Buhari’s son in a bike accident as PDP accuses govt. of lies about fuel crisis
Son of President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, Yusuf, was involved in a bike accident around Gwarimpa area, a sub-Abuja metropolis.
Due to fuel crisis in Nigeria, which has lasted for about two weeks now, biking became an easier, quicker alternative to short distance movements.
A statement from Buhari’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu said:
“Yusuf Buhari had a bike accident last night around Gwarimpa in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
He broke a limb and had an injury to the head as a result. He has undergone surgery at a clinic in Abuja. He is in a stable condition. The President and his wife, Mrs Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, are thankful to Nigerians for the good wishes and prayers for their son.
May God reward you all”.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the Federal Government of providing cover for huge sleazes directly involving APC interests and urged its officials to stop dishing out falsehood to suffering Nigerians.
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan in a statement on Wednesday said it is completely reprehensible that the APC and the Federal Government has continue to stick to lies, particularly on the real reasons behind the biting fuel scarcity as well as their exposed attempt to pilfer $1bn from the Excess Crude Account (ECA).
The PDP charged the APC-led Federal Government to tell Nigerians the truth regarding its handling of fuel related funds, particularly the circumstances surrounding the exposed diversion of fuel funds in sleazy oil subsidy payouts, rather than dissipating its tenuous energy on name callings.
The party also tasked the APC Government to speak out on reports of fraud in the oil regime whereupon 18 unregistered companies were used to lift and divert $1.1 trillion worth of crude oil in the last one year.
“This APC Government is not only grossly incompetent and corrupt, but also a champion in the use of lies and manipulations against innocent and unsuspecting citizens.
“We all know that it was convenient for the APC Presidency to promise Nigerians that it will no longer import fuel only because the PDP government had already laid the foundation including revamping the refineries and ensuring a domestic production of 5 million litres out of the 25 million litres daily domestic consumption.
“Sadly this incompetent APC government, in its almost three years, has not added one litre to the 5 million litres which the PDP administration was producing.
“Instead of improvements, the APC has wrecked the system and now pushing the nation to depend solely on importation, while engaging in heavy sleazes in hidden subsidy regimes.
“Is it not also ridiculous for the Federal Government, in its bid to cover for its ineptitude and oil subsidy corruption, to announce that it is the NNPC and not Nigeria that is paying for the so called fuel subsidy?
“The question is; who owns the NNPC? Is it not Nigeria? Can NNPC spend a kobo without the authorization of the Presidency? Has President Muhammadu Buhari ceased to be the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Minister of Petroleum Resources?
“Moreover, if the NNPC, which is under his purview, has been paying fuel subsidy, who authorized the payment and who are the beneficiaries? Nigerians need to know the truth on this subsidy regime.
“We therefore challenge the APC- Federal Government to come clean on these issues and stop telling lies to Nigerians who have suffered enough under its deceptive, inept, uncoordinated and wicked regime.”
The PDP however urged Nigerians not to be forlorn adding that it has repositioned to stand with the people in the inevitable mission to rescue and restore the nation to the path of prosperity once more come 2019.
President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari has said he is not sure about his date of birth. It is the same with Nigeria’s former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
When Nigeria’s Minister for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) paid Buhari a Christmas visit yesterday, the President made some confusing and controversial statement about his real age: “I am thinking I am 75. I thought I was 74 but I was told I am 75.
At Obasanjo’s 80th birthday in March, he confessed that he did not know his true age.
Obasanjo said his illiterate mother only told him that he was born on an Ifo market day.
However, the two leaders who had held important public positions before they became presidents at different times submitted or attested to a birthday certificate, which, according to their testimonies now, are all false.
He said the quest to know his actual date of birth took him to an astrologer in India, and that even though he could not achieve his aim, the man told him that he would live long.
“I do not know the date of my birth, when I started school, we were asked to give our date of birth. I used to ask my mother, and she would say ‘You were born on Ifo Market Day’,” he said.
“All my mother, an illiterate woman, could remember was that it was an Ifo Market Day and before the people who went to the market returned, she had fallen into labour and I was delivered.”
Obasanjo said since he could not tell his age, he decided to choose a date after considering the age of his peers.
“I’ decided to choose a date. At least if I don’t the exact date of my birth, I know my age group,” he said.
Nigeria’ll Save N1.2tr by 2019, Cutting Bogus Allowances—Buhari
By the time President Muhammadu Buhari finishes his four-year term in 2019, he would have saved Nigeria the sum of N1.2 trillion from cutting unnecessary allowances. This is about one-quarter of the country’s total budget in 2018.
Buhari on Saturday said his administration saves the nation about N25 billion monthly through the stoppage of unnecessary allowances for government officials and blockage of other financial leakages in all its agencies.
Buhari who was represented by the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo stated this in Jos, at the graduation ceremony of Senior Executive Course 39 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru, Plateau state.
He said his government will not relent in its fight against corruption.
Buhari assured that the federal government would make ”good use of recommendations of the course participants on agriculture.”
Premium Times reports that the Director General, NIPSS, Jonathan Juma, said participants who had attended the institute since it was established 39 years ago, have impacted positively on nation building.
“The official said the mission of NIPSS is to serve as a centre for policy, advocacy, advice and training for Nigeria and Africa in the context of a dynamic and changing world.
The chief executive told President Buhari that the institute is affected by recession and requested for financial intervention from the federal government to help replace its operational vehicles.
He explained that members of Course 39 during their study year toured 12 countries and 12 states within Nigeria.
The graduation of 66 Senior Executive in Course 39, brings to 1990 members who have passed through the Institute since its creation.
The security agencies dominated membership of the course which had 8 females; 28 out of the 66 participants for the 10-month course are members of the security agencies including a female commissioner of police”, the report said.
L-R Minister Onu, President Buhari and Gov. Umahi as President visits, Ebonyi
Ebonyi: Gladiators Struggle for Attention as Buhari Visits
Political gladiators in Ebonyi State Nigeria are seen jostling for attention of President Muhammadu Buhari who is on a working visit to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) controlled the state.
The State Governor, David Umahi (PDP) and the Minister of Science and Technology of All Progressive Congress (APC) are brothers from the same clan but they are known political foes.
But on Buhari’s visit, Onu and Umahi seem to have put their differences behind, taking up the most important assignment, which was to get the president’s attention. Any of the camps that Buhari favours is likely to have federal support as the 2019 general elections come closer.
There were speculations that Buhari might shelve his visit to the South-East Nigeria for a second time as a result of threats by the separatist group, the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) which demanded that Buhari should not step into the region.
But the president defied the threat and went to the region. Reports say Buhari received a rousing welcome in Abakaliki, capital city of Ebonyi State.
Lately, the governor who is also the Chairman of South-East governors’ forum has shown political interest in Buhari, calling on him to contest for the second term as the president in 2019.
Political watchers however see Umahi’s moves as political manoeuvre to check Onu’s popularity both at the federal level and at the state level.
Buhari is in the state to commission some projects carried out by Umahi.
Umahi had told newsmen: “We have three numbers of twin flyovers that is built across the African trans-atlantic road running from Enugu to Cameroun passing through Ebonyi State.
“So we have to build three twin flyover to decongest traffic on that road, each of the twin flyover is 700 metre length.“We have completed two and the third one is 80 per cent done, Mr President will commission the two.
“We also have a mall what we call Ebonyi mall that is modelled after the famous Dubai mall.’’He stated that the president would lay a foundation stone for the mall during the visit.
“Also we are building a tunnel that dovetails into a flyover that is parallel to the existing flyover, that particular junction that is called Akanu Ibiam junction.
“We want Mr President to lay the foundation stone and that flyover bridge will be named after Mr President and we are sure to finish that project in the next 12 months.“Mr President will also come back, he will be commissioning it when he comes back for his campaigns”, he said.
President Buhari says nation does not progress beyond its standard of education
NO NATION RISES BEYOND ITS STANDARD OF EDUCATION, SAYS BUHARI
Nigeria’s president, Muhammadu Buhari, has said his administration is investing in education because Nigeria, as well as any nation, cannot develop beyond the standard of education available for the citizens.
“We cannot progress beyond the level and standard of our education. Today, it is those who acquire the most qualitative education, equipped with requisite skills and training, and empowered with practical knowhow that are leading the rest”, said Buhari.
Buhari made the remarks today at the presidential summit on education in Abuja, Nigeria.
The president said this realization has spurred the government to continue promoting the realization of national objectives, attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Education For All (EFA) by 2030Nigeria is investing in education
“I want to begin by congratulating the Minister of Education and the entire education family for setting the stage for this national conversation that is aimed at refocusing the education sector not only to overcome the numerous challenges, but also to strengthen the Ministerial Strategic Plan that has already been developed by the ministry.
The significance of this summit is obvious. We cannot progress beyond the level and standard of our education. Today, it is those who acquire the most qualitative education, equipped with requisite skills and training, and empowered with practical knowhow that are leading the rest.
We cannot afford to continue lagging behind. Education is our launch-pad to a more successful, more productive and more prosperous future. This administration is committed to revitalizing our education system and making it more responsive and globally competitive
One of the primary roles of education is to build and sustain individual and society’s development. It renews and improves the economic, social, political and cultural aspects of any nation.
Education upgrades the living standard of citizens and enables people to become better and more productive citizens. It is a human right that creates a safe, healthy and prosperous society.
It changes the visions and perspectives of individuals, enhances critical decisions and improves democracy. Indeed education is paramount and necessary requirement for all-round development”, said the president
FULL TEXT OF THE SPEECH
REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI, AT THE PRESIDENTIAL SUMMIT ON EDUCATION, NOVEMBER 13, 2017 AT OLD BANQUET HALL, STATE HOUSE, ABUJA
PROTOCOLS: I am delighted to welcome you all to this important ministerial summit which I consider crucial to our quest to improving the lot of our people through the provision of quality and functional education for all, at all levels. I want to begin by congratulating the Minister of Education and the entire education family for setting the stage for this national conversation that is aimed at refocusing the education sector not only to overcome the numerous challenges, but also to strengthen the Ministerial Strategic Plan that has already been developed by the ministry. The significance of this summit is obvious. We cannot progress beyond the level and standard of our education. Today, it is those who acquire the most qualitative education, equipped with requisite skills and training, and empowered with practical knowhow that are leading the rest. We cannot afford to continue lagging behind. Education is our launch-pad to a more successful, more productive and more prosperous future. This administration is committed to revitalizing our education system and making it more responsive and globally competitive. One of the primary roles of education is to build and sustain individual and society’s development. It renews and improves the economic, social, political and cultural aspects of any nation.
Education upgrades the living standard of citizens and enables people to become better and more productive citizens. It is a human right that creates a safe, healthy and prosperous society.
It changes the visions and perspectives of individuals, enhances critical decisions and improves democracy. Indeed education is paramount and necessary requirement for all-round development.
Nigeria’s participation in all relevant international education fora together with our investment in education and collaboration with development partners is an indication of high level of commitment towards ensuring that every capable Nigerian receives good quality education.
These efforts are justifiable only to the extent that schooling is effective in promoting the realization of national objectives, attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Education For All (EFA) by 2030. These targets are, happily, in harmony with the manifesto and the CHANGE agenda of our Party, the All Progressive Congress (APC). It is also in agreement with my campaign promises during the 2015 elections exercise and in pursuit of the yearnings and aspirations of the generality of Nigerian citizens.
Ladies and gentlemen, the state of education in Nigeria calls for a serious concern and that is why we are all gathered here today. The problem is no longer a secret that the quality of education in Nigeria requires greater attention and improvement. That our country is facing numerous challenges in education and all other sectors as a result of historical abuses, mindless impunity and corruption is not news to anyone.
With an estimated 13.2 million children out of school, high illiteracy level, infrastructural deficit and decay, unqualified teachers, and inadequate instructional materials, to mention some of the challenges, we can clearly see the effect of decades of neglect that the education sector has suffered.
We are determined to turnaround the sector for the better. We are already making appreciable progress in this respect. This summit must therefore, among other things, sharpen our strategies for addressing the challenges of basic and secondary education, teacher training and professional development; technical and vocational education. The summit must work to enhance quality in, and access to, higher education and other challenges in the sector that will debar us from attaining the SDGs and be among the top 20 economies in the world. My firm belief is that with the calibre of participants at this summit, the road to a better future is before us and we must chart it.
It is my expectation that at the end of this summit, we shall come up with feasible, implementable but far-reaching action plans for the ministerial strategic plan that would make education play the pivotal role as the engine that drives national prosperity and development.
While there are numerous other competing demands and responsibilities from different sectors of the economy, I want to assure you of this administration’s commitment to confronting and tackling the challenges in the education sector. This will be part of our deliberate policy of revitalizing education provisioning and capacity building. Ladies and gentlemen, let me in conclusion, emphasize that we must get it right in this country. To get it right means setting our education sector on the right path. No nation can achieve economic, social, political and cultural prosperity without a sound and functional education system. We should also bear in mind that the security and stability of the country hinges, to a large extent, on its ability to provide functional education to its citizens. It is on this note and in the name of God that I declare this summit open. I look forward to reading your conclusions and recommendations for action by Government. Thank you for your attention. God bless Nigeria.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Nigerian counterpart Muhammadu Buhari pledged to hike security cooperation between the two nations when they met in Ankara. Credit/AFP
BUHARI –
NIGERIA, TURKEY TO STRENGTHEN COOPERATION, COUNTER TERRORISM –
President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria and his Turkey counterpart, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have agreed, after talks, on Thursday in Ankara to strengthen cooperation between the security agencies of both countries to counter terrorism, a statement from Presidential Spokesman, Garba Shehu has said.
Speaking at a joint press conference after a tete-a-tete with his host, President Buhari said he was ‘‘very pleased’’ that the defence ministers of both countries held extensive discussions on developing new strategies for counter-terrorism.
‘‘We are very pleased with the progress of the meeting so far and we are going to wait for the details of meetings between the two countries.
‘‘We will as a result of the meeting between the ministers and officials of both countries strengthen rapidly whatever their recommendations are,’’ the President said.
Commenting on the degradation of Boko Haram in Nigeria, President Buhari said the improved security situation in the North East was an eloquent testimony to the efforts of his administration in combating terrorism since he came into office in May 2015
‘‘We were very surprised and disturbed by the claim made by Boko Haram on what they have been getting from ISIS.
‘‘We know we will be able to contain them and we have proven that we can do it.
‘‘We are very pleased that Turkey is in a position to assist us and has been strengthening our educational and health institutions,’’ President Buhari said.
The President said the two leaders also discussed the prospects of increasing their bilateral trade, which has exceeded 779 million USD in the first eight months of 2017.
‘‘There are a lot of potentialities in terms of investments and a lot is being done in the educational and health sectors in Nigeria.
‘‘These will be strengthened and I assure you that Nigeria is prepared to accept Turkish business people to come and explore more of Nigeria’s potentialities,’’ the Nigerian leader said.
In his remarks, Erdogan said Nigeria had great potentials and remains “a global actor in terms of economy, demographics and its peacekeeping records.”
He indicated that Turkey was interested in investing in Nigeria’s electricity, refineries and gas sectors, adding that increasing the flights between Turkey and Nigeria would further improve commercial and people-to-people relationships.
On the fight against terrorism, the Turkish leader said: ‘‘there is no difference between Boko Haram, Fethullah Terrorist Organisation or Daesh (ISIS), which have all killed, inflicted pain and hardship on innocent people.
‘‘All of these organisations are hordes of murderers that feed on the innocent people, and in the fight against terrorism, we will stand with our Nigerian friends, and we are ready to share our experience and provide all kinds of support.
‘‘We also expect the same cooperation from Nigeria in fighting against Fethullah that murdered 250 Turkish citizens last year,’’ he said.
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