President Muhammadu Buhari will depart Abuja for South Africa tomorrow, Saturday, to attend the 25^th African Union Summit in Johannesburg.

A statement from his special adviser on media and publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina today said that the trip would be the first continental assignment by the President since taking office. He is expected to chair a meeting of the  Peace and Security Committee of the African Union during the summit.

The statement said that the President is also expected to hold bilateral talks with other African leaders on the sidelines of the summit  to consolidate his ongoing drive to secure Nigeria and neighbouring countries from Boko Haram.

Adesina said that the President will return to Nigeria on Tuesday at the conclusion of the summit which will focus mainly  on continental peace and security. [myad]

President Muhammadu Buhari has described the Chairman and Publisher of Vanguard Newspaper, Chief Sam Amuka-Pemu as the true gentleman of the press even as former Nigeria Vice President Atiku Abubakar felicitated with him as he clocked 80 tomorrow, Saturday.

In a congratulatory message issued by his senior special assistant on media and publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, President Buhari said that it was a rare opportunity for him and members of his family to join millions of fellow Nigerians to rejoice with him.

The President noted that Nigeria has been well served by the presence of the legendary Sam Amuka in the media in the capacity of journalist and columnist with the Daily Times group, of which he served as Editor of the Sunday Times.

“It is impossible to forget his contributions to the Nigerian public through his famous column, Sad-Sam, which provided millions of compatriots much satirical, literary and even political communication satisfaction.

“The contributions by this veteran journalist to the progress of the Nigerian Press have been manifested not only in the growth and management of the Punch Newspaper and the Vanguard Media Limited, of which he became Chairman and Publisher in 1984, but also the principled positions he has consistently taken on political stability, accountability and the rule of law.”

Buhari said that Chief Sam Amuka-Pemu has provided a worthy example on the fruits of professionalism, industry and teamwork to achieve desired goals, adding that these traits can benefit even the humblest and most silent among professionals, as well as the society with whom they share their lives.

Former Vice President, Atiku described the 80 years sojourn on earth of the veteran journalist, publisher and businessman as “a milestone and a testimony to the life of moderation, discipline, kindness and contentment that he has lived.”

Atiku added that Uncle Sam’s life and business history and accomplishments makes him a role model in a new Nigeria that is gradually unfolding even as he commended him for remaining faithful to the journalism profession where over time, he transformed from a working journalist and employee to an employer, entrepreneur and mentor of journalists.

The former Vice President and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), described the newspaper proprietor as an epitome of hard work, dedication and humility recalling how as first Managing Director of the Punch Newspaper group, Uncle Sam discharged his duties with responsibility and distinction and laid a solid foundation for the newspaper which has ensured its survival and excellence till today.

Atiku Abubakar wished the Vanguard Publisher many more years of good health and continuous service to our country Nigeria adding that his life remains an inspiration to many Nigerians in all walks of life. [myad]

National chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Oyegun has given an assurance that the crisis festerin at the 8th Senate as a result of the controversial election of Seantor Bukola Sraki as Senate President would not last long.
“There will be no crisis I want to give you that assurance. We are very conscious of the fact that the national assembly is the separate arm of government and the constitution provides that they are the ones responsible for electing their own officers. All we have to do is provide for them a conducive environment of doing just that.”
Oyegun was responding to questions from newsmen at the State House today, shortly after he led members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to congratulate the President on his electoral victory, which he said they delayed such visit because they wanted the President to be properly inaugurated.
Chief Oyegun said that the party had pledge its loyalty and determination to work with the President “through thick and thin. That he can always depend on the party that he can use as a platform to become president of this great nation.”
He acknowledged that expectations of Nigerians are extremely ‎high and that the public expects a totally new dawn, adding: “on that score, we told him we are with him. Mr. President, you will succeed because the entire party will be galvanised as one man behind you, to ensure that days into this presidency that Nigerians will indeed see that things are changing. All the problems cannot be solved in one day that you will flick to bring that kind of eventuality. But what Nigerians want is to be sure that we are getting it right and that we are on the proper path towards answering their long frustration towards ameliorating their condition and that is what they will get.”
On how long should Nigerians wait for the ministerial list to be made known, the APC chairman said that the President is committed to carrying the party along in everything that he does, adding that the party is very grateful for that.
“He has always been like that, he has put the party in the front burner in all the things he does at all times and he has continued to do that.”
On the security issues, Chief Oyegun said that Boko Haram insurgents are trying to test the President’s resolve, saying: “I have a feeling they will be in for surprises.”
He said that the first priority of President Buhari is to protect the lives of Nigeria for which he was elected
There is nothing like lives, he was elected to protect Nigerian lives ‎and that is even his first priority.  [myad]

The new Senate President, Bukola Saraki presided over the first Plenary session of the Senate today, but was characterized by accusations and counter-accusations between Saraki and Senator Ahmed Lawan groups. Lawan’s group is under the aegis of “Unity Forum” and is being led by Barnabas Gemade (APC Benue North East).
Senator Saraki was elected Senate President on Tuesday by 57 Senators at the time 51 other Senators loyal to Lawan were at the International Conference Centre, Abuja for an expected peace meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari.
But at the plenary session today, members of the Gemade-led “Unity Forum” walked out of the chamber in protest, after their protests were ruled out of order by Saraki.
The group, whose members later spoke to newsmen, insisted that the election of Saraki was illegitimate.
Gemade particularly blamed Clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa, for participating in the process, accusing him of disobeying the instruction of President Buhari to delay the inauguration of the 8th Assembly to enable him meet the APC lawmakers-elect.
He said the refusal of the Clerk to differ to the President denied his group who attended the meeting, their right to nominate the candidate of their choice.
Gemade said the insinuations that senators absent during the election boycotted the inauguration was unfounded, stressing that they had, as loyal party members, gone to heed the call of the President.
“This process which remains unconstitutional cannot confer legitimacy on the elected Senate President.
“Our right to participate in the election of the Senate President is a constitutional right which cannot be taken by any persons of group.
”The Clerk of the National Assembly knowing full well that the quorum for election had not been met, went ahead to conduct the election that shut the door to 51 other senators. We like to make it very clear that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria gives the letter for the Proclamation.
“The Clerk is the one that received the correspondence of Mr. President that there must be a slight delay in order to enable him speak with senators of the APC before they commence the process.
“In the House of Representatives, they were able to catch up because their own happened after the Senate,” he noted.
Gemade further noted that although a quorum was formed for the inauguration of the senate, quorum was not formed for electing principal officers, arguing that the two-third majority applied to impeachment should apply to election.
He said that every eligible senator must be present when nomination is made and closed and if all eligible senators were not present then a quorum had not been formed.
The day’s business with Saraki swearing in Lawan, and 27 others who were absent from Tuesday’s inauguration of the Eighth National Assembly.
As the Senators-elect were being sworn in, there was the tradition of shaking hands with the President.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of the APC National Leader, Bola Tinubu, one of those sworn in, however refused to shake hands with Saraki who had extended his hand to her just as he did to others.
Trouble started when, Senator Kabiru Marafa (APC-Zamfara), raised a point of order citing Orders 15 and 43 of the Senate Rules, stressing that his rights and privileges had been breached by their exclusion from the election and inauguration of the presiding officers of the Senate.
“Mr. President, I come under Orders 15 and 43 on matters of privileges. Yesterday, the 9th of June 2015 was for the inauguration of the Eighth National Assembly and at the same time, a meeting with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who is the head of government and leader of APC.
“I and all the members of APC were summoned to the meeting by Mr. President through our party but while I and a lot of other members of this Senate on the platform of APC were attending the meeting, this Senate went ahead to commence the process of inauguration, thereby infringing on my right and privileges as enshrined in the constitution of Nigeria and thereby by disenfranchising me and my colleagues from participating in the election of the presiding officers of this Senate. Our privileges were, therefore, breached.
“More reasons for this Order Mr. President, is the news item that the Senate was inaugurated with 57 members and 51 senators-elect absent. The word ‘absent’ there portrayed me and many of my colleagues as irresponsible members of this hallowed chamber; to absent ourselves from an event that was well announced, well publicised that everybody was expected to attend with his spouse and well wishes.
“That singular Act also caused an unwarranted embarrassment to me and a lot of other members here, our families that felt embarrassed that we were absent from the inauguration of this National Assembly.
“Mr. President, on Order 43, I want to put on record that after being sworn in today, I was handed the Senate Standing Order of 2015 as amended. Mr. President, I want to say that as an active member of the Seventh National Assembly I cannot recall when the Senate Standing Orders were amended or put before this hallowed chambers for any amendment or corrections. I think this Act was perpetrated and there should be full investigation into what happened and where this document emanated from.”
He was however ruled out of order.
Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje (APC-Gombe), on his part, raised a point on the constitutional provision 64 sub-section 3, stressing that the President is empowered to order for the proclamation of this Senate and what happened on Tuesday was in compliance with that constitutional provision.
“Not only that, the Clerk of the National Assembly received a letter written and signed by Mr. President himself to that effect.
“So for anybody to say that this hallowed chamber should ignore that constitutional provision, which was backed up by a letter from Mr. President, I think is not proper; it is wrong for any person to say that we should disobey the constitution of the country and disobey Mr. President. I want to say that whoever decided to go for a meeting elsewhere is on his own.”
Saraki welcomed his submission as correct, saying: “You came under the constitutional provision which is in line with what is in the constitution, so the Order is sustained.”
Shortly after the Senate had adjourned till June 23, 2015, another group of senators loyal to Saraki, known as the “Like Minds” led by Senator Dino Melaye (APC Kogi West), dispelled claims of the Unity Forum, saying President Buhari would not fix two meetings at the same time.
“The President in his constitutional duty sent a Proclamation letter to the National Assembly. In that Proclamation letter, he stated categorically that the proclamation of the 8th Senate will be done at 10a.m on the 9th of June, 2015.
“How can Mr. President that we know in one hand send a letter of Proclamation to the National Assembly and in the other hand call for a meeting at the International Conference Centre? If Mr. President wants to meet legislators, the Defence House is there, the Villa is there, the banquet Hall is there; why International Conference Centre?
“However, did Mr. President eventually attend to anybody at International Conference Centre? Capital No! ” Melaye said.
Melaye clarified that they were still loyal party members and had refused to attend the meeting as they were kept waiting for hours un-end for a supposed meeting with the Vice President on Monday.
“The Buhari that we know cannot and will not give two contrary opinions, especially one that is against the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The letter of Proclamation was written, duly signed, time stated, date stated, he will not do otherwise. It is not true that we disrespected the President and if the President wants to do that, he would have called. He had the powers to call the Clerk of the National Assembly to say, “please postpone to 12 p.m. I want to meet senators at 9a.m.”
“We in the Like Mind Group are ready to have one united Senate,” he said. [myad]

President Muhammadu Buhari has suggested to his fellow Presidents from four Nigeria’s neighbouring countries the need to cut off Boko Haram from sources of raising funds and arms to fight, saying that this is one of the ways to quickly defeat the sect.
The President, who spoke today when he welcomed the Heads of State and Government of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and Benin today at an extraordinary Summit in Abuja, Nigeria, said that the fight against Boko Haram should be directed on all fronts,
He said that it must start “from limiting their capacity to access funds and weapons. We must, therefore, strengthen our cross border patrols and increase our capacity to gather and share intelligence in this regard.”
President Buhari asked his colleagues to immediately take all necessary steps to reinvigorate the Regional Intelligence Fusion Unit (RIFU).
The full text of his welcome address goes thus:
I am most honoured to welcome Your Excellencies on behalf of the Government and People of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to this Extra Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Lake Chad Basin Commission and Benin. I wish to convey my personal appreciation and that of the people of Nigeria, for honoring the invitation to this meeting, which was convened at very short notice.
Our meeting today is premised on the common resolve and commitment of Member States of the LCBC & Benin to maintain the momentum in degrading the capacity of the insurgents until they are completely defeated. It is also borne out of the urgency to mitigate the suffering that has been imposed on our civilian population by the nefarious activities of the insurgents and terrorists.
Our meeting today provides us an excellent opportunity to finalize the instruments for the operations of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), in order to give life to our joint military campaign to decisively defeat the insurgents.
Your Excellencies,
You will recall that in my inaugural address on 29th May, 2015, I affirmed that I will consult regularly with Heads of Government of our immediate neighbourhood and I had within four 4 days of my assumption of duty as President, embarked on a thank you visit to the Presidents of Niger and Chad. This important assignment was, however, interrupted because I had to honour the invitation extended to me by the G7 member states to attend their meeting in Germany. I intend to continue with my thank you visit to the remaining LCBC Member States very shortly.
It will certainly be remiss of me not to take advantage of Your Excellencies presence to express the gratitude of the Federal Government and people of Nigeria to your countries for the unwavering support in the campaign against the Boko haram insurgents. We deeply regret the loss of gallant soldiers who have fallen in the battle, as well as numerous civilians who have died in the cruel hands of the insurgents. Nigeria will forever cherish the memories of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in order that we may be free from the strangle hold of purveyors of hate and extremism. Please accept, Your Excellencies, the appreciation of a grateful nation.
Your Excellencies,
Nothing has emphasized our common humanity and destinies more than the dastardly crimes against our people by the insurgents, who have maimed and raped our women and children and held our nations in a vicious strangle hold. Our campaign against insurgency must therefore, be directed on all fronts, starting from limiting their capacity to access funds and weapons. We must, therefore, strengthen our cross border patrols and increase our capacity to gather and share intelligence. In this regard, I urge that all necessary steps be immediately taken to reinvigorate the Regional Intelligence Fusion Unit (RIFU).
Your Excellencies,
Our Ministers of Defence have proposed modalities for the operations of the MNJTF. I want to commend them for the painstaking effort and the outcomes of their deliberations, which they have presented to us for our consideration and approval.
While I agree that this is a joint operation with shared responsibilities, I am, however, of the opinion that military operations that are subjected to a rapid turnover of command and control structures, six months duration, as it is being proposed in the documents before us, do not augur well for effectiveness and efficiency. Such a process will undermine, even if it is not intended, the military capacity to sustain the push against the insurgents, who also have the uncanny ability to adapt and rejig their operational strategies.
I am inclined, on account of the above, to suggest for Your Excellencies consideration that Nigeria retains the position of the Force Commander of the MNJTF for the period of the war effort. This command will be to the effectiveness of military strategy, since Nigeria will be providing the bulk of the troops and the main theatre of the war is on Nigerian soil.
Your Excellencies,
Permit me, at this juncture, to recall that Nigeria has already pledged the sum of one hundred million ($100,000,000) USD for the smooth take off of the MNJTF. I hereby reassure you that my government will keep faith with this promise.
Notwithstanding this pledge by my government, funding still remains a major issue of this campaign. I had raised this issue at my meeting with the G7 leaders, while I am encouraged by their support, I also urge you to garner the support of your international friends and partners to sustain this campaign. Our campaign against Boko Haram must be seen within the wider context of the global war against terror. Terrorism has no frontiers and they must, because of the great implication for regional and global peace and security, be defeated.
In conclusion, I want to place on record and express my profound gratitude to Your Excellencies, and to the governments and peoples of the Member States of the LCBC and Benin for your unrelenting support in our campaign against insurgency and terrorism. Let me, once again, convey the condolences of the Nigerian people to the families of our fallen war heroes who have been left to mourn their loved ones. We fervently pray that this war will soon come to an end and that the much needed peace and security and progress will be ushered into our sub region.
I thank you for honouring Nigeria with your august presence and wish us very fruitful deliberation. I am confident that our deliberation will be undertaken against the backdrop of our common resolve to defeat insurgency and also the historic, fraternal, ethnic ties that unite and bind us together.
Thank you. [myad]