Presidency Frowns At Call By “Northern Elders” On Section Of Nigeria To Leave

May 17, 2022

File photo: Members of IPOB during protest in Anambra

The Presidency is not happy with the call by those who tagged themselves Northern Elders Forum, on a section of Nigeria to leave the Federation

The Presidency reassured Nigerians that the present government of President Muhammadu Buhari remains the democratically elected leadership that is responsible for taking decisions that steer the nation, “and no one else.”

According to a statement today by the senior special assistant to the President on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, no self-appointed and unelected group can take this right from Nigerians, no matter how much coverage they might enjoy in the media.

“Nigerians listen to elected leaders, not opinionated tin-gods who have no traction with any responsible group.

“It is a delusional arrogance that would lead such a group to publicly state terms and conditions for the existence of our nation.

“Who gave them the right to ask for the exclusion, or expulsion of any one, group or section of the country from the Federal Republic of Nigeria?

“The Nigerian government does not take guidance nor invitations from such groups – only from the Nigerian people who put governments in office.

“Any group can refer to themselves as “leaders”, but in Nigeria, if you have not been elected by Nigerians to a leadership role, then you are not – and the government certainly doesn’t recognise you as such.

“Like many other countries around the world, Nigeria is feeling the strain of the current period of volatility and uncertainty. Now is not the time to seek to exacerbate divisions amongst Nigerians. Rather, we call on all Nigerians to come together and work to overcome the challenges we face as one nation, one people.”

I Won’t Retire From Politics Until I Become President Of Nigeria, Tinubu Vows

Editorial staff

May 17, 2022

A front line Presidential aspirant on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has vowed that he will not quit politics until he becomes the President of Nigeria. He made it clear that even if he loses in the forthcoming election, he will continue to contest.

“I won’t retire from politics until I am the president of Nigeria. I will bring the experience of my leadership in Lagos state as a Governor to bear on my leadership style in Nigeria.

“There’s no contest between me and whoever will emerge as the candidate of the opposition PDP.”

Tinubu, who is the national leader of the party, spoke today, May 17, when he addressed party delegates in Benue State ahead of the party’s primary election.

The APC leader assured that if elected as president of the country, he would run a transparent and open government.

“I guarantee you that I will run a transparent, open government. Nigeria is rich. What we need is to redirect our resources and channel them in the right direction,” Tinubu reiterated.

Buhari Announces Establishment Of Aerospace University In Abuja

Editorial staff

May 17, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari has announced his approval of the establishment of Aerospace University in Abuja, the Nigeria’s Federal Capital, to cater for research and development as well as provide manpower for the aviation industry.

“In this regard, Nigeria is looking forward to the continued support of ICAO under its ‘No Country Left Behind’ initiative.”

The President, who spoke today, May 17, when he received the Secretary General of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Juan Carlos Salazar, at the Presidential villa, Abuja, announced also that the Nigerian Government has established independent agencies in order to enhance aviation safety and security, while ensuring effective and efficient provision and management of infrastructure in all aspects of the industry.

“These include the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority for safety and economic oversight of the industry; the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency for air traffic services; the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria for management of Government owned airports; the Nigerian Meteorological Agency for meteorological services; and the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, the nation’s main aviation training organization, established in 1964 in collaboration with ICAO and the United Nations Development Programme.

“Nigeria is fully committed to working with other States and support the implementation of the Global Aviation Safety Plan, the Global Air Navigation Plan, as well as the Global Aviation Security Plan.”

As part of its support, President Buhari said Nigeria, over time, seconded auditors to support various ICAO programmes in the areas of safety and security.

“We have also contributed experts on various ICAO technical panels, commissions and working groups.

“The Government of Nigeria has adopted a civil aviation policy, which is centered on liberalization and Public-Private-Partnerships Initiative. These have resulted in huge investments in the nation’s airports infrastructure and services, increased capacity utilization and phenomenal increase in the number of domestic operators. Indeed, the domestic and international traffic has experienced a tremendous growth since our assumption of office in 2015.

“Nigeria is the headquarters of the Regional Safety Oversight Organisation, the Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety Oversight Organization and also, a major contributor and participant in the Regional Accident Investigation Agency, the Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency.”

According to the President, Nigeria recently made a robust donation to the ICAO voluntary Air Transport Fund in order to be part of the Global efforts for recovery from COVID-19 crisis.

“We have also made significant financial contribution to the Safety and Human Resource Development Funds, in addition to hosting several ICAO meetings and regional workshops, including the widely acclaimed successful third ICAO World Aviation Forum, as well as several other workshops on safety oversight.”

The President said that more investments will be deployed to the provision of infrastructure and facilities for safe, secure, environmentally.

“Nigeria became a member of ICAO Council in 1962, and since then, it has continued to make valuable contributions to the Council’s work and its activities.

“It is pertinent to also mention that Nigeria has been playing a key role in supporting the implementation of ICAO Policies and Programmes internationally, and particularly in the African region.

“To this end, Nigeria has ratified international air law instruments like the Montreal Protocol and amendments to some articles of the Chicago Convention. Nigeria is also championing the cause of Aviation safety, security and facilitation in Africa.”

Speaking at the event, Minister of Aviation, Captain Hadi Abubakar Sirika, commended President Buhari for the giant strides taken under his administration in the areas of aviation safety, security and development.

“Our profile improved significantly during your tenure, Mr President. Passengers rose from 8 million to 18 million in four years, while security and safety also went up significantly.”

The ICAO Secretary General lauded what he calls “the leadership role Nigeria plays in civil aviation in Africa,” saying the country’s record is one of the most impressive in the world.

“The number of airports have doubled, passengers are growing in spite of COVID-19. The record of safety is the most important performance indicator of all. I recognize the excellent work by your government to maintain high standards, in line with international best practices,” Salazar said.

the ICAO scribe said that it’s important to maintain the track record, adding that there is no end line in civil aviation, “we keep chasing targets that go on and on.”

He urged President Buhari to sustain the support being given to the sector, to attract further investment, tourism, and continued growth.

Nigeria Govt May Axe Facebook For Opening Its Platform To IPOB To Instigate Ethnic Hatred

Editorial staff

May 17, 2022

The Federal Government of Nigeria may suspend Facebook, months after settling the rift with Twitter, for opening its platform to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to incite violence and instigate ethnic hatred in the country.

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who spoke today, May 17 in Abuja at a meeting with a team from Facebook, said that since IPOB had been proscribed and classified as a terrorist organization, Facebook has no justification for yielding its platform to the organization to further its campaign of hate and destabilization of the country.

A statement by the Special Assistant to the President (Media), Office of the Minister of Information and Culture, Segun Adeyemi quoted the minister as saying: “I have called this meeting to enable us to discuss the increasing use of Facebook by separatists and anarchists, especially those of them based outside the country, to instigate violence and ethnic hatred in Nigeria.

“For whatever reason, they seem to have now chosen Facebook as their platform of choice. And their tools include disinformation, incendiary statements and hate speech. They use Facebook broadcasts to reach their followers, who are in the thousands. They tag those opposed to their violent ways as ‘saboteurs’ who must be attacked, maimed and killed. They use both English and their local language as it suits them.”

Alhaji Mohammed said that the actions of the proscribed group have real-life implications, adding, ”by purveying hate and inciting violence, people are getting killed while the private and public property is being attacked and destroyed. Security agencies and other symbols of government are their choice targets.”

The Minister said that despite the numerous complaints to Facebook about the activities of IPOB, nothing has been done by the company to curtail the group’s excesses on the social media platform.

“Our social media people have been monitoring these separatists, anarchists and purveyors of hate, and have been reporting their atrocious actions to Facebook, but all they get are default responses that their complaints have been received and are being looked into.

“Most often than not, nothing is done about such complaints… The truth is that whatever Facebook is doing to check these people is mere tokenism and is totally ineffective.”

Alhaji Mohammed said the government would be monitoring Facebook and other platforms closely in the days ahead to ensure compliance with the demand, as it steps up the campaign for the responsible use of social media.

“We have always advocated responsible use of social media, and consistently called on all stakeholders to join us in achieving this. Some have tagged our efforts as an attempt to stifle social media. They are wrong because we have no intention of preventing Nigerians from using social media responsibly. All we have been advocating is a responsible use of social media.”

Olu Of Warri Storms Aso Rock, To See Buhari

Greenbarge Reporters

May 17, 2022

From right to left: Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari; President Muhammadu Buhari; Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty, Tesola Emiko Ogiame Atuwatse 111; Chief Brown Mene and Prince Toju Emiko during an audience at the Aso Rock Presidential villa, Abuja, today, May 1. Photo by Sunday Agaeze.

2023 Presidency: If Southeast Will Not Have It, It Should Go Back To North – Orji Kalu

Editorial staff

May 16, 2022

The Senate Chief Whip, Orji Kalu, has said that his understanding of the power shift to the Southern part of the country was that all regions in the zone; South-South, South-West and South-East would allow the South East to produce the country’s next President.

Answering questions today, May 16 on a Channels Television programme, “Politics Today,” Orji Kalu said that since South-West and South-South are not willing to surrender the presidential ticket to the South-East, he would not mind if the presidency remained in the North.

“We agreed that it is the turn of the South-East to produce the president. Later we started seeing candidates from other zones – South-West and South-South.

“I know the two zones that have not produced the country’s president are South-East and North-East. I know I don’t have the number but I have other things to win the election.

“Since our southern brothers refuse to leave it to the South-East, if it is not South-East then it should be North-East. The South-West and South-South are not fair.

“If we have to do anything rational, Ahmed Lawal will have my vote because he is from the North-East. Anything except South-East, it should go back to the North. We are wiser now. This is the position of most Igbos. If they vote it back to the South-East, I’ll reactivate my aspiration.”

He described the former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso and his New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPC) as a formidable force in the 2023 elections.

“The problem we have now is Kwankwanso. If they give me the ticket, I’ll lose to Kwankwanso. If APC pick southerner, Kwankwanso is already the president.”

The former Abia State governor, who dismissed insinuations on his interest in the running mate ticket, insisted that nine presidential aspirants would step down for the Senate President before the APC primary election.

“I am not a politician but an entrepreneur. I talk straight and not like a politician. I employ 35 percent of journalists in Nigeria.

“I have already purchased my Senate form. I have known Lawal for 41 years. We were roommate in the university.”

Magu, Vilified And Chased Out Of Office As EFCC Boss, Now Promoted In Police

Editorial staff

May 16, 2022

Immediate past chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, who was vilified as allegedly corrupt officer and chased out of office, has earned a promotion from the Police Service Commission (PSC).

Magu, who was disgraced out of office, has been promoted as Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) along with seven other Commissioners of Police.

Head of Press and Public Relations of PSC, Ikechukwu Ani, in a statement today, May 16, named others who were o promoted as Abraham Ayim, Okunlola Kamaldeen, Andrew Amieengheme, Akeera Younous, Celestine Elumelu, Ngozi Onadeko and Danladi Lalas.

Ikechukwu Ani said that the commission also confirmed the appointment of John Amadi as a substantive Deputy Inspector General of Police ((DIG) and appointed Zama Senchi as DIG.

He said the earlier appointment of Amadi in acting capacity was to replace late Joseph Egbunike, who died in service as DIG and represent the South East in the Force Management team.

The spokesman said that by the confirmation, Amadi is the substantive representative of the South East in the Force Management Team, while Senchi is the most senior in the AIG cadre.

He said that the promotions and appointments were approved at the 15th Plenary Meeting of the commission, adding that the Commission also approved the promotion of 23 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) to the rank of CPs, 31 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) to DCPs and 63 Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs) to ACPs.

He said that the promotion of 57 Superintendents of Police earlier skipped when their mates were promoted to the next rank of Chief Superintendents have been approved too.

CAN President Appeals To Nigerian Christians To Respect Other People’s Religions

Editorial staff

May 16, 2022

The national president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dr. Samson Ayokunle has appealed to Christians in the country to learn to respect other people’s religious for the purpose of peaceful co-existence.

He was speaking on “The Morning Show” of Arise TV, today, May 16, advising that students should be taught to always report issues to relevant authorities or law enforcement agencies.

“There’s a need for religious education so you know what people of other faith around you don’t want and you respect them. If there’s the mutual respect in this nation, there will be peace. Don’t take unilateral offence toward anybody that has offended you. Report it appropriately. This is a civilized society. This is not the Stone Age.

“To the best of my knowledge, I didn’t see the name of any religious leaders being mentioned in all the documents I got from our people in Sokoto, who are Christians.”

“Killing that lady (Debora Samuel) and setting her ablaze is one action too many, and it should not be allowed in the guise of any religion to take place again. And I want to warn some religious leaders, who are saying there is need to be a redline.

“In a country where we have democracy, if there’s a red line for you, report it appropriately and let the law enforcement agencies handle it, while I’m also appealing to every Christian to respect other religious groups around you.”

Dr. Samson Ayokunle said that nobody has the right to take unilateral action to terminate the life of another human being.

“If we have been talking to our government and they have not been able to take decisive action in bringing the culprits to book, then the entire world needs to hear. We’ll need to appeal to the international community to help Nigerian Christians.

“Describing the Deborah incident as annoying and barbaric, the cleric said nobody has a monopoly on the environment, saying, “If some people are doing this and going scot-free as if it’s the Banana Republic, the State of lawlessness may set in eventually.”

Angry Atiku Walks Out Newsmen, Says “I Have Nothing To Do With Journalists”

Editorial staff

May 16, 2022

Former Nigeria Vice-President and current Presidential aspirant on the platform of the main Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has walked journalists out of the venue of a meeting he had with delegates at the Plateau State secretariat of the PDP today, May 16, in Jos.

Atiku, who arrived the secretariat at about 2.19pm, visibly angry, ordered reporters out of the hall, saying: “I have nothing to do with journalists. I’m here to see delegates.”

His aides and security details immediately pounced on the journalists, causing a stampede and damaging the tripod and camera of the Channels Television crew in the process.

This is the first time a presidential aspirant visiting the state will take such a definite stand against the coverage of such magnitude of event by journalists.

Not even the host, PDP officials and delegates could calm the fury of their visitor and his entourage, and make a case for the journalists, who had covered such visits in the same secretariat by other presidential contenders in the past three weeks.

Bewildered party supporters at the scene could not help but wonder aloud why the former vice-president put up such a disappointing attitude at such a critical time in the party’s preparation for the 2023 general election.

No one was sure of what really angered the presidential aspirant.

Atiku’s burden of trust, depleted public perception and unfavourable national mood got worse recently after Muslim students of the Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, murdered their Christian colleague, Deborah Samuel, in cold blood over an alleged blasphemous statement.

After claiming to have condemned the murder of Deborah, Atiku quickly deleted his Twitter and Facebook statements to pitch tent with his Muslim folk, who had threatened him.

In the aftermath of condemnation from across the country, Atiku recently explained away his action, saying he pulled down the comment because the tweet did not get his permission before it was put up.

Source: ThisDay

FCT Minister Challenges NIPSS Participants To Offer Solutions To Local Governance

Editorial staff

May 16, 2022

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has challenged participants of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Senior Executive Course 44 to proffer solutions to the challenges confronting governance at the Local Government level.

The Minister, who spoke today, May 16 during a courtesy visit by a delegation of the course participants, led by Professor Sunday Ochoche in Abuja, said that governance at the local level was fraught with many challenges.

He however, expressed optimism that Course 44 would proffer solutions that would strengthen governance at that tier of government based on the theme of the 2022 Senior Executive Course which is “Strengthening Local Governance in Nigeria: Challenges, Opinions and Opportunities.”

Malam Musa Bello noted that Local Governments, or Area Councils, as they are called in the FCT, by being a tier of government closest to the citizenry, have very strategic roles to play in delivering dividends of democracy to the grassroots populace.

He listed some of the basic dividends to include basic education, agriculture, primary health care and security.

The Minister said that some of the most effective and efficient senior officials of the Federal Capital Administration were graduates of the Senior Executive Course and pledged the support and cooperation of the FCTA to the participants during their study tour of the FCT.

This was even as Professor Sunday Ochoche expressed appreciation to the FCT Minister for the high quality of participants sponsored by the FCTA to the Institute.

He explained that every year, very senior and accomplished men and women from different sectors dedicate 10 months, interrogating critical national issues and proffering ways to advance the Nigerian project.

He stressed that effective local governance involved the Federal, State and Local Governments, traditional institutions, as well as Non-Governmental Organizations.

While thanking the FCT Minister for the warm reception, he invited the Minister to the NIPSS campus in Kuru for the presentation of the FCT Report by members of the Senior Executive Course 44.

Also, the FCTA Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola said that the Administration would be happy to tap into the wealth of knowledge and experience of the participants to build an FCT all Nigerians would be proud of.

According to him, FCT Administration is conscious of the expectations of Nigerians and it is determined to fulfil its mandate by repositioning the Administration to meet demands of a fast paced and very dynamic society.

Adesola said that the Administration has created the Economic Planning, Revenue Generation and PPP Secretariat to tap into and maximally utilize the many economic possibilities in the FCT.

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