Thanks OP for this. I actually wanted to do a piece on this video evidence because I know all along the "100 days" yardstick is Nigerians invention. The question was asked by the APC Chairman in UK and PMB immediately rebuffed the claim of the "mythical 100 days" as shown in the video. But I will ascribe the hullabaloo to the overzealousness of the APC party members who were just gallivanting about without necessary clearance from the Campaign Directorate.
Another issue that will still generate uproar is when he finally makes public declaration of his assets. People are anxiously expecting that he doesn't have more than one million naira in his bank account. So when they see assets worth millions of naira, they are still going to shout. But when asked during his interview with Ebony TV before the election, he has debunked such claim. Even the issue of 150 cows was facebook contraption. He never authored most of those releases but because it serves the purpose at that time, nobody issues a rebuttal. Just like his daughter marrying a Christian Colonel from the South East just to prove that he wasn't a religious bigot was also denied.
As anybody even noticed that most of the governors are yet to have their cabinets in place? These are issues that concern you and me directly or are they also waiting on the President to appoint for them?
Ladies and gentlemen, I want to appeal to all of us to not get carried away by the shenanigans of these politicians. Please don't let us lose our heads over this matter by unnecessary insinuations. Let us be careful of our utterances and bear in mind that in the long run, whatever we sow today, we're going to reap the fruit tomorrow. The fact that the revered Father hold a different opinion does not in anyway mean that we should denigrate his person. All of us cannot view everything from the same perspective. That is the beauty of life indeed; as variety has always been the spice of life.
For some of you who are jubilating over this sort of news, well I pity you. The reason being that it's too early as you do not know what will become of those you are supporting today. There is a rule of thumb that you should never trust any politician because truth and a politician are mutually exclusive. As our elders would say, "there is no one that a finger will be poked at his anus that the finger will not be stained with faeces." Most of them are not incorruptible so the fact that some are exposed today does not mean others will not be exposed tomorrow. And if you have used all your energies on those of today, where will you get the energy for those of tomorrow?
For the first time in a long time, I was proud to be a Nigerian living and practicing journalism in America. And as I flew into the triple-digit heat of Washington DC from the excellent Los Angeles’ weather, I was unsure what to expect from the Nigerian government delegation led by the new helmsman in Abuja, Muhammadu Buhari that was in town for crucial meetings with the Barack Obama administration, given the theatre of shame and serial disappointments to which we had been subjected by Nigerian government officials whenever they show up in America. On this occasion, I was in DC as a guest of the US Chamber of Commerce and the Corporate Council For Africa, and by extension the Nigerian mission in the United States.
In 1999, I had a similar privilege to have been ’embedded’ in the high-powered government delegation under the Olusegun Obasanjo administration to the Bill Clinton White House for bilateral talks shortly after Obasanjo’s return to power as president. For political expediency, the delegation had included faces from the past – T. Y Danjuma, David Jemibewon, Bola Ige, Chuba Okadigbo, Sule Lamido, Patrick Dele Cole, and such then new ones as Dapo Sarumi and Dubem Onyia, Andy Uba among many others – who were to form the bulwark of the first Obasanjo administration.
In comparison, the Buhari delegation to the US on the week of July 20th was lean. And without the usual fanfare and with all the wives and mistresses in tow. Not discounting the annoying presence of all the political jobbers, hustlers and court jesters who always invade the destination. In contrast, this delegation was made up of top civil servants and a handful of serving state governors. Only Governor Oshiomhole showed up with his trophy wife who by the way conducted herself with decorum. There was on hand in the delegation former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, the stormy petrel of Niger Delta politics whose role leading up to the national elections is said to have been catalytic to the success of President Buhari at the polls. The team I saw in DC was well coordinated, disciplined and very business-like. The President himself set the tone with his dress code – a simple kaftan and cap to match. Buhari was poised, focused, dignified and stayed on message all of the time. I watched with delight the air of aristocracy and charisma he unassumingly projected in all of the meetings I was privileged to attend. His responses to questions and remarks at the different fora were deliberate, intelligent and not rushed.
His speeches were well delivered with poise and self-assured confidence, and at times laced with appropriate humour. Overall, he came across as a man who is comfortable in his own skin and new role. And there was a Mandela-like aura about him and for several moments I was reminded of Madiba as I watched Buhari in DC – a visionary on a mission. In the presence of President Obama, Buhari looked every bit presidential and I dare say that only very few African presidents could match the comportment and honour that he brought with him to the White House, and invariably to all the other meetings he had with high US government officials, the media, and US business leaders.
That is why I am miffed by some of the puerile commentaries in local Nigerian press about the Buhari visit to the United States. What is at times lost on most Nigerians at home is the abyss to which Nigeria’s image abroad as a nation had sunk, and the incalculable damage that has been done to the corporate profile of the nation. Some are wont to dismiss it as mere Western propaganda and a vestige of Afro-pessimism. Right and wrong. Right in the sense that Nigerians as a people are intimidating by their very nature, flamboyant, aggressive and loud for no fault of theirs. Wrong because Nigerians and Nigeria have not managed their image well. They have over time allowed others to define them in the marketplace of ideas. Hence, their best traits as a people have been subverted by the tyranny of the minority of few bad apples in the bunch. And in today’s world, perception is everything!
Many years of totalitarian regimes have equally not helped the Nigerian image. Eventually, totalitarianism gave birth to unmitigated corruption, highhandedness in high and low places leading to the attendant impoverishment of the citizenry. That is the face of Nigeria in today’s marketplace – and from the White House to Whitehall and from Wall Street to Main Street around the world.
Given the foregoing, my verdict is that Buhari’s US visit was a master stroke in image-making especially at a time when Nigeria is still reeling from the after shock of a long list of diplomatic snafus by the immediate past administration of Goodluck Jonathan. Without fixing the image problem of Nigeria as a serious player on the world stage, the successful execution of the war on terrorism (Boko Haram), providing adequate power supply and solutions to the overarching issue of mass unemployment will remain unattainable. In my considered opinion, this trip was well worth every kobo of it!
I believe that with the beating that the Nigerian image has taken over the years, the presidency must capitalise on the credits generated by Buhari’s US visit. I suggest that a marshall plan be drawn up to engage world opinion on behalf of Nigeria. The momentum generated from this trip has to be seized to project the new face of the country. The goodwill of the enormously powerful Nigerian Diaspora should come handy in this regard. That is how Israel has done it by tapping into the vast resources of the Diaspora Jewry. India is on that roll too. Former President Obasanjo recognised that dynamic and it led to the formation of the quasi-government Nigerians In The Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) under the superintendence of Ambassadors Dele Cole and Joe Keshi who was the then Nigerian Consul General in Atlanta. I also had a front-row seat to the birthing of that entity. As it is presently constituted however, NIDO will need some re-engineering as I am of the subjective opinion that the Jonathan administration tampered with NIDO to no good effect.
At the Town Hall meeting with the Diaspora Nigerians during this visit, I could sense the groundswell of support for Buhari from an audience that was at first apathetic, some of who had been apologists of the Jonathan administration with its well documented strategy of bribing every pressure group around the world, of which NIDO and the various Nigerian associations in the US can be categorised. I counted at least three or four times when they rose to their feet to cheer Buhari. Most of the guests later confessed their confidence in and support for the new president. Some of them told me that their unfavorable opinion of the man had dramatically changed after listening to him, and that their hope for the future of the country had been restored. There was gone the hollow and hopeless look on the faces of Nigerians in America after an event such as was held July 21 at the Nigerian embassy premises in Washington DC.
However, as much as the embassy staff struggled to put on a hitch-free event perhaps because the “fear” of Buhari which I am told is the beginning of wisdom for Nigerians was evident, the Town Hall meeting was yet marred by poor logistical planning. Seating arrangement was atrocious with the hall overflowing beyond legal capacity. Many guests with valid invitation from the embassy were subsequently turned away at the gates. Some of them, I was told had flown into DC from other states but were barred for lack of space.
And if it is not already in the new administration’s plan, I recommend that all of Nigeria’s mission abroad must be restructured in line with the Buhari posture which I saw in DC. It cannot be business as usual at our embassies if Nigeria has to win the war on the burnishing of her badly battered image which I believe is central to the revival of the economy. At the US Chamber of Commerce dinner, President Buhari asked for American investors to take interest in the agriculture and solid mineral mining sectors of Nigeria’s economy. And I can assure you that these investors will not lift a finger for Nigeria until she takes concrete steps to re-do her image as a corrupt, inept, violence-prone and unstable investment and tourism destination. Truth be told, Nigerians, especially the Diaspora, must be empowered to tell our own story, or others will continue to define who we are.
Perception. That should be the name of the game as Nigeria undoubtedly steps into a new era under Muhammadu Buhari.
The news journal’s founder is Nigerian-born Charles Chinyere Anyiam, with an extensive background as a journalist and editor in Africa, especially with the The Daily Times of Nigeria in Lagos. He has also written for the authoritative West Africa Magazine, the African Guardian and other special interest publications. He also served as a radio commentator on the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation as part of his widely acclaimed stint on the African journalism scene. Mr. Anyiam is a frequent guest on U.S. television and radio newsmaker programs and sought as an Africa media-insider speaker, both in the U.S. and Africa.
elbinmanny: President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Professor Kamoru Olayiwola Usman as the new Provost of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo.Mr. Usman takes over from Dr Emmanuel Adeniyi.A statement by the presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, said the appointment of the 51- year-old Oyo-born Mr. Usman is for an initial term of four years.His academic qualifications include a Bachelors Degree in Science Education, Masters Degree in Education (Mathematics) and a Doctorate Degree in Education (Mathematics). Until his new appointment, Mr. Usman was Associate Dean of the Faculty of Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/187771-buhari-appoints-new-provost-for-federal-college-of-education.html
Please note the following:
Professor taking over from a Doctor. Kamoru Olayiwola Usman taking over from Emmanuel Adeniyi (both are Yoruba from the South West) Kamoru Olayiwola Usman(presumed to be Muslim) taking over from Emmanuel Adeniyi(definitely a Christian) An indigene of Oyo State appointed as a Provost of a federal institution in Oyo State A qualified educationist by all standards appointed as a Provost in an educational institution and yet...
"Ile aye fun igba die ni Omo araye e se rere o" - Ebenezer Obey
Contrary to the posture of his predecessors who used to receive brief from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other anti-graft agencies, Buhari has only left these agencies to “read his lips and be on the same page” with him in fighting corruption. A presidential aide, who spoke with our correspondent in strict confidence, said: “Do you know that Buhari has not asked any of the anti-corruption agencies to arrest anyone? He has not called for the file of any suspect or given them a list of the untouchables. Suddenly, these agencies increased their pace because Buhari does not place any inhibitions on their way, no presidential interference at all.” In the last few weeks, some heavyweights either quizzed or arraigned in court were ex-Governor Sule Lamido and sons; ex-Governor Martin Elechi and son; ex-Governor Ikedi Ohakim; Mrs. Oluwatoyin Saraki (the wife of the Senate President); Hajiya Zainab Dakingari (the daughter of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua); ex-Governor Murtala Nyako and son; a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Patrick Ziakede Akpobolokemi and Mrs, Ifeoma Nwobodo, who was the Chief of Staff to the former Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Sullivan Chime.
Asserting the principle of separation of powers
For 49 days, the National Assembly was on the verge of brinkmanship because the President refused to interfere in the internal affairs of the Legislature. There were conflicting reports on whether or not ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo prevailed on Buhari to intervene, it was however obvious that the President took a constitutional risk which almost overshadowed his victory and the electoral gains of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In the end, there was light at the end of the tunnel. Speaking on a live interview chat with NTA on Monday, the President explained why he refused to interfere. He said: “I have to be very sensitive to the Constitution of the country. I do not like to be told by anybody, especially the legislators that I am interfering in their matter. There are three arms of government: the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary. Over the years, they have developed the system of choosing their leaders.
“There is no way I can directly interfere. All I can do through the party is to appeal to their conscience that what I already observed, we should go over it as soon as possible. When I say we, I mean the APC.”
Corroborating his claim, the APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun said Buhari stuck to his stand till the end. He said: “Mr. President made it once again clear that everybody has no alternative but to listen to what the party says. He emphasized the fact that all of us were what we are thanks to the platform that the party provided for everybody. I think this message resonated very intensely with all the members of the House. He still did not interfere and his parting words to us were that the leadership of the House and the party should go and resolve whatever issues that were militating against a resolution.”
Buhari’s unique visit to the US
This trip was a major breakthrough for Buhari because it came early in the day of his administration and he can now settle down for work. Besides mending the strained diplomatic ties between the US and Nigeria, Buhari was able to seek support for the nation’s war against Boko Haram and anti-graft campaign which may lead to the repatriation of about $6billion looted funds. The shuttle also fetched a commitment of $2.1billion loan from the World Bank (through its International Development Agency) to rebuild the insurgency-ravaged North-East. While the first 10 years of the loan will be interest free, additional 30 years would attract interest “lower than capital market rate.” On its part, the World Health Organization (WHO) might invest about $300million on immunization against malaria. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is expected to work with Dangote Foundation for a zero polio free system in the country. A former Deputy Minority Leader in the Senate, Sen. Olorunnimbe Mamora told THE NATION’s correspondent during the week that the gains of the trip were significant. He said: “It is a measure of goodwill Obama and the United States have for President Buhari and his administration. That goodwill goes beyond America; it also extends to international community especially the Western world.”
Giving anti-terror war a new bite
Since the appointment of new Service Chiefs, the nation’s counter-insurgency campaign has heightened. Troops have seized many camps of Boko Haram, killed more than 300 insurgents and set free hundreds of captives including a six-day old infant. Buhari has also initiated a military alliance with Chad, Niger Republic, Cameroon and Benin Republic. A military source said: “With the way we are going about the campaign, we will rout out Boko Haram in the next six months if we sustain the tempo.”
Bail out for states
Worried by the collapse of the economy of most states, the President has reeled out some bail out measures including the release of N713.7billion intervention funds for states; N413.7billion represents special intervention funds; and the balance of about N250billion to N300billion as a soft loan to states. While about N413.7b ($2.1b) was sourced from the recent LNG proceeds, the remaining N300b came from a Central Bank-packaged special intervention fund. The Debt Management Office (DMO) is expected to assist states to restructure over N660billion commercial loans crippling their economy.
What should Nigerians do?
National Leader of APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu during the week asked Nigerians to be patient with Buhari to effect the much desired change. He said: “Change is not by magic, it is driven by the people… You see, we have had so much problem in this country in the past because we run into policy blindfolded without adequate and effective planning. You don’t have results unless you plan well. The time it takes you to plan, examine, re-jig, re-evaluate is more important than the time you just rush into taking action because you are either being sentimental, being emotional and being driven by forces that are not expected.”
Gradually the President is restoring the old glory of the nation’s civil service in line with the 800-page report of Ahmed Joda Committee, which was submitted on June 11. Ahead of his appointment of ministers next month, the President is running the government with the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr. Danladi Kifasi, Permanent Secretaries (who are the accounting officers of ministries) and the Chief Executives/ Directors-General of parastatals and his key aides like some Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants. The Permanent Secretaries and the CEOs of agencies are enjoying every bit of freedom because for the first time since 2007, they can now make suggestions, rub minds with the President and implement without anyone breathing down on them. The Senior Special Assistant on Media, Shehu said: “The Permanent Secretaries are there to assist him and he has given them independence to take decisions (including financial ones) unless it is something extra-ordinary.”
Reforms/the coming structure of government and new ministers
Sources in the Presidential Villa confided in THE NATION that the report of the Ahmed Joda Committee and the 2012 document of Steve Oronsaye panel will go a long way in shaping the surgical reforms which Buhari will carry out. These reforms may include merger of ministries and agencies, cutting waste in public service and putting in place a culture of transparency and accountability. In its report, the Joda committee said: “There is no direct relationship between the number of ministries and efficacy of service delivery. The US with a population of 316million and with GDP of $17, 328 trillion (30 times Nigeria’s GDP) has 15 ministries. India has 24 ministries while the UK has 17.
“The current structure of the Federal Government of Nigeria with 28 ministries and 542 agencies (50 of which have no enabling laws) results in very high cost of governance. The portfolios of ministries are not responsive to all the major critical national challenges such as family and child affairs; religious affairs; vulnerable and elderly group affairs as well as the North-Eastern crisis.
“There is an apparent conflict between the desire of reducing the cost of governance through cabinet downsize and the constitutional requirement of a cabinet-level ministerial appointment from each of the 36 states of the Federation.”
More than any group, the new ministers coming into Buhari’s cabinet may not enjoy the same luxury like some of their reckless predecessors in the administration of the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, the late President Umaru Yar’Adua and ex-President Goodluck Jonathan. Shehu said: “The President has said he will cut wastes everywhere. He used to tell us that as the Minister of Petroleum Resources, he was always applying to the Federal Executive Council for estacode each time he was going for OPEC meeting. You can predict his policy.”
But the only challenge Buhari might have is about his plans to reduce the number of ministers from 42 to 18 or 19 because it will amount to a violation of the 1999 Constitution unless the relevant Section 147(1-3) is amended.
The section says: “There shall be such offices of Ministers of the Government of the Federation as may be established by the President.
“Any appointment to the office of Minister of the Government of the Federation shall, if the nomination of any person to such office is confirmed by the Senate, be made by the President.
“Any appointment under subsection (2) of this section by the President shall be in conformity with the provisions of section 14(3) of this Constitution:
“Provided that in giving effect to the Provisions aforesaid the President shall appoint at least one Minister from each state, who shall be an indigene of such state.”
When contacted, one of the strategists of the new administration said: “The President is still keeping the list of ministers to his chest; he has not disclosed any list.”
What has changed in the past few weeks?
Nothing sums up the turn-around being championed by Buhari than a confession by one of the immediate past ministers who said: “I don’t believe that everything can be done in an orderly manner as presently the case. Buhari’s personal leadership qualities, including hard work, have made a difference. Former President Jonathan said he was caged but I have realized that we were all caged.” Without firing any shot as a military General or visiting any establishment, the President’s body language has done much magic in the past few weeks. The system is working in every Ministry, Department and Agency because public servants and government officials know that Buhari will not take nonsense. Since no one wants to incur the president’s wrath, civil servants now report at their desk on time.
The same body language charm afflicts the electricity generating, transmission and distribution companies such that the nation’s power supply is reasonably stable since May 29 when Buhari only inherited a “historic low” of 727 megawatts (mw). According to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) on Wednesday, the National Transmission Grid has recorded another peak of 4,662 megawatts (mw) of electricity. The TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs. Seun Olagunju said: “Power generation and transmission have been recording new peaks above 4,500mw following improvements in gas supply to the generating stations as well as equipment/ infrastructure upgrade and enhanced human capacity of system operators.”
Hello folks, I know some of us are repugnant to reading for knowledge, whoever belong to that category should find other threads please. This is not meant for the fainthearted. It is meant for those who are genuinely concerned about governance in their proud country. Let's go:
Since President Muhammadu Buhari took over the reins of power on May 29, his governance style has been a major discourse among citizens. His traducers, especially the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have turned fault finders overnight and won’t give him a breathing space. In this piece, YUSUF ALLI, MANAGING EDITOR, NORTHERN OPERATION explores the ‘slow and steady’ pace of Buhari and his unsung silent initiatives which may turn the nation around.
Contrary to the awkward and uncomplimentary claims of a governor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the countdown to the March general election, President Muhammadu Buhari is waxing stronger by the day. His capacity to cope with the workload has remained amazing to his aides, friends and associates. And in the last two months, it is becoming obvious that a new dawn is imminent for the nation. There can be no better testimony than that of President Barrack Obama, who lodged Buhari at the famous Blair’s House meant for philosopher leaders, and gave Nigerians a lot to cheer about their president. Obama said: “President Buhari came into office with reputation for integrity and a very clear agenda that is to make sure that he has been bringing safely security and peace to his country.”
Trailing Buhari in the last two months has revealed many dimensions of the new President and the how he is laying foundation for a robust future for the country.
Buhari’s unusual schedule causes stir in The Villa
Apart from going through some discomfort (through a make-shift life) before packing to the Presidential Villa, the President lives an austere life. He works from 7am to the wee hours of the night with intermittent time for his five daily prayers. He consults with few underground advisers (close and old associates of many years) in House 7 and aides on daily basis to weigh options. Talking on the tight schedule of the President, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the President, Mallam Garba Shehu said: “Maybe because of his military background, the President wakes up early and he is an avid listener to radio stations. Before he reports for work by7am, he must have listened to all the talk shows on radio and you will be amazed how he picks you up on some national issues discussed on radio. Most times, he starts his day by 6am.
“The President works from the early hours of the day till 1am and 2am. In fact, there was a time the team around him had a meeting and expressed worries that the President was having only three hours of sleep. They therefore redesigned his schedule by saying no more appointment by 9pm. The new policy did not last more than one week. After that, the President worked till 1am.” Responding to a question, Shehu said: “I think it has to do with his military training because it got to a point that one of the youngest staff working with the President could not cope with his schedule.”
Unveiling Buhari’s moral curtains
Coming into power with a hard-earned reputation, Buhari has changed the face of Aso Rock – the seat of government. Unlike in the past administrations, loafers, busy bodies, political heavyweights, multi-colour businessmen masquerading as investors, chieftains of banks seeking to influence financial policies, portfolio investors and money bags do not have easy access to the Presidential Villa again. Instead, they now loiter around the corridors of the Senate and House of Representatives to have a peripheral feeling of what Buhari or the Federal Government is up to. This is the first time since 1999 when those who usually alter the fortunes of Nigeria at night over champagne have been shut out of the Villa. They can no longer drive in and out of the Villa at will; they cannot have gossip dinners with the President and have no access to every file signed by the President or a privileged knowledge of appointments and government policies again.
The situation got to a ridiculous stage under the late President Umaru Yar’Adua that a businessman was always getting the copy of policy statement even before Ministers or Permanent Secretaries knew of the government direction. While ex-President Goodluck Jonathan was in charge, some businessmen and money bags could influence policies within minutes after a shuttle to the Villa. They sought monopoly of everything in the country, they wanted waiver to direct the economy as they like or determine how Nigerians breathe, and some of them manipulated the oil, industrial and financial sectors from the tip of their fingers. At a stage under Jonathan, Ministers feared these money bags and Presidential friends than the ex-President himself. All the luxury is gone with Buhari in charge. A source said: “To Buhari, any businessman, political heavyweight or money bag visiting the Villa must come to add value and not to diminish or deplete the system.”
These men of means are unhappy being on the same pedestal with the poor but Buhari is unruffled. Besides having quality time to meditate on the state of the nation and plan, the Vila is saving huge cost often spent on accommodation at state expense, choice foods and exotic champagne like Vodka which was the delight of some people in the last government.
Instead, Buhari runs a tight administration with a code of conduct for his immediate family and aides. Aides must live above board and keep sealed lips on official secrets, especially crucial policies and itinerary. Once you cross the border line, you are either redeployed or isolated or ejected from the Villa. To the shock of every staff in the Villa, Buhari woke up one day and relieved his Chief Security Officer, Abdulrahman Mani and Administrative Officer Widi Liman of their jobs. Although the government has kept mute on the removal of these confidants, findings revealed that Mani might have been redeployed for allegedly “leaking Buhari’s itinerary to a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke who strove to travel on the same flight to London in May. It was also learnt that Mani was sent out of the Villa following power tussle between him and the Aide-de-Camp of the President, Lt. Col. Muhammed Abubakar Lawal over the security changes effected in the seat of government. Another source said Buhari was unhappy with Mani and Liman on how they mismanaged the ‘opportunity’ to take care of his appointments. He suspected some connivance when unwanted guests or some corrupt elements were placed on appointment list.
Also a desperate businessman looking for an oil block had attempted to bribe a brother-in-law, Musa Yola, to get access to the President but the in-law paid dearly for it. The dubious transaction was not only busted, Buhari ordered the arrest of his in-law in handcuffs. He ordered the State Security Service (SSS) to investigate the scam.
This is the first time that the First Family will be under some restrictions. Buhari has listed no go areas for his wife and children in order to avoid abuse of power. When his wife and children went for lesser Hajj (Umrah) a few weeks ago, he made sure they travelled on Emirates Airline, a commercial flight with a caveat that they must not receive any gift from wealthy Nigerians who are usually using the pilgrimage to curry favours. A top source said: “President Muhammadu Buhari has adopted a strict policy on the use of presidential aircraft in order to save cost. His wife and relations have been restricted to the use of the aircraft in the presidential fleet.
“A situation where the aircraft were used anyhow by some friends, associates of the President during the administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan can no longer be applicable in this dispensation.
“For example, the Wife of the President, Hajiya Aisha Buhari and three children travelled for lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia on Emirates Airline instead of using presidential aircraft.
“Buhari is determined to ensure the judicious use of the presidential aircraft to save cost. He is also setting a new template for governance. Do not be surprised if you see the President using commercial flights.”
Findings also revealed that Buhari is blazing another moral trail as a leader because his wife still cooks for him. While hosting some children to Eid-el Fitr festival, the wife of the President, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, made the unusual disclosures. She said: “I’m going to leave you soon. I want to go back home to cook for my husband. Because my children are here playing with you, nobody is at home, only my husband. I want to go back home to be with him and also cook dinner for him.” As at the time of filing this report, Buhari is yet to acquiesce to pressure to make his wife to go about with the appellation of the ‘First Lady’. A source added: “I think the President does not want the Office of the First Lady hijacked by vested interests as the case between 2010 and 2015 when Jonathan was in charge. So far, Hajiya Aisha Buhari is known and addressed as the ‘Wife of the President.’
Awaiting the fate of presidential jets
Going by his level of contentment, it was apparent that the President does not need all the aircraft in the Presidential Fleet but he is yet to make up his mind on what to do. During the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, about N9.08billion was spent annually to maintain the 10 aircraft in the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF). The aircraft are two Falcon 7X jets, two Falcon 900 jets, Gulf stream 550, one Boeing 737 BBJ (Nigerian Air Force 001 or Eagle One), and Gulf stream IVSP.
Others are one Gulf stream V, Cessna Citation 2 aircraft and Hawker Siddley 125-800 jet.
A presidency source said: “Do you know that it costs about N747 million to fuel the aircraft in the presidential fleet per annum. President Buhari said his administration cannot afford such a luxury. He has limited the use of presidential fleet by his wife, immediate family and friends.
“The US President, Barrack Obama uses only two Boeing jets and one helicopter. So, Buhari is determined to cut cost. In any case, he lives an austere life. If he can ask his wife to fly on a commercial jet, then other public officers must emulate his standard.”
Rilwayne001: Very insightful thread. Thunder will definitely strike Jonathan where ever he is. SaTANists will not be exempted. Carry go baba bubu. **Following*
You don't need the underlined part. You don't have to abuse him. Hate him or love him, Jonathan has done what he thought was the best for Nigeria. God used to him to give us the present peace we are enjoying in the country. Don't forget that in all his speeches, President Buhari has always been commending his uncommon attitude of accepting the poll results. To me, Jonathan is a gentleman who seems to believe everybody. This is a trait that is not uncommon among human folks. And because of his mien nature, some vultures around him took that advantage of him and misled him. So my brother, don't ever condescend so low as to heap unnecessary vituperation on the person of former President Jonathan. He didn't deserve it. Just like other leaders who have done their bit to move this country forward.
The least you can do is to leave judgement for God.
"...those who restrain (their) anger and pardon men. And Allah loves the doers of good (to others)." Q3:134
OgaInnocent: 1. I expect him to appoint his own Spokesman himself. 2. I expect him to be Nigerian president any time the president if off the land. 3. I expect him to greet the president. Like a vice and not like a PA seeking promotion from d boss. 4. I want Osinbajo to be "a man". A vice president is a president for crying out loud. Comment in case you. NEed more. Thanks.
Hi my friend, you may not like the answers you get above, but let me help you out.
1. I expect him to appoint his own Spokesman himself.
2. I expect him to be Nigerian president any time the president if off the land.
You are stating the obvious and that is what the constitution says. You know this very well but because of "other" things you don't like about him, you decided to overlook that. Did you know how the taunting appellation of "mere commissioner" came about? He was acting in the capacity of the President then, and what did you people remember of such incident? "Mere commissioner".
3. I expect him to greet the president. Like a vice and not like a PA seeking promotion from d boss.
Exactly how did you want him to greet the president as his vice? Did you see him carrying his handbag or folder? Did you know that there are protocols that must be followed when a President is in town. 4. I want Osinbajo to be "a man". A vice president is a president for crying out loud.
Are you sure you are not joking with this your assertion? If you want a vice president to be president, exactly what is the function of vice in the word "vice president"
Functions Of The Vice-President Of Nigeria
The executive functions of the Nigerian vice president includes participation in all cabinet meetings and, by statute, membership in the National Security Council, the National Defence Council, Federal Executive Council, and the Chairman of National Economic Council. Although the vice president may take an active role in establishing policy in the Executive Branch by serving on such committees and councils, the relative power of the Nigerian vice president's office depends upon the duties delegated by the president. - http://services.gov.ng/the-vice-president
"Sometimes hatred of others can make us hate what we do to ourselves in public."
afolabi1992: If you have a corrupt or damaged memory which you tried to format and it keeps replying you with WINDOWS CAN’T FORMAT DISK and you wish to repair it, kindly follow the following steps:- Insert the corrupted memory card into a card reader, and then connect the card reader to the computer. Open RUN on your computer (to open RUN click on the “start” icon and enter “search for program” then type in RUN. After opening RUN type in “CMD” in the provided text box. After that, type in “DISKPART”. Type in “LIST DISK”. Type in “SELECT DISK 1”.
People should exercise caution here. Select disk 1 if and only if your memory card or sdcard is listed as DISK 1. Otherwise you will end up damaging other partitions in your computer. This is especially true for those who have many partitions on their system. You can identify your sdcard by looking at its volume size.
Type in “CLEAN”. Type in “CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY”. Type in “ACTIVE”. Type in “SELECT PARTITION 1”. Lastly type in “FORMAT FS=FAT32”. NOTE: YOU SHOULD WAIT FOR 30 MINUTES FOR IT TO FINISH LOADING 1 -100% After finishing this process remove your card reader from the computer USB port and also remove the SD card from the card reader……..that’s all.
obailala: For those of you wondering what OBJ did in 8 years, you are not to be blamed. Most Nigerian Africans only see the present and are incapable of looking into the future or seeing the bigger picture. To most Africans, a good president is the one that builds/renovates roads for immediate consumption...
Thanks for this post. People also forget that in 2005, OBJ signed an MOU with the Chinese government on resuscitating the railway lines worth about $8bn. When Yar'adua came in, he cancelled the contract and it was the same contract that was reactivated by GEJ. Obasanjo has his flaws but you can't take away his patriotism and love of the country from him. He launched Nigeria into the global communities bearing in mind that Nigeria was at its lowest ebb in terms of international diplomacy when he assumed office.
Hate him or like him, Baba will always be a reference point for some years to come.
I remembered watching a Yoruba classic "Agogo Eewo" by Tunde Kelani wherein Dr Faleti was admonishing the youth of "Jogbo". He said, "A sese jade akan, kosi eni to mo bi ti o dari si." Literally, when a crab comes out of its hole, nobody knows which direction it is going to face. President Buhari went to the US with APC governors, people were engaged in all sort of verbal orga.sms as if that would be his last trip during his administration. Those who were accusing him of not going to US with PDP governors should now tender an unreserved apology to him.
You need to give it to this man. Look at the people he is taking to Cameroun, these are the people that one way or the other have issues with Cameroun either through BH insurgency or Bakassi; Adamawa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Taraba, Benue and Shettima. And yet, they accuse him of so many unprintable things.
Make I sama small Ebenezer Obey for head o jare!
"Ko s'ogbon to le da (no trick you fit trick people) Ko s'ogun to le lo (no medicine you fit use) T'o le fi t'aye l'orun oooo" (that you can ever satisfy people oh)
Geeweeny: no question on boko haram,no question on how to move d economy forward,more important issues were not raised and replied but still ppl r saying a reply on national Assembly is d best response from d President, how long are we going to continue wrh this pretence
On a more serious note, are you sure you are not looking for another President Michelle of West Germany? If you are seriously interested in all you stated above, this thread will help you out: https://www.nairaland.com/2476731/buhari-clears-air-niger-delta
[quote author=sokunji post=36320216][/quote]How many people can afford to watch Channels TV free of charge outside Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Abuja? Those ones that even have in the cities, how many of them can afford subscription due to the salary problem?
Our elders will say "Ebi ki i panu, k'oro mi i wo" (i.e. you can't be hungry and at the same engage in frivolities). So all in all, majority of people that matter will still watch the interview.
Actually, I want to say that the President has disappointed some set of people with this interview. I think it is safe to measure the success of this interview based on the number of pages of this thread and the numbers of threads that would have been created by now if indeed it's a failure. From what I can deduce so far, I can see the few disgruntled ones doing so to get back at the President out of vengeance for what they perceived people did to their hero.
But since most of them claim to be Christians or followers of Christ, let's listen to what the Bible says on vengeance:
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. - Romans 12:17-21[quote][/quote]Like the President said, I appeal to the conscience of every Nigerian. Let's work hard to make sure that this country works. Like my elderly ones would say "Agbajo owo la fi n soya. Ajeji owo kan ko gberu dori" (literally, you can only beat your chest with all the fingers and their is no way you can put a load on your head with just one hand).
"Se e re ko dara E se aye re ko dara o Eni aye kan ko se aye reeeeeeeeee."
President Muhammadu Buhari will be live on NTA Good Morning Nigeria show tomorrow, Monday 27th July 2015. Time is 7am - 9am.
Source: NTA Newsline.
It's like the US Trip is stale. He wants to give us another opportunity to make another round of noise for this week. One thing wey dey baffle me be say some people been talk am say dem no dey hear wetin he talk, and yet na dem go dey create ogbonge threads on what he talk, how he talk am and wetin he no suppose talk.
I have noticed that the Tinubu brand is a hot brand in Nigeria's political arena. Sometimes in 2012 governorship election in Ondo State, it was as if Tinubu was the one contesting the election. A similar scenario played out in Anambra during their last governorship election. It was as if Tinubu was the one contesting with the APGA candidate and not Ngige. It was agreed upon that Ngige lost because he belonged to the then Tinubu's party.
So conveniently, if a politician wants to get the sympathy of his people, just shout to the highest heaven that Tinubu is victimizing you and, before you know it, you have a swarm of followers ready to die for you to spite Tinubu. The Tinubu political sophistry will still be studied in school just as we are studying some of the past politicians now. Tinubu has made his marks in Nigeria political landscape either rightly or wrongly, and will be remembered for a very long time after he might have gone.
The simple question is: what mark(s) are you going to leave for you to be remembered when you are eventually gone?
princejenks: in the same token,it would be too hasty to give praises for this mere tokenism from the US cos much was indeed expected from the over hyped trip which was made to look like it had all the answers to nigeria's woes
You are correct my friend. On the other hand, I would say that it was seemingly "overhyped" because some of the people held the view that it wasn't necessary in the first place. So, the debate was centred on the propriety of the trip at that time and the government was bound to respond. And moreso, one can never divorce this administration from the technology of the moment. This government will be greatly criticized and policed more than the administrations before it. Simply because we are in the age of the social media where a single tweet can bring down the whole government within a twinkle of an eye. The citizens are hungry for information, and not providing it will means that they will get it either wrong or right elsewhere, so that account for the cornucopia of photography of government activities that are humongous in the cyberspace.
I think his explanation is plausible enough. The only problem I have with the policy is the affordability of private universities by not-too-buoyant students. In a way, I'm suspecting that some of the schools are behind the protest for their mischievous reasons.
Firstly, let's look at it from the money being realized from post UTME alone. In a school like UNILAG where they get over 75,000 candidates writing their post-utme exams, this policy would have reduced such number to about 20,000 to 25,000. So, about 50,000 candidates would have been spared the agony of wasting their hard-earned money on admission that is never sure in the first place.
Secondly, most of the lecturers in those big schools may not be favourably disposed to this policy as it would not allow them to manipulate the system to favour their wards. We know that preference is given to children of the staff of a university as long as they are able to score above 200 to the detriment of the students that merited it in the first instance. With this policy in place, such children would have been weeded out and made to compete with their counterparts in other school giving chance to those candidates that merit the admission but "do not have enough long legs" in the system. grin
Thirdly, from experience, most of these candidates aspiring to these big schools ended up in colleges of education for NCE. Even most of them often end up wasting their above-200 scores because of their poor judgement. I have a situation at hand now of a candidate that scored 249 in the last UTME but will be admitted for an NCE course in a college of education. Imagine such a waste of talent! But with this policy in place, such candidate would have been shortlisted to a university where she stands a chance of getting admission.
Lasty, the debate can go on and on but there are always two sides to a coin. We should try to balance our views and be patient enough to see the other view as it is.
My dear friend, it's wonderful to know that you are a Christian but are you Christ-like? The reason why I ask you this simple question is that I am not sure if someone that call himself/herself a Christian can harbour such volume of hatred for a fellow human in his/her heart as you have for Mr President. It is good if you can just follow this biblical advice:
If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. - 1John 4:20
My one cent my friend cos our actions today will eventually haunt or comfort us tomorrow. I come in peace, bon ami.
I think going by this revelation, particularly coming from Vanguard, the advice of my grandmother will be very apt.
"Beware of reaching conclusion in what you may not have the full knowledge of; cos what you don't know may eventually rubbish what you think you know, and thereby makes you appear foolish to those people who believe you know something."
Immediately after the visit, the cyberspace has been awashed with our "erudite commentators and columnists" of varying degrees and hues trying to convince us of the futility of the visit to the US by the President. But here we are now being told that the visit is worth about $13.1bn in terms of aids and investment.
Sometimes I do remember Bingo in Ikebe Super one of the comic magazines of those days saying "The patient dog eats the fattest bone". No wonder our elders will say "Patience, my child, is a virtue". And finally, in one of JF Odunjo's Alawiye in those days, we learnt that "onisuuru ni fun wara kinihun" (literally, only the patient can milk a lioness).
What is the "koko" of this message? Be patient in reacting to issues so that you will not be made to look foolish as a result of hasty conclusions.
Why will this administration probe the previous one? It's simple and easy now going by the word of the elders: "When trees fall on top of each other, we start first by removing the one on top." Chai, English na wa, wetin I mean be say, ours elders be talk am say "ti igi ba re lu igi, ti oke ni a n koko gbe"
Alphacrissy: In a speech today by Prime Minister David Cameron in Birmingham to the Islamic Council of Britain, he revealed he plans to rename the city the Islamic Borough of England, owing to its 93% muslim population.
He delivered this statement to the crowd earlier:
“People are tired of politicians not listening to their needs, I recognise that. So I’m going to give the people of Birmingham exactly what they want and give it a name more fitting of its populus.”
This comes only months after Fox News reported that Birmingham was the Islamic capital of Britain, devoid of any white British people.
He went on to say that other cities such as Sheffield, Leeds and Manchester could also have their names changed to reflect a more ‘multi-cultural’ Britain.
“We’re looking at proposals to rename Sheffield as Clegg City, in honour of my former coalition partner Nick Clegg who’s constituency rests in the Sheffield Hallam area of the city.”
Naturally, extreme right-wing groups were angered by the move, insisting it should be renamed the Islamic Borough of Great Britain instead of England to be more inclusive of the surrounding countries in the British isles.
I think his explanation is plausible enough. The only problem I have with the policy is the affordability of private universities by not-too-buoyant students. In a way, I'm suspecting that some of the schools are behind the protest for their mischievous reasons.
Firstly, let's look at it from the money being realized from post UTME alone. In a school like UNILAG where they get over 75,000 candidates writing their post-utme exams, this policy would have reduced such number to about 20,000 to 25,000. So, about 50,000 candidates would have been spared the agony of wasting their hard-earned money on admission that is never sure in the first place.
Secondly, most of the lecturers in those big schools may not be favourably disposed to this policy as it would not allow them to manipulate the system to favour their wards. We know that preference is given to children of the staff of a university as long as they are able to score above 200 to the detriment of the students that merited it in the first instance. With this policy in place, such children would have been weeded out and made to compete with their counterparts in other school giving chance to those candidates that merit the admission but "do not have enough long legs" in the system.
Thirdly, from experience, most of these candidates aspiring to these big schools ended up in colleges of education for NCE. Even most of them often end up wasting their above-200 scores because of their poor judgement. I have a situation at hand now of a candidate that scored 249 in the last UTME but will be admitted for an NCE course in a college of education. Imagine such a waste of talent! But with this policy in place, such candidate would have been shortlisted to a university where she stands a chance of getting admission.
Lasty, the debate can go on and on but there are always two sides to a coin. We should try to balance our views and be patient enough to see the other view as it is.
DPCreampie: Yorubas and Awusa Fulanis only respect traitors and fools like Oby who betray their own people and dance to the tunes of Awusa Fulani. We have many of them. Rochas, Ameachi, etc. Most of those who shouted loudest in support of Ameachi were Yorubas. Of course you know why. Yorubas are all the same. Traitors.
How in God's name did Madam Oby betray her people? Are you in all honesty not proud of an Igbo woman being the Vice President of World Bank Africa Region? Well my friend, let me remind you of the word of the elders:
"He who sells his people cheap may not be able to buy them when they become extremely scarce and expensive."
FOR THOSE THAT FIND IT DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND PLS READ HERE:
"(Going by election results), constituencies that gave me 97% can not in all honesty be treated, on some issues, with constituencies that gave me 5%. I think these are political realities. While, certainly there will be justice for everybody but the people who voted, and made their votes count, they must feel the government has appreciated the effort they put in putting the government in place. I think this is really fair."
For posterity sake, here is the full transcript of the 4 minute youtube video.
(Applause) Amb. Johnnie Carson: Last 2 questions briefly; Dr Pauline Baker?
Dr Pauline Baker: Mr President welcome. I have been a student of Nigeria for many years and first of all, I wanna tell you that I have never seen such a hopeful attitude toward Nigeria in the United States as since your election. (applause) I think we are all here, want you to succeed. My question relates to another area of Nigeria that hasn't gotten much attention during this trip and that is the Niger Delta. It's a challenge that you're still going to face, I want you to tell us how you intend to approach it with particular reference to the amnesty, bunkering and [inclusion] inclusive development. Thank you.
President Buhari(whispers to Mr Jack Carson): Inclusive government? Amb Johnie Carson (also whispers back to Mr President): Inclusive government yeah, your priorities include women, youth...
President Buhari(cuts in): Yes, I hope you have a copy of the election results. Literally, constituencies for example that gave me 97% cannot in all honesty be treated, on some issues, with constituencies that gave me 5%. I think these are political realities. Well, certainly there will be justice for everybody. Everybody will get his constitutional rights.But well the party, in constituencies, by their either sheer hardwork, they made sure that they got their people to vote and to ensure that their votes count, they must feel that the government has appreciated the efforts they put, in putting the government in place. I think this is really fair. By the constitution, no state can be excluded from government. So that even if I want to show gratitude to those constituencies that heavily voted for me against those that didn't even vote for me, they have the protection of the government. And I have made an undertaking that I belong to everybody I belong to nobody. If I can't clearly ensure and marginalize a certain group because they didn't vote for me, then I have already contradicted myself. And I'm sure people will be too quick to pick that against me.
Amb. Johnie Carson: (grin) Thank you Mr President. Dr ... Newman, the representative of IRI?
Dr ... Newman: Mr president, congratulations. First of all I have a question that is going to be easy for me to ask probably easy for you to answer and very hard for you to do and that is this: there's so much goodwill not just in the United States but all over the world to have you succeed and my question is how are you going to coordinate ...
DPCreampie: Yorubas are out in their hundreds defending their BBOG scam artist. Yorubas!!!!!!
Now it is convenient for you to accuse the Yorubas of defending an Igbo woman. And I put it to you, of what benefit will this be to the Yoruba folks? When it is convenient for you people, you accuse others of hating on you because you are this or that. Now that you are devouring one of your greatest daughters that have ever served this country well, you are still accusing others of toeing the path of dignity and honour. And if I may ask you, what is the offense of this innocent woman? I think some people are being paranoids here
teepsee: Please oo, can someone who has read that stuff all summarize it for me. Elehi kidiko
For some of us who don't have the luxury of reading long article to expand our knowledge in cogent national issues; but rather prefer to depend on hearsay to form our opinions, these are excerpts from the interview:
1. Increasing rate of Boko Haram killings since change of guard at the national level 2. Chibok girls and what the government is doing to bring them back 3. The hullabaloo surrounding negotiations with the terrorist group Boko Haram 4. Change of service chiefs and possible nepotism in the guise of fighting Boko Haram 5. Niger Delta and the Amnesty and how to achieve the government plans against the backdrop of "nearly empty treasury" 6. The issue of stolen funds and how they arrive at $150bn 7. Tackling corruption versus party partisanship 8. Failure to hit the ground running despite gunning for the top post for the past 14 years 9. On the issue of overdependence on oil, diversification and other sundry economic issues 10. The effect of fall in oil prices and government response 11. Fall in naira as it affects the economy
Hi folks, I know that this is a long article but take time to read and digest it. It will definitely give you an insight into the happenings in the land since the present administration took over. God bless this oyinbo people, they sabi sama big questions wey our own journalists no fit ask for fear of sack.
Please read on and enjoy:
President Muhammadu Buhari during his recent four-day official visit to the United States, spoke with journalists in Washington DC on how he intends to run his government
Boko Haram has killed over 400 people in the first half of July alone, and managed to further expand its reach beyond its core areas. You were elected on a promise to destroy the insurgency, what’s gone wrong?
Boko Haram is on the run. We are beginning to turn the tide against Boko Haram. Yes, we have seen a recent increase in civilian deaths, but that is because Boko Haram members are now desperately changing tactics to avoid confronting a renewed and more effective military effort. Instead, they are now targeting civilians. It is a sign of their weakness, not their strength.
Defeating Boko Haram will not happen overnight – it needs a combined military and social answer that will defeat and address the underlying social issues that are driving it. I am putting these measures into place step by step.
First, I have moved the centre of military operations from Abuja to the heart of the insurgency in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, so that the military leaders are on the ground to lead the effort at the frontline.
Secondly, I have revamped the nation’s military leadership with a new team that has the skills, experience and commitment to defeat the terrorists on the ground.
Thirdly, I am working to improve the professionalism and accountability of the armed forces, including clamping down on the misappropriation of funds that has led to serious lack of resources and equipment in the battle against Boko Haram.
Lastly, I am seeking to work with Nigeria’s partners, both our neighbours in the region and internationally such as the United States to develop a package of measures to tackle the entrenched marginalisation in North Eastern Nigeria and the surrounding areas in neighbouring states – where poverty levels are over 75 per cent.
We need a marshal programme for the Sahel region to be able to prevent further radicalisation and insecurity in the long-term.
The shocking truth is that Nigeria’s cupboard is bare. Despite receiving $400bn in oil revenue in the last 40 years, Nigeria’s treasury is almost empty. Partly, that is because of falling oil prices; it is also because money has been stolen – shipped out of the country by corrupt officials into foreign bank accounts.
Some of that money is here in the United States. One of the things America can do is help recover those stolen funds so that we can reinvest them in Nigeria to combat the poverty that is driving insecurity.
It’s been over a year since the Chibok girls were kidnapped and there has been no real progress made in recovering them, what measures are you taking to bring the girls home?
The kidnap of the Chibok girls is a stain on our national honour and my government will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to rescue them. However, I will not lie to the Nigerian people. After the time that has passed, it is increasingly difficult to know whether we will be able to find all of them as they are likely to have been split up and married off or hidden deep in the forest or countryside.
Nonetheless, my government will not give up. We will do everything in our power to bring back our girls.
You have said that the solution to the Boko Haram insurgency will not just be a military one; does that indicate that you are prepared to negotiate with the group?
Yes, we are prepared to talk to the more moderate elements of Boko Haram. We are prepared to address the legitimate concerns over unemployment, poverty and marginalisation that have driven the insurgency.
We are even prepared to consider some form of amnesty, similar to what is in place in the Niger Delta, for the rank and file who lay down their arms and commit to the peaceful reintegration into society.
However, there can be no forgiveness for the barbaric leadership that has pursued a deliberate policy of diabolical war crimes and terror against the innocent civilian population of Nigeria.
Last week, you replaced the service chiefs and the chief security adviser over the failure to defeat Boko Haram. However, there is some concern that you have replaced many of them with your own supporters from the North. Are you using the pretext of Boko Haram to politicise the leadership of the Nigerian armed forces?
I am the Commander-in-Chief. It is my job to ensure that the best and most qualified leaders are in charge of the armed forces, so that we can keep the Nigerian people safe.
We will only defeat the military threat of Boko Haram if we have the right leadership team in place leading from the frontline.
Having the right military leadership in place, who know and understand the local terrain, together with the counter-insurgency team in the North, is vital to winning the military battle.
These new officers have been selected strictly on merit, on the basis of their record and skills. Other than the new Chief of Army Staff, of whom I have prior experience, I have no prior relations with the other heads before I appointed them – it was their track record that recommended them.
Turning south to the Niger Delta, the amnesty for former combatants which has helped to keep the peace in the Niger Delta is due to end in December this year. What measures do you propose to replace it?
The amnesty still plays an important part in ending the insurgency in the Niger Delta and I am committed to continuing it as long as it is necessary to do so. However, it is not a long-term answer to the problems there.
Just as in the North, the Niger Delta requires long-term investment in both economic and social infrastructure – from roads and railways, to schools, hospitals and housing. That is what people want, a fair share of the resources that their region is producing.
But you have already said that Nigeria’s cupboard is bare – how can you afford such programmes?
Nigeria is not a poor country: we have the natural resources and ingenuity to be an economic superpower. It is our people who have been made to be poor because of incompetence and corruption.
If we can recover the stolen money, attract private sector investments, and tackle corruption, then we will be able to provide the economic growth and development; that is the long-term answer to insecurity.
An NGO, Global Financial Integrity, recently calculated that $150bn was illegally shipped out of Nigeria over the last decade, what measures do you intend to adopt to clamp down on the industrial scale corruption that has bedevilled Nigeria and held back its economic growth and social development?
Corruption is one of the top three issues facing Nigeria, along with insecurity and unemployment. We must act to kill corruption or corruption will kill Nigeria. I am determined to lead that fight.
My government is already taking several steps to cut out the cancer of corruption that has been eating away the state for so long.
First, we are reorganising the existing plethora of anti-corruption bodies into a single powerful agency that will have the focus, power and budget to clamp down on corruption at the federal and state level.
Secondly, I have already acted to remove political control over awarding of contracts from ministers who use them to get favours and kickbacks.
Thirdly, I will introduce a new system of plea bargains, that will allow those who have stolen assets and funds to return them – but if they do not take that opportunity, we will pursue them through the courts.
Fourthly, I am reforming the oil and gas sector, breaking up the NNPC (the state oil company) into two parts – the first will become an independent regulator for the sector, while the second will act as an investment vehicle for the country.
I will also end political control of the awarding of drilling and exploration rights by introducing a system of independent, transparent auctioning for licences.
Lastly, we shall be asking foreign countries, including authorities here in the United States, to work with us to return stolen funds that are now sitting in private accounts in their banks and rightfully belong to the people of Nigeria.
But you have also said that you will “draw a line” under past corruption – doesn’t that mean that some of the worst offenders will now go scot-free?
We will vigorously pursue any and all anti-corruption cases and investigations that are currently ongoing, but the government has to be realistic; we are not going to mount a new wave of prosecutions over historic cases.
So, yes it is inevitable we will indeed draw a line under some historic abuses, but there will be zero tolerance for corruption going forward.
Does that apply to everyone; will you take action if it is found that your supporters, leading members of the APC have been involved in corruption?
You cannot cure a sick patient by only treating one half of them.There will be no political interference in the fight against corruption – and no political favours to protect the corrupt from justice.
There is some concern that despite spending 14 years trying to become president, you did not exactly hit the ground running and that you will not now be appointing members of the cabinet until September. Why is it taking you so long to get started and put your team in place?
We cannot clean up 16 years of mess in a few months of frantic activity. I know that people are impatient for change,but it is far more important to take your time and take the right steps and appoint the right people than to run around pretending to be doing something, yet achieve nothing.
First, I will make sure that the right rules and management structures are in place to ensure good government.
Only then will I appoint credible ministers, with the track record of delivery and probity in good time. After all, President Obama did not complete the appointment of his first cabinet until five months after he was elected and America did not cease functioning in the meantime.
Nigeria’s economy is heavily over-dependent on the oil and gas sector, accounting for over 80 per cent of GDP and 90 per cent of government revenues. What measures are you putting in place to diversify the economy?
Nigeria is blessed with a rich array of natural resources, not just oil and gas, but abundant solid minerals and huge tracts of arable land.
Forty years ago, Nigeria was a net exporter of food; today we are an importer. We should not only be self-sufficient, we should be the bread basket for Africa.
We have only become over-dependent on oil because of the incompetence and corruption of government that concentrated on how best to steal oil revenues instead of how best to use our oil windfalls to invest in a modern, growing economy.
However, we cannot be content to just export raw materials and commodities abroad: we must become a manufacturing giant. I will not be satisfied until the label “Made in Nigeria” is as common globally, as the label “Made in China.”
My government has a clear plan to diversify and rejuvenate Nigeria’s economy. We are shifting our economic focus to expanding and modernising our agricultural and mining sectors by attracting new private investment – moving away from the overdependence on oil.
We will use our oil revenues to upgrade our decaying infrastructure – boost electricity generation and build new road and rail networks while upgrading our ports.
We will also focus on improving education and skills training so that we can take advantage of the growing global trend for new sources of labour and tackle the crisis of youth unemployment and create a new value-added manufacturing sector.
We are reforming the out-of-date and bureaucratic land laws, giving title deeds to millions of ordinary farmers, so that they will finally be able to use their land to raise capital to invest in modern agricultural equipment and transform production throughout the country.
The global fall in oil prices has hit Nigeria hard, with the Federal Government losing up to half of its revenues in the past year. How is this affecting your reform plans?
Nigeria cannot spend what it doesn’t have. However, given the previous levels of waste and corruption, if we spend what we have more wisely and effectively, we can achieve a great deal more.
One step I have already taken is to pay the salaries of civil servants, some of whom had not been paid for over 10 months.
In the long-term, we must sort out Nigeria’s chaotic finances – we have to diversify government income – both by increasing the size of the non-oil economy and by expanding the tax base, so that the wealthy pay their fair share of taxes.
However, we must also sort out spending – we cannot have a situation where half the government’s expenditure goes on the salaries of just two per cent of the population. That said though, we must first pay people the salaries that they have earned.
What about the fall in the Naira, how will you prevent another run on the currency further depleting Nigeria’s reserves?
Nigeria has to win the confidence of the markets; we will only do that by demonstrating our commitment to probity and prudent public spending.
Nobody should tell me say the article too long o cos if na onihaxy, snakie86, dioxidane, or my other folks in the literature and diary sections dey update, una go read everything and even ask for more.
jlinkd78: My prob was PMB never answered d question intelligently. No mention of his amnesty plans (whether to continue, remodel or disband it), no mention of how to tackle oil bunkering and no plans of how to run an all inclusive govt. He ended up speaking along voting patterns and making it clear those dat voted against him will only get ONLY what d constitution guarantees them like Ministers.
You are right. I think he was reacting to the question of the woman on the fact that the Niger Delta hasn't got enough attention during the trip. And you and I know that he may already be getting the feelings that he is interested in the North East because he comes from North and probably he is neglecting the Niger Delta because they didn't vote for him. Maybe he was answering the question from that perspective and that is why he needed to emphasize the voting pattern.
And don't forget, he mentioned the Niger Delta issue during his inaugural address to underscore the importance he attached to it.
Politics › Re: Video Evidence From Buhari’s Chatham Spech WiaHe Called“100 Days Promis'a Fraud by razid: 7:57am On Sep 01, 2015
