Politics

My cabinet members feared being jailed by Buhari – Jonathan

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Former President Goodluck Jonathan has revealed that members of his cabinet feared being jailed after immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, won the 2015 presidential election.

Jonathan who revealed during an interview with Arise TV on Monday, May 29, said he remained in the country even though some of those that served in his cabinet felt he would run away.

He added that the “tense atmosphere” his team faced during the transition period in 2015 was not faced by Buhari’s government.

Jonathan said;

“In my own time especially in the 2015 elections, my ministers, my senior officers, people who worked with me; there was this fear that having lost the election, what would be our fate? Would the new government just throw all of us into jail without giving a fair hearing? Because government is next to the court and can decide to do anything.“By this time, I already conceded defeat. And I knew why I conceded defeat, because I was more interested in the country than myself.”

Politics

Turkey: Buhari congratulates Erdogan on reelection

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President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated President Recep Erdoğan on his victory in the presidential election.

Mr Erdoğan defeated opposition candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu in the second round of voting.

In a statement by his media aide Garba Shehu on Sunday night in Abuja, Mr Buhari said Mr Erdoğan’s reelection would augur well for the well-being of the relations between Nigeria and Turkey.

“I welcome the reelection of Erdoğan, a steadfast champion of a fair and just global order and a true friend of Nigeria. On behalf of the government and the people of Nigeria, I say happy cheers, my friend and a true friend of Nigeria,” Mr Buhari said.

“Under your leadership, the engagement between our two nations will grow from strength to strength.”

He added, “I wish you yet another successful tenure of office.”

Mr Erdoğan won a historic runoff vote that is set to extend his 20-year rule until 2028.

Mr Erdoğan had won 52.14 per cent of the votes, while his challenger Mr Kılıçdaroğlu received 47.86 per cent.

Politics

Buhari renames Airports after Awolowo, Danfodio, Idiagbon, others

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Outgoing President Buhari has approved the renaming of 15 airports after some prominent Nigerians.

A statement released by the Ministry of Aviation and signed by the Head of Press and Public Affairs, Odutayo Oluseyi, disclosed that the approval was given on Friday, May 2.

According to the statements, the airports to be renamed include Akure International Airport named after Olumuyiwa Bernard Aliu; Benin International Airport now known as Oba Akenzua II; Dutse International Airport renamed Muhammed Nuhu Sanusi; Ebonyi International Airport renamed Chuba Wilberforce airport and Gombe International Airport renamed Brigadier Zakari Maimalari.

Others include Ibadan International Airport renamed after Samuel Ladoke Akintola; Ilorin International Airport renamed after General Tunde Abdullahi Idiagbon; Kaduna International Airport renamed after Gen. Hassan Usman Katsina and Maiduguri International Airport renamed after President Muhammadu Buhari.

The statement added that Makurdi International Airport will now be known as Joseph Sarwuan Tarka; Minna International Airport renamed Mall. Abubakar Imam; Nasarrawa International Airport renamed after Sheikh Usman Danfodio; Osubi International Airport renamed Alfred Diete Spiff; Port Harcourt International Airport renamed Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo and Yola International Airport now known as Lamido Aliyu Mustapha Airport.

Politics

President Buhari presides over his last Federal Executive Council meeting

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President Buhari on Wednesday May 24, presided over his last Federal Executive Council meeting.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as well and other members of his cabinet attended the meeting that held in the council chambers of the state house.

President Buhari will on Monday, May 29 hand over to President-elect, Bola Tinubu.

See more photos from the valedictory FEC meeting below…

Politics

We borrowed for projects to create wealth – President Buhari

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President Muhammadu Buhari has said that his administration embarked on a borrowing spree for projects and to create wealth.

Reiterating that his focus on infrastructure was a deliberate action to create wealth and stem poverty, the Nigerian leader said the loans they sourced for were largely used to fund capital projects for the people’s benefit.

Buhari who spoke during the virtual inauguration of some landmark projects of his outgoing government insisted that his government was transparent, especially in the application of public funds.

“As we look at the debt profile, I urge us to also look at the assets and investment profiles, some of which were paid for by debt and some by investment income.

“In eight years, I am proud to say that we have doubled Nigeria’s stock of infrastructure to GDP (Gross Domestic Product) from about 20 per cent to over 40 per cent and that is no small undertaking.

“The projects that we hand over today (yesterday), apart from others, such as rail, sea and airports, a gas pipeline that had been previously completed, symbolise our country’s sharp focus on delivering prosperity.”

He jokingly added;

“If anybody with force moves, I have a good relationship with my neighbours. Niger Republic people will defend me.

Politics

I’m leaving Nigeria in competent hands – President Buhari

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President Buhari has said that he is happy that he will be leaving Nigeria in the competent hands of his successor, President-elect Bola Tinubu.

While speaking at a function in Lagos state on Monday, May 22, President Buhari said he is confident that Tinubu will “strengthen the framework of Nigeria’s public-private partnership policies to accelerate the pace of her economic growth and development.”

‘‘I am happy to leave our economy in very competent hands. I am confident that my successor, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will sustain the improvement in our economic and business environment,” Buhari said

Politics

Buhari, governors, LG chairpersons shared N655.932 billion in April- FAAC

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The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has given N655.932 billion in revenue for April to the federal, state and local governments.

According to a statement by Bawa Mokwa, a spokesman for the office of the accountant of the federation (OAGF), this is contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the FAAC meeting for May 2023.

The communique states that the N655.932 billion total distributable revenue comprised distributable statutory revenue of N364.654 billion.

It said it also contained distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N202.762 billion, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) of N14.516 billion, N50.000 billion augmentation from Forex Equalization revenue and N24.000 billion augmentation from the Non-mineral revenue.

“In April 2023, the total deductions for the cost of collection were N28.108 billion, and total deductions for transfers and refunds was N120.287 billion,” the statement explained.

“The balance in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) was $473.754 million.”

The communiqué said from the total distributable revenue of N655.932 billion.

The federal government received N248.809 billion, the state governments received N218.307 billion, and the LGAs received N160.600 billion.

“A total sum of N28.216 billion was shared to the relevant states as 13 per cent derivation revenue. Gross statutory revenue of N497.463 billion was received for the month of April,” it added.

“This was lower than the sum of N638.673 billion received in the previous month by N141.210 billion.”

It said from the N364.654 billion distributable statutory revenue, the federal government received N180.659 billion, the state governments received N91.632 billion, and the LGAs received N70.647 billion.

“The sum of N21.716 billion was shared to the relevant states as 13 per cent derivation revenue. For the month of April 2023, the gross revenue available from VAT was N217.743 billion,” stated FAAC.

“This was lower than the N218.786 billion available in the month of March 2023 by N1.043 billion.”

According to the communique, the federal government received N30.414 billion, the state governments received N101.381 billion, and the LGAs received N70.967 billion from the N202.762 billion distributable VAT revenue.

The federal government received N2.177 billion, the state governments N7.258 billion, and the LGAs N5.081 billion from the N14.516 billion EMTL.

The three tiers of government also shared total revenue of N50 billion from forex equalisation, with the federal government receiving N22.916 billion, the state governments receiving N11.623 billion, and the LGAs receiving N8.961 billion.

Some governments shared N6.5 billion as 13 per cent of mineral revenue.From the N24 billion non-mineral revenue, the federal government received N12.643 billion, the state governments received N6.413 billion, and the LGAs received N4.944 billion.

In April 2023, petroleum profit tax (PPT), companies income tax (CIT), oil and gas royalties, import and excise duties, and VAT decreased considerably.

“Only EMTL increased, albeit marginally,” stated FAAC.

Politics

President Buhari appoints Paul Ogbole as member of Council for Legal Education

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President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Paul Ogbole (SAN) as a Council for Legal Education (Nigeria Law School) member.

This is contained in a letter signed by the Solicitor General of the Federation, Jedy Agba.

The letter said the appointment of Mr Ogbole, a former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) board member, took effect from May 13 and would last for four years.

Established in 1962, the council oversees and undertakes accreditation of law schools in Nigeria.

It is responsible for legal education, professional training and discipline of bar aspirants.

Politics

Ohanaeze appeals to President Buhari to release Nnamdi Kanu before leaving office

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The Ohanaeze Ndigbo has once again called on President Muhammadu Buhari to release the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu.

The president of the apex Igbo socio-political group, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, made the call at the flag-off of the pre-dredging and hydrographic survey of the proposed sea access route of the Urashi-Oguta waterways through Degema to the Atlantic Ocean.

While speaking at the ceremony which was attended by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Iwuanyawu said;

“Please, finally, our vice president, tell our brother and son, Buhari, that the Ohanaeze Ndigbo – the over 60 million Igbos – request that he should release Nnamdi Kanu

”According to him, President Buhari should do it “before he departs” office on May 29th, 2023, noting that the Igbo nation will be “very grateful” if that is done. He seized the opportunity to dismiss claims that the Igbos were eager to break away from Nigeria.

“Igbos are not seceding. I don’t see why anybody will say Igbos are seceding. Igbos are everywhere. We have investments. Are we going to leave our investments?” he asked Chief Iwuanyanwu also lauded Buhari for his love for the South-East which is reflected in the number of Federal Government projects in the region.

“I would like the vice president, when you go, tell Buhari we are very grateful. When he took office we were not happy, we complained. But today, at the point of departure, things have changed.

I can see that in most states a lot has been done. Here in Imo state, a lot has been done for us. So, I would like you to tell our son, Buhari, that we are very grateful. And I want Buhari to realize that he is an Igbo son, an honorary Igbo man.He has been honoured by some Igbo states. I think Imo State has honoured him, and Ebonyi has honoured him.

Chieftancy title in Igbo land is taken very seriously. You have to help us tell Buhari that he is an Igbo son, he is a member of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo by this honour given to him and what I am speaking here today, I am also speaking on his behalf.We are very grateful for what he has done, but before he goes, whatever he can do to bring this project to succeed will be highly appreciated.” he said

Lifestyle

President Buhari congratulates Navy boss at 57

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President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, on his 57th birthday.

In a statement by his media aide, Femi Adesina, on Saturday in Abuja, President Buhari rejoiced with family, friends and professional colleagues of the CNS, who has consistently posted distinctions in service to the nation.

Mr Buhari noted the profile of dedication and commitment of the CNS, who served in many capacities, including operations of NNS Ambe, NNS Damisa, NNS Ayam, and Nigeria’s Defence Attaché in Luanda, Angola.

Mr Gambo also acted as director, defence affairs in the office of the National Security Adviser.

The president extolled Mr Gambo for his steadfastness and selflessness in handling responsibilities, working for many years as director, simulation, naval doctrine and assessment centre, Lagos, and chief staff officer, at the Naval Training Command in Lagos,Mr Gambo was also director, procurement, defence space administration, before his appointment as the CNS.

President Buhari prayed for the well-being of the CNS and that of his family.

Lifestyle

Buhari prays for victims of Lagos train accident

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President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Abuja expressed sympathy over the accident involving a train and a Lagos State BRT staff bus at Shogunle area of Ikeja.

He said in a statement issued by his media aide, Garba Shehu, that the accident was distressing and extremely sad.

“The accident at the level crossing involving the train and the BRT staff bus is distressing and extremely sad. I pray for the souls of the deceased and quick recovery of the many who were injured,” he said in the statement.

The president commended the Lagos State authorities and federal government agencies for promptly getting involved in relief work.

A train and a bus conveying workers to their work places in Lagos collided on Thursday morning, killing about six persons and leaving many injured.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State declared three days of mourning for victims of the accident on Thursday.

Politics, World News

UAE ignores Buhari’s plea, maintains indefinite visa ban on Nigerians

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The United Arab Emirates has disregarded the pleas of President Muhammadu Buhari to lift a visa ban slammed on Nigerian nationals since October 2022. The ban, however, does not affect persons holding diplomatic passports.

Last month, Mr Buhari had appealed to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayad Al Nahyan, the UAE president, to remove the visa ban on his country people in a telephone conversation whose content was relayed by his media aide, Garba Shehu.

The Nigerian leader, via the phone, disclosed that he had given instructions to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to increase the amount of foreign exchange allocated to the Emirates Airlines, the bane of the now-resolved months-long diplomatic row between the two nations and as a show of goodwill towards the Arab nation.

Since the phone conversation took place nearly a month ago and with Mr Buhari’s presidency ending in June, the UAE appears uninterested in his offer and has remained silent on the matter.

Instead, the Emirati government has maintained the travel restrictions on Nigerians and other Africans whom it has accused of constituting unrest in its territory through cultism and other illegal activities.

It remains unclear whether Mr Buhari will continue to persuade the Sheikh to remove the ban before his presidency expires or whether he will leave the incoming president, Bola Tinubu, to shoulder that responsibility.

Politics

President Buhari conveys emergency meeting

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President Muhammadu Buhari has reportedly convened an emergency Council of State meeting which would hold on Friday, February 10.

Daily Trust reported that national crisis including petrol and naira scarcity, insecurity and others will be discussed at the meeting.

The governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is expected to provide an update on the new currency redesign policy scheduled to take place at the Council Chambers, Presidential Villa, Abuja, at 10 am.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu as well as the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, will brief the council on the preparation for the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections as well as March 11 governorship and state houses of assembly polls.

The meeting is aimed at dousing the tension ahead of the election and avert a potential national crisis given anger over the scarcity of new naira notes.

Politics

General Elections: Buhari directs NIS to tighten security around borders

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President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to tighten security around the nation’s borders before and after the general elections.

Interior minister Rauf Aregbesola disclosed this in Katsina on Tuesday while inaugurating the Katsina State headquarters of the service.

“The order from President Muhammadu Buhari is that between now and the time we will conclude elections, you must make sure our borders are secured,” Mr Aregbesola said.

The minister charged officers to ensure that illegal immigrants do not create problems during and after the elections.

“The service should live up to the directives of Mr President,” he said.The minister also tasked them on ensuring the documentation of all migrants.

Mr Aregbesola said that Katsina State had 400 kilometres of border lines and 14 border positions which the service needed to protect.

He said the government was upgrading the capacity of the NIS to control the nation’s borders effectively.

“We are deploying electronic digital technology to ensure 24/7 surveillance of the 5,000 kilometres border lines.

“We have already awarded the contract, so, very soon, the comptroller-general, from his office, will be able to see what is happening anytime at any border point,” he said.

In his remarks, Governor Aminu Masari, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Muntari Lawal, commended the NIS for the project and affirmed the administration’s readiness to support the service to secure the nation’s borders.

Also speaking, the State controller, Bello Garba, who reiterated the commitment of officers and men to their responsibilities, said the service currently had 688 officers and men across the state.

Politics

You’re part of Buhari’s failure, PDP tackles Tinubu

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has tackled Bola Tinubu, saying he should not exonerate himself from the anti-people policies of President Muhammadu Buhari-led government.

This came a few hours after Mr Tinubu, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), accused the Buhari regime of using the fuel scarcity and recently-introduced naira notes to block his chances in next month’s poll.

“Let them increase the price of fuel, only them know where they have hoarded fuel, they hoarded money, they hoarded naira; we will go and vote and we will win.

Even if they changed the ink on Naira notes,” he said on Wednesday at his campaign in Abeokuta, Ogun state “Whatever their plans, it will come to nought. We are going to win. Those in the PDP will lose (won ma lule).”

But in swift reply, the opposition party, in a statement, said Mr Tinubu was only trying to hoodwink Nigerians and blame others for fuel scarcity currently being experienced nationwide.

“It is unfortunate that Tinubu is trying to hoodwink Nigerians by seeking to exonerate himself and blame others in the Buhari led-APC administration from the biting fuel scarcity in the country, when in reality he (Tinubu) is known to be behind the insensitive and anti-people policies that have brought so much calamity to our country including the current persistent fuel scarcity,” Kola Ologbondiyan, spokesperson for the PDP said in the statement obtained by Peoples Gazette.

The two-term former governor of Lagos state would be facing 18 other presidential candidates among which are Atiku Abubakar (PDP), Peter Obi (LP), and Rabi’u Kwankwaso (NNPP), even as Mr Buhari has repeatedly promised to allow a level-playing field during the next month’s election.

Speaking further, Mr Ologbondiyan specifically took a swipe at the former Lagos governor, saying that blackmailing Mr Buhari would not help Mr Tinubu win the election.

He stressed that politician who has always won elections by relying on bullion vans has now become troubled over the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) monetary policy to redesign the naira.

“How can Asiwaju Tinubu accuse an administration he had been a part of since 2015 of trying to sabotage the 2023 elections except he is making revelations to Nigerians about their plans? It is imperative to state that Nigerians, who are prepared to trek distances to cast their votes are the patriots who have been at the butt of pains which the government Asiwaju Tinubu installed has foisted on them.

“In any case, from the songs of lamentation of Tinubu, it is clear that his Presidential life ambition has collapsed,” the PDP spokesperson added.

Politics

Buhari asks foreign envoys not to interfere in 2023 election

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President Muhammadu Buhari has again asked representatives of foreign governments not to meddle in Nigeria’s internal affairs and the 2023 general election.

The President renewed the call when he received Letters of Credence from Ambassadors of Switzerland, Sweden, Republic of Ireland, the Kingdom of Thailand, the Republic of Senegal and the Republic of South Sudan at the State House.

Buhari also called for cooperation and collaboration from countries in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to overcome challenges in West Africa.

He further revealed that Nigeria is working closely with ECOWAS to deal with insecurity in the region and also implement strategies to contain the spate of unconstitutional changes in government in the sub-region.

Buhari further appealed to friendly countries to support efforts to address the challenge of insecurity, fight against corruption, diversification of the economy, and our efforts in promoting good governance.

Politics

Buhari approves 400 armoured vehicles for FCT, Nasarawa, and parts of Niger State.

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President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the procurement of 400 armoured vehicles for Brigade Guards to secure the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa State, and parts of Niger State.

The newly promoted Commander, Brigade of Guards, Major-General Mohammed Usman, disclosed this on Wednesday, Dec. 28, in his gratitude speech shortly after his decoration by the president.

Buhari, assisted by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Faruk Yahaya, and the wife of the commander, Dr Rekiya Usman, decorated the officer with the rank of Major-General.

Praising Usman, Buhari said:

“Those who work with me know I am very difficult to satisfy. But I have never had any reason, whatsoever, to report you to the Chief of Army Staff or the Minister of Defence.”

Buhari, who admitted that he was “absolutely satisfied” with the performance of Usman, added, “Nobody has been able to touch me while you are here. I’m absolutely satisfied with your performance.”

In his remarks, Usman thanked the President for his outstanding support to the Brigade of Guards, citing the approval for the procurement of 400 armoured vehicles, which he said were enough to secure his area of responsibility including the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa State and parts of Niger State.

He expressed joy for the promotion, saying that it would spur him to do even better in his assigned responsibilities.

Politics

Nigeria will witness transformation under Tinubu – President Buhari

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With the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, as the next President of Nigeria, the country will witness overwhelming transformation, the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has assured.

He also expressed optimism that Tinubu’s presidency in 2023 would ensure that the nation moved ahead “from what has so far been achieved throughout the country in the last seven plus years.”

President Buhari, represented by the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, stated these when he visited the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Office in Gusau and expressed confidence in APC’s win in Zamfara in the coming 2023 general elections.

A statement signed by the APC Publicity Secretary in Zamfara State, Yusuf Idris Gusau, said the President also used the opportunity of the visit to attend the closing ceremony of this year’s Musabaka Qur’anic recitation competition hosted in the state.

He was conducted round by the coordinator of Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council in Zamfara State, Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa.

The statement said,

“He commended the arrangement put in place by the coordinator saying that the effort jointly put in place by Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle, former governor Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar and Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa accounted for the rousing welcome his delegation received while in the state.

“He assured people of the state that with APC’s Tinubu as the next President, the nation will witness overwhelming transformation, moving ahead from what has so far been achieved throughout the country in the last seven plus years.

“The President thanked the people of Zamfara and all Nigerians for the support he has been enjoying in his leadership and urged Nigerians to continue to support the APC by ensuring its victory at all levels in the coming elections.”

Earlier while welcoming the President and his delegation, Governor Bello Matawalle informed him, “Zamfara is the home base of the APC whereby opposition parties seem non-existent.”

The governor who is also the North West Zonal Coordinator of the APC said that the choice of an experienced state campaign coordinator like Senator Marafa has added impetus to and eased his responsibilities as the zone’s coordinator in the state.

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