2019: Buhari Cautions Politicians To Avoid Ethnic, Religious Politicking

January 1, 2018

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on politicians to avoid exploiting ethnic and religious politicking as the electioneering campaigns for the 2019 general elections approach.

“As the electioneering season approaches politicians must avoid exploiting ethnicity and religion by linking ethnicity with religion and religion with politics. Such must be avoided at all costs if we are to live in harmony.”

The President, in his nation-wide Radio and Television broadcast today, January 1^st, drew the attention of politicians to the South Western States that had successfully internalized religion, ethnicity and politics for them to learn from.

“Political discourse should be conducted with civility, decorum and in a constitutional manner. We all have a collective responsibility to strengthen our democracy and entrench the rule of law. We should draw encouragement from the series of bye-elections conducted by INEC last year which were generally violence free and their outcomes adjudged to be free and fair.”

This was even as he reassure Nigerians that security of life and property is still top of his government’s agenda, adding that his government had since beaten Boko Haram.

“Isolated attacks still occur, but even the best-policed countries cannot prevent determined criminals from committing terrible acts of terror as we have seen during the past years in Europe, Asia, Middle East, elsewhere in Africa and in America.

“Our government remains determined to protect all Nigerians in line with our election pledge and promises. On behalf of all Nigerians let me offer our thanks to the Armed forces, the Police, other para-military forces and traditional authorities who are working round the clock to ensure that you and I go about our normal business in reasonable safety.

“Terrorism and urban crimes are world-wide phenomena and our security forces are continuously adapting their responses to changing threats.

“With regard to rampant cases of kidnappings, we are taking immediate short-term measures to combat this new evil creeping into our societies. Tighter police methods and swift and severe punishment for those proved to be engaged in kidnapping are on the way.

“With respect to Niger Delta, Government is still engaging responsible leadership of the Communities to help in identifying and addressing genuine grievances of the region. Our clean-up programme in collaboration with the United Nations is making satisfactory progress.

“I am grateful to all the Governors and other Political & Community leaders of the Niger Delta States for their part in bringing relative peace to the areas.” [myad]

Nigeria Doesn’t Need Restructuring, Buhari Gives Verdict

Greenbarge Reporters

January 1, 2018

“When all the aggregates of nationwide opinions are considered, my firm view is that our problems are more to do with process than structure.”

This was one of the views expressed by President Muhammadu Buhari in his nation-wide New Year Radio and Television broadcast today, January 1^st.

The President said that he had kept a close watch on the on-going debate about “Restructuring,” acknowledging that no human law or edifice is perfect.

He said that the structure being developed, must periodically be perfected according to changing circumstances and the country’s socio-economic developments.

“We Nigerians can be very impatient and want to improve our conditions faster than may be possible considering our resources and capabilities.”

Buhari recalled that Nigeria had tried the Parliamentary system which it later jettisoned, only for it to now witness what he called “shrill cries for a return to the Parliamentary structure.

“In older democracies, these systems took centuries to evolve so we cannot expect a copied system to fit neatly into our purposes.

“We must give a long period of trial and improvement before the system we have adopted is anywhere near fit for purpose.” [myad]

President Buhari Angry With Those Who Cause Fuel Scarcity

Greenbarge Reporters

January 1, 2018

President Muhammadu Buhari has not hidden his anger on ‘unpatriotic’ Nigerians who have caused fuel scarcity thereby making it difficult for Nigerians to enjoy the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

He said: “unfortunately, I am saddened to acknowledge that for many, this Christmas and New Year holidays have been anything but merry and happy.

“Instead of showing love, companionship and charity, some of our compatriots chose this period to inflict severe hardship on us all by creating unnecessary fuel scarcity across the country.

“The consequence was that not many could travel and the few who did had to pay exorbitant transport fares.”

The President, in his New Year broadcast to the nation today, January 1^st, said that his government would not accept the sad situation because the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) had taken measures to ensure availability at all depots.

He made it clear that he is determined to get to the root of what he called “this collective blackmail of all Nigerians” and that he would ensure that whichever groups are behind the manipulated hardship will be prevented from doing so again.

“Such unpatriotism will not divert the Administration from the course we have set ourselves. Our government’s watch word and policy thrust is CHANGE.

“We must change our way of doing things or we will stagnate and be left behind in the race to lift our people out of poverty and into prosperity.”[myad]

Presidency Explains How Dead People Made The List Of Board Appointments

Greenbarge Reporters

December 30, 2017

The Presidency has explained how the names of dead people were included on the list of Nigerians that were appointed into the Boards of some federal government agencies and parastatals yesterday, Friday.
Speaking to news men today, Saturday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the senior special assistant to the President on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu said that the list was prepared over two years ago.
He said that the process of compiling the list started in 2015 while a reviewed list was presented to President Muhammadu Buhari in 2017 shortly before he travelled to London to attend to his ill health.
Garba Shehu said that on his return from the medical vacation, President Buhari instructed the new Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha to release the list.
“This list is a historical list. It dates back to 2015. The President asked all state chapters of the APC to forward 50 names for appointments to the SGF through the national headquarters of the party.
“The then SGF, Babachir Lawal, presented the report in October 2016 , one year after he was commissioned.
“The report was disputed by state governors who said they were not carried along or the list was not representative enough .
“So, the President constituted a new panel chaired by the Vice President. The panel has some governors and some leaders of the party as members. They were asked to go and review the list.
“The panel did its work and turned in its report early in 2017. The President had his health challenges during that period.”[myad]

Nigerian Army Commences Regular Recruitment

Greenbarge Reporters

December 30, 2017

The Nigerian Army has announced the commencement of the 77 regular recruitment for both Trades and Non Tradesmen and women.
A statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman said that the recruitment commenced on December 29 2017 and scheduled to end February 9, 2018
The statement said that the recruitment exercise, which would be done through online registration, is being carried out in all states across the nation. The statement said that interested applicants must be Nigerians of between the ages of 18 and 22 for non-tradesmen and women.
The tradesmen and women, it explained, must be between 22 and 26 years by 1st March 2018.
Applicants have been asked to visit the Nigerian Army official website http://recruitment.army.mil.ng to apply online.
The statement said that application is free even as it directed enquiries to contact 08038575725 or 08037234828.

Season’s Ososo Carnival In Edo, Nigeria

Greenbarge Reporters

December 30, 2017

Ososo 1 — Cultural displays by a bevy of beauties at the 7th Edition of Ososo Carnival Akoko Edo local Government Area Edo State on Friday, December 29. Photo by Philip Ojisua.

Ososo 2 — Ososo cultural carnival staged by a bevy of beauties…

Ososo 3 — Cultural carnival in Ososo, Edo State

Buhari Returns Maida To NAN As Board Chairman, Appoints 208 Other Board Chairmen

Greenbarge Reporters

December 30, 2017

President Muhammadu Buhari has returned the former Editor-In-Chief of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Wada Maida to the same organization now as chairman of its Board.

The appointment of Maida yesterday, was one of the 209 made, including 1,258 members of government owned agencies and parastatals.

Secretary to the Government of the Federaion (SGF), Boss Mustapha, who announced the massive appointments, said that Isa Abba Adamu has also been appointed as one of the Board members of the NAN.

Maida, who was also press secretary to Buhari when he was Nigeria’s military Head of State between 1984 and 1985, is at present the Chairman board of directors of Peoples Media Limited. He retired from the NAN in 2003. He was the agency’s managing director from 1994, after a long spell as editor-in-chief, from 1985. He joined NAN as a pioneer editorial staff in 1978 and was at various times, the political editor and London Bureau Chief.

Also Mr. Dapo Abiodun has been appointed the Chairman of Heyden Petroleum, who contested for the senatorial seat of Ogun East in the 2015 election was named as the new chairman of Corporate Affairs Commission.

Many big wigs of the APC were similarly appointed.

The party’s legal adviser, Muiz Banire is now the chairman of the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON). Senator Olorunimbe Mamora is the chairman of Abuja Investment and Infrastructure Centre.

The party’s secretary, Mai Mala Buni, is the chairman of the Shippers Council. Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, the publicity secretary of the party is in charge of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC).

Demola Seriki, a former minister of state for defence is the chairman of the National Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron. Former Speaker House of Representatives, Patricia Olubunmi Etteh is the new chairman of the National Hospital, Abuja. A former deputy speaker, Chibudom Nwuche is in charge of Federal Medical Centre Lokoja.

Dr. Leke Pitan, a former commissioner for health in Lagos under Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, was appointed chairman of National Agricultural Extension Research Liaison Services in Zaria. Teju Philips, also a former Lagos commissioner is the chairman of Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan. Pastor Yomi Kasali will head the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission.

Chief George Moghalu is the chairman of the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT). General John Shagaya is the chairman of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru Jos.

Former governors of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo and Engineer Segun Oni, were also named as chairmen. Adebayo is in charge of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). Oni who is a vice-chairman of the APC has been posted to Nigerian Export Processing Zone. while Senator Ayo Arise, a recent kidnap victim will chair Sheda Science and Technology Complex.

Former deputy governor of Plateau State, Pauline Tallen is the new chairman of National Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS (NACA).

Former deputy governor of Ondo State, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, will chair the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority, while a former deputy governor of Lagos, Femi Pedro is the chairman of Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria.

Timi Alaibe, former Managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, is heading to Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority as chairman.

According to Boss Mustapha, all the appointments take immediate effect.

“Mr. President considered the approval for the constitution of the Boards as well as the appointments, very necessary, so as to provide a proper Governance and oversight structure for Government Agencies and Parastatals.

“The constitution of the boards with the appointments, is a demonstration of this Government’s efforts aimed at building strong institutions of Governance, and by extension, improving the quality of Policy formulation and supervision,” he added.

Source: NAN. [myad]

Greed, Profiteering By Oil Marketers Cause Fuel Crisis, NNPC Boss Insists

Greenbarge Reporters

December 29, 2017

NNPC Group managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru

The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru, has attributed the fuel crisis that had lingered on Nigeria in the last three weeks to greed and profiteering tendency by oil marketers.
According to him, the rumour that there was planned increase in pump price of the fuel “instigated a lot of marketers to be very greedy and they decided that their fellow citizens should not enjoy the Christmas holiday and new year. They decided to profiteer, starting by hoarding and diversion of the products.”
Baru, who answered reporters’ questions shortly after observing Jum’at (Friday Special Prayer) alongside President Muhammadu Buhari today, Friday, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, recalled his address to news men, during which time he told the world that there were sufficient products that will last up to 30 days through the new year into January.
“But because the marketers wanted to inflict harm and pains on fellow citizens, they decided to hoard products, divert them and in some cases even smuggle products out of the country.
“This has been tamed by the actions we took and I personally led the war around Abuja and other teams led the war in Lagos and other parts of the country.
“As of this morning, I have gone round the Abuja metropolis and I have seen that the queues have reduced significantly to almost normal level and few motorists that I heard speaking on morning programmed concerning what I have seen said they have not spent up to 30 minutes to fuel their car.
“So, the monster has been tamed in Lagos, the situation has been brought into normalcy as far as two days ago and we are also acting the same thing in all other cities.
“I promise that we have sufficient products that will last us for the next 30 days and we keep bringing in 50 percent, over and above our normal consumption, into the country. “And vessels have been lined up; at the moment, I have eight vessels discharging products at various ports around the country.
“So Nigerians should enjoy the new year. Mr. President’s directive and guidance which has been very helping, has been executed and normalcy has returned.”
The NNPC boss advised oil marketers who have hidden the products in odd locations to bring them out and sell to the public at N145 per liter maximum.
He said that if NNPC sold the product to them at N133.28, they have sufficient margin within that ambit to be able to supply and sell to the public at maximum N145 per liter.
“The NNPC (stations) are selling at N143 per liter, so you should be able to sell at N145 per liter. If you go above that, the regulators, DPR and PPPRA with the support of law enforcement agencies, particularly the civil defence, will make sure that the products are confiscated and given free to the public. This is the directive by Mr. President which we are working on and is being executed to the later. “Bring them out and sell these products. We don’t have any shortage and we are making massive loading. Normally, we should be able to have 850 trucks to satisfy the National consumption but as at yesterday, we loaded 1,750 trucks to go around the country. “So, we will continue massive load out until we reach the former position whereby all the stations will have products and truck siding.”[myad]

President Buhari Assents To 6 Bills

Greenbarge Reporters

December 29, 2017

President, Muhammadu Buhari has assented to six bills, including the Niger Delta Development Commission (Establishment) Amendment Act, 2017.
The Act includes the gas producing and gas processing companies in the list of agencies that are contributing to the Niger Delta Development Commission in addition to the Oil companies. This is in a bid to increase funding of the Commission for effective discharge of its duties.
In a statement today, Friday, Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang, said that the NDDC Acts had previously excluded the gas companies.
“The Act makes it explicit that the Gas companies have to be included. This is to diversify the sources of funding for the NDDC for the economic wellbeing of the region.
“The Federal Capital Appropriation Act also assented to, authorises the Federal Capital Territory Administration to legally and legitimately provide funds out of its Statutory Revenue Fund for recurrent and capital expenditure.
“President Buhari had earlier assented to the Federal Capital Territory Water Board (Establishment) Act, 2017, National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (Establishment) Act, 2017, Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act, 2017 and Anti-Torture Act, 2017.
“The Federal Capital Territory Water Board Establishment Act is charged with the responsibility for providing safe, adequate and affordable water supply services to the residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. It is also to collaborate with the other authorities responsible for water resources management to secure efficient use of water resources for the conservation and protection of the water resources of the Territory and the nation.
“The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (Establishment) Act, 2017 is to provide national direction in cancer research, control and treatment; guide scientific improvements to cancer prevention, treatment and care, coordinate and liaise between the wide range of groups and health care providers with an interest in cancer.
“Also, Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act, 2017 provides for the compulsory treatment and care for victims of gunshots and for related matters. Specifically, the Act stipulates that a person with a gunshot wound shall be received for immediate and adequate treatment by any hospital in Nigeria with or without initial monetary deposit. “Furthermore, a person with a gunshot wound shall not be subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment or torture by any person or authority, including the police and other security agencies.
“Anti-Torture Act, 2017 makes comprehensive provisions for penalizing the acts of torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, and prescribes penalties for the commission of such acts.
“The six Acts have come into effect as laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”[myad]

Federal Govt Gives Small Subsidy To Oil Marketers, NNPC Boss Admits

Greenbarge Reporters

December 29, 2017

Against the backdrop of the Federal Government position stopping subsidy on fuel, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru has admitted that small subsidy still exists.
Dr. Barau told news men today, Friday at the Aso Rock, Abuja the landing cost as should be sold in the pump without under-recovery should be N171.40, but that President Muhammadu Buhari directed that “we should maintain all the parameters to ensure that it is sold at N145 per liter.
“And that is why we are selling at depot at N133.28.” [myad]

1...1,3921,3931,394...2,487 Page 1,393 of 2,487