President Muhammadu Buhari and some Visiting Ulamas pose for a group picture
Leaders of a renown Islamic organisation, Qadiriyya Movement in Nigeria have expressed satisfaction with the good spirit in which President Muhammadu Buhair has been leading the country. The leaders, who visited the President today, Tuesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said that Buhari expressed himself very well “and he was very happy and the spirit in which we saw the President is unbelievable, so far so good.” The spokesman of the group, Yassin Garba Maisikeli said that they prayed for the personal health of President Buhari “and the health and progress of Nigeria. That is basically the main mission.” He said that the visit was also meant to enhance the relationship between the Sudan and Nigerian people which has been in existence for several centuries. He said that the group did not make any particular request from President Buhari “because the mission is not to make request but to pray for the President and pray for Nigeria. He (Buhari) asked for more prayers in support of his programmes and the unity of Nigerians.”
Transport minister, Rotimi Amaechi has given a hint that cost of rail transport from Kaduna to Abuja will be increased for proper management. The minister, who had a close door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari ahead of the commissioning of 10 new coaches and 2 locomotives for the Kaduna – Abuja train service by the President said that the increment in the transportation would be done by experts in that area. He said that even passengers agreed that the cost of transportation to kaduna via the railway is a bit too cheap. “So, there will be a need to increase the price of the cost and then there will be more comfort. More comfort in the sense that when you have excess seats multiply by the number of passengers that will come, then anybody that wants to racketeer will have to eat the tickets himself.” He said that his meeting with President Buhari was to discuss the commissioning of 10 new coaches and 2 locomotives which will bring the total number of coaches to 14 on the Kaduna-Abuja route. “The president is pleased with the arrangement because basically, we will then be able to discharge the passengers pressure that we have had. That is why you have ticket racketeering. “When demand outstrips supply then you see all sort of attempts to cheat the passengers. He disclosed that one of the locomotives will be dedicated to direct trip from Kaduna to Abuja non-stop. “That will enable those living in Kaduna and working in Abuja to actually come to work on time. If you leave at 6am by 7.15 or 7.20, you should be in Abuja.”[myad]
Former governor of the old Kaduna state, Alhaji Lawal Kaita is dead. He died today, Tuesday after a protracted illness at Nizamieye Turkish Hospital in Abuja.
Kaita was adi to have been on life support in the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital, up to the time he died.
Born in 1932 in Katsina, Lawal Kaita was elected governor of Kaduna State on the platform of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN), and served from October to December 1983 but was cut short by a military coup on the eve of new year.
He was a member of the Constituent Assembly of Nigeria (1977–1978).
Kaita became Special Assistant to President Shehu Shari after losing his first gubernatorial attempt to Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) candidate, Balarabe Musa, in 1979.
The deceased was a leading member of late Shehu Yar’adua’s political movement, and foundation member of Action Congress of Nigeria (CAN).
In a message, President Muhammadu Buhari expressed condolences to the family, the Government and people of Katsina and Kaduna states.
President Buhari, who said that he was briefed later today, Tuesday on the death of Kaita who he said was chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), described the deceased as a complete gentleman who served his people and the nation with total commitment and devotion.
“Nigeria has lost a distinguished leader. We are all saddened by his demise. May his soul Rest In Peace,” said the President. [myad]
Depot and Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPMAN), have made it clear that if they are to return to participate in importation of fuel, they will not be able to sell the product at the existing N145 per litre because there is no profit. The Chairman of the Association, Dapo Abiodun, who led his team to a meeting initiated by President Muhammadu Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Abba Nyari today at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, told news men after the meeting that there has been no subsidy in the budget. “As far as we are concerned, marketers cannot import and sell at N145. We have to find other ways to manage the situation so that we will continue to sell fuel at N145.” He insisted that government should find a way to ensure that marketers importing alongside NNPC are assisted in a way that they will continue to sell at N145. “So when we meet with the minister (of state for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu) tomorrow, we will find solution.” The chairman said that the Association’s position was made clear at today’s meeting, “and we emphasized the fact that this was not a marketer-related problem. There was no hoarding on the part of any marketer. Marketers are your brothers; they are Nigerian citizens, they are businessmen. No marketer makes money from hoarding petroleum products. Our business is to take petrol and sell. “We explained that the problem that you saw is not willful on the part of anyone; neither NNPC nor marketers. The situation, from our point of view, is that from January to December, the price of crude remained relatively stable, following the hurricane Katrina in the month of September October. Crude prices went up and marketers lost the ability to import and sell at N145 per liter. “Since the price of crude is directly proportional to refined product, we could not import petrol and sell at N145 any more. And this business is a partnership between marketers and NNPC. Marketers being in a certain volume and NNPC also brings in a certain volume. “In the past, marketers brought in about 60 percent, while NNPC brought about 35 to 40 per cent. “But by the month of October, marketers completely stopped importing because there was no more subsidy, so we can’t sell for profit so we have to stop importing. “So, the burden of importing 100 percent now fell on NNPC. So, you can imagine a situation where NNPC was importing in part and marketers were importing in part and then suddenly, NNPC began to import 100%. Couple with the fact that in the months we called the ember months, from October to December, the consumption of petrol is highest in the country, so you now have what we called a double warning. “NNPC suddenly found that it was importing what it probably didn’t expect in terms of volume and the fact that Nigerians themselves are consuming more volume than they will normally consume in earlier months. “Couple with the fact that the countries that are surrounding us as a nation are all selling fuel at more than $1 per liter which today is about N360: if you go to Cotonou, Ghana and Niger, it is not unlikely that some of our petrol is finding itself across the borders to these countries. “All these are issues we believe amounted to what we saw in December but thankfully, NNPC rose to the occasion. They stepped up import, stepped up supplies that situation has since normalized. “Today’s meeting is to ensure that this does not happen again and this we are going to continue tomorrow under the committee that was set up, with minister of state for petroleum as chairman; to ensure that we find a long lasting and enduring solutions to this problem so that Nigerians will not have to go through this harrowing situation again.[myad]
Former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi has accused his predecessor, governor Nelson Wike of making too much noise while the state is being over-run by political miscreant. Amaechi, who answered reporters’ questions today, Tuesday at the Presidential Villa said: “too much noise coming from Rivers State; the governor just wakes up and starts shouting, abusing people. That’s all he does. Mr. Project painting roads, the first thing you do is human capacity development and keeping human beings and we are losing lives every day.” Amaechi, who is currently the minister of Transport advised governor Wike to get a bit more serious. “He should stop encouraging the militant groups in the name of politics and election. You heard about 21 (killed) only in Omoku. What about in Akutoru where two person were killed? What about other local government areas? I think there should be much more than age to qualify to be a governor because it takes much more than age. “I was governor of Rivers State. I did not play PDP/APC politics. life is life; it has no symbol. “Nobody has APC life or PDP life. The first responsibility of a governor which is what the oath of office requires, is that you swear to protect lives and property. When you don’t protect life and property, what do you do? Unfortunately there is no House of Assembly in Rivers State.” Amaechi recalled that recently, two important men were kidnapped before he left Port Harcourt. “The first person is Chief Adoke. Till today, nearly one month after, nobody can tell you where he is. The next person is Chief Omogu who was kidnapped. Luckily, the villagers ran after the people and rescued the old man from the bush. “It never happened when I was governor. We (the security and myself) ensured that we would not sleep at night. We stayed awake for the citizens to sleep. I think the governor (Wike) needs to do much more than that or quit the office.”
A kidnap for ransom described as ‘most vicious’ operating in the hideout in the Forest along Kaduna – Abuja highway, led by a 20-year old Fulani man, named Ibrahim Umar a.k.a Oro, hs been captured by the F- SARS Special Tactical Squad attached Operation Absolute Sanity of the Nigeria Police.
The gang members were arrested after what the police called an intense gun battle that lasted more than Five (5) hours. The gang leader is said to be a trained Armourer and the hit-man of the gang. a statement by the Force Public Relations Officers, Force Headquarters, CSP Jimoh Moshood the gang members were arrested in the act of laying ambush to kidnap people returning from Christmas and New Year holidays on Kaduna – Abuja road and Minna – Suleja – Abuja road The statement said that Ibrahim Umar had confessed to have killed personally more than 10 people, including those that he killed and still collected ransom money from their families. The gang leader also confessed to suck the blood of most of the victims after killing them. He was identified by some of the victims rescued from their captivity by the Police in the forest during the gun battle. It said that the other suspects were apprehended in their various criminal hideouts in the forest and other locations along the Abuja-Suleja-Minna highways for kidnapping, armed robbery, murder and multiple rape cases. All the suspects arrested confessed to their various criminal roles they played in the commission of the crimes.
The police said that the suspects will be arraigned in Court for prosecution on completion of investigation. “Investigation is being intensified to arrest other members of the gang still at large.
“While the ongoing operation is being sustained and extended to other flash points across the country, the Inspector General of Police deeply appreciates the cooperation of communities, towns and villages on Kaduna – Abuja, Abuja – Suleja – Minna highways and all other Nigerians for these success stories.
“He therefore encourages them to continue to support Police personnel deployed in their localities.” [myad]
The Nigerian Army has formally gone into partnership with Nigerian indigenous motor manufacturing company, Innoson Motors Manufacturing Company, for modification of some of its equipment, local production of armoured fighting vehicles and other military hardwares.
The partnership deal was stuck today, Tuesday during a meeting between the management of the company let by the Chairman, Doctor Innocent Chukwuma and the leadership of the Nigerian Army led by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TY Buratai at the Army Headquarters, Abuja. At the signing of the partnership deal, the Chief of Army Staff, congratulated the company for giant strides it has recorded in the production of various brands of vehicles lately.
He recalled that the Nigerian Army, in a bid to encourage local entrepreneurs, had asked Innoson Motors to supply three vehicles early last year which were found to be durable and performing very well as they were employed in combat.
He said that the Nigerian Army subsequently acquired over 70 more variants of the Innoson vehicles which were deployed in the North East for Operation LAFIYA DOLE.
The Chief of Army Staff said that the Nigerian Army desires to deepens its cooperation by partnering with Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited to conceptualize, design, modify and produce military hardwares. The specific areas of partnership between the Nigerian Army and the company include immediate supply 100 vehicles, supply of appropriate gears, engines and chassis required for immediate modifications and repairs of armoured fighting vehicles in the North East Theatre of Operations. Identifying requirements for production of armoured fighting vehicle in Nigerian Army Central Workshop in Kaduna and enhancing capacity of Nigerian Army personnel to actively participate on the successful implementation of these joint ventures. Responding, Doctor Innocent Chukwuma expressed happiness that the Nigerian Army has found his vehicles working perfectly and commended the Chief of Army Staff for his great sense of patriotism.
He promised to assist the Nigerian Army in its quest for better vehicles for its troops and resuscitation of its Special Vehicle Plant and Workshops.
Dr Innocent Chukwuma thanked the Chief of Army Staff for the commendation, maintaining that his company would continue to improve and expand its capacity in vehicle manufacturing.
He further appreciated the Nigerian Army for the patronage, describing the critical role the Nigerian Army is playing in national development through the fight against insurgency in the North East and Nigeria in general.
Highlight of the occasion was inspection and handing over of three of the newly manufactured vehicles by the company for trial by the Nigerian Army. These newly manufactured vehicles are; IVM G80 Bigger Jeep, IVM G40 Smaller Jeep and IVM Granite Pickup. [myad]
President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered security agents to move fast and track down killers of innocent persons in Omoku, Rivers State and the traditional ruler, the Etum Numana, Dr Gambo Makama, and his wife in Sango Local Government Area of Kaduna State in the New Year. In a statement, senior special assistant on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu quoted President Buhari as expressing shock and outrage at such killings, describing them as “reprehensible and unacceptable.” The President insisted that the law enforcement agencies in both states should intensify efforts to speedily bring the perpetrators to face the wrath of the law. “I have always maintained that nothing justifies the taking of the life of an innocent person,” he said, adding that “people in our communities must learn to live peacefully.” President Buhari appealed to the communities affected not to embark on reprisal attacks but allow the security agencies to carry out comprehensive investigations to properly punish the culprits. He commiserated with the families of the victims and wished the injured faster recovery. Also today, President Buhari vowed that his government would investigate and bring to book, all perpetrators of mayhem across the country. The President, who received in audience, leaders of the Qadiriyya Muslim Movement in Africa and the Izalatul-Bid’a-Wa-Iqamatus-Sunnah at the State House in Abuja, said that no religion or civilised culture tolerates violence, especially the taking of another life. President Buhari said anyone, or group of persons, who unleash violence on the innocent in the name of a movement, cause or religion lack understanding of the ordinances of God. “You can’t kill to please God; and I know no religion tolerates the taking of another person’s life in the name of a religious movement. “There is never a justification for killing any member of the society. We have been tackling the Boko Haram menace, and we have made significant impact, and we will extend the measures to stop all wanton killings.” The President said the security apparatus will be consistently reviewed to check threats to the peaceful co-existence of all Nigerians, and ensure the safety of lives and properties. President Buhari told the delegation that his political party, the All Progressives Congress, campaigned on three issues, noting that his government had been consistent in ensuring that it provides adequate security, fights corruption and stimulates the economy for creation of jobs. “Our priority is to also ensure that everyone in the country has something to eat. We are really concerned about the underprivileged. “Graciously, God has been hearing our prayers. In the past two years, we have had bountiful harvest due to favourable conditions. All over the country, we have reports of farmers posting good harvests. On corruption, the President said security agencies will continue to expand their dragnets to ensure that sanity is restored into public offices. “Justice will be done to all in the war against corruption. As religious leaders, I urge you to reach backwards to your followers to respect the rights of others. Those that stole from the public can no longer sleep well in the country today. When they run abroad, they cannot take their landed assets with them. We will, in all cases, have them return what they looted.” In his remarks, the leader of Qadiriyya Muslim Movement in Africa, Dr. Keribullah Nasir Kabara said the movement would continue to uphold the president in prayers for good health and longer life to pursue the course of building a stronger nation that caters for all citizens. He said that the reports of improved security in the North East and better harvests for farmers across the nation were clear signs of God’s favour on the government, urging the President to continually look unto God. Sheikh Qaribullah said that the improved security situation in the country made it possible for ten million members of Qadiriyya, from many parts of Africa, to gather in Kano for some days for the commemorative birthday of the founder of the movement without a single incident. The leader of the second group of Ulamas, Shiekh Bala Lau commended the ongoing drive for infrastructural development in the country by the administration. He advised President Buhari to continue to remember the lower segments of the population who look up to him to champion their cause.[myad]
Dr. Isaac Ikonne, the oldest traditional ruler in Nigeria as Enyi 1 of Aba in Abia state for 43 years, received a birthday greeting from President Muhammadu Buhari, as turned 89 years old today, January 1. Special Adviser to the President on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, quoted Buhari in a statement, as commending the Enyi of Aba’s patriotism, foresight and unflinching support for the unity of Nigeria. The President acknowledged the consistency of the traditional ruler, in counselling leaders for peace, recommending the rule of law and encouraging his kinsman to always work for the larger goal of building one great nation. He also acknowledged the royal father’s large heartedness, forthrightness and maturity which he said, had greatly ensured stability and development in his community over the years. Buhari noted the long-held passion of Dr. Isaac Ikonne, in the promotion of the virtues of good education, entrepreneurship and neighbourliness among the youths. The President prayed to God to grant the octogenarian more wisdom, good health and longer life to continue serving his people, and the country.[myad]
President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to embark on intense efforts to address the nation’s huge infrastructural deficit with emphasis on advancing road, rail and power projects across the country.
In his New Year nation-wide Radio and Television broadcast today, January 1st, the President said that the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing has been chosen as one of the drivers of the Government’s commitment to renew and increase Nigeria’s stock of infrastructure in order to achieve global economic competitiveness as targeted under the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.
He said that on Railways, his government has set itself ambitious targets, adding that already in construction stage is the Lagos-Kano Standard Gauge Railway.
“The line should reach Ibadan from Lagos by the end of 2019 and will carry two million passengers per year and five million tons of cargo will be transported every year giving a substantial boost to the country’s economy.
“Construction of the Kano – Kaduna segment is expected to commence this year and reach Kaduna by the end of 2019. By the end of 2021 the two ends will be joined so that we will have standard gauge railway across the main North-South trading route.
“The Abuja – Kaduna route will be boosted by additional rolling stock next Thursday and will be able to handle one million commuters annually.
“At the same time I have approved and negotiations will be concluded in the first part of this year for the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri line covering Aba, Owerri, Umuahia, Enugu, Awka, Abakaliki, Makurdi, Lafia, Jos, Bauchi, Gombe, Yola and Damaturu. The Abuja to Itakpe line will go through Baro and terminate in Warri with construction of a new seaport at Warri.
“Negotiations are also advanced for the construction of other railway lines, firstly from Kano to Maradi in Niger Republic passing through Kazaure, Daura, Katsina, Jibia to Maradi.
“Secondly, Lagos to Calabar the “Coastal Rail” through Ore, Benin, Agbor, Asaba, Onitsha, Sapele, Ughelli, Warri, Yenagoa, Otuoke, Port Harcourt, Aba, Uyo and Calabar. In the next few years, all these Nigerian cities will be linked by functional modern rail systems, giving enormous boost to the social and economic life of our people.
“With respect to the Abuja Capital Light Rail, progress has reached 98% completion, as at 64% completion when we assumed office. Only test runs remain before start of operations.
“This train service will stimulate economic activities in the Federal Capital and provide residents with an efficient and safe transportation system. Twelve railway sub-stations around the capital over a 45.2 kilometre route will serve as a catalyst and a pull factor to the economy of the area. The Light Rail System will reduce traffic congestion and carbon emission in line with the Administration’s policy on climate change.
“Management of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has been reconstituted and has been charged with a 12 week rapid intervention in road repairs to cover all the geo-political zones. Government is undertaking repairs and maintenance of 44 roads within the six geo-political zones.
“Twenty five major highways will be funded under the N100b SUKUK facility. Each geo-political zone will benefit by an equal amount of N16.67b. The following major highways are to receive special attention:
“In addition, Government has approved work to start on the re-construction of Abuja – Kaduna – Zaria – Kano road which is in a state of disrepair. Work will soon start and is expected to be completed in 2019.
“More Nigerians across the country are experiencing improved power supply to their homes and businesses. However, power remains a concern to this government because too many people still do not have regular and reliable supply.
“The Payment Assurance Guarantee Scheme which started in January 2016 has enabled the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trader to raise so far N701 billion to assure Generation Companies of at least 80% payment for any power delivered to the national grid.
“Consequently, generation has now reached 7,000MW. On December 8, 2017 the country achieved 5,155MW of power delivered to consumers, the highest level ever recorded.
“Several moribund projects have been revived. Repairs of Afam Power Station added 110MW in 2017 and another 240MW will be added this year through a private investment partnership.
“Katsina Power Project is now being tested and producing 10MW of power from wind for the first time in Nigeria. It should be fully operational this year.
“The Zungeru 700MW Hydroelectric Power Project, stalled by court cases is due for completion in 2019. The transmission and other requirements to operate the 30MW Gurara Phase 1 Hydroelectric Plant, the 40MW Kashimbilla Hydroelectric Plant and the 215 MW Kaduna Gas/LPG/Diesel Power Plant will also be completed this year.
“A landmark project, Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project is at last taking off. This project has been on the drawing Board for 40 years, but now the engineering, procurement and construction contract for the 3,050MW project has been agreed with a Chinese joint venture Company with a financing commitment from the government of China. Completion is targeted for 2023.
“As I mentioned earlier, the Transmission Company of Nigeria can now distribute all the 7,000MW that can be generated. TCN and the Niger Delta Holding Company have added 1,950MVA of 330 down to 132KV transformer capacity of 10 transmission stations and 2,930MVA of 132 down to 33KV transformer capacity of 42 sub-stations including Ikot Ekpene, Aba, Alagbon, Ajah, Ejigbo, Funtua and Zaria.
“This Administration is working with the privatised distribution Companies to overcome the continuing challenges of distribution.
“These massive public works should spearhead the recovery and lead millions back to employment. You will recall that it was not until last year that we got out of the economic recession into which the country had fallen as a consequence of past unsustainable economic policies which projected short-term illusory growth. The government is slowly stabilizing the economy.
“It was in order to change the steady and steep decline that we adopted the more sustainable policies and programmes captured in the Economic Recovery Plan. Diversification efforts have resulted in improved output particularly in agriculture and solid minerals sectors. The relative exchange rate stability has improved manufacturing sector performance.
“We have got to get used to discipline and direction in economic management. The days of business as usual are numbered.
“Two years ago I appealed to people to go back to the land. I am highly gratified that agriculture has picked up, contributing to the government’s effort to re-structure the economy. Rice imports will stop this year. Local rice, fresher and more nutritious will be on our dishes from now on.
“By the same token, I am today appealing to enterprising Nigerians with ideas and unemployed graduates and other able-bodied and literate men and women with ideas not to just sit and wait for employment from the government or the Organized Private Sector. Great nations are built by enterprising people who turn their hands to anything that circumstances dictate.” [myad]
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Depot and Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPMAN), have made it clear that if they are to return to participate in importation of fuel, they will not be able to sell the product at the existing N145 per litre because there is no profit.
President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered security agents to move fast and track down killers of innocent persons in Omoku, Rivers State and the traditional ruler, the Etum Numana, Dr Gambo Makama, and his wife in Sango Local Government Area of Kaduna State in the New Year.
