President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the outgoing Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole to get ready for another national assignment after handing over the mantle of leadership to his successor next week.
President Buhari, who spoke at the Palace of the new Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Nku Akpolokpolo Ewuare 11, shortly before he embarked on the commissioning of several projects in the State, said that the country would be the loser if the government of All Progressives Congress (APC) fails to utilize the people’s governor’s wisdom, skill and energy.
“It will be a pity to waste his energy by him retiring. I hope there will be a higher assignment for him to do more for the nation.
“I congratulate the Governor for his hard work; Oshiomhole is a hard working Governor. We will need his services in Abuja.
“Thank you for inviting me, most especially during this time in the country.
“You have served two terms and you are about to leave. You deserve a place in history. I hope the APC will look for a place for you because your service for the country is far from over.”
President Buhari congratulated the Oba for successfully ascending the throne of his ancestors and extended the support of the Federal government to his Royal highness in his bid to improve the lives of Edo people.
The Oba in his speech, expressed delighted on the president’s visit, noting that it was the first since his recent coronation.
“We believe this is a sign of better things to come. I appreciate your contribution to my coronation,” Oba Ewuare II said.
The royal father, who commended the President for appointing Edo indigenes into positions in government appealed for the establishment of an export and import processing zone for agro-allied industries in the state.
He said the venture would stimulate the nation’s economy and create jobs.
After paying homage to the Oba, President Buhari who is on 2-day working visit to Edo commissioned the renovated Central Hospital in Benin.
The medical facility which was established in 1902 was rebuilt by the state government under Oshiomhole.
At the event, President Buhari praised the state-of-the art facility rebuilt by the Governor, noting that he had the choice of using the available money for his comfort by building a new government house but he opted for a hospital to help the people.
President Buhari commissioned the Upper Siluko Road in Benin City, which he described as “no ordinary type of road.”
The President inspected the Queen Ede Gulley erosion site and commissioned the Samuel Ogbemedia College rebuilt to ‘world class standard.’
President Buhari commended the quality of infrastructure built by the outgoing Governor, noting that the history of EDOMARUSE state will not be complete without his name. [myad]

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, has cautioned the Nigerian media, especially online publications, not to celebrate the killing of soldiers by Boko Haram insurgents, reminding them that ridiculing the soldiers is the same thing as ridiculing the country.

The army chief who spoke to news men today, Monday in Abuja after declaring open a one-day seminar on: “Assessing the Threats of Boko Haram Insurgency in Nigeria,” regretted that online media had misunderstood Nigerian Army in its handling of the war against terrorism in the North East.
“We call on Nigerians, Nigeria press, especially the online media, to take note that they are Nigerians; they should behave like Nigerians and be patriotic. They should take the issue of defence and security as their personal issue, not to criticise, not to malign, not to smear anybody that is making sacrifice.
“Defence and security is issue that should be the concern of everybody, issues of security and defence are not just discussed like political issues. It is a serious national security issue that must be discussed with caution, it is must be discussed with high sense of patriotism, with high sense of security, national security and protection of our sovereignty.
“Whatever happens to the military it is the symbol of our sovereignty, so if you ridicule the military; if you ridicule any of the security agencies, you are ridiculing your own country; you are ridiculing your own sovereignty.
“You must be very cautious in handing any issue that has to do with the army in particular. We are not politicians we are doing our job professionally.
“This is the understanding we expect every Nigerian to show. Normal administrative matters are not meant for criticism.”
The Chief of Army Staff is not happy with a situation where some of the online media would be celebrating the death of personnel who paid the supreme price to make their country and its people secure.
Buratai said: “We have a lot to do to ensure that the country is safe,” even as he said that the fight against insurgency and terrorism required the support of every Nigerian.
On late Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Abu Ali, he described his death as “one too many.”
Ali was killed by terrorists in Mallam Fatori in Northern Borno State on November 4 in their failed attempt to seize the town.
Until his death, he was the Commanding Officer of 272 Task Force Battalion, Mallam Fatori.
Earlier, while declaring the seminar open, Buratai said the armed forces had effectively responded to the threats of Boko Haram terrorists in the North East, leading to their decimation.
He said that the threats of the terrorists since 2009 and other violent agitations in other parts of the country had threatened the sovereignty and corporate existence of the nation.
He also said: “In the North-East for instance, our forces operating under the Multi National Joint Task Force and Operation Lafiya Dole have restored normalcy in areas that were previously under the control of the Boko Haram terrorists and are currently conducting mop- up operations to clear isolated remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists in Sambisa forest.”
Also speaking, Dr. John Pham, the Director of the African Centre, Atlantic Council, USA, said the centre had been following progress made by the Nigerian troops in the campaign against insurgency in the country.
The Atlantic Council is a think tank in the field of international affairs.
It provides a forum for international political, business and intellectual leaders.
It manages 10 regional centres and functional programmes related to international security and global economic prosperity.
Pham said it was important for Nigeria, its neighbours and the international community that the terrorists were defeated as their activities had caused untold suffering and a setback to regional integration and economic growth. [myad]

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has regretted that Nigeria could not achieve the targets of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for water and sanitation as a result of lack of effective coordination among stakeholders and the inability to harness the required funds.
“Consequently, about 150,000 children under the age of 5 die annually from diarrhea-related diseases that are mostly traceable to unsafe drinking water. The situation is even more depressing in the rural areas where polluted ponds and streams remain the only source of water for drinking and other household chores. This trend must change!”
Vice President Osinbajo spoke today, Monday while unveiling the National Water Policies and launching of the Partnership for Expanded Water Supply and Hygiene in Abuja.
Osinbajo wondered why most people take the issue of water management lightly we take, saying that excess water or insufficient water not properly managed is devastating to both man and environment.
He said that the problem is made more graphic by the fact that since the creation of man, aggregate volume of water within the hydrosphere has substantially remained constant in spite of increasing population, which implies the per capita share is decreasing on a daily basis.
He noted that all has not been just bad new in Nigeria, explaining that successive governments, in collaboration with development partners, have recorded in a number of areas, with access to water supply presently at 69percent, and sanitation at 29 percent.
“This is still a far cry from what is needed. Indeed, within an ever increasing population and a drive to self-sufficiency in food production, the demand for water supply and sanitation service will continue to increase thereby requiring an innovative and holistic approach towards closing the access gaps.
“The Ministry of Water Resources has concluded work on the National Water Resources Policy and the National Irrigation Policy and was recently approved by the Federal Executive Council.
“By this, the ministry is provided with the overarching framework which will guide the activities of all stakeholders in the sector in the wake of our renewed focus on agriculture as a revenue earner and contributor to our GDP and importantly, the development of our irrigation infrastructure.
I am informed that PEWASH will provide a new collaborative and systematic approach to the achievement of an increased universal access to sustainable water supply and sanitation services involving all the relevant stakeholders from the beneficiary communities, local government areas, state governments, development partners, donor agencies, the organized private sector and the Federal Government.
“It will also take cognizance of special groups such as the vulnerable and people living with disabilities with a well-structured framework for project delivery. It is expected that with the implementation of PEWASH, we hope to attain our targets of increased rural water supply and sanitation and health as well as make positive impact on economic growth and human development.”
The Vice President commended the Minister for Water Resources, Engineer Suleiman Adamu for his strong belief and practice of policy-driven initiative.
According to Osinbajo, it is clear that the minister is strongly subscribes to the view that the way of ensuring sustainable attainment is in ensuring that they are based on robust policy.
He also commended all development partners involved in this great initiative, for their commitments through the years with particular reference to the Permanent Secretary and members of the team at the Ministry of Water Resources for all the hard work that has gone into this so far.
“I encourage all stakeholders, especially the states and local governments to participate in this crucial initiative and commit to its success so that our common development goals as a nation will be achieved.” [myad]

The Nigeria Chief of Army of Staff, Lt.-General Tukur Buratai, shed tears as he read the funeral oration at the graveside of the seven military men killed by the Boko Haram terrorists.

They are: late Lt.-Colonel Muhammad Abu-Ali, Sergeants Muazu Ibrahim, Bassey Okon, Hussani Jafaru, Cpl. Chukwu Simon, Private Salisu Lawal and Seaman Patrick Paul.

They died when the terrorists attempted to seize Mallam Fatori on November 4 in an attack.

The soldiers were inducted into the Operation Lafiya Dole in 2014, designed to fight the Boko Haram insurgents and liberate the North-East from their hold.

Buratai said: “they were brave, precise, professional and inspiring. They led the battle to recapture the following towns: Monguno, Baga, new Marte, Bama, Gwoza, Banki Junction, Gamboru-Ngala, Yale, Yanteke, Bita, Deruwa, Daira Kangaruwa and Mallam Fatori.

“In these battles, they rescued children and women, fathers and mothers, the young and the old and restored peace and hope to Nigerian citizens”

“At last, on November 4, they paid the supreme sacrifice in the battle of Mallam Fatori,’’ Buratai said.

According to him, the deceased epitomized the very best of our military, saying: “they exemplified the values of our nation and the military which are: loyalty, discipline, courage, selfless service, respect, honour and dignity.”

Buratai said that the deceased fought for the unity of the nation, adding: “your labour will never be in vain.”

He promised that the army would take care of their survivors.

Earlier, President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by his Chief of Staff at the occasion by Alhaji Abba Kyari, said the deceased had shown unalloyed commitment to the nation.

“They were fearless, responsive, inspiring, selfless and dedicated to their duties.

“The selflessness of these gentlemen reinvigorates the memories of other great fallen heroes, who stood firm in the defence of our dear nation,’’ the president said.

Buhari said that the deceased had paid the supreme sacrifice in the ongoing fight against insurgency in the North-East, adding that their sacrifices would not go in vain. He also noted that their contributions had resulted in the restoration of normalcy in the region.

“It is, therefore, our resolve that the labour of these fallen heroes shall never be in vain,” he said, adding that insurgency and terrorism would be defeated.

The dignitaries that attended the funeral included the service chiefs, Gov. Kashim Shettima of Borno, Ministers of Information and culture, and Interior, and Senators Ali Ndume, Dino Melaye and Phillip Aduda.

Also at the burial were the wife of the President, Aisha Buhari, and wife of the Senate President, Toyin Saraki, among others.

The deceased were interred at about 5.55 p.m. after all necessary military ceremonies. [myad]

The suspended member of the House of Representatives, Abdulmumin Jibrin, has gone into exile even as he vowed never to return to Nigeria unless his safety is guaranteed.

Jibrin who left for London last week to receive an award and take his anti-corruption campaign to international community, made this known in a statement in Abuja.

He was suspended by the House of Representatives after accusing the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara and some Principal Officers as well as a few other members of corruption, abuse of office and monumental fraud in padding up the 2016 budget.

In an exclusive interview with a television station in London today, Monday, the lawmaker said he recently received threats from some of the lawmakers he accused of corruption.

According to him, the ‘House cabal’ led by the Speaker, Dogara, Deputy Speaker, Yusuf Lasun, Whip Alhassan Doguwa and Minority Leader, Leo Ogor are using Herma Hembe to either assassinate or kidnap him or members of his family.

The lawmaker said that the initial silence of the President on the matter was a blessing in disguise because if the President had spoken much earlier he would have been accused of using him to fight the House Leadership.

He said that the time was ripe and the crisis matured enough for the President to break his silence.

“The situation currently at hand is different from the initial stage of the crisis. The silence of the presidency is no longer sending the right message to Nigerians and the international community,” he said.

Jibrin also revealed that he recently wrote to President Muhammadu Buhari, seeking audience to brief him about the monumental fraud in the 2016 budget, individual and systemic corruption in the House.

He said his letter also included some vital information on how to check corruption in the house, fraud in budget process and reform the House for the good of the country.

According to him, over 2,000 fraudulent projects worth over N284 billion were inserted into 2016 budget, saying such fraud never happened in the history of the Nigerian legislature.

He also exonerated himself of any wrongdoing in the appropriation process, saying he had been in the House for five years and had never abused his office or corruptly enriched himself.

Jibrin reiterated his resolve to continue with the anti corruption campaign.

He said that he would take the campaign to the international stage by reaching out to foreign governments, parliaments, media, civil society groups and Nigerians in Diaspora among others. He said that it would enable him to press further for the arrest and prosecution of Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Lasun, Doguwa, Ogor and other members; he tagged the corrupt cabal in the House of Representatives. Rep. Herman Hembe APC-Benue) who is one of the lawmakers accused by Jibrin on padding of the 2016 budget said that Jibrin fled to the United Kingdom to avoid prosecution.

Hembe disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja while reacting to Jibrin’s statement.

Hembe said: “my attention has been drawn to a statement issued by the suspended member Abdulmumin Jibrin who has fled to United Kingdom.

“Jibrin’s allegation that his life is under threat is laughable. I understand that the anti-graft agencies are closing in on him with their investigation into his past deeds.

“He might have got the hint of his possible prosecution and decided to flee while raising false alarm.

“May I remind him that no matter where he goes justice will surely catch up with him as there is no hiding place for criminals in our today’s world.” [myad]

President Muhammadu Buhari has venerated Colonel Abu Ali who was gunned down in the battle with Boko Haram insurgents in Borno state, describing him as an extra ordinary officer who inspired respect and adoration among those he commanded.

“The late Colonel Abu Ali was an extraordinary officer who inspired respect and adoration among those he commanded.

In a statement today, Sunday, senior special assistant to the President on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu quoted Buhari as saying that the sacrifices by the late Colonel and other fallen officers and men in the war against terrorism in Nigeria would never go in vain.

President Buhari said that he was shocked by the news of the officer’s death along with other gallant soldiers during an encounter with the Boko Haram bandits in Borno State.

“A courageous commander does not only give orders, but also joins his men to fight the battle, no matter the risks or the obvious danger.

“One of the greatest attributes of a war hero is the ability to help your troops overcome fear in the face of danger.”

The President said that late Ali and his other fallen colleagues had brought glory to the army and the country for laying down their lives for the sake of others, adding  that their heroic sacrifices were “so immeasurable that no words can do justice to their patriotism and remarkable courage.” [myad]