President Buhari addrsses the nation, speaks on lateness of ministerial appointments

President Buhari this morning had a nationwide broadcast where he spoke on some national issues. One major thing on was on the ministerial list. According to him, the reason for the late delivery of the ministerial list was due to the lateness of the past administration to deliver to his administration their handover notes.
He hinted that the 21 names sent to the senate for screening yesterday was the first batch and that there will be another list that will be sent to the senate for screening in the future.

“ Fellow Nigerians, there has been a lot of anxiety and impatience over the apparent delay in the announcement of ministers. There is no cause to be anxious. 

Our government set out to do things methodically and properly. We received the handing over notes from the outgoing government only four days before taking over. Consequently, the Joda Transition Committee submitted its report on the reorganization of federal government structure after studying the handover notes. 

It would have been haphazard to announce ministers when the government had not finalized the number of ministries to optimally carry the burden of governance. 

Anyway, the wait is over. The first set of names for ministerial nominees for confirmation has been sent to the Senate. Subsequent lists will be forwarded in due course. Impatience is not a virtue. Order is more vital than speed. Careful and deliberate decisions after consultations get far better results. And better results for our country is what the APC government for change is all about.”

He also emphasized his earlier position that he bore no grudges against anybody and that his government was not after anyone.

“As I said in my inaugural speech, I bear no ill will against anyone on past events. Nobody should fear anything from me. We are not after anyone. People should only fear the consequences of their actions. I hereby invite everyone, whatever his or her political view, to join me in working for the nation. he stated. Regarding some of the problems he might have inherited from the past administration, Buhari said

“We have seen in the last few years how huge resources were mismanaged, squandered and wasted. The new APC government is embarking on a clean up, introducing prudence and probity in public financing.  At an early stage, the federal government addressed the issue of salary arrears in many states, a situation capable of degenerating into social unrest. The APC government stepped in to provide short-term support to the owing states and enabled them to pay off the backlog and restore the livelihood of millions of Nigerians”. Buhari, however, reassured Nigerians of his administration’s resolve to execute projects that would impact positively on their lives. He urged Nigerians to be patient and join the government to deliver on the dividend of democracy to the citizens, irrespective of their political affiliation. “I would like to end my address this morning on our agenda for Change. Change does not just happen. You and I and all of us must appreciate that we all have our part to play if we want to bring change about,” he said.

 He acknowledged that there have been change in power and petrol supply and said Government was working towards making the change more increased. He said an audit has been launched in some government agencies such as CBN, Customs, NNPC and others so that the nation can manage its resources effectively.

Buhari noted that for positive change to take place, there must be a change in attitude in Nigerians as well irrespective of their political affiliation “We must change our lawless habits, our attitude to public office and public trust.

We must change our unruly behaviour in schools, hospitals, market places, motor parks, on the roads, in homes and offices. To bring about change, we must change ourselves by being law-abiding citizens,” he said Buhari further noted that October 1 is a day for joy and celebrations for Nigerians "It is the day, 55 years ago, we liberated ourselves from the shackles of colonialism and began our long march to nationhood and to greatness. No temporary problems or passing challenges should stop us from honoring this day. Let us remind ourselves of the gifts God has given us.

Our Creator has bequeathed to us numbers – Nigeria is the ninth most populated country on the planet,” he said. The president, however, observed that in spite of all the attributes of a great nation, Nigeria is not there yet because of the one commodity it had been unable to exploit to the fullest – unity of purpose.

“This would have enabled us to achieve not only more orderly political evolution and integration but also continuity and economic progress. Countries far less endowed have made greater economic progress by greater coherence and unity of purpose. 

“Nonetheless, that we have remained together is an achievement we should all appreciate and try to consolidate. We have witnessed this year a change in our democratic development. 

The fact that an opposition party replaced an entrenched government in a free and fair election is indicative of the deeper roots of our democratic system. Whatever one’s views are, Nigerians must thank former President Jonathan for not digging-in in the face of defeat and thereby saving the country untold consequences,” he said.

Ban importation of printed materials, experts tell Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari

Experts in the printing industry have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to place an embargo on the importation of printed and other instructional materials, including textbooks, into the country.

They also called for direct patronage of indigenous printers by Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the federal and state governments.

The demand, they said, became necessary to give indigenous printers the opportunity to operate at maximum capacity and expand their business.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Yaliam Press Limited, Yahaya Amfani, stated these during the opening ceremony of the Nigeria International Print Expo in Abuja.

The expo’s theme was ‘Print business in the North: Emerging opportunities and possibilities’.

According to him, effective government partnership with local print industry would lead to more job creation; conservation of foreign exchange, prevention of capital flight; improved capacity building in the industry, citizenry and government at all levels.

He also expressed optimism that it would bring revenue generation through payment of taxes by indigenous printers, among others.

Amfani said, “We are confident of the present administration’s resolve that Nigeria should be self-reliant. To this end, we commend the government for the imposition of total ban on importation of textile materials and hope that the same is extended to the printing industry. This will give us that desired room to operate to the fullest.”

While stressing that Nigerian printers could satisfy printing demands in Nigeria and Africa, he however, regretted that “lots of print jobs leave the shores of this country, leaving us with little to do most times.”

The organiser of the event and President, DCS Integrated Media Limited, Tunde Obokhai, in his presentation, challenged investors to take advantage of the enormous potential of the print industry in the North.

He said, “There is a lot of potential yet unharnessed within. It is possible for us to satisfy our country’s printing needs in offset, digital printing, security printing such as visas, electoral materials, passports, currency, labels printing, light packaging, publishing and all printing related matters.

We need France’s assistance to defeat Boko Haram – Buhari

Nigeria’s determination to rout out insurgency has got boosted by a commitment by French government to support the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF) with intelligence gathering and high tech military equipment.

The commitment announced on Monday by the French President, Mr. François Hollande after a closed door bilateral meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at Elsee Palace in Paris.

It will be recalled that president Buhari left Abuja for Paris on a three-day official visit to France.

President Muhammadu Buhari and his host, President Francois Hollande during an official engagement at the Elysee Palace as part of activities of the President during the official visit to Paris, France. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida

Addressing a joint press conference, the French President shared the concern of his government on the increasing spate of terrorism and insecurity in Nigerian and other lake Chad countries.

According to him, the meeting with president Buhari was essentially resolved around some new strategies to foster partnership and cooperation to enable Nigeria and its neighboring countries of Cameroun, Chad, Niger and Benin Republic completely stamp put terrorism through the joint action of the MJTF.

President Hollande also recalled that his country had last year hosted a Regional Summit on Security in Paris to galvanize thoughts on how to end terrorism.

“We provide all of the support to the countries in the region which are affected by this cult and in Nigeria, we want to provide support and solidarity,” he stated.

He commended President Buhari for initiating the relocation Nigeria’s highest military command to Maiduguri, the hotbed of the Boko Haram, saying it has so far produced tangible results.

Speaking further, president Hollande disclosed that France has concluded arrangements to invest a total of €130million in the development of infrastructure in Nigeria for rebuilding of roads, provision of electricity and water supply, even as he hailed the economy of Nigeria under president Buhari despite the dwindling oil prices.

“The Nigerian economy remains strong so, France wants to be doing business in the country.”

Also speaking, President Buhari expressed gratitude to the French president for chosing to assist Nigeria over insurgency.

While pledging to cooperate, president Buhari told his host that Nigeria would be depending on France and other G7 countries to help her tackle the menace of piracy and oil theft in the Gulf of Guinea.

“We have to depend on France and the other G7 countries for support to fight piracy.

“Our next shopping list is going to G7 in terms of intelligence and training. Another problem is the problem in the Gulf of Guinea, from Senegal to Angola, that area is endowed with resources like petroleum and other minerals but surrounded by piracy and theft.

“We are going to depend on France and G7 countries to flush these criminals out of the region.”

President also who stated that unemployment has been a source of worry for the government at home informed his host that his was working hard to revitalize the agricultural sector.

“We want to make sure we feed ourself and provide security before other things are also tackled.

“That is why we focus on agriculture and mining before other infrastructure including electricity are tackled”, he said.

Apart from discussing issue of climate change of which Nigeria is an interested party, the two leaders also deliberated on a Memorandum of Understanding to build a €30M project solar power plant in one of the local governments of Osun State.

The capacity of the solar power plant is gathered to generate 10 to 14 megawatts.

The leaders also discussed the issues of establishing a joint committee to increase trade and investment.

It will recalled also that Nigeria and France last year signed bilateral agreements which enables the French government to provide 1.170 Million dollars soft loan through the french development agency AFD for the construction of high voltage power lines and substations that will connect Abuja with electrical distribution network.

Meanwhile, talks between both countries were expected to continue today.

Buhari off to France, meets Hollande on security, trade, investment

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari will today, begin a three-day official visit to France on the invitation of Presi­dent Francois Hollande.

The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Presi­dent, Mr Femi Adesina in a statement said that President Buhari will meet with Hollande at the Elysee Palace, Paris. Buhari will also hold talks with other senior French Gov­ernment officials. The meetings, according to Adesina, will focus on further strengthening and consolidation of ongo­ing bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and France in the areas of defence, security, trade and investments.

President Buhari and his team will also confer with the French Minister of Defence, Mr. Jean-Yves Le Drian, his Finance and Public Accounts counterpart, Mr. Michel Sapin. Also scheduled for the talks are Minister of Econo­my and Industry, Mr. Emmanuel Macron and his Foreign Affairs and International Development counterpart, Mr. Laurent Fabius.

Buhari Fires FCT Revenue Service Chairman, Others

President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has fired the Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service.

He has also approved the sacking of the Chairmen, Secondary Education and Universal Basic Education Boards with immediate effect.

This was contained in a letter with reference No. SGF.19/S.81/T1/97, sent to the FCT Permanent Secretary, John Chukwu, on Wednesday by the Secretary to the Federal Government.

A statement by the FCT Deputy Director, Press, Mohammed Sule, on Thursday in Abuja, quoted the letter as directing the affected chairmen to comply with the Federal Government directive on the dissolution of the governing boards of parastatals, agencies, institutions and government-owned companies.

The letter said, “The Federal Government’s directive, as contained in Circular Ref. No. SGF.19/S.81/XIX/964, on the dissolution of the Governing Boards of the Federal Government parastatals, agencies, institutions and government-owned companies remains extant.”

It noted that the directive applied to all the boards of the Federal Capital Territory parastatals, agencies, institutions and government-owned companies.

“In view of this directive, the FCT Permanent Secretary has directed the former Chairman of the FCT IRS to hand over all duties and responsibilities of his office as well as government belongings in his possession to the Director of Treasury, FCT, while the Chairmen of the Secondary Education Board and Universal Basic Education Board should hand over all duties and responsibilities of their offices as well as government belongings in their possession to the Directors/Secretaries of SEB and UBEB respectively,” the statement said.

The FCT Administration expressed its appreciation to the officials for their contributions to the development of the FCT and wished them success in their future endeavours.

Chibok Girls Dispersed, Some Married Off & Appointing Ministers Tough, Says Buhari

MORE than 513 days after the abduction of the Chibok Secondary School girls in Borno State, hopes of rescuing the girls en bloc vaporized as President Muhammadu Buhari, Tuesday, disclosed that they have been dispersed and some of them, especially Christians, married off against their faith.

President Buhari made the comments in an interview on BBC Hausa service on Tuesday.

Asked if he received any information about the whereabouts of the kidnapped Chibok girls, he said: “They (Boko Haram insurgents) have scattered them, and (they) are being guarded at dispersed locations. Most of the girls are Christians and were forced to embrace Islam. The sect’s cruel leaders have married some of the girls, obviously against their wish. Others have been left to practice their religion but their condition could hardly be ascertained.

Some of the abducted Chibok girls

“Both ground and air security personnel in the Sambisa forest could spot where the girls are, but since the insurgents have also kidnapped housewives and other women, no one could say whether they mixed them or how they dispersed them. But efforts are being intensified and as people know, the three neighbouring governments of Cameroon, Chad, and Niger are helping us since these suicide bombers are now going to their areas and detonating the bombs in mosques and other places.”

On his efforts to check the Boko Haram insurgency, Buhari said: “One of the decisions we took soon after we came into office was to change the service chiefs and we overhauled the infantry. We mandated the military chiefs to change the infantry, re-train them, equip them with adequate weapons and put trained and qualified commanders for the soldiers. The three states of Yobe, Borno and Adamawa know the successes being recorded now.”

Locals must help fight Boko Haram

Told that despite this success of the military, suicide bombers have continued to strike, the President fingered the international dimension of the insurgency and stressed the need for the support of local people in the war.

“Boko Haram members have pledged their allegiance to ISIS — an insurgent group from the Middle East, with enough money and its members were brainwashed into killing innocent people, including Al-Shabbab around Somalia, and Al-Qa’eda from Yemen, plus the ISIS itself around Syria and Iraq. If you can recall, ISIS even went to mosques in Saudi Arabia and killed people on about three to five occasions not to talk of doing same in Nigeria. So, the biggest problem here is how they brainwashed young people, including young girls, who go to mosques, churches, markets, motor parks and detonate bombs, kill themselves and other civilians. How we are going to overcome this is going back to the traditional security apparatus — community leaders, neighbours, district heads, emirs, who should begin to identify new faces in their localities and ask them where they come from and what brought them. They can identify them in either markets, or any other place. This is what will help us in that regard so that those planning to undertake suicide missions could be identified and they would be dealt with appropriately,” he said.

I appointed people I can trust

In the interview, Buhari also defended his recent appointments criticized by many Nigerians as lopsided, saying he nominated people he could trust, and who had worked with him for years.

An overwhelming majority of the President’s senior appointees are from the northern region of the country, where he comes from, and about 33 per cent of the appointments is from his native Katsina State. The South East has no appointee yet.

Asked why his appointments are lopsided, he said: “This is the nature of Nigerian politics. If they will do justice to me, as an elected Nigerian president, let them look at the Constitution a Nigerian president works with; there are people who will closely work with me that don’t need to be taken to the Senate. If I select people whom I know quite well in my political party, whom we came all the way right from the APP, CPC and APC,  and  have remained together in good or bad situation, the people I have confidence in and I can trust them with any post, will that amount to anything wrong? I have been with them throughout our trying times, what then is the reward of such dedication and suffering? They did not defect because of positions, they did not involve themselves in the pursuit of personal gains, and they accepted their fate throughout our trying moments. What is wrong if I make you the secretary (of the federal government) because I have confidence that things will go normal?”

NNPC, big theatre of theft

On his anti-graft war and whether he has made some recoveries since he came to power, the President identified the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as the biggest arena for stealing the country’s funds.

His words:  “The biggest area of stealing of Nigeria’s funds was through NNPC, which is the apex oil selling corporation. That was why we dissolved their board and brought someone who knows the oil sector very well, but who is not from NNPC and entrusted him with the leadership of the NNPC. And instead of the eight major departments, four were liquidated and four continue to exist. This is because, for the past 10 years, the crude oil stealing has been going on using some vessels. By law, their owners, captains and where they are taking the crude must be known.

“So, the method for the crude oil stealing was that those involved shipped the crude through smaller vessels and then transfer the crude to the larger vessels at distant locations in the ocean, before they head to other countries. Some of them carry the crude but later change the destination.

“Our new approach is to get support from European countries, the US and China. Those doing the bunkering, you need to know the amount first and the banks they deposit the monies, etc. These are the things we are doing currently. And you know, those developed countries are strict on evidences and you have to show the evidences of such cases before they can assist you. If you recall, during the military regimes, such people were arrested, thoroughly interrogated and arraigned before the courts with evidences.

“But that is impossible now. It is democracy and even the foreign countries, where the money is being taken to, practice democracy. The companies involved in buying the crude and the banks that kept the money would be identified so that we would determine whether they are Nigerians or not; whether the stolen crude and its quantity was actually taken from here, sold with the Nigerian name and how what accrued to Nigeria was diverted.

“So, the situation is a complex one, but we are getting support from governments of those countries, including their security agencies. When we get the relevant documents, we would bring them (culprits) back to our courts and try them. We would then show the evidence to the world that the crude oil they traded was actually stolen or shipped with Nigerian name but later changed the papers and took away the money, instead of depositing them into the Central Bank of Nigeria.”

Asked when he would prosecute the looters given his recent promise that within weeks, Nigerians would witness the prosecution of such looters in the courts, he responded: “Actually, we are at the verge of doing that. I have just explained the difficulties involved. In the past, around 1984, the process we underwent to recover the stolen monies was different from the one we are adopting now. It was a military regime at that time, but now, ideologies of the countries involved is that until you are proved guilty, you remain innocent. And that is what we have been trying to establish; the actual identity of the people, where they took the crude to, did they really pay back the money to the CBN or to the pocket of some individuals? Was the entire crude shipped or part of it? This is not an easy thing and we have never realized its complexity until recently when some foreign countries agreed to support our course.”

Appointing ministers tough

The President who reassured that his cabinet would be in place before the end of the month, however, disclosed that he is finding the process difficult to  finish because of the massive rot in the polity.

“The process is difficult to finish. So, we would continue the screening to come up with people that deserve to hold the positions. This is because, what I see daily in terms of the damage inflicted on Nigeria in the last 10 years is enormous. Only God knows its magnitude,” he said.

Asked if there were names that he earlier lined up for appointments that he later discovered their complicity and then changed his mind,  Buhari said: ‘’There are people that deserve to hold the position because of their knowledge in either financial issues or oil sector or even in governance. But you discover that in one way or the other, and whether they knew it or not, they were dragged to such unwholesome practices. Bringing such people will be tantamount to leaving your doors open when you have gone to rest in your apartment. Putting such people in either financial, petrol or works ministry would be dangerous because behind the scene, some people control a person. They would be dictating to them with a threat to award them contracts.