Obasanjo's son reveals - why he's supporting Buhari

Ahead of 2019 general elections, Olujonwo Obasanjo, son of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has given reasons Nigerians should support President Muhammadu Buhari.
Obasanjo, who is the President, The Buhari Youth Organisation (BYO), was recently in the United States to solicit support for Buhari’s re-election among Nigerians in the diaspora and other members of the international community.

According to Obasanjo, he was supporting the re-election of Buhari due to his focus on securing the future of the country for the Nigerian youth.
He stressed that his support for Buhari unlike his father was because he stood out among other presidential candidates in his determination to bequeath a secured future for the youth of Nigeria, NAN reports.

Obasanjo said: “Education is one of the tenets of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, focusing on youth empowerment, youth participation and securing a better future for our generation and the generations to come.
“We have Buharists in the United States and all over the world. So I am here to encourage them and to support them in every way we can,” he said.
“My support for Buhari is because he stood out among other presidential candidates because of his determination to bequeath a secured future for the youth of Nigeria.
“President Buhari has opened up the space for the youth of the country to participate politically, economically, and all other areas of the economy.

“Recently, there was the women and youth campaign wing that was inaugurated by the president, which showed that he wants to ensure that the youth and the women have a strong voice in his re-election campaign.
“We believe that by doing that, Mr. President wants us to be part of his administration going forward. Mr. President is one who has made us believe again in our country, who has made us proud of our country.

“At the international stage, we are not being looked upon like a pariah nation. So I believe for Nigerians at home and Nigerians in the diaspora, they have seen that Mr. President is the best candidate.’’
He added that Nigerians could not trust Atiku, as his plan to sell the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) if elected was questionable.

Senator Shehu Sani pledges support for President Buhari’s re-election bid

Shehu Sani, senator representing Kaduna central, on Thursday paid a visit to President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina state.
Speaking with journalists after a closed-door meeting with Buhari, Sani said he visited the president’s country home to pledge his support for his re-election bid.

The lawmaker said they spoke about the need for the party to be united.
“I am also here to fully assure him of the support of my constituency, Kaduna central, to his aspiration for the second term,” he said.
“I’m also here to assure him of my own wholehearted support to the success of his administration and his return to office for the second term.

“Those were the basic issues that we discussed with him and other issues that border on the need to strengthen our party; the need to end all internal strife and also the need to put heads, hearts and hands together for the success of his administration and also for the success of the party.” via punchng
Sani said his decision to remain in the All Progressives Congress (APC) was because of the intervention of Buhari and the national leadership of the party. “Well, there is no human being without any grievances but when national interest is put at the front side you have to put aside other parochial interests,” he said.

“What we need to do as politicians and as people representing those who elected us is to always put the country first and know very well that we have both constitutional and moral duty to work to the progress of Nigeria and of this government.
“So, I think these are the basic issues which we discussed, grievances are natural but we have to know that we have a country that we need to keep and also we have a country that we need to support, so that it can progress. I think the party had made it very clear and known to each and every person that there will be reward for loyalty but in every sense of the word due process of the party needs to be followed.

“And as far as we are concerned, what matters most to us is not simply about automatic ticket but about the peaceful and transparent conduct of the 2019 election and also the very need for us as a people and as a nation to know that the fate of the country is on our hands.”

MEETING: President Buhari meets APC governors, lawmakers in Daura

President Muhammadu Buhari held a meeting with some governors , National and state Assembly members elected on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress in his country home , Daura , on Thursday.

These are some of the photographs, courtesy , News Agency of Nigeria and Twitter @BashirAhmaad :

Imo State Governor , Rochas Okorocha; President Muhammadu Buhari ; Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari; and Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu during a meeting of the President with some APC governors, National and state Assembly members in Daura on Thursday .

SOURCE | PHOTO CREDIT: NAN, PUNCH

President Buhari will inaugurate largest brewery in West Africa

President Muhammadu Buhari will lead other eminent Nigerians to inaugurate a $250 m brewery owned by International Breweries Plc next week Tuesday .

The Plant Manager , Mr . Tony Agah, disclosed this on Monday to journalists during a media tour of the brewery located at Km 3 Flowergate Industrial Scheme, Sagamu- Abeokuta Expressway, Ogun State . He said the IB Plc is part of the AB InBev Group, the world ’ s largest brewer.

Agah said other eminent Nigerians expected at the event include Governor Ibikunle Amosun , Minister of Industry , Trade and Investment Okechukwu Enelamah ; and the global chief executive officer of AB InBev, Mr . Carlos Brito , among others.

The new brewery is the fourth plant to be established in the country, as the IB Plc has three others in Ilesa, Onitsha and Port Harcourt.
While Agah explained that the new plant is one of the Foreign Direct Investments which came into the country in the last two years , he added that the first phase of the development of the plant had been completed with over 300 Nigerians already employed .
He said many more indirect employment would also be created in due course.

He said, “Given the importance of this event , the President and Commander - in - Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria , Muhammadu Buhari , is expected to perform the inauguration of the facility.
“The governor of the state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun , will be hosting all of us , as our landlord . Other eminent Nigerians and officials of AB InBev, especially the global CEO, Mr . Carlos Brito, will lead the celebration .

“The new brewery will be the company’s largest plant within the group in Africa outside the one in South Africa . This will have a significant multiplier effects on the value chain within Ogun State and its environs .
“ It will provide direct and indirect employment, make available global brands locally and support Nigeria ’s foreign direct investment aspiration. ”

The Managing Director, IB Plc, Annabelle Degroot , speaking about the inauguration, described the plant as a major step towards the company’s strategic goal of producing high- quality drinks locally.

He said, “ International Breweries Plc is a brand that places a premium on quality. Bearing this in mind , we will spare no expense or effort in ensuring that Nigerians are treated to the best traditions in brewing, with outstanding recipes, superior ingredients , innovation and world -class techniques . ”

via PUNCHNG

EXCLUSIVE: Polls Budget, Bukola Saraki hits executive, says it lacks foresight

The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, on Sunday berated the executive , alleging that its late submission of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s budget for the 2019 elections showed its lack of foresight.

Saraki , in a statement by his Special Adviser on New Media , Olu Onemola, berated the President Muhammadu Buhari Media Organisation for accusing him of slowing down the approval of the budget .

The group had accused Saraki of postponing the resumption of the Senate in spite of Buhari ’s submission of INEC’ s budget .
But Onemola in the statement said the National Assembly was committed to the approval of INEC ’s budget for the 2019 polls.
Saraki’ s aide said in spite of the failure of the executive to submit the budget on time, the committees of the National Assembly had been working to ensure that due process was followed in approving the request.

He stated , “By now , the Nigerian people are aware that the executive branch could have submitted INEC ’s 2019 elections budget at the time it submitted the 2018 appropriation proposals last year .
“The executive had from January till June this year to submit the budget request. However , due to a perceived lack of foresight , display of usual tardiness or an attempt to ensure that due process would not be followed , this request was submitted only a few days before the statutory National Assembly annual recess .

The aide said groups like the Buhari Media Organisation that had worked assiduously “ with conscientious ignorance as their guide to attempt to scapegoat the Senate President for the failure of the executive to submit INEC’ s 2019 election budget on time .
“ More importantly, the Electoral Act passed by the National Assembly to help legalise the various innovations that needed for free and fair elections is still absent because President Muhammadu Buhari chose to withhold his assent the first time it was transmitted .

“The question the Buhari Media Organisation should ask their principal is: “ What is he afraid of in the very progressive proposals contained in the Electoral Bill ? Why does he want to frustrate the 2019 elections by denying the nation the much- needed enabling law ?”
He recalled that INEC had stated that it was confident and comfortable with the thorough and transparent response by the National Assembly .

The executive is not to blame – Minister’ s aide
But in his reaction on Sunday , the Media Adviser to the Minister of Budget and National Planning , Mr Akpandem James, said it was not true that the INEC budget was received and kept by the executive.

via punch news

President Buhari, Bukola Saraki supporters in shouting match at Ilorin airport

Supporters of President Muhammadu Buhari engaged loyalists of the Senate President , Dr Bukola Saraki , on Sunday in a shouting match at the Ilorin International Airport .

Buhari supporters had gone to welcome a Kwara State governorship aspirant, Mr Moddibo Kawu, and a Labour Party governorship aspirant in the state, Mr Issa Aremu while the Peoples Democratic Party supporters were also there to welcome Saraki.

via punch news
The environment was calm until female supporters of Saraki started singing the praises of the Senate President. While they sang and danced, Buhari supporters who were mainly youths , with their brooms suddenly erupted into a shout of Sai Baba. They sang loudly, raising their brooms as they eulogised Buhari while the Saraki supporters , especially women, tried to out - do them.

The atmosphere became charged prompting security officials to maintain orderliness. Also some elders from both camps tried to pacify the apparently overzealous supporters and praise singers .
Kawu and Aremu , whose aircraft had landed waited for some time at the arrival hall for the atmosphere to normalise. After some time , Kawu made his way as the crowd of supporters surged towards him until he was led by security operatives into his vehicle .

Aremu later addressed his supporters. Aremu and a former Kwara State governorship aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party , Alhaji Hakeem Lawal , who defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress called on the National Assembly to reconvene.
Lawal , who is a son of a late former Kwara State governor, Mohammed , hopes to actualise his political ambition under the APC.
Speaking to journalists in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on the sidelines of a rousing welcome accorded to him by a crowd, he expressed his support for Buhari .

He also called on the National Assembly to reconvene to address urgent national matters, including the budget of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
He said, “If truly the members of the National Assembly really think about our nation first , then, they need to reconvene and take care of urgent national matters. This is what the people elected them to do . Let us look at the people and the nation first and stop looking at individual and self aggrandising issues . Not reconvening is not in the interest of the nation . We know that elections are coming and things need to be done; the nation needs to move forward .

A nation should not stand still. They should sacrifice for the nation and reconvene. ” Aremu called for the renewal of Kwara State . Aremu said, “Let us be hard on our problems and not on ourselves . Do not allow for any provocation over any issue .

UPDATE - President Buhari returns from London

President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday returned to Nigeria after his 10 - working- day vacation.

Buhari was received at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport , Abuja by top government officials and his supporters . The President on August 3 left Nigeria for London, United Kingdom where he remained throughout his vacation period .

While he was in London, Professor Yemi Osinbajo acted in his stead .
Details later …
See photos of preparation for his arrival as shared on Twitter :
See the moment he stepped out of the airplane:

President @MBuhari returns to Abuj from the UK, after a 10 working day vacation.

NASS invasion: President Buhari’s ominous descent into dictatorship

The horizon is looking ominous for Nigeria . Under President Muhammadu Buhari, the country is rapidly descending into a full -blown dictatorship. With scant regard for the separation of powers , the rule of law and the tenets that underpin a sound democracy, masked State Security Service and police officers invaded the National Assembly early in the morning on Tuesday in Abuja.

The officers prevented the legislators , who had convened an emergency session, from deliberating. But in an uncharacteristically swift response from the Presidency , the Acting President , Yemi Osinbajo , sacked the Director- General of the SSS , Lawal Daura. Rightly , Osinbajo described the unauthorised takeover of the National Assembly complex “ as a gross violation of constitutional order , rule of law and all acceptable notions of law and order . ”

The essence of constitutional government is to ensure that the powers of the state are kept in check so that personal liberty would not be infringed . The scene that played out at the Three Arms Zone on Tuesday is a throwback to full military dictatorship, which ceased to be in 1999 when the Fourth Republic came into being . For masked SSS officers to have locked out legislators and NASS members of staff from their chambers and offices was reckless and unconscionable. Although some NASS members confronted the SSS operatives , they refused to do the right thing . These types of breaches occur only in banana republics, where the rule of law is in abeyance and government has become unpopular.
Though the Acting President claimed that the unlawful act was done without the knowledge of the Presidency , it didn’ t come out of the blue . Before now , cases of abuse of power by the Buhari government had become more prolific and severe . In July 2016 , the SSS operatives reportedly rounded up principal officers of the Zamfara State legislature and took them to Abuja, where they were detained. Their only offence was their move to press impeachment charges against the state governor , Abdulaziz Yari . In early 2016 , there was a clampdown on peaceful protests held in several cities to highlight the economic hardship citizens were passing through and failure of government’ s policies to address it , even when the then Acting President, Osinbajo , avowed the administration’ s acknowledgement of peaceful protests as the “fundamental right of the people . ” Daura has taken Nigeria for a ride for too long !
The abuse of power is only reaching epidemic proportions as the 2019 elections draw nearer . For the past three weeks , Nigeria has been awash with tales of use , misuse and outright abuse of power. The upheaval began on July 24 when 14 senators and 37 House of Representatives members defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress to other parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party . This seemingly altered the balance of power against the APC , especially when the Senate President, Bukola Saraki , announced his own defection from the APC to the PDP.

On the day of defection , the police and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission officers had invaded the Abuja homes of Saraki and Ike Ekweremadu , the Deputy Senate President , preventing them from leaving their homes . Events escalated quickly with the defections of Governors Samuel Ortom of Benue , Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara and Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto states, from the APC to the PDP. But the trend of violating the sanctity of the legislative arm of government first came to the fore forcefully in Benue when the police locked down the state assembly and aided eight minority lawmakers , in an assembly of 30 members , to launch impeachment proceedings against Ortom . The EFCC is also probing Ortom’ s spending of security vote.

These cases are no doubt disturbing. Specifically on Ortom ’ s travails, Nobel laureate , Wole Soyinka , says , “ Coincidences are , by their very nature, suspect , and I certainly perceive the beginnings of a heavy - handed campaign of reprisals from ruling circles over your political decision …This bodes ill for the nation . It goes beyond any immediately - affected state and alerts us all to fascistic threats against a common democratic destination, and the basic right of free choice of political paths towards its attainment. ” We agree .
Put bluntly, Buhari bears the responsibility and blame for this avoidable or needless recourse to naked abuse of power to further personal political interests . Perhaps, the most deeply depressing aspect of Buhari’ s dictatorial tendency is that it is not shocking . In 2015 , many had doubted his claims of democratic metamorphosis. In response , Buhari pledged in his inaugural speech, “ The Federal Executive under my watch will not seek to encroach on the duties and functions of the Legislative and Judicial arms of government. The law enforcing authorities will be charged to operate within the Constitution. ” Nigerians now know better .
The founding fathers of democracy saw the danger of vesting the powers of government in one person ; and therefore separated them into three: the Executive , Judiciary and Legislature . Undoubtedly , the parliament is the unmistakable symbol of democracy. Its abrogation, while the other two arms continue to exist in the event of military intervention , underscores this point.
Buhari should halt this dictatorial tendency. While we will be the first to assert the bedrock principle that no one is above the law, the recent events have crossed the line from law enforcement into a brazen intolerance for dissent. Noah Feldman, a constitutional law professor at Harvard Law School, says, “ The people with the guns listen to the president. So if the president marched in and had a Supreme Court justice removed , you ’ d need some way to respond to that . That’ s a high crime. ”

The loss of trust in someone in whom voters had placed so much hope in 2015 is disturbing. Our state institutions should be seen to be conscientious and accountable . Buhari should refrain from further plunging Nigeria deeper into an abyss of unnecessary crisis , the type that is capable of showing the country in a bad light . A country already blighted by unprecedented levels of insecurity – terrorism , militancy, robbery , uncontrolled bloodbath and other acts of criminality – should not allow herself to be sucked in by an eddy of self - contrived political instability. What is happening does not bode well both for Nigeria ’ s political stability and economic prosperity.

A country very much in need of foreign direct investment should be more tactful in her actions, especially in portraying herself to the outside world as an embodiment of the rule of law, not as an arena for rascals to exhibit lawlessness and impunity . No investor would take Nigeria seriously enough to consider her a destination for investment when the environment does not suggest that it would be safe and protected.

Read More -  Punchng 

PDP says, We never knew Akpabio was going to meet Buhari

The Peoples Democratic Party said it was not aware that the Senate Minority Leader, Chief Godswill Akpabio, was going to London where he met with President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday .

Rather , it said the former governor of Akwa Ibom State told members of the party’ s National Working Committee that he was on his way to Germany.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party , Mr Kola Ologbondiyan , who stated this in Abuja on Monday , said the party was not aware of Akpabio’ s planned defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress .
He said the minority leader of the Senate could have had what he called “technical stopover ” in London.
Ologbondiyan said, “ He told us he was going to Germany and if he ended up in London, maybe , he had a technical stopover .
“The PDP has no issues with Akpabio whatsoever and the party will not respond to speculations of his readiness to defect. We have no notice of the said defection and all I can say now is that we will cross the bridge when we get there . ”
Investigations by one of our correspondents showed that the rumour of Akpabio ’s planned defection had been rife within the national leadership of the PDP , including the governors .
It was gathered that one of the governors, name withheld, from the southern part of the country had openly accused Akpabio of hobnobbing with the ruling party at the residence of the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu , recently .

The event was said to have happened when the leaders of the party visited Ekweremadu as a result of a siege laid to his house by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission recently .

The governor , according to a top -ranking member of the PDP , openly confronted Akpabio and demanded explanations why he had allegedly been meeting secretly with leaders of the APC .

The source said, “We were all surprised with the governor from the southern part of the country , who accused him (Akpabio) of playing a double game . He asked why Akpabio had refused to speak out for the party of recent and why he had been absent at party’s events .
“We all knew that Akpabio was actually meeting with APC leaders at night, and laughing with us during the day . But we didn ’ t know how to handle it.

“Akpabio, however , refused to speak to the governor . Rather , he was just smiling , even though he seemed not to be enjoying the talk .
“The DSP (Ekweremadu ) tried to calm the said governor down , but you know he is very outspoken . He said it without fear or favour , that he knew that he was saying. ”
It was also gathered that the National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus , had tried to dissuade Akpabio from joining the APC.
Secondus, it was gathered , met with the former governor on many occasions , assuring him of the love of the party for him and that he (Akpabio) remained a ranking member of the party.
A source privy to the meeting said, “Secondus had met with him on many occasions when the rumour started filtering in .
“Though the former governor complained about the treatment he was said to be getting from his successor, Udom Emmanuel , he was asked to tarry , that the PDP would intervene. ”
It was also learnt that the Governor of Rivers State , Chief Nyesom Wike , was also involved in the negotiation with Akpabio.
“Wike spoke with him on many occasions as well. He asked him to shelve the idea and cooperate with him and others to reposition the PDP to win the elections . Unfortunately, he seems not to have been persuaded by all the talks . ”
Meanwhile, some members of the party in Akwa Ibom State said that Akpabio’ s defection into the APC might not be unconnected with the case he had with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission .
A source , who did not want to be named, told one of our correspondents that apart from the EFCC issue , Akpabio also had issues with the state governor , especially on a single term .
They said Akpabio had made a deal with the governor that he would spend a single term before the position would move to another area in the state .

According to them , the agreement spelt out a single term for the governor, adding that the second term was supposed to go for someone from the Oron ethnic nationality .
The sources noted that in order for Akpabio to settle some scores with Emmanuel , he had to leave the PDP with his supporters to stop the governor’ s second term bid.

Read More  Punchng 

NEWS - President Buhari’s international engagements boost Nigeria’s image-Don

A university lecturer, Dr Olawale Lawal, has described the recent international engagements by President Muhammadu Buhari and his recognition as good for the image of Nigeria.

Lawal, who teaches at the Department of Diplomacy and Foreign Policy, Lagos State University (LASU, said this in an interview with newsmen on Sunday in Lagos.

“You can see that, on the last count, the Nigerian President has been appointed as Africa’s anti-corruption champion, he was invited to International Criminal Court (ICC) and was recently elected as the ECOWAS Chairman.
“All these are indications that the world now takes Nigeria more seriously and Nigerians will appreciate this better when they travel overseas and experience the respect the Nigerian passport now attracts ” he said.

The Don said that the ICC invitation was particularly important to government anti- corruption drive.
” The ICC visit is particularly a boost to the government anti-corruption fight. Most Nigerians are not aware that the president went there to talk about challenges regarding anti-corruption.

“The whole world has been made aware of the level of corruption in Nigeria and how people use “human rights” to try to blackmail government and escape justice.
“The visitation to the ICC is the cleverest visitation of the present administration,” he said.
Newsmen report that Buhari was July 31, elected Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State at the 53rd Ordinary Session of the Authority in Lomé, Togo.

via NAN.ng

Adams Oshiomole urge Nigerians to Support Buhari, APC to stop looter

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, on Friday, called on Nigerians to support President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC to remove thieves and looters who believe it is their birthright to continue to loot the country.
He made the call while addressing party supporters who came to welcome him at the Benin Airport on his way to Delta State.
Oshiomhole stated that working with the President, he would ensure that government focuses on the people; that government will not focus on the welfare of the few at the expense of the majority and that government must do everything possible to ensure that those who work have something to show for their labour.
“We must support the President and the APC to remove all those thieves, all those looters who believe it is their birthright to continue to loot; those who say that their purpose in government is for juicy not for the welfare of the people.”
The APC National Chairman who expressed his gratitude to the people, promised that he would represent their feelings, their aspirations and meet their expectations as far as the running of the party was concerned.
He continued, “At this point I am very clear, we will have to fight odds on the basis of our conviction and we will adjust our style; we will not borrow other peoples style.
“I am very proud of my working class background and we will bring those values into the leadership and management of the All Progressives Congress”, he said.
In apparent response to youths and party faithful clamouring for attention from the state government, Oshiomhole said: “I assure you that I will work together with our governor and ensure that any error, any concern that you have that they are addressed satisfactorily.
“And I want to assure you that the tradition of carry our people along will be sustained; you represent what I call our infantry division. You are the ones on election day who ensure that our voters come out. You are the ones who ensure that the PDP rigging machine was defeated.

“We must keep you as a standing force. Together we will match on and will ensure that everyone who works is looked after.
“I know there are people with all kinds of stories but let me assure you that after the storm the weather will settle.
“Trust me, as you have not abandoned me, I will never abandon you and to our youths, I want to particularly appeal to you; don’t lose faith.

“There will be work, there will be participation; there will be involvement, there will be crucifix we will not throw away anybody.
“Nobody will be used and dumped. If yesterday has come beautiful, tomorrow will be better”, the APC National Chairman said.
Earlier in an interview, he spoke on unfolding political scenario in the country and said the interest of Nigeria was greater than the sum total of the political parties.
Oshiomhole continued, “We must engage and engage and pro-attack whether they call me attack dog. I will rather be an attack dog than be a mushroom eater.

“I asked you to understand that what is at stake is beyond the APC and the PDP. Nigeria is much more than the sum total of all the political parties.
“We will see who is who next year February. In Edo, they made this argument that politics is different from labour, we used labour tactics to humble them and they became converted.

“Exactly the same way we used it in Edo, we will used it either in Kwara, Benue or Sokoto or anywhere.
“Be fair in your reportage, this is not about me, it is not about them, it is about the Nigeria people. For those questioning my choice of style.
“I will not adopt the ruling class tactics to deal with a cankerworm of disease. I offer different style in order to get different outcome”, he said.

PRESIDENT BUHARI meets security chiefs and departs for Bauchi

After a meeting with security chiefs, President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Abuja departed for Bauchi.

The held behind closed door was also attended by Minister of Defence, retired Brig.-Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
President Buhari, who presided over the meeting which lasted for about four hours, immediately departed for Bauchi, Bauchi state, on official engagement.

In a statement at the end of the meeting, the minister of defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, said he updated the National Security Council on security situation in the country.
The minister said that he also reminded the council that the nation’s armed forces in collaboration with other security agencies were doing all they could to address the turbulent security situation across the country.

He said: “In order to forestall future security incidences in Zamfara, Sokoto and Birnin-Gwari axis Operation SHARAN DAJI has been extended to cover up to the fringes of Niger boarder.

via NAN.ng

“The operation has recently been reinforced witlh more troops from the Nigerian Armed Forces, Nigeria Police and Department of State Services and is supported by the Intelligence, Surveillance and Recognisance Wing of 207 Quick Response Group of the Nigerian Air Force.’’

Dan-Ali noted that the joint operation had successfully arrested some suspected armed bandits and recovered arms and ammunition.
He announced that security agencies had been directed to checkmate the criminal activities along Abuja-Kaduna highway through increased patrols along the axis to address cases of attacks and kidnappings.

The minister also reiterated the need for the deployment of the Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in all areas liberated by the military in the North-East.

He said this had become imperative in order to consolidate on the gains of military operations as well as to enable the military push forward in its clearance operations.
Dan-Ali stated that he informed the council that Operation DELTA SAFE had sustained its operations against illegal activities in the Niger Delta region with resultant reduction in illegal oil bunkering, militancy and pipeline vandalism.

The minister, however, requested for provision of more equipment for the armed forces in order to sustain the tempo in the fight against insurgency and other security challenges across the country.
Other members of the National Security Council include Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonishakin; the Chief of Army State, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai; Chief Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar and Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas.

UPDATE! President Buhari to visit London on 10-day vacation

President Muhammadu Buhari will begin another round of vacation from Friday.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity , Mr . Femi Adesina , disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday .
Adesina said Buhari would be away for 10 working days .
He said Vice- President Yemi Osinbajo would stand as the acting President during the period .

via punch.ng

The statement read , “President Muhammadu Buhari begins a 10 working- day holiday from August 3 , 2018.

“In compliance with Section 145 (1 ) of the 1999 Constitution, a letter has been transmitted to the President of the Senate, and the Speaker, House of Representatives , to that effect.
“While the President is on vacation, the Vice President will be in acting capacity as President.
“President Buhari will be in London for the holiday . ”

CRITICS - President Buhari, I’ve sent 1000 special soldiers to quell crises in Zamfara, others

President Muhammadu Buhari has, Monday, reiterated his government’s speedy response to the crises rocking many parts of the country, saying security of lives and property is his government’s paramount goal.

President Buhari, while replying critics, said he has authorized the deployment of a team of 1000 “strong military force” to Zamfara to quell the insecurity challenge rocking the state.

President Buhari also said that same sizes of special military forces have also been deployed to other flashpoint states like Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and Plateau states.
Some Nigerians had taken to the micro-blogging site, Twitter, to critique the Buhari-led government’s response to the various security crises rocking some parts of the country.

While some gave him a thumbs up, many others gave it a knock, saying the president has not done enough to solve the security issues.

However, In a series of tweets by the official handle of Mr. President, @MBuhari, the president said, “I have authorized the deployment of a 1,000-strong Military Force to tackle the troubling security challenges in Zamfara. We have another Special Military Force, of about the same size, in Benue, covering Nasarawa and Taraba as well. In Plateau we have Operation Safe Haven.”

I have authorized the deployment of a 1,000-strong Military Force to tackle the troubling security challenges in Zamfara. We have another Special Military Force, of about the same size, in Benue, covering Nasarawa and Taraba as well. In Plateau we have Operation Safe Haven.

READ MORE -  Vanguardngr 

President Buhari leaves for Togo Sunday to attend ECOWAS/ECCAS summit

A statement by the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Saturday, said President Buhari would on arrival have an interactive session at the Nigerian embassy with the Nigerian community based in Togo.

According to him, the President, on Monday, will attend the Joint ECOWAS/ECCAS Summit which will deliberate on common security threats to countries in West Africa and members of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).

Shehu explained that the meeting was being convened with a view to forging concerted strategies in tackling the menace of terrorism, trans-border crimes and other forms of violent extremism.
It would be recalled that President Buhari had expressed support for the proposed ECOWAS/ECCAS Summit when he received the current Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Faure Gnassingbe of Togo on June 29, in Katsina.

Shehu stated that, while in Lome, the Nigerian delegation would also participate in a meeting on a Single Currency for ECOWAS with the deadline of 2020.
“Being the largest economy not only in West Africa but also on the continent, Nigeria’s leadership role in this sub-regional aspiration cannot be over-emphasised,’’ he noted.
According to the presidential aide, on Tuesday, President Buhari will join other leaders of the sub-region for the 53 Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
He said: “This session will be dominated by the political and security situations in Guinea Bissau, Mali and Togo; institutional reforms of the ECOWAS Commission to enhance its effectiveness; illegal migration of Africans to Europe; and the worrisome violent clashes between herders and farmers, among other issues.
“At the end of the session, a new Chair of the ECOWAS Authority is expected to take over from the incumbent and host.’’
The statement said President Buhari would be accompanied by Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River and Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger.
Others are Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Geoffrey Onyeama; Minister of Defence,
Mansur Dan-Ali; Minister of Finance,
Kemi Adeosun; Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau and Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah.
The National Security Adviser (NSA),
Babagana Monguno; the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin; the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA),
Ahmed Abubakar; and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN),
Godwin Emefiele, are also in the President’s delegation.

Pulse.ng

OSHIOMOLE says, If President condones disrespect for his office, I’ll not condone same for the party

The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress , Adams Oshiomhole , on Monday lamented that ministers are taking advantage of President Muhammadu Buhari ’s “fatherly disposition ” by not being up and doing in the various ministries they head .

He also threatened to prevail on Buhari to sack such ministers from the federal cabinet , adding that if President Buhari condones disrespect for his office, he will not condone disrespect for the party.
Oshiomhole handed down the threat during an interview with State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja .

He said the APC under his leadership would not continue to tolerate ministers who abuse their offices and disrespect President Muhammadu Buhari by refusing to carry out his orders.
The former Edo State Governor said if Buhari decided to condone disrespect for his office , he would not allow any government official to disrespect the party.
He said, “You know, we must return to internal discipline. You cannot purport to be an honourable minister and you act dishonourably. Nobody is greater than the party.
“If the President condones disrespect for his office , I will not condone disrespect for the party .
“And when we expel the minister, we will prevail on the President that he can’ t keep in his cabinet people who have neither respect for his own decisions nor have respect for the party without which they would not have been ministers .
“There are no independent candidates in our system. Nobody , I emphasise, no minister is above the party and they have taken undue advantage of the President ’ s fatherly disposition . ”
Oshiomhole said it was the same “green pen ” that made them ministers that also appointed the board members that they are refusing to inaugurate.
He said it was illegal for a minister in a democracy to subvert the powers of the boards because the laws establishing the institutions are clear.
The party chairman said he was sure that affected ministers did not have the President ’ s backing in their actions .
He added, “ When a minister sits in his office to appropriate the powers of the board in a democracy — not in a dictatorship — and award contracts that didn ’ t go though boards, those are clear abuse of office for which they are liable.

via punchng

“I am convinced that what they are doing is not with the endorsement of Mr . President . Over the period, they have tried to drop the President ’s name, but I tell them it is the same authority that appointed these people .
“So , we are informing them that it is either they comply with the President’ s instructions or they comply with the party ’s position or they go and administer outside the government.

“We have respect for ministers , but only to the extent that they recognise that they are products of a political party and we are not negotiating that .
“If they did that in the past, under our leadership we will not tolerate it.
“They either comply or we will expel them from the party .
“When we expel them, we will find out how a government can keep a rebel in the cabinet .
“There is no question about that . ”

PRESIDENT BUHARI says, I’m devastated by the scale of losses to victims of Jos market fire

President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday consoled victims of the Jos market fire which destroyed more than 200 shops .

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity , Garba Shehu, the President said he was devastated by the scale of economic losses suffered by hard -working and ordinary Nigerians who believe in self- reliance to support themselves.

“Trading and agriculture remain the mainstay of these hardworking businessmen and women and every democratic leader would genuinely feel the pains of the victims of this fire disaster.

via punchng

“With profound sense of empathy, I am touched by the large - scale economic losses suffered by the victims of this fire disaster. The role of these enterprising Nigerians in the economy of our country cannot be underestimated,” the President said.
Buhari said he was worried that the latest fire disaster at the Jos market was the third in less than 10 years .
“As you count your losses , I send you my heartfelt commiserations over this devastating disaster.

I am confident that your enterprising spirit would help you rebuild your lives . May God replenish you with more prosperity, ” he said.
The President also appealed to the local authorities concerned to take every necessary measure to forestall frequent fire incidents .

He said the incidents were taking a heavy toll on people ’ s means of livelihood and the intervention of all three tiers of government would go a long way to alleviating the hardships.

President Buhari revealed the reason he announced re-election bid early

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday said he decided to announce his desire to seek re- election early enough in April in order to cool tempers.

Buhari said this while receiving members of the Buhari Support Group Centre at the Presidential Villa, Abuja .

Read more »

Watch Video As Senator Dino Melaye Declares As The 'Oracle Of God' That President Buhari Will Fail In 2019

Controversial politician, Senator Dino Melaye, who represents Kogi West Senatorial district, on Monday, who attended a political gathering in Abuja, told guests at the event that God has told him that President Buhari is entitled to failure in 2019.

The influential lawmaker made the declaration during a speech after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Reformed All Progressives Congress (R-APC) and other political parties ahead of the general elections in 2019.

Speaking during his speech, Dino Melaye said; "APC will lose power in 2019. I am saying this as an oracle of the most high God. I made a call to heaven, and they said Dino, I said 'Yes', speak for thy servenat is hearing.

"I assure you that President Muhammadu Buhari is entitled to failure, 2019 he will fail."

He ended his speech by singing "Oh my home, oh my home, when shall I see my home PDP, when shall I see my PDP, I will never forget my home."

Watch the video clip below;
HERE

Via tori.ng

Declaration! President Buhari backs Supreme Court judgment on Saraki

President Muhammadu Buhari says the country’s judicial system, no matter the challenges it faces, is truly working and no one should be allowed to undermine or break it.

The President’ Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement in Abuja on Saturday, said Buhari made the statement while reacting to Friday’s Supreme Court verdict on Senate President Bukola Saraki.

The Supreme Court had, on Friday, set free the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, of charges in the case of false assets declaration at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).
President Buhari said: “I have seen many instances where individuals and groups seek the destruction of the judicial institution in the foolish thinking of saving their skin, instead of going through the painstaking process of establishing their innocence.

“In the case of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, I have seen him take the tortuous path of using the judicial process.
“He persevered, and in the end, the highest court of the land, the Supreme Court, says he is not guilty as charged.

“This is what I have done in the three elections in which I was cheated out, before God made it possible for me to come here the fourth time I ran for the office.”
The president said the Senate President’s journey from the lowest to the highest court of the land provided an important example for Nigerians to emulate.

The Supreme Court had upheld the Code of Conduct Tribunal’s ruling, clearing Saraki of all 18 count charges bothering on assets declaration.

Via Vanguard