The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has said that President Muhammadu Buhari deserved second term election because, in the past three and half years, he has impacted positively in the lives of Nigerians. The minister who was a guest on Channels Television programme “Politics Today” on Sunday night said the President had leveraged his legendary integrity and acumen in managing resources both human and materials to reinvent governance.

He stressed that Buhari had delivered on the three campaign promises he made which were, fighting corruption, tackling insecurity and revamping the economy. “Today, under President Buhari, Nigerians can dream and hope because he has rebranded governance and put the country on the path of sustainable growth and development. “He is investing in infrastructure and reinventing the most ambitious social programme in the history of the nation. “The President is ensuring that the people do not loot the common resources and ensuring that Nigeria is self sufficient in food production “Above all, he has brought honour and respect back to the country and fighting all sorts of insecurity in the country,” he said. Reacting to the allegation of non submission of the President’s certificate to INEC, the minister said it was “a non issue and a mere distraction” “We have moved beyond that. Let me quote what former President Olusegun Obasanjo said in 2015 during this saga of the President’s certificate. “Obasanjo said that it is an insult on a man, who rose to the echelon in Nigeria Army, attended the War College in the US and Staff College in Nigeria, for anyone to start asking whether he has a certificate or not. “I think I want to rest this case on that because it is a non issue,” the minister said. Speaking on the President’s health, Mohammed said that the President had fully recovered and fit to discharge his duties. The minister also said they were not worried by the endorsement of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate, by Obasanjo because “it is Nigerians that will decide who will govern them”. “It is Nigerians that are going to vote at the 2019 elections. “They will make a choice between going back to the era of inefficiency, looting, decay in infrastructure and the era of integrity, when the economy is being revived and insurgency is being tackled. Nigeria urges Niger Basin member nations to pay contributions “It is not what Obasanjo says that matters because I am sure Nigerians will make the right choice,” he said. The minister also denied the allegation that the government was intimidating the opposition . He expressed the confidence that President Buhari would be reelected in 2019 because of his track record.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/10/why-buhari-deserves-second-term-lai-mohammed/

President Muhammadu Buhari’s “Restore Vision Project” is offering free cataract surgery to more than 270 visually impaired persons in Nasarawa State in collaboration with the state Ministry of Health. Dr James Ajige, a Consultant Orphthomologist at the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia, told newsmen on Friday that the exercise has commenced with the screening of persons with cases of cataract. Flood: Dickson approves additional N100m for relief materials, resettlement of victims He explained that after proper examination, those requiring surgery would undergo the process, urging all cataract patients to avail themselves of the opportunity. “We have already screened quite a number of persons and are expecting more to come forward and get screened in order to benefit from this gesture that will be carried out across the three senatorial zones of the state,” Ajige said. He also appealed to members of the public with any form of visual impairment to visit the hospital and not resort to self help or self medication considering the delicate nature of the eye.
“I will like to encourage anyone with poor vision to go for proper medical check at the hospital to avoid complications given the sensitivity of the eye,” he advised. Newsmen report that the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, had on March 8, 2018, launched the Buhari Restore Vision Project aimed at restoring sight to 10,000 Nigerians with cataract through surgical intervention. NAN Related

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/10/buhari-offers-free-cataract-surgery-to-270-persons-in-nasarawa-state/

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that he is disappointed in the Nigerian press.

He said his grouse was that the media did not give his administration the credit for the agricultural revolution he said was ongoing in the country.

Buhari spoke while hosting some young political appointees to a dinner at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday night.
“I’m very disappointed in the Nigerian press. They didn’t give this government the credit of the “Go back to the land” programme. We have cut down the importation of rice by at least 90 per cent,” the President said.

He noted that many Nigerians were abandoning white collar jobs daily and embracing farming because of his government’s reform programme in the sector.

Under his watch, Buhari also said Nigeria had achieved food security.

He justified his appointment of Chief Audu Ogbeh as the Minister of Agriculture, saying the appointment was based on his antecedents.

He said the nation could not have a better person than Ogbeh whom he said had invested so much in agriculture and had also suffered.

“Ogbeh went to a bank, borrowed money and invested in agriculture. He suffered but eventually, he paid the money.



“So, you cannot have a better person than somebody who has suffered in the sector,” he said.

Buhari again blamed the Peoples Democratic Party for allegedly wasting the commonwealth of Nigerians during the 16 years the party was in power at the federal level.

He reiterated his position that there was nothing to show for the huge resources that accrued to the country during the period.

Like he did a few weeks back, Buhari queried the $16bn said to have been expended on the power sector during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Although he did not mention Obasanjo’s name, it was during his administration that the sum was said to have been spent on the power sector.
“There was no power and they said they spent $16bn on power. Where is it (power)?” the President asked.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, claimed that the PDP didn’t achieve one-tenth of theAPC achievements in its 16 years in power.

While saying that the present administration had achieved so much, Mustapha promised to make available a document which he said captured what the government had been able to achieve in less than four years.

https://punchng.com/buhari-says-he-is-disappointed-in-nigerian-press/

CHURCHILL OKONKWO

You are a symbol of the past failures and the politically corrupt in Nigeria. With all due respect, therefore, I, on behalf of millions of Nigerians want to remind you that you should shut up when we are discussing anti-corruption challenges and the way forward.

I laughed cynically when I heard you brag that you would “shock everyone because you will fight corruption …if given the opportunity to preside over the affairs of the country.” You challenged Nigerians to either “come forward with a single shred of evidence of [your] misconduct while in office or keep quiet.” Crude arrogance! You subsequently bragged that your stupendous wealth was a result of your “resourcefulness and successful investments.”

What a lie! To use your own words, that display of arrogance was “morally offensive” to millions of Nigerians. Please, sir, accept my apologies, but the issue is not about your “entrepreneurial spirit” but whether you can corroborate the SOURCE of your investments and wealth. Sir, you are not more resourceful than millions of Nigerians, and thousands of investors with hard-earned and traceable sources of wealth. So, sir, take your sermon of rooting out corruption in Nigeria to the sedimentary rocks in the valley of Adamawa Highlands. Tell us what happened to the N7.5 B failed Chochi Dam project which you brought the contractor and supervised the project. What happened to the Jada Federal Government communication project awarded by Obasanjo under ur supervision which N4.5 Billion went into a failed project. Tell Nigerians how u took a loan from Bank PHB in 1998 of N300M to run for Governorship of Adamawa, when you were controversially declared the winner and after becoming the VP the bank cancelled the loan. We have documented evidence of this loan, when you took this loan Bamanga Tukur was one of the richest people in the North East with two shipping vessels on the high seas, but just after 8 years as VP you not only became the richest in Adamawa and one of the richest in Nigeria but you built 158 mansions in the country and 42 mosques in Christian dominated areas of Adamawa State the citing and construction of some of these mosques created several crisis killing thousands of people and dethroning a First Class king.

As a show of good faith, sir, can you please explain to Nigerians how you, a retired Customs officer and VP, got the millions of Dollars, without a bank loan, you paid to the American University in Washington DC for a direct license to use the franchise of the university? We know that your estimated $25 million worth of University (ABTI American University) in Yola was not just because you were resourceful. Siemens of Germany wired $1.7 million of bribe money of Nigerian Govt officials to the account of one of ur wives in the US, Jennifer. The same Jennifer and University of America told US investigators that all wire transfers of over $40 million dat both of them received from offshore companies that they did not know came from Atiku Abubakar at a time you were Nigeria's Vice President.

What is the source of the inexplicable reason for your increased wealth after 8 years as VP? Accept my apologies sir, but can you explain to Nigerians the source of hundreds of multi-million Naira mansions, mostly built on what Nigerians believe to be proceeds of corruption? What of the $125m you diverted from the Petroleum Trust Development Fund (PTDF)? Can you please, sir; explain to Nigerians how you managed to command controlling shares in Bank PHB, controlling shares in Intel, and oil services companies operating in many African countries?

If you are as smart and intelligent as you want Nigerians to believe, then it will not be difficult to break down the source of your wealth. Believe me, there are millions of Nigerians out there that are more resourceful than you that will be turned into billionaires overnight if only you can show us your magic wand. So, without explaining the source of your wealth, it is an insult to ask us to provide evidence that you are chronically corrupt. The burden of proof is on you, sir.

How can Nigeria move forward, when we are hamstrung by symbols of past failures, like you Atiku? Let me remind those still living in the graveyards of yesteryears of what you represent, sir. Your mere presence in Nigerian politics reminds us of the era of fire-breathing monsters that plundered the national wealth. Sir, your administration with Obasanjo represents a government of the ugly looters and predators. Under you, and Obasanjo, corruption was so sweet and so exquisite that the political class fell over themselves to worship the mini gods in Aso Rock.

Accept my apologies, sir, but Nigerians have not forgotten that under you and Obasanjo, our yesteryears were locust-infested. When you and Obasanjo pretended to be fighting corruption while in office from 1999 to 2007, we had wretched criminals that grew the size of their stomachs and pockets from “Turn Around Maintenance” of our refineries and under-selling of government entities to cronies. Under you and Obasanjo, we had ministers and thieves that were busy acquiring properties worth billions while our infrastructures decayed.

Sir, you are a woodpecker that feeds on the pantry of the poor, but found a way to avoid having boils in your mouth. The same mouth you are now using to insult us and bragging about how clean you are in amassing wealth in the midst of poverty in your backyard.

Atiku, sir, your ambition, therefore, deserves to be killed now. It is time for you to retire from public life, disappear from Twitter, political screens, and sight somewhere far away. Sir, when you drive around the hills and valleys of Adamawa Highland, are you not worried and ashamed about the difference between your fortunes and that of the poor masses you claim to represent?

Nigerians believe that corruption is a bigger threat than insecurity in your backyard in Northeastern Nigeria. Fighting corruption in good faith will heal the wounds of millions of Nigerians adversely affected over many decades. Unfortunately, sir, until you explain to us how you amassed your wealth, you are not the right man to lead Nigeria.

The stories surrounding the cancellation, the legality or illegality of the contract between Intels and its subsidiaries with Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) is an indication that your greed is finally catching up with you. For me, that deal is like the rest of the dubious investments you are now flaunting, all of which is a textbook example of how crooked bureaucrats like you amass wealth through cronyism and graft.

So, accept my apologies. You, like your co-traveller the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, represent the dangerously corrupt political elites in Nigeria. As you make an attempt at the Nigerian Presidency for the umpteenth time, know it that your reckless shame has expired. The period from 1999 to 2017 is gone, even though the mess you and Obasanjo left behind is still hunting Nigerians.

Sir, I love you, but, until we begin to challenge serving and former civil servants and public office holders like you that cannot explain how they acquired so much wealth, we cannot really claim to be fighting corruption. Shed some light on the source of every Kobo of your shadowed investments and businesses and shame the people you refer to as “political enemies”.

While I wait for your explanation, know it that I will be the first to raise my hand and campaign for you if you will satisfactorily demonstrate the source of your wealth the way you explain to a 3-year old that 1 + 1 = 2. I say this with as a much respect as I can muster, hoping that you will disgrace me with verifiable proof.

Until you do that, sir, you should shut up and bow your head in shame, if there is still any left in you, when Nigerians are talking about the serious business of fighting corruption.

MINISTER of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Wednesday denied the report on social media that he threatened that Nigeria would send missile to Israel if the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu was not released to Nigeria for the continuation of his prosecution.
The Minister also said that the resurfacing of the IPOB leader in Israel has justified the claims of the federal government that it was not aware of his whereabouts. Briefing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja, Alhaji Mohammed described the allegation against him as fake news.
According to him, “I was in London when I heard the story about Nnamdi Kanu surfacing in Israel. I was not in a position to make any statement. But before I knew it, within a few hours, I saw my picture with a story saying that I had actually given Israel ultimatum to return Nnamdi Kanu otherwise, we will send them missiles. “I just laughed. It speaks to what we are talking about fake news because it is probably the biggest threat in the run-up to the elections. Having said that, I have nothing more to add to the issue of Nnamdi Kanu. At the appropriate time, the various authorities will make a statement about the issue of Kanu. “But this has proven that all along when Kanu disappeared and the mob was asking the Nigerian army to account for the whereabouts of Kanu; I kept saying that Kanu knows where he is. He was not in the custody of the Federal Government. We have been vindicated today. Any other statement will be made in due course.”

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/10/nnamdi-kanu-i-never-threatened-israel-lai-mohammed/

The PDP Indeed are taking Nigerians for a fool. where were they when Nnamdi Kanu threaten to leave this nation calling Nigeria a Zoo and didn't need to obey the court because he don't belong to this nation? Hypocritically they have picked a line from the president's statement and have given it another meaning. The President certainly knows what he was talking about and the people he was referring to obviously knows themselves. The PDP should stop acting all hypocritic as Nigerians knows exactly who they are.

It is quite unfortunate how certain persons will just carry fake news just to paint this administration black. But it is commendable the presidency has come out to clear the air.

A major problem Jonathan had was his inability to tackle corruption and looters. This caused a great damage in his regime as the national cake was only shared with a little few. But of course the difference is clear in this regime as the FG has zero tolerance to corruption and the poor masses are as well beneficiaries of the national cake

The Federal Government says it will not restrain the activities of organised labour in the country but will continue to engage them in dialogue.
Dr Chris Ngige, the Minister of Labour and Employment, spoke in Abuja, when a delegation of the organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU), paid him a courtesy visit. Ngige, via a statement signed by Mr Samuel Olowookere, Director of Press in the ministry, said government “does not believe in curbing the activities of the organised labour union.’’

According to him, Section 40 of the constitution allows for freedom of association. “It is the same law that gave birth to the formation of political parties that also empowered the formation of labour unions, hence President Muhammadu Buhari will never tamper with the activities of the unions. “The Federal Government is committed to working in synergy with the two active labour centres in Nigeria, who are also dynamic members of OATUU with many affiliate unions,’’ he said. The minister however called on OATUU to work out modalities on how to facilitate the review of its relationship with the Federal Government. He said this was in terms of funding in view of the ongoing review of the list of international organisations and associations the country belong to. “The Federal Government recently decided to review the list of international organisations and associations which the country will belong to. “This is because of the fact that the payments of subvention and statutory contributions to such organisations have started taking toll on the federal treasury.’’

Mr Valentine Udeh, leader of the delegation, and Deputy Secretary General of OATUU, said the delegation came to discuss the review of subvention to OATUU by the Federal Government. He expressed the appreciation of the union to the support it received from the Federal Government. He also assured of the commitment of the Pan African organisation to continue to cater for the well-being of the continent’s workforce.(NAN)

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/10/fg-will-not-restrain-activities-of-organised-labour-ngige/

A financial expert, Prof Uche Uwaleke, on Thursday said that the Federal Government’s decision to reduce the size of the 2019 budget to N8.73 trillion would reduce inflation threat.
Uwaleke, Head of Banking and Finance Department, Nasarawa State University Keffi, in Lokoja that the decision was wise considering the country’s present fiscal realities. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Oct. 24 approved a budgetary proposal of N8.73 trillion for 2019 fiscal year, N400 billion lower than the 2018 budget which stood at N9.12 trillion.

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma, made the disclosure when he addressed State House correspondents at the end of FEC meeting. Udoma said the council also approved the 2019/2021 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP). According to him, the MTEF/FSP is designed to translate the strategic development objectives of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) to realistic and implementable budget framework for the medium term. He said the key assumptions highlights being proposed for 2019 budget included oil price benchmark of 60 dollars per barrel, oil production of 2.3 million barrels per day, exchange rate of N305/1 dollar, and GDP growth rate of 3.01 per cent. Uwaleke said that the decision to slow down government’s expansionary spending, especially in an electioneering year would pose less threat to inflation.
He added that the decision would reduce the fiscal deficit to Gross Domestic Product ratio in line with the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) target. According to him, the reduction will curtail government borrowing in view of the present huge debt service burden which is clearly unsustainable at over 65 per cent of revenue. “I think the decision to scale down on the size of the 2019 budget is wise considering the present fiscal realities in Nigeria. “The only worrying aspect of the proposed 2019 fiscal framework is the significant reduction in capital expenditure,” Uwaleke said. He noted that the 2017 budget implementation experience coupled with the revenue challenges being encountered in the execution of the 2018 budget called for a conservative approach to next year’s budget. “For example, the 2017 budget implementation report recently released by the Budget Office speaks of adverse variances in key budget targets due mainly to shortfalls in actual revenue receipts resulting in huge fiscal deficit. “The same scenario is playing out with regard to the 2018 budget in respect of which the Federal Government has just sought the approval of the National Assembly for about N2.8 billion to finance the budget. “Much as the increase in recurrent spending ostensibly to accommodate the implementation of the minimum wage is justified, the Efficiency Unit of the Federal Ministry of Finance should intensify efforts at reducing MDAs overheads and avoidable wastages. “Any funds freed in the process in addition to proceeds from the implementation of the newly introduced Voluntary Offshore Assets Disclosure Scheme and other miscellaneous income such as proceeds from loot recoveries should be used to augment the meagre allocation to capital expenditure,” he said. (NAN)

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/10/2019-n8-73trn-budget-size-will-reduce-inflation-threat-expert/

-THE Nigerian Air Force, NAF,Thursday morning, said its Air Task Force,ATF, of Operation Lafiya Dole,last Tuesday,destroyed Boko Haram terrorists’ logistics base, along with some vehicles, at Tumbun Sale in Northern Borno State.
The service,in a statement by its spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, said “the operation was conducted on 23 October 2018 after Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions revealed the presence of some Boko Haram terrorists’ vehicles and several fighters camouflaged under thick vegetation within the area, where the Boko Haram terrorists had converged in order to launch attacks against own troops’ positions. ”
“Accordingly, the ATF scrambled two Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet aircraft, supported by an ISR platform, to attack the target area in multiple waves. “The first wave of attacks recorded direct hits on a suspected Boko Haram terrorists’ ammunition/fuel dump, sending it up in flames.
“Subsequent strikes also resulted in the destruction of some vehicles and neutralization of several Boko Haram terrorists. The few surviving Boko that were seen fleeing the area, were mopped-up in follow-on attacks,” the statement said. It added:” The NAF, working in concert with surface forces, will sustain the tempo of operations with a view to destroying all remnants of the terrorists on the fringes of Lake Chad and other areas in Northern Borno.”

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/10/air-force-destroys-boko-haram-logistics-base-vehicles-in-borno/

Senior Advocate of Nigeria and the Director, Strategic Communications of President Muhammadu Buhari 2019 Presidential Campaign, Mr. Fetus Keyamo has reacted to a statement by National Publicity Secretary, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mr Kola Ologbondiyan who said that its presidential candidate for the 2019 general elections, Atiku Abubakar, if elected in 2019, would jail “all looters” of public treasury under the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government.
Ologbondiyan in the statement on Monday said said Atiku would also concentrate on the onerous duty of governance and rescuing the people from hunger and bloodletting.
“The PDP forewarns all looters in the Buhari Presidency, including those involved in the alleged stealing of over N14 trillion from several sleazy oil deals; the alleged undisclosed oil revenue leading to the deadlock at the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC); alleged stealing of funds meant for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) among other sleazes covered by the Buhari Presidency, to get ready to vomit their loots and face the law in no distant time,” the party said. Reacting Keyamo on his Twitter handle said When looters say they will jail ‘looters’, then what we expect to be established is a ‘lootocracy’, which is a govt of looters, by looters and for looters. Here is one example. He also said Let’s start this series showcasing achievements, but we will not forget to add that if you have a President who is patently corrupt, he cannot achieve this much with so little.
PPD’s Ologbondiyan had said “Atiku Abubakar comes with the Nigerian resilient entrepreneurial spirit to once again open up our economy, attract investments, create jobs and unite our citizenry for a more productive nation. “What Nigerians earnestly desire now is a resourceful President, not an incompetent leader who lacks the capacity to run a complex economy; who stays aloof and completely insensitive to the plights of citizens, while providing official cover for his officials to fritter away trillions of naira from our beleaguered national treasury,” the PDP said.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/10/when-looters-say-they-will-jail-looters-expect-lootocracy-keyamo/

Lagos state governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday said he is confident of victory for president Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Babajide-Sanwo-Olu in next year’s general election at state and federal levels.

Ambode lost the APC governorship primaries in Lagos State to Sanwo-Olu in October.

Despite his failed attempt, Ambode has assured the party that he would lead the campaign to ensure victory for the party in the 2019 general elections.


The governor spoke with journalists at the Presidential Wing of the Muritala Mohammed International Airport shortly after he accompanied President Buhari to perform the official commissioning of the new Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) border posts at Seme-Krake joint border post in Badagry.

Ambode stated that it was important for the APC to retain its leadership positions both in the federal and the State level.

“But again, just to also use this opportunity to let Lagosians know that we are heavily committed to the re-election of Mr President and you can see that his continuous visit to Lagos reiterates the fact that he is actually a lover of Lagos State and I am committed to ensuring his re-election,” Ambode said.

“We are going to campaign heavily for him. I am also committed to ensuring that the APC wins the governorship election come 2019. We support the candidacy of Babajide Sanwo-Olu and we would make sure that APC retains Lagos State and the centre.”

Ambode had earlier received President Buhari at the airport before the duo proceeded to Seme where the President joined his Republic of Benin counterpart, Patrice Talon to inaugurate the Border Post.

https://guardian.ng/politics/ambode-confident-of-buhari-sanwo-olu-victory-in-2019/

The Minister of Finance, Mrs Zainab Ahmed says the Federal Government will not lose focus on diversifying the economy from oil to other sustainable sectors like agriculture. Zainab Ahmed Ahmed said this at the ongoing 24th Nigerian Economic Summit on Tuesday in Abuja. Ahmed, who spoke on the topic; “Sustainable Economic Opportunities’’ said despite the rise in crude oil price at the international market, government was committed to diversifying the economy by growing agriculture and other sectors. “We are not shifting away our attention from diversifying the economy, from growing agriculture, mining, as well as ensuring that the right infrastructure are put in place to support businesses. 2019: Okagbare mobilizes for Atiku in Norway “What happens in the oil industry is not within our control, the price may go up today and it could go low again, and also it is predisposed to destruction. “So what happens if production goes down, so we are not losing sight of the fact that we need to stay and focus on growing other sectors of the economy,’’ he said. She stressed the need to shift attention away from oil and gas, adding that government was investing revenues from oil into other sectors of the economy that were more sustainable. The minister also said government in its Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), had mapped out some clear target on what it planned to achieve in the economy. “Our target is to attain 10,000 Mega Watts (MW) electricity by the year 2020, and we started up with 3,500 MWs and we have 7, 200 MWs, so, we are on target and we will surpass the target that we have set,’’ she said. Ahmed noted that government had plans to concession the four major airports in the country, adding that construction of some major road projects across the country were also on going. Recession knocks at the door; fg ignores it. The minister said government was also looking at how to bring in private capital financing to match its funding to grow other sectors of the economy. “We have a situation where our economy has begun to go back on the part of growth, but also exposed to fragility by external shocks. “We also have this growing unemployment rate that is really a threat to all of us in the country. “We have on the other hand a very large population of youths that are very active and enterprising and that itself is a huge advantage . “This is because the most important resource we have are actually the people, our youths and what we have to do as policy makers is to engage and make the youth to be productive.’’ Attacks on Kachikwu provocative, ex-N-Delta agitators warn She advised government at all levels to engage the private sector to provide electricity and create other opportunities to engage the youth meaningfully. Ahmed added that the government was committed at creating opportunities for growth and development.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/10/oil-price-increase-fg-will-not-lose-focus-on-economic-diversification-minister/

Indeed the Operation Crocodile Smile III in Cross River will monitor the creeks by tackling kidnapping of personalities, militancy and curbing the menace of armed robbery in the state. Kudos Mr President for your establishing successful military operations in the country to tackle diverse menace

Indeed the Operation Crocodile Smile III in Cross River will monitor the creeks by tackling kidnapping of personalities, militancy and curbing the menace of armed robbery in the state. Kudos Mr President

Indeed when a Government works for the people, The people becomes their voice. Obviously the stunt Atiku was trying to pull, pulled him. Kudos Mr. President for N Power scheme indeed graduates that would have being roaming the streets in search of job are employed and being paid.

I wonder how bringing out list of looters is a violation of human right. I actually commend the court for clearing that notion. Indeed there is no hiding place for looters in this administration. Kudos to this administration

One afternoon in the late 1990s, Pat Isaac climbed to the roof top of a water tank on the premises of the defunct Nigerian Airways to check the tanks. As a staff of the department in charge of water supply, the check was a routine activity, he told PREMIUM TIMES.

But that afternoon, what was a routine check took a tragic turn and he missed his steps. Within seconds, he narrated, he came down crashing from the edge of the iron bars above which the tank was placed. He lost consciousness, with his face damaged and head turned backwards.

“That was the last thing I could remember,” he said, slowly, his head bent sideways. “I spent many, many months at the hospital and people felt I may not survive it. But I thank God I survived. It was an Indian doctor that treated me.”

Few years after the incident, Mr Isaac said, he retired from the services of the Nigerian Airways. But for more than a decade after his retirement, until the first week of October, the old retiree said he lamented and waited in vain without receiving his entitlement from an organisation he served diligently.

“It was harrowing,” he said of the experience. “We waited for many, many years. We were abandoned by the government. Many of our people have died; many have become weak and incapacitated. It is really sad we were treated that way. We thank God this government remembers us now.”

Mr Isaac’s situation is not an isolated case; it is one of many sad tales retirees of the defunct Nigerian Airways told PREMIUM TIMES on Monday. The retirees, who all filed out for verification ahead of payment of their outstanding entitlement, said they had lived through pains over the years as the government neglected them.

Alimi Kuye, a retiree, told PREMIUM TIMES he personally knew of about five of his colleagues who died due to their inability to pay for medical treatment in the periods they received no benefit from the government.

“Many people have died, as you can clearly see from what people are saying,” he said. “Many died from avoidable ailments; many have become paralysed because they couldn’t afford hospital bills and money for drugs. It is sad.”

Another retiree, who identified himself simply as Adigun, spoke of the government’s neglect of retirees in harsh words, lambasting past governments for their ‘nonchalant attitude’ to the plight of poor pensioners. He also commended the Nigerian government for addressing their plight.

“Our past leaders failed us. They abandoned us when we are helpless and have no strength again to work. It is sad. We thank the Buhari government for coming to our rescue.”



The Nigerian Airways came into being in 1958, and ceased operations in 2003 during the Obasanjo administration which ended in 2007.

The succeeding Yar’adua government paid some entitlements to some of the airline’s workers, while its successor — the Jonathan administration — did not.

Weeks ago, the Nigerian government announced its readiness to pay outstanding entitlements owed the Nigerian Airways pensioners. The payment will be effected after a verification conducted in three centres nationwide, supervised by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC).
But the exercise which was initially scheduled to end on October 22 was later extended by one week following disruptions in the arrangement.

TEDIOUS EXERCISE
At the Airforce Base venue of the screening and verification in Lagos, PREMIUM TIMES observed that while many of the pensioners were all smiles in anticipation of the payment of their entitlements, others looked tired and worn out due to the rigour involved in the exercise.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the exercise begins with the pensioner obtaining a verification slip and a designated number, after which he could be eligible to receive the Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit (PICA) form.

At the Lagos Airport verification centre, after collecting the PICA form, the pensioner moves ahead for signature at the side of the premises and after that, he goes for EFCC check. The EFCC check is to curtail fraudulent claims and confirm other account-related details, our correspondent gathered.

The pensioner would then be captured for record and accountability purposes, PREMIUM TIMES learnt, after which he could go home and await payment.

Since Friday, Mr Adigun told PREMIUM TIMES, he and other retirees have been shuttling the Airforce Base section of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, which is one of the three selected verification venues nationwide. He explained however that he had not successfully completed his verification.

“The process is not bad but the crowd is much,” he said. “The EFCC people work till late in the evening. Hopefully, by tomorrow (Tuesday) many would have been attended to. If you were here on Friday or Saturday, you would have no space to even stand.”



Sylvester Okorie, another Nigerian Airway ex-staff, told PREMIUM TIMES many of pensioners slept around the premises of the verification venue over the weekend because they could not afford transport fare to their various places on a daily basis.

Sylvester Okorie
“I live in Igando, Alimosho local government area. I slept here on Saturday through Sunday and now. If by the end of today, I am not able to complete and get to EFCC (verification unit), I will sleep till tomorrow,” he said.

He explained that he was not alone in the compound as many others, too, slept overnight to avoid Lagos traffic and get to the venue on time.

“I need about one thousand naira to get here from Igando. Where will I get that every day? Its’s better to just sleep here.

“In spite of that even, I got number 184 on the queue; my friend who came later got 271. Many people slept here last night. It is difficult but we thank God this government remember us.”

Mr Okorie worked for years as a police officer, he said in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES, and that accounted for why he was still strong and could withstand the rigour of the exercise.

He said, “I see many of our people being carried about and I thank God for (the nature of) my body system. I worked in the Police for years before joining Nigerian Airways and retiring there. Many of our people have to be taken around; the sight is pathetic. None of us deserves to suffer the way we were treated. We thank God now.”

Mr Okorie’s friend, also an ex-staff named Alex, said he came from Maza-Maza area of the city and could not afford to go back daily due to paucity of funds. “We are poor retirees; we can’t afford to be going and coming every day. That’s why it is important that this process is made easier and faster, even though they are trying.”

He also said that many pensioners had to be taken in ‘wheel chairs’ to come for verification, adding that the process is long because there are too many pensioners involved. He however praised the government and lambasted previous governments for their failure to come to their aid.

“Imagine how tired and weak our people are. These are people who served Nigeria. What message is the country passing to younger generations?” he asked, rhetorically.

Makeshift ‘Canteens’, photocopier operators spring up at verification centre

PREMIUM TIMES observed that as the verification exercise continued slowly on Monday, some traders devised ways to make quick money.



At the entrance of the verification centre, there are food sellers doing quick businesses as the exercise progressed. Many of the pensioners, PREMIUM TIMES observed, took turns to buy food and drinks from the traders.

Photocopier operators
Due to the nature of the exercise, PREMIUM TIMES learnt, there are also numerous photocopier machine operators in the building, ostensibly to attend to the concerns of pensioners.

“The traders have helped us a lot by their presence,” said Mr Adigun. “Many who couldn’t go home can eat here with the little they have left,” he added.

“Again due to the nature of what we are here to do, the photocopier operators too have been of help, We have to make copies of many documents and we can’t do that outside.”

Light at the end of tunnel?
According to Mr Isaac, while waiting for the payments for decades, many former workers of the airways survived on crumbs from relatives and children while those who had no such luxury have died.

“The last time we were paid was around 2008, when Yar’adua was president,” said Mr Okorie. “Since then we have received no payment from the government.”

“Anytime we had meeting and deliberation, they always announce that people have died; almost every week. With this payment, people will live fine now.”

A staff of PICA who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES at the Lagos verification unit on Monday but declined to have his name in print because he was not authorised to speak, said the pensioners would have their accounts credited before the end of the week.

“Although I understand they will get about 50 percent of their entitlements but payment will be effected after verification is done, latest before Friday,” he said.

“The exercise is moving and as you can see, the crowd has reduced drastically.

“By Wednesday or Thursday, despite the extension, we may not have anybody on ground again as they will likely have cleared everybody.

Tired, spent pensioners
“If you were here last Friday and Saturday, you’d understand what I mean. The exercise is smooth and everybody will smile later.”

Thankful, joyful pensioners
A few of the pensioners who have had their verification completed spoke glowingly of the federal government’s resolve to clear the backlog of entitlements.

A pensioner, Kunle Ajayi, said he had waited endlessly for the moment and thanked the Nigerian government for the initiative.

“The government has done well by paying us. I have completed my verification and I have been done the ‘capturing’. They said we will get alert by end of the week; we are grateful.

“Although the exercise may appear tough because of our ages, we still appreciate the government who remember us,” said Mr Adigun.

Pensioners await clearance
For Mr Okorie, both Presidents (Umaru) Yar’adua and Buhari deserve commendation for their resolve to pay the entitlements.

“Yar’adua is dead but he was the one who paid us before he died. (Goodluck) Jonathan was there for years and he never remembered us. He abandoned us,” said Mr Okorie.

“We remember Yar’adua and pray for him. We pray for Buhari who remembered us –– God will remember him too.”

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/291976-how-obasanjo-jonathan-left-us-to-suffer-ex-nigerian-airways-workers.html

This is a plus to the APC and the president, No individual or group that have the interest of this country at heart will support Atiku over Buhari. Atiku have been tested and cannot be trusted. it is now clear that he is one of those people that have been frustrating the Buhari led Government just to have his way and tarnish the image of this administration.

Fake promises everywhere, the patriotic Nigerians knows that Atiku will promise anything to get into power, if he likes, he should promise haven on earth, Nigerians will never buy it, this is the era of change, your achievement will speak for you.

If Atiku is voted in, he will take Nigerians backward no doubt, this is because he was part of the government that put Nigeria in this mess for the past 16 years, it is glaring that desperation to become the president is for his selfish reasons. he wants to have immunity and not for the best interest of the people.

Some elites wants Buhari out because of their selfish reasons, the president has block their means of executing their corrupt practices thats why they has decided to frustrate his government, but the patriotic Nigerians will never allow them have their way into power. Nigerians have decided to go with change.

It's unfortunate that the people of Nigeria do not appreciate the effort of this Buhari led administration, although his opinion does not matter, Buhari is way smarter than you. And that's not saying much.

President Muhammadu Bauhari says the high revenue earned over the years from the sale of crude oil and other sources did not translate to job creation and eradication of poverty in Nigeria. The President said this while declaring open the 24th Nigeria Economic Summit in Abuja on Monday. The theme of the summit is “Poverty to Prosperity, Making Governance and Institutions Work’’. Deliberations on the summit would focus on five key areas of Sustainable Economic Opportunities, Human Development, Effective Public Institution Corruption and the Rule of Law and Human Development. President Muhammadu Buhari Buhari, represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, said the focus on eradicating poverty was a big economic challenge for Nigeria over the last three decades. He said what was outstanding about the poverty situation over the years was that it had persisted even when the nation earned its highest revenue. “The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) figures published on house poverty survey in 2012, which was the last survey done shows that despite rising oil prices and growth figures, poverty increases in every study cycle. “In 1980, absolute poverty figures was 17.1 million Nigerians, in 1985, 34.7 million, in 1992, 39.2 million, in 1996, 67.1 million, in 2004, 66.7 million. “The last survey of household poverty done in 2010 was 112.47 million, the figures for the next cycle are currently being compiled by NBS. The truth is that despite the rising oil revenue, poverty has remained.’’ The President “the problem of poverty has become more significant because our population continues to grow at about three per annually with more than 60 per cent of the young people and about 1.4 million entering the job market every year. “How do you explain the paradox of high growth figures and rising poverty and unemployment figures, the fact that high revenue dose not necessary translates to jobs. He, however, said high revenue could only translate to jobs and better living standards if the revenues were invested in diversifying the economy, infrastructure development, provision of quality education, health care and social protection. “The major drain on the nation’s resources is grand corruption through stealing of large sums of money by public officials in collaboration with some private officials over the years.’’ Buhari, however, said his administration was working to stop the heinous phenomenon of corruption and diversion of government resources for private use. Frank Okafor, Wada, Damilola Oke, others for 5th Annual World Habitat Leadership Summit He said the approach of the present government to reversing poverty and its consequences was to create enabling environment for business to thrive. “A major premise of our economic model was the focus on empowering the jobless youth and the millions in extreme poverty by means of micro credit schemes, infrastructure support for markets and small businesses. Other areas according to the President are the provision of welfare for the most vulnerable and direct creation of jobs on a consistent basis. “We are also ensuring that that at least 30 per of the budget will be spent on capital projects, infrastructure, diversification of the economy, ensuring strong fiscal discipline, supporting states for payment of salaries, and special support programmes. He said government programmes on tackling poverty and ensuring prosperity were captured in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan of the Federal Government (ERGP).

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/10/high-oil-revenue-did-not-translate-to-job-creation-reduction-of-poverty-buhari/

It is good some persons are actually realizing that Atiku is not what he portrays to be and is worst compared to Buhari. Atiku coming into power will do disaster to our already surviving economy

The Minister of State for Environment, Alhaji Ibrahim Jibril, said on Monday that the Federal Government would continue to free the country from ozone-depleting substances. Jibril told said on the sdeline of the 2018 International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer in Abuja. He said that the Federal Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service, was checkmating the imported ozone-depleting substances. “We have tightened up our operations at the ports with active collaboration of the Nigeria Customs Service. “The customs is helping us a lot; and we are checkmating those people who are bringing these ozone-depleting substances into the country. “What we normally do is that, if you import illegally and you are caught, your goods will be sent back to the country of origin,’’ the minister said. According to him, this will tend to continue, to ensure that Nigeria is free of such substances. Jibril said that his ministry was educating Nigerians on the recycling of raw materials they got from condemned electronic waste (e-waste) to sustain their livelihood. “We are looking at the possibility of recycle economy. What most people don’t understand is that this e-waste contains a lot of metal that are really valuable. “It contains gold, copper, aluminium and other metal materials that are used in the production of e-material. “So, when their life cycle are done and condemned as waste, they tend to move around. “What we are doing now in Nigeria is to sensitise people and show them that they can actually get more gold and other valuable, if they go into the field.’’ According to him, people can get a lot of copper, silver and other raw materials from e-waste. (NAN)

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/10/fg-will-continue-to-free-nigeria-from-ozone-depleting-substances-jibril/

The Minister of State for Environment, Alhaji Ibrahim Jibril, said on Monday that the Federal Government was set to commence the clean -up of oil spills in Ogoni land. Ogoni land, polluted with oil spills Jibril told the newsmen on the sideline of the 2018 International Day for Preservation of Ozone Lay in Abuja. He said that the exercise would begin before the end of this year. Newsmen recall that the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) had recommended initial release of one billion dollars to be used for the clean-up of oil spills for over a period of five years. The clean-up exercise, according to UNEP, will take 25-30 years to restore the environment. Akwa Ibom 2019: War on campaign billboards’ hot up Much of the funding for the clean-up is expected to come from the oil companies. The minister said that out of 200 million dollars expected from oil companies, 177 million dollars had been raised for the operation. “For 2018, 200 million dollars is expected but so far the joint venture partners and NNPC had been able to raise 177 million dollars for the operation, which will commence soon. “Right now, the procurement process is at the very last stage and very soon, we should be able to go to Federal Executive Council meeting to get approval for the contract to be awarded. “We believe that we should be able to go to the field in the fourth quarter of this year to commence remediation exercise,’’ Jibril said.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/10/fg-to-commence-clean-up-of-ogoni-oil-spill-minister/

A former governor of Old Kaduna State, Balarabe Musa, on Monday urged Nigerians not to “gamble” with the idea of returning the People’s Democratic Party to power in 2019.

Musa told the News Agency of Nigeria on telephone from Kaduna that the country would be worse off if the main opposition party is allowed to come back.

He said the PDP had ruled the country for 16 years before 2015 and that “all they brought to Nigerians was misery and underdevelopment.”

Musa said that the opposition party almost completely ruined the economy with massive corruption and plunder while in power.

The governor said though all was not well with the country under the present All Progressives Congress-led government, Nigerians should never risk having any hope in the PDP to make things better.

Musa said that “PDP lacks the moral right to ask for a return to power,” insisting that “a credible alternative is needed to turn things around.”

“I do not understand the hype about PDP returning to power. I just do not understand. Return to do what? The party that created many problems for 16 years while they were in power? No way!

“Things are not too good in the country at the moment, but I think the country would be worse if the PDP is allowed to return. We saw what they did for 16 years and they will definitely mess things up further.

“Nigerians should not trust the PDP with power. We will be disappointed. What we need in the country right now is a credible alternative that would deliver good governance and respond to our needs,” he said.

Musa said that money had, over the years, influenced Nigerian politics, resulting in the emergence of unpopular leaders.

The former governor said Nigerians must be prepared to change the narrative by voting according to their conscience in 2019 and beyond.

He said the country was faced with a number of security and economic challenges, among others, calling for government’s “creative intervention” to address them.

https://punchng.com/beware-of-pdp-presidency-in-2019-balarabe-musa/

Any Nigerian that has the interest of Nigeria at heart will work with the people with the vision to change this country for better, PDP has just lost 1 out of 119 wards in the states. this is really a development process for the party. it is good to know that the change is gradually circulating across the states.