges, particularly security.

However, in a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity to the President, Garba Shehu, the Presidency said Buhari would not stay another day in office at the end of his tenure in 2023.

The statement read: “Chief Robert Clarke, a very well-respected elder may be sincere in his wish for the President to extend his term by six months.

We wish to categorically restate that the President will step down on May 29, 2023, after serving two terms – as per the constitution.

“Having been the first recipient of a democratic transfer of power from an incumbent administration to an opposition candidate in Nigerian history, the President is committed to extending and entrenching democratic values across the country.

“He shall, in turn, hand the privilege of serving the people of Nigeria to whomever they choose through free, fair and credible elections.

“However, Chief Clarke is right to say that without security, Nigeria would not likely realize its true potential as a peaceful and prosperous nation.

That is why it has been at the core of this administration. The results are there for all to see. Boko Haram insurgents have been forced back from controlling whole swathes of this country.

“Internally Displaced Persons are now returning to rebuild their communities. These achievements have been accomplished through the bravery and determination of the Nigerian armed forces and the fortitude of the people of our nation.

“New challenges have arisen and tackled in turn – whether it’s the National Livestock Transformation Plan to alleviate herder-farmer clashes, the elimination of the leadership of ISWAP, or new efforts to combat banditry.

“Till the last day of the administration, the security of the citizens shall remain the administration’s paramount concern. We shall finish the job. Yet, in any case, respect for the constitution and Nigerians’ democratic rights remains the best path to securing and then maintaining peace.

“Yet there are others, such as Chief Afe Babalola, that believe elections should be suspended, with the current elected government replaced by an interim unelected administration.

“This, he claims, is necessary to create a new constitution for the people, made possible, paradoxically, by ignoring their democratic rights. Down that path lies crisis and instability.

Politics

Buhari has exposed me to good governance – Osinbajo

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Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo said on Tuesday he has been exposed to good governance by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Osinbajo, who stated this when he paid homage to the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, at his palace as part of his consultations before the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary, said he would adopt President Buhri’s leadership style if elected as the country’s president next year.

He said: “Your Royal Highness, I have served as Vice President to President Muhammadu Buhari for the past seven years and with God helping us, I will see out that term till May 2023.

“But in that capacity, I have been exposed to governance of a complex and diverse level my office has allowed. Thanks very much to the openness and transparency of our President, Muhammadu Buhari.

“I have learnt a lot and I know that even during that period that I acted as President of this country, I was exposed to so much.

And if given the opportunity in 2023, I will continue with the legacies of the President.

“At all times, the concern of our government is the plight of the common man, how to ensure that the common man is given a fair chance to be employed and to have a decent living.

“This is the reason why several of our projects that we have undertaken, especially the social investment programme, have been to better the life of the common man.

“But also, we have been concerned about young people; how we can improve, not just the quality of education of our young people, but the opportunity for young people to get jobs, to be employed and to have a decent standard of living. This is very important for us as a government.

“And this will also explain why I am running for the President of this country come February 2023.”

Lifestyle

Nigerian govt working on safe return of abducted passengers of Abuja-Kaduna train – Buhari

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President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday assured Nigerians that the Federal Government had commenced moves at ensuring the safe return of abducted passengers of the Abuja-Kaduna train attacked by suspected terrorists in March.

The President stated this when he hosted residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) who paid him a Sallah homage at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He directed security agencies and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to provide detailed information to families of the victims regularly, saying the government would explore every opportunity to secure their return alive and unhurt.

Terrorists had on March 28 planted an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on the train and forced it to derail a few minutes into the trip in Kaduna.

At least eight people were confirmed dead, 30 injured and over 100 others abducted by the hoodlums after the attack.

Buhari said: “As we celebrate this occasion with joy amidst friends and family members, we are fully conscious of the fact that many families in our country are in a state of fear and anxiety.

“This is on account of the many captives held by terrorists against their will; including those taken away in the tragic attack of the Abuja-Kaduna train service.

“I have directed security agencies to ensure quick and safe recovery of all victims of kidnapping.

“I urge the railway management to immediately set up a situation room for the coordination of the rescue mission and for a minute-by-minute engagement with families of the captives.

This should ease their pain and anxiety as we push the military to ensure their safe return to their families. My aim is to see all those in captivity safely rescued.

Let me assure Nigerians that the bandits are just pushing their luck, but this is only for a while before they are finally crushed.

“They are using civilians as human shields, thereby making it difficult to confront them directly.”

The President stressed that bandits and terrorists, unlike professional soldiers, don’t respect the rules of engagement and can resort to harming hostages when attacked.

He added: “They don’t care about killing their hostages if they come under attack. It’s a delicate situation that requires wisdom, caution and also patience.

“Any rescue operation that results in the death of any hostage cannot be deemed a success.

“The government doesn’t want this kind of tragic outcome. It’s a complex situation that demands proper handling.

“The primary objective of any rescue operation is to free the hostages safely, unharmed, and alive.

“Let me make it clear, however, that defeating the terrorists and bandits requires more than weapons; we also need human intelligence which is necessary to frustrate terrorists’ plans.

“The people and community leaders should help our security officials with information about the activities or movements of criminal groups.”

Lifestyle

Buhari approves reopening of Idiroko border, three others in Nigeria

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President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the reopening of four more land borders in the country, The Cable reports.

The President ordered the closure of the country’s land borders with neighbouring countries over the proliferation of small arms and importation of goods and drugs in August 2019.

He, however, approved the reopening of four borders namely – Seme (Lagos), Illela (Sokoto), Mfum (Cross River) and Maitagari (Jigawa) – after pressure from Nigerians on December 16, 2020.

The Nigeria Customs Service confirmed the development in a memo dated April 22, 2022, signed by its Deputy Comptroller-General, E.I. Edorhe, and seen by the online newspaper on Friday night.

The affected borders are – Idiroko (Ogun), Jibiya (Katsina), Kamba (Kebbi) and Ikom (Cross River).

It read: “Sequel to the presidential directive dated 16 December, 2020, granting approval for phased reopening of land borders namely; Mfum, Seme, Illela and Maigatari borders across the country, I am directed to inform you that four additional borders listed below have been approved for re-opening: Idiroko border post, Ogun State (South-West zone); Jibiya border post, Katsina (North-West zone); Kamba border post, Kebbi State (North-West zone); and Ikom border post, Cross River State (South-South zone).”

“Consequently, all customs formations and JBPTs are to take note and ensure that proper manning takes place in compliance with extant operational guidelines.”

Politics

Nobody will be allowed to destabilize Nigeria – Buhari

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President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday urged Nigerians to resist agents of destabilization.

The President, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, made the call during the breaking of Ramadan fasting with governors of the 36 states, ministers, and heads of government agencies at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said the agents were bent on causing a breakdown of law and order in the country, adding that no individual or group would be allowed to destabilize Nigeria.

The President said: “We have the land, we have the resources, and we have the people.

“I do not know why people will allow themselves to be successfully subverted to destabilize their own country.”

He thanked the governors and ministers for honouring his invitation to break the Ramadan fast and expressed the confidence that despite the current security challenges, the country would succeed.

He expressed confidence that the introduction of technology would improve the country’s electoral process.

In his remarks, the Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, commended the President for demonstrating resilience and determination at a crucial period in Nigeria’s history.

“We have a leader who is not distracted by momentary challenges but has continued to commit to the renewal of our nation.

“We also have governors, ministers and heads of government agencies that are equally dedicated to building a better Nigeria, under the President’s watch,’’ he said.

Fayemi noted that this year’s Ramadan coincided with the just-concluded Christian Lenten period.

“It holds enormous spiritual value on the benefits of renewal, sacrifice, alms-giving, forgiveness, and healing for the individual as well as for the nation,’’ the governor added.

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