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Showing posts with label Muhammadu Buhari. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Muhammadu Buhari. Show all posts

IKOYI BILLIONS: PANIC As Angry President Buhari Give SHOCKING Order, Heads To Roll

IKOYI BILLIONS: PANIC As Angry President Buhari Give SHOCKING Order, Heads To Roll

Apparently shocked at such staggering amount of money kept in a private apartment, President Muhammadu Buhari has directed Mr. Magu to forward to him detailed report on the operation $43.4 million uncovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), report according to The Nation Newspaper suggests

Barely 72 hours after, the row over the owner of $43.4 million uncovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has deepened.

There were still conflicting reports last night about the sources of the cash and the actual owners.


A twist also crept into the saga last night with claims by Governor Nyesom Wike that the money belongs to the River State Government.

He said it was the proceed from the sale of gas turbines by the immediate past administration of Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi in the state.

A government source claimed that the administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan approved the release of the cash to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

The source said the money was approved during the tenure of a former Director-General of NIA, Mr. Olaniyi Oladeji.

Another source alleged that a former governor was implicated as having a link with the cash.

A firm,  which owns  Apartment 7B where the cash was kept, has been identified with the ex-governor.

It was also gathered that the profiling of the 12-storey building revealed that many highly-placed Nigerians live there, fueling speculations that there might be more to the recovery of the cash.

But Presidency and security sources told Premium Times last night that the cash belongs to the NIA.

Following whistle-blowing, EFCC on Wednesday uncovered $43,449,947, £27,800 and N23,218,000 at 16, Osborne Road (Osborne Towers) in Ikoyi. The building houses luxury flats.

A reliable source, who spoke in confidence, said:  “We have many dimensions to the recovered $43.4 million and other cash.

“The controversial apartment 7B has been linked with a company related to a former governor.

“There is suspicion that the ex-governor was trying to evade alert in the banking system by the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit by keeping the cash in the apartment.

“The ongoing investigation will reveal the truth or otherwise of the complicity of the ex-governor on how the cash found its way into the apartment.

“One of the clues being probed last night was that the ex-governor’s associated company might have been engaged to keep the cash.

“But one might want to know why a security agency would engage a private firm to keep money for it. Is a private company better equipped than a security agency of government?

“If you look at Osborne Towers, the controversial apartment is unqualified to be called a ‘Safe House’ for any covert operation.

“The profiling of the Towers reveal that some highly-placed Nigerians, including a few people on EFCC radar, are living there. We have their list under wraps.”

The  source added: “There might be more to the cash.”

Quoting unnamed Presidency sources, Premium Times, an online newspaper, wrote yesterday that the $43.4 million belongs to the National Intelligence Agency( NIA).

The sources said ex-President Goodluck Jonathan approved the funds for NIA after its  former Director-General, Olaniyi Oladeji, demanded for funds for “crucial and covert security projects.”

Premium Times said the funds were later released in cash directly from the Central Bank of Nigeria as “a way of making its spending completely secret.”

One of  the presidency and security sources said: “The projects are scattered across the country, but there is a major one in Lagos being funded with the cash warehoused in the Ikoyi building.

“The spending on the projects cannot be subjected to the usual expenditure process, and that is why the funds are held in cash. If you like, you can call it illegal projects in the national interest.”

Such sensitive projects were restricted to a few  government officials and of the NIA.

The online newspaper added: “One official said when the incumbent Director General of the NIA, Ayodele Oke, was alerted that EFCC operatives had swooped on the apartment, being discreetly guarded by covert operatives, he rushed to the anti-graft agency’s headquarters in Abuja to advise its chairman, Ibrahim Magu, to withdraw his men as the funds belonged to government.

“At the time, about 13 police officers and some soldiers, accompanied by photographers and videographers, had broken into the apartment and were already dismantling the safes in which the funds were concealed, our sources said.

“Mr. Magu however declined Mr. Oke’s request. Instead, he directed his men to proceed with the operation, those familiar with the matter said.

“A frustrated Mr. Oke was said to have rushed to the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to complain about Mr. Magu’s attitude, and the huge embarrassment he had caused his otherwise extremely quiet and secretive agency.”

On Thursday, presidency sources said, Mr Oke met President Muhammadu Buhari in company with Attorney General Abubakar Malami to table the same complaints.

“Those who saw the NIA DG before he was called in to see the President said he had two bulky envelopes believed to contain paper and audio-visual records of the security projects.

Officials said President Buhari has since directed Mr. Magu to forward to him detailed report on the operation.

“The EFCC boss was also directed to immediately deposit the funds with the CBN.

“On his part, Mr. Oke was asked to properly document his complaints against Mr. Magu, and then reapply for the seized funds”

A top presidency source said the President might ask Attorney General Malami to review reports submitted by the two officials, and then forward appropriate recommendations.

But in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, Wike gave the Federal Government a seven-day ultimatum to return  the funds allegedly diverted by Amaechi to the Rivers State Government.

Failure to do so, he said, the state government would take legal measures to ensure that it gets back her “stolen resources”.

Addressing journalists at the Government House, Port Harcourt last night, Governor Wike said: “If you recollect in 2015, we said that gas turbines built by Former Governor Peter Odili were sold  at $319 million.”

The EFCC discovery has continued to elicit varied reactions from Nigerians.
Apparently shocked at such staggering amount of money kept in a private apartment, President Muhammadu Buhari has directed Mr. Magu to forward to him detailed report on the operation $43.4 million uncovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), report according to The Nation Newspaper suggests

Barely 72 hours after, the row over the owner of $43.4 million uncovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has deepened.

There were still conflicting reports last night about the sources of the cash and the actual owners.


A twist also crept into the saga last night with claims by Governor Nyesom Wike that the money belongs to the River State Government.

He said it was the proceed from the sale of gas turbines by the immediate past administration of Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi in the state.

A government source claimed that the administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan approved the release of the cash to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

The source said the money was approved during the tenure of a former Director-General of NIA, Mr. Olaniyi Oladeji.

Another source alleged that a former governor was implicated as having a link with the cash.

A firm,  which owns  Apartment 7B where the cash was kept, has been identified with the ex-governor.

It was also gathered that the profiling of the 12-storey building revealed that many highly-placed Nigerians live there, fueling speculations that there might be more to the recovery of the cash.

But Presidency and security sources told Premium Times last night that the cash belongs to the NIA.

Following whistle-blowing, EFCC on Wednesday uncovered $43,449,947, £27,800 and N23,218,000 at 16, Osborne Road (Osborne Towers) in Ikoyi. The building houses luxury flats.

A reliable source, who spoke in confidence, said:  “We have many dimensions to the recovered $43.4 million and other cash.

“The controversial apartment 7B has been linked with a company related to a former governor.

“There is suspicion that the ex-governor was trying to evade alert in the banking system by the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit by keeping the cash in the apartment.

“The ongoing investigation will reveal the truth or otherwise of the complicity of the ex-governor on how the cash found its way into the apartment.

“One of the clues being probed last night was that the ex-governor’s associated company might have been engaged to keep the cash.

“But one might want to know why a security agency would engage a private firm to keep money for it. Is a private company better equipped than a security agency of government?

“If you look at Osborne Towers, the controversial apartment is unqualified to be called a ‘Safe House’ for any covert operation.

“The profiling of the Towers reveal that some highly-placed Nigerians, including a few people on EFCC radar, are living there. We have their list under wraps.”

The  source added: “There might be more to the cash.”

Quoting unnamed Presidency sources, Premium Times, an online newspaper, wrote yesterday that the $43.4 million belongs to the National Intelligence Agency( NIA).

The sources said ex-President Goodluck Jonathan approved the funds for NIA after its  former Director-General, Olaniyi Oladeji, demanded for funds for “crucial and covert security projects.”

Premium Times said the funds were later released in cash directly from the Central Bank of Nigeria as “a way of making its spending completely secret.”

One of  the presidency and security sources said: “The projects are scattered across the country, but there is a major one in Lagos being funded with the cash warehoused in the Ikoyi building.

“The spending on the projects cannot be subjected to the usual expenditure process, and that is why the funds are held in cash. If you like, you can call it illegal projects in the national interest.”

Such sensitive projects were restricted to a few  government officials and of the NIA.

The online newspaper added: “One official said when the incumbent Director General of the NIA, Ayodele Oke, was alerted that EFCC operatives had swooped on the apartment, being discreetly guarded by covert operatives, he rushed to the anti-graft agency’s headquarters in Abuja to advise its chairman, Ibrahim Magu, to withdraw his men as the funds belonged to government.

“At the time, about 13 police officers and some soldiers, accompanied by photographers and videographers, had broken into the apartment and were already dismantling the safes in which the funds were concealed, our sources said.

“Mr. Magu however declined Mr. Oke’s request. Instead, he directed his men to proceed with the operation, those familiar with the matter said.

“A frustrated Mr. Oke was said to have rushed to the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to complain about Mr. Magu’s attitude, and the huge embarrassment he had caused his otherwise extremely quiet and secretive agency.”

On Thursday, presidency sources said, Mr Oke met President Muhammadu Buhari in company with Attorney General Abubakar Malami to table the same complaints.

“Those who saw the NIA DG before he was called in to see the President said he had two bulky envelopes believed to contain paper and audio-visual records of the security projects.

Officials said President Buhari has since directed Mr. Magu to forward to him detailed report on the operation.

“The EFCC boss was also directed to immediately deposit the funds with the CBN.

“On his part, Mr. Oke was asked to properly document his complaints against Mr. Magu, and then reapply for the seized funds”

A top presidency source said the President might ask Attorney General Malami to review reports submitted by the two officials, and then forward appropriate recommendations.

But in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, Wike gave the Federal Government a seven-day ultimatum to return  the funds allegedly diverted by Amaechi to the Rivers State Government.

Failure to do so, he said, the state government would take legal measures to ensure that it gets back her “stolen resources”.

Addressing journalists at the Government House, Port Harcourt last night, Governor Wike said: “If you recollect in 2015, we said that gas turbines built by Former Governor Peter Odili were sold  at $319 million.”

The EFCC discovery has continued to elicit varied reactions from Nigerians.

No Nonsense Buhari SACKS 23, Appoints Replacement ...PenCom, CPC, BPE Bosses, Others Affected

No Nonsense Buhari SACKS 23, Appoints Replacement ...PenCom, CPC, BPE Bosses, Others Affected

MUHAMMADU BUHARI
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday relieved the heads of 23 Federal Government agencies of their appointments and approved the appointment of their replacements.

Among those fired are the erstwhile Director-General, National Pension Commission, Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu; her counterpart in the Consumer Protection Council, Mrs. Dupe Atoki; and the Acting Director-General, Bureau of Public Enterprises, Dr. Vincent Akpotaire.


A statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Bolaji Adebiyi, said that the appointments take immediate effect.

Julie Okah-Donli is now the director-general of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, while Mary Ikpere-Eta was named as the director-general of the National Centre for Women Development.

For the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, Bayo Somefun is the managing director, while Tijani Suleiman, Jasper Azuatalam and Kemi Nelson are executive directors.

Ahmed Dangiwa is the managing director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, while Melvin Eboh is the executive director, Organisation Resourcing; Hajiya Rahimatu Aliyu, ED, Loans Department, Securities Issuance and Market Development; and Umaru Abdullahi Dankane, ED, Policy and Strategy Loans Set-Up and Pay Off.

For the Bureau of Public Enterprises, Alex Okoh is the new director-general.

The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency has Abdulkadir Saidu Umar as the executive secretary. Ibrahim Musa Goni is the conservator-general/chief executive officer of the National Park Service.

The Service Compact has Nnenna Akajemeli as the national coordinator/CEO; while the National Directorate of Employment has Dr. Nasiru Mohammed Ladan as the director-general.

Saliu Dada Alabi was named as the director-general of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies; while Prof. Jef T. Barminas was appointed as the director-general of the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology.

The new Director-General of the Nigeria Institute for Social and Economic Research is Dr. Haruna Yerima; while Sunday Thomas is the Deputy Commissioner of the Nigeria Insurance Commission.

 The Consumer Protection Council has Tunde Erukera as the executive secretary; while Mohammed Bello Tukur was named as the secretary of the Federal Character Commission.

For PenCom, Dikko Aliyu Abdulrahman is the director-general (subject to Senate confirmation), while Funso Doherty is the Chairman, and the executive commissioners are Akin Akinwale, Abubakar Zaki Magawata, Ben Oviosun, and Nyerere Ayim.

Umar Gambo Jibrin is the executive secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority; while Mrs. Folashade Joseph is the managing director of the Nigeria Agriculture Insurance Corporation; and Cecilia Umaru Gaya is the director-general of the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria.

The Lagos International Trade Fair Management Board has Mrs. Luci Ajayi as the executive secretary; the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority has Emmanuel Jimme as the managing director; the Nigeria Lottery Regulatory Commission has Lanre Gbajabiamila as director-general; while Jalani Aliyu is the director-general of the Nigeria Automotive Design and Development Council.

MUHAMMADU BUHARI
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday relieved the heads of 23 Federal Government agencies of their appointments and approved the appointment of their replacements.

Among those fired are the erstwhile Director-General, National Pension Commission, Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu; her counterpart in the Consumer Protection Council, Mrs. Dupe Atoki; and the Acting Director-General, Bureau of Public Enterprises, Dr. Vincent Akpotaire.


A statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Bolaji Adebiyi, said that the appointments take immediate effect.

Julie Okah-Donli is now the director-general of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, while Mary Ikpere-Eta was named as the director-general of the National Centre for Women Development.

For the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, Bayo Somefun is the managing director, while Tijani Suleiman, Jasper Azuatalam and Kemi Nelson are executive directors.

Ahmed Dangiwa is the managing director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, while Melvin Eboh is the executive director, Organisation Resourcing; Hajiya Rahimatu Aliyu, ED, Loans Department, Securities Issuance and Market Development; and Umaru Abdullahi Dankane, ED, Policy and Strategy Loans Set-Up and Pay Off.

For the Bureau of Public Enterprises, Alex Okoh is the new director-general.

The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency has Abdulkadir Saidu Umar as the executive secretary. Ibrahim Musa Goni is the conservator-general/chief executive officer of the National Park Service.

The Service Compact has Nnenna Akajemeli as the national coordinator/CEO; while the National Directorate of Employment has Dr. Nasiru Mohammed Ladan as the director-general.

Saliu Dada Alabi was named as the director-general of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies; while Prof. Jef T. Barminas was appointed as the director-general of the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology.

The new Director-General of the Nigeria Institute for Social and Economic Research is Dr. Haruna Yerima; while Sunday Thomas is the Deputy Commissioner of the Nigeria Insurance Commission.

 The Consumer Protection Council has Tunde Erukera as the executive secretary; while Mohammed Bello Tukur was named as the secretary of the Federal Character Commission.

For PenCom, Dikko Aliyu Abdulrahman is the director-general (subject to Senate confirmation), while Funso Doherty is the Chairman, and the executive commissioners are Akin Akinwale, Abubakar Zaki Magawata, Ben Oviosun, and Nyerere Ayim.

Umar Gambo Jibrin is the executive secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority; while Mrs. Folashade Joseph is the managing director of the Nigeria Agriculture Insurance Corporation; and Cecilia Umaru Gaya is the director-general of the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria.

The Lagos International Trade Fair Management Board has Mrs. Luci Ajayi as the executive secretary; the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority has Emmanuel Jimme as the managing director; the Nigeria Lottery Regulatory Commission has Lanre Gbajabiamila as director-general; while Jalani Aliyu is the director-general of the Nigeria Automotive Design and Development Council.

Buhari's Absence At FEC, Confines Self To Indoor Sparks Fresh Speculation Of His Deteriorating Health

Buhari's Absence At FEC, Confines Self To Indoor Sparks Fresh Speculation Of His Deteriorating Health

Muhammadu Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari was absent at the Wednesday’s meeting of the Federal Executive Council held at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He also did not report in his office but remained inside his official residence.

The President’s absence sparked off another round of speculation on the state of health of the 74-year-old leader, who recently returned to the country from his 49-day medical vacation to the United Kingdom.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, told State House correspondents after the meeting that there was no cause for alarm on Buhari’s health.

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo presided over the Wednesday meeting in Buhari’s absence.

Osinbajo had arrived at the venue at about 10.52am to join other members of the cabinet, including ministers, to wait for Buhari to declare open the meeting, which was slated for 11am.

A security operative was already standing behind the President’s seat, waiting for his arrival.

Shortly after Osinbajo arrived at the chamber, however, he consulted briefly with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, who in turn announced to members to settle down for the commencement of the meeting.

Many of the members, who were already on the lookout for Buhari’s arrival, were visibly surprised when Osinbajo asked that the national anthem be recited to commence the meeting.

Buhari remained in his official residence while the meeting lasted.

Wednesday was the first time Osinbajo presided over the council meeting since Buhari returned to the country on March 10.

But Mohammed later told journalists that there was nothing unusual in the President being absence at the meeting.

He claimed Buhari, who he said was attending to other issues during the meeting, had asked Osinbajo to stand in for him after he had perused the meeting’s agenda.

The minister added, “Clearly, when we came in this morning, Mr. President was not in the chambers but the Vice-President did preside over the council meeting. Understandably, that has sparked a lot of controversies and imputations in the mind of the people.

“I just want to make this clear that Mr. President is in town; Mr. President is attending to other issues. He looked at the agenda, he found out that it was a very light agenda and decided that the Vice-President should preside.

“It is not unusual for the kind of interest that is shown, especially given the fact that Mr. President was away for a while on medical treatment. We are not surprised that people will be wondering whether he is ill again.

“He is not ill, he is not sick. I am sure that later in the day or tomorrow (Thursday) morning, he will be back in the office. I just want to clear that misconception.

“It is not unusual even if Mr. President is hale and hearty and everything is going on well, for the Vice-President to come and preside over meetings of the Federal Executive Council.

“The fact that Mr. President is not in the office does not mean that he is not working. I have just been told now that the SGF is already with him in the residence working. So, the fact that you did not see him in the office does not mean that he is not working at all.”

Muhammadu Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari was absent at the Wednesday’s meeting of the Federal Executive Council held at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He also did not report in his office but remained inside his official residence.

The President’s absence sparked off another round of speculation on the state of health of the 74-year-old leader, who recently returned to the country from his 49-day medical vacation to the United Kingdom.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, told State House correspondents after the meeting that there was no cause for alarm on Buhari’s health.

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo presided over the Wednesday meeting in Buhari’s absence.

Osinbajo had arrived at the venue at about 10.52am to join other members of the cabinet, including ministers, to wait for Buhari to declare open the meeting, which was slated for 11am.

A security operative was already standing behind the President’s seat, waiting for his arrival.

Shortly after Osinbajo arrived at the chamber, however, he consulted briefly with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, who in turn announced to members to settle down for the commencement of the meeting.

Many of the members, who were already on the lookout for Buhari’s arrival, were visibly surprised when Osinbajo asked that the national anthem be recited to commence the meeting.

Buhari remained in his official residence while the meeting lasted.

Wednesday was the first time Osinbajo presided over the council meeting since Buhari returned to the country on March 10.

But Mohammed later told journalists that there was nothing unusual in the President being absence at the meeting.

He claimed Buhari, who he said was attending to other issues during the meeting, had asked Osinbajo to stand in for him after he had perused the meeting’s agenda.

The minister added, “Clearly, when we came in this morning, Mr. President was not in the chambers but the Vice-President did preside over the council meeting. Understandably, that has sparked a lot of controversies and imputations in the mind of the people.

“I just want to make this clear that Mr. President is in town; Mr. President is attending to other issues. He looked at the agenda, he found out that it was a very light agenda and decided that the Vice-President should preside.

“It is not unusual for the kind of interest that is shown, especially given the fact that Mr. President was away for a while on medical treatment. We are not surprised that people will be wondering whether he is ill again.

“He is not ill, he is not sick. I am sure that later in the day or tomorrow (Thursday) morning, he will be back in the office. I just want to clear that misconception.

“It is not unusual even if Mr. President is hale and hearty and everything is going on well, for the Vice-President to come and preside over meetings of the Federal Executive Council.

“The fact that Mr. President is not in the office does not mean that he is not working. I have just been told now that the SGF is already with him in the residence working. So, the fact that you did not see him in the office does not mean that he is not working at all.”

BREAKING: Buhari Appoints Prof. Ummu, 4 Others In Fresh Appointments At CBN

BREAKING: Buhari Appoints Prof. Ummu, 4 Others In Fresh Appointments At CBN

 Buhari Appoints Prof. Ummu, 4 Others In Fresh Appointments At CBN
President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday forwarded names of five nominees to the Senate for confirmation as non-executive directors of the board of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the nominees were picked from five geopolitical zones of the country.

The statement read, “In accordance with Sections 6 (1) (d) and 10 (1) and (2) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2007, President Muhammadu Buhari, Wednesday, forwarded the list of his nominees to the Senate for confirmation as Non-Executive Directors of the Board of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“The letter to the Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, contained the following as the nominees and their geopolitical zones: Prof. Ummu Ahmed Jalingo – North East; Prof. Justitia Odinakachukwu Nnabuko – South East; Prof. Mike I. Obadan – South South; Dr. Abdu Abubakar – North West and Adeola Adetunji – South West.”
 Buhari Appoints Prof. Ummu, 4 Others In Fresh Appointments At CBN
President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday forwarded names of five nominees to the Senate for confirmation as non-executive directors of the board of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the nominees were picked from five geopolitical zones of the country.

The statement read, “In accordance with Sections 6 (1) (d) and 10 (1) and (2) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2007, President Muhammadu Buhari, Wednesday, forwarded the list of his nominees to the Senate for confirmation as Non-Executive Directors of the Board of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“The letter to the Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, contained the following as the nominees and their geopolitical zones: Prof. Ummu Ahmed Jalingo – North East; Prof. Justitia Odinakachukwu Nnabuko – South East; Prof. Mike I. Obadan – South South; Dr. Abdu Abubakar – North West and Adeola Adetunji – South West.”

Angry Buhari Queries Magu, Others As EFCC Officials Caught Trying To Sell C of O Seized From Ex-Gov. In Market, Others

Angry Buhari Queries Magu, Others As EFCC Officials Caught Trying To Sell C of O Seized From Ex-Gov. In Market, Others

Buhari and Magu
Following alleged attempt to sell some certificates of occupancy by some men of the Economic and Finacial Crime Commission, EFCC in a market, coupled with criticism of his government for failing in the anti-graft war, and relying on propaganda to give the impression that it was achieving results, President Muhammadu Buhari has queried the Ibrahim Magu-led Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over recoveries of looted funds from Nigerians and organisations, Report according to Vanguard Newspaper suggests

President Buhari also queried the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, Ministry of Finance, Department of State Services, DSS, among others.
Buhari asked the anti-graft agency to as a matter of urgency, provide a detailed submission on amount of monies recovered so far by the anti-graft agency in its anti- grant-war, since the present administration came on board in June, 2015.

The EFCC was also asked to submit a detailed inventory of assets seized, including vehicles, jewelries and other valuables, latest by Friday April 6, 2017, just as the directive by the President was said to have been sent to the Ministry and the agencies early last week.

Vanguard quoted sources as saying that the President also gave a similar directive to the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Lawal Daura, and the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Mr. Ekpo Nta.

According to the source, like the EFCC, the heads of the agencies of government were asked to submit the details of recovered monies and assets in their possession by Friday.


The source added that President Buhari wants the inventory to present to those who criticize his government for failing in the anti-graft war, and relying on propaganda to give the impression that it was achieving results.

The source said, “Infact, in several yards across of the country where the EFCC keeps seized vehicles; Range Rovers, Jaguars, Prado jeeps, and expensive cars, we have heard reports of decay. The cars are allowed to rot, leading to massive waste.

“You will also recall that certificates of occupancy seized from the home of an ex-Governor were found in the market, where some EFCC officials were allegedly trying to sell them. The case is now with the police."

Also at the Senate hearing for his confirmation, Magu was not able to put a figure or an estimate to the amount of monies, local and foreign currency, he has recovered so far, or provide a value to property, cars and jewelleries that have been seized.”

The source said further that as at Friday,  only the CBN governor,  Godwin Emefiele, has complied with the directive and submitted his report to the President.

Buhari and Magu
Following alleged attempt to sell some certificates of occupancy by some men of the Economic and Finacial Crime Commission, EFCC in a market, coupled with criticism of his government for failing in the anti-graft war, and relying on propaganda to give the impression that it was achieving results, President Muhammadu Buhari has queried the Ibrahim Magu-led Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over recoveries of looted funds from Nigerians and organisations, Report according to Vanguard Newspaper suggests

President Buhari also queried the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, Ministry of Finance, Department of State Services, DSS, among others.
Buhari asked the anti-graft agency to as a matter of urgency, provide a detailed submission on amount of monies recovered so far by the anti-graft agency in its anti- grant-war, since the present administration came on board in June, 2015.

The EFCC was also asked to submit a detailed inventory of assets seized, including vehicles, jewelries and other valuables, latest by Friday April 6, 2017, just as the directive by the President was said to have been sent to the Ministry and the agencies early last week.

Vanguard quoted sources as saying that the President also gave a similar directive to the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Lawal Daura, and the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Mr. Ekpo Nta.

According to the source, like the EFCC, the heads of the agencies of government were asked to submit the details of recovered monies and assets in their possession by Friday.


The source added that President Buhari wants the inventory to present to those who criticize his government for failing in the anti-graft war, and relying on propaganda to give the impression that it was achieving results.

The source said, “Infact, in several yards across of the country where the EFCC keeps seized vehicles; Range Rovers, Jaguars, Prado jeeps, and expensive cars, we have heard reports of decay. The cars are allowed to rot, leading to massive waste.

“You will also recall that certificates of occupancy seized from the home of an ex-Governor were found in the market, where some EFCC officials were allegedly trying to sell them. The case is now with the police."

Also at the Senate hearing for his confirmation, Magu was not able to put a figure or an estimate to the amount of monies, local and foreign currency, he has recovered so far, or provide a value to property, cars and jewelleries that have been seized.”

The source said further that as at Friday,  only the CBN governor,  Godwin Emefiele, has complied with the directive and submitted his report to the President.

Buhari's Minister Leads Anti-APC Govt. Rally To Party HQ

Buhari's Minister Leads Anti-APC Govt. Rally To Party HQ

MUHAMMADU BUHARU
Aisha Alhasan, minister of women affairs and social development, has alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) government led by President Muhammadu Buhari has neglected members of the party in Taraba state.

Alhasan made the allegation on Thursday when she led some members of the APC from the state to the national secretariat of the party in Abuja.

“I have come as a party member and a leader with my brothers from Taraba to air our problems; the APC people in Taraba are very worried,” she said.

“No opposition party performed as well as we did since 1999, but unfortunately, apart from my appointment which is statutory and constitutional, and the ambassadorial, we still do not have any meaningful appointment.”


She added that the members who had worked for the party in the state expected their leaders to assist them in securing political appointments.

The minister said APC in Taraba had capable and qualified persons that could help the federal government to drive its change agenda and the development of the country if appointed.

She described as “unfortunate’’ existing situation where members of the party and the state were not carried along in government appointments and projects.

“We have to take care of our people else we will not know our faith in next election. Even in federal government projects, they do not involve us,” she said.

“Taraba state APC should be remembered, this is our plea. If projects are sent to the state which is controlled by the PDP, our people are left hanging.”

Alhassan, however, said that she was not afraid of the rumour going round that the party’s structure in the state would be hijacked by some people.

She expressed optimism that the party’s leadership would not encourage such act and implored other members to remain resolute.

“I have at some point addressed a crowd in Taraba and I told them that the current governor is even welcomed to join the party,” she said.

“But if he comes, he will be an APC member like us.”

Lawal Shuaibu, deputy national chairman (north) of the party, who received the delegation, assured the people that their complaints would be addressed.

Shuaibu appealed to party members and Nigerians to continue to be patient with the federal government.

Alhasan was APC candidate in Taraba in the 2015 governorship election.
MUHAMMADU BUHARU
Aisha Alhasan, minister of women affairs and social development, has alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) government led by President Muhammadu Buhari has neglected members of the party in Taraba state.

Alhasan made the allegation on Thursday when she led some members of the APC from the state to the national secretariat of the party in Abuja.

“I have come as a party member and a leader with my brothers from Taraba to air our problems; the APC people in Taraba are very worried,” she said.

“No opposition party performed as well as we did since 1999, but unfortunately, apart from my appointment which is statutory and constitutional, and the ambassadorial, we still do not have any meaningful appointment.”


She added that the members who had worked for the party in the state expected their leaders to assist them in securing political appointments.

The minister said APC in Taraba had capable and qualified persons that could help the federal government to drive its change agenda and the development of the country if appointed.

She described as “unfortunate’’ existing situation where members of the party and the state were not carried along in government appointments and projects.

“We have to take care of our people else we will not know our faith in next election. Even in federal government projects, they do not involve us,” she said.

“Taraba state APC should be remembered, this is our plea. If projects are sent to the state which is controlled by the PDP, our people are left hanging.”

Alhassan, however, said that she was not afraid of the rumour going round that the party’s structure in the state would be hijacked by some people.

She expressed optimism that the party’s leadership would not encourage such act and implored other members to remain resolute.

“I have at some point addressed a crowd in Taraba and I told them that the current governor is even welcomed to join the party,” she said.

“But if he comes, he will be an APC member like us.”

Lawal Shuaibu, deputy national chairman (north) of the party, who received the delegation, assured the people that their complaints would be addressed.

Shuaibu appealed to party members and Nigerians to continue to be patient with the federal government.

Alhasan was APC candidate in Taraba in the 2015 governorship election.

Buhari Committed To N'Delter Plights More Than Past Presidents-Group

Buhari Committed To N'Delter Plights More Than Past Presidents-Group

Muhammadu Buhari
A socio-Political group, Niger Delta Grassroots Movement, (NDGM) has said that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration has shown more commitment to the plight of the Niger Delta people than past administrations.

The Chairman of the organization, Rt. Hon Paul Owo said this on Tuesday during the organization's meeting in Port Harcourt.

Owo maintained that the Buhari administration has done a lot for the region which is left unreported.

According to him, "President Buhari has shown more commitment to the plight of the Niger Delta people than our son Goodluck Jonathan or any other past President.


"If you check the number of sensitive appointments given to the region and many other programs which are left unreported, you would understand that Buhari is ready to develop the region".

Reiterating the commitment of the organization to work with government and relevant stakeholders to develop the area, he noted that, the only way to appreciate the President and the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC was to overwhelming support the party in 2019 general elections.

"The only way to appreciate the good deeds of the President and APC is to massively support the party in 2019. This region is one of the regions that gave Buhari the least votes in 2015 but today, we have benefitted especially in terms of appointment than every other region.

"To achieve the goal of collaborating with government and relevant stakeholders for sustainable development, we are setting up the structure of this organization across the nine Niger Delta states", he said.
Muhammadu Buhari
A socio-Political group, Niger Delta Grassroots Movement, (NDGM) has said that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration has shown more commitment to the plight of the Niger Delta people than past administrations.

The Chairman of the organization, Rt. Hon Paul Owo said this on Tuesday during the organization's meeting in Port Harcourt.

Owo maintained that the Buhari administration has done a lot for the region which is left unreported.

According to him, "President Buhari has shown more commitment to the plight of the Niger Delta people than our son Goodluck Jonathan or any other past President.


"If you check the number of sensitive appointments given to the region and many other programs which are left unreported, you would understand that Buhari is ready to develop the region".

Reiterating the commitment of the organization to work with government and relevant stakeholders to develop the area, he noted that, the only way to appreciate the President and the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC was to overwhelming support the party in 2019 general elections.

"The only way to appreciate the good deeds of the President and APC is to massively support the party in 2019. This region is one of the regions that gave Buhari the least votes in 2015 but today, we have benefitted especially in terms of appointment than every other region.

"To achieve the goal of collaborating with government and relevant stakeholders for sustainable development, we are setting up the structure of this organization across the nine Niger Delta states", he said.

JUST IN: Buhari, Gowon In Aso Rock Closed-door Meeting (Photos)

JUST IN: Buhari, Gowon In Aso Rock Closed-door Meeting (Photos)

Buhari, Gowon In Aso Rock Closed-door Meeting
A Former Head of States, General Yakubu Gowon this afternoon held a closed-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari.

The subject matter of their discussion still sketchy as at press time

Details later

More Photo:

Buhari, Gowon In Aso Rock Closed-door Meeting


Buhari, Gowon In Aso Rock Closed-door Meeting
A Former Head of States, General Yakubu Gowon this afternoon held a closed-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari.

The subject matter of their discussion still sketchy as at press time

Details later

More Photo:

Buhari, Gowon In Aso Rock Closed-door Meeting


2019: You're On Your Own - Northern Leaders Tell Buhari, Asks The President To Resign, Fear Ya'Adua Scenario Might Come To Play

2019: You're On Your Own - Northern Leaders Tell Buhari, Asks The President To Resign, Fear Ya'Adua Scenario Might Come To Play

MUHAMMADU BUHARI
News Direct - The health situation of President Muhammadu Buhari has divided the northern leaders into two groups. While a group believes that the President should be patriotic enough to throw in the towel and think of the country first while another group had vowed to swim or sink with the President.

The anxiety over the health condition of the President heightened when the Senior Special Assistant, Media to the president, Malam Garba Shehu said Buhari would soon return to London to see his doctors.

However, northern leaders are beginning to be agitated over the health condition of the president as the same scenario played during the tenure of late President Umar Musa Yar’Aduawho died in office in May 2010.


Last week, the suspended former chairman of the House of Representatives Appropriation Committee, Abdulmumin  Jibrin, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to resign and hand over to a competent person.

Jibrin said in a series of tweets via his Twitter handle that the president had failed Nigerians, and should therefore immediately leave the stage.

“So many issues are left unattended even small issues that a presidential cough can deal with are left hanging. Supporters are worried, understandably resorting to grumbling in hush voices while keeping bold faces and holding on to hope and prayers. I believe that the combination of these two factors of his age and health situation have slowed down the pace of PMB and the APC government. The incoming president will have to do some diplomatic shuttle to a few powerful officials to address whatever their fears may be,” he said.

Presidency has since kept mum over Jibrin’s comment but sources close to Nigerian NewsDirect said the North was beginning to rethink the promised support for Buhari in view of reports of his failing health that he is suffering from a certain ailment which is believed to be wearing him down.

The North is still suffering from the sudden death of Umar Musa Yar’Adua and it would be unfair to the North to risk the situation again.

It would be recalled that in January, the President transmitted a letter to the National Assembly informing them of vacation, last February, he wrote the National Assembly informing the country of his intention to extend his medical leave in the UK.

Traumatised along with Buhari’s family members, is a nation agog with rumours and social media frenzy announcing the President’s death or health situation. Painting scenario of every conceivable stripe, new websites spring up to amplify deafening rumours about the coming Armageddon in the event of the President’s death.

This, the Northerners did not take with a pinch of salt as Sule Lamido, a former governor of Jigawa state said,” leaders beware of the consequences that flow from tyrant, impunity and abuse of human dignity,” Lamido posited that if the acts of intimidation was because of his ambition, if he has been destined to be president, nobody can stop me.”

There is this growing perception in the north that the 2019 general election would be decided by “focused and development-oriented politicians.

As such, those politicians including former governors and federal law makers have been mobilising in such a way that should President Buhari decide to seek another term in office, he will run the risk of being a lone ranger.

In a chat with Nigerian NewsDirect, a former governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa asked the National Assembly to guide Nigerians on the dilemma,

“The National Assembly has the greatest responsibility on this matter” Musa said

On his part, Engr Buba Galadima hinted that Buhari would run alone if he decides to throw his hat in the ring in 2019, and most politicians that have weathered many political battles in the north had started working together to regain the zone.

Former Sokoto state governor, Attahiru Bafarawa captured it this way, He said: “I am one of the people who held that running  government is not a one-man show, but a collective responsibility. And with the current situation in the country, neither APC nor Mr President can do it alone. I said this in a letter to the President, it is not what one man can do.

“You saw the way and manner Obasanjo ran his own government, it was encouraging. He toyed with the idea of unity government while in power.

He brought PDP, his party and APP by then, gave the ministerial appointments and they worked as a team, that was why he succeeded.

But when the winner takes all, in a country like Nigeria, cannot work.”

In all of these, it shows there is apprehension in the North because they are not favoured in this democratic setting, from 1999 till date the North had not really held onto power and complete their own tenure as stipulated in the constitution.

So the fear surrounding Buhari’s health is a huge concern to the North because, they want to maintain that northern oligarchy of keeping on to power but, it seems it is eluding them.

Their divergent views as to who will be the torch bearer that will be accepted in terms of experience and having that character and strong will to galvanize together, all and sundry in the north is still not identified.

The people of Katsina, especially from Daura had clinged on to that thought that this is our own, whatever happens, this is our time and chance even when they know of the health challenges.

What really comes to mind is if the President was ready for the rigours of governance and the multiplicity of Nigeria’s problems?

Being that Nigerians are driven by greed, power and distribution of wealth, some elements in the North are not concerned about what happens to the President. But just to say this is our own.

That is why notable scholars in the north are staunch critics of the President because they are of the opinion that the north can do better with a young articulated mind.

Meanwhile, the umbrella organisation of all northern youths, Arewa Youth Forum, (AYF) has accused leaders in the region of politicising the health of the President.

Its National President,  Comrade Ibrahim Gujungu said ,”we deem it necessary to affirm that all is not well with the North and most especially the region that holds political reign in the country.”

However, what is worrisome is the attitude of the politicians, especially those of the Northern extraction towards the health of Mr President.

Some Northern governors, are working to position themselves for political gains to the detriment of the ideology of the Northern Nigeria.

The bottom line of it all is that, the North should clearly, stop having the discordant tones, rather, an indepth knowledge of whom they put forward as president matters a lot to them and Nigeria, so as to erode from the mindsets of other regions that they are producing sick presidents whose lives hang in the balance two years into their administration. And they should stop maligning themselves and face political issues squarely.
MUHAMMADU BUHARI
News Direct - The health situation of President Muhammadu Buhari has divided the northern leaders into two groups. While a group believes that the President should be patriotic enough to throw in the towel and think of the country first while another group had vowed to swim or sink with the President.

The anxiety over the health condition of the President heightened when the Senior Special Assistant, Media to the president, Malam Garba Shehu said Buhari would soon return to London to see his doctors.

However, northern leaders are beginning to be agitated over the health condition of the president as the same scenario played during the tenure of late President Umar Musa Yar’Aduawho died in office in May 2010.


Last week, the suspended former chairman of the House of Representatives Appropriation Committee, Abdulmumin  Jibrin, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to resign and hand over to a competent person.

Jibrin said in a series of tweets via his Twitter handle that the president had failed Nigerians, and should therefore immediately leave the stage.

“So many issues are left unattended even small issues that a presidential cough can deal with are left hanging. Supporters are worried, understandably resorting to grumbling in hush voices while keeping bold faces and holding on to hope and prayers. I believe that the combination of these two factors of his age and health situation have slowed down the pace of PMB and the APC government. The incoming president will have to do some diplomatic shuttle to a few powerful officials to address whatever their fears may be,” he said.

Presidency has since kept mum over Jibrin’s comment but sources close to Nigerian NewsDirect said the North was beginning to rethink the promised support for Buhari in view of reports of his failing health that he is suffering from a certain ailment which is believed to be wearing him down.

The North is still suffering from the sudden death of Umar Musa Yar’Adua and it would be unfair to the North to risk the situation again.

It would be recalled that in January, the President transmitted a letter to the National Assembly informing them of vacation, last February, he wrote the National Assembly informing the country of his intention to extend his medical leave in the UK.

Traumatised along with Buhari’s family members, is a nation agog with rumours and social media frenzy announcing the President’s death or health situation. Painting scenario of every conceivable stripe, new websites spring up to amplify deafening rumours about the coming Armageddon in the event of the President’s death.

This, the Northerners did not take with a pinch of salt as Sule Lamido, a former governor of Jigawa state said,” leaders beware of the consequences that flow from tyrant, impunity and abuse of human dignity,” Lamido posited that if the acts of intimidation was because of his ambition, if he has been destined to be president, nobody can stop me.”

There is this growing perception in the north that the 2019 general election would be decided by “focused and development-oriented politicians.

As such, those politicians including former governors and federal law makers have been mobilising in such a way that should President Buhari decide to seek another term in office, he will run the risk of being a lone ranger.

In a chat with Nigerian NewsDirect, a former governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa asked the National Assembly to guide Nigerians on the dilemma,

“The National Assembly has the greatest responsibility on this matter” Musa said

On his part, Engr Buba Galadima hinted that Buhari would run alone if he decides to throw his hat in the ring in 2019, and most politicians that have weathered many political battles in the north had started working together to regain the zone.

Former Sokoto state governor, Attahiru Bafarawa captured it this way, He said: “I am one of the people who held that running  government is not a one-man show, but a collective responsibility. And with the current situation in the country, neither APC nor Mr President can do it alone. I said this in a letter to the President, it is not what one man can do.

“You saw the way and manner Obasanjo ran his own government, it was encouraging. He toyed with the idea of unity government while in power.

He brought PDP, his party and APP by then, gave the ministerial appointments and they worked as a team, that was why he succeeded.

But when the winner takes all, in a country like Nigeria, cannot work.”

In all of these, it shows there is apprehension in the North because they are not favoured in this democratic setting, from 1999 till date the North had not really held onto power and complete their own tenure as stipulated in the constitution.

So the fear surrounding Buhari’s health is a huge concern to the North because, they want to maintain that northern oligarchy of keeping on to power but, it seems it is eluding them.

Their divergent views as to who will be the torch bearer that will be accepted in terms of experience and having that character and strong will to galvanize together, all and sundry in the north is still not identified.

The people of Katsina, especially from Daura had clinged on to that thought that this is our own, whatever happens, this is our time and chance even when they know of the health challenges.

What really comes to mind is if the President was ready for the rigours of governance and the multiplicity of Nigeria’s problems?

Being that Nigerians are driven by greed, power and distribution of wealth, some elements in the North are not concerned about what happens to the President. But just to say this is our own.

That is why notable scholars in the north are staunch critics of the President because they are of the opinion that the north can do better with a young articulated mind.

Meanwhile, the umbrella organisation of all northern youths, Arewa Youth Forum, (AYF) has accused leaders in the region of politicising the health of the President.

Its National President,  Comrade Ibrahim Gujungu said ,”we deem it necessary to affirm that all is not well with the North and most especially the region that holds political reign in the country.”

However, what is worrisome is the attitude of the politicians, especially those of the Northern extraction towards the health of Mr President.

Some Northern governors, are working to position themselves for political gains to the detriment of the ideology of the Northern Nigeria.

The bottom line of it all is that, the North should clearly, stop having the discordant tones, rather, an indepth knowledge of whom they put forward as president matters a lot to them and Nigeria, so as to erode from the mindsets of other regions that they are producing sick presidents whose lives hang in the balance two years into their administration. And they should stop maligning themselves and face political issues squarely.

Buhari, Dogara Lock Up Self In Secret Aso Rock Meeting

Buhari, Dogara Lock Up Self In Secret Aso Rock Meeting

Buhari and Dogara
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, is currently in a closed-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Mr. Dogara went into the president’s office at about 11:57 a.m.

Sources at the villa also said the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki will also be meeting with Mr. Buhari after Mr. Dogara.

The meetings are coming on the heels of apparent Executive/ Legislative rift following the refusal of the Nigerian Senate to consider and approve the list of 27 Resident Electoral Commissioners, REC PREMIUM TIMES reports.


The Senate said it is stepping down the confirmation hearings in protest against the continued retention of Ibrahim Magu as acting chairman of the EFCC by Mr. Buhari in spite of the lawmakers’ refusal to confirm him twice.
Buhari and Dogara
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, is currently in a closed-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Mr. Dogara went into the president’s office at about 11:57 a.m.

Sources at the villa also said the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki will also be meeting with Mr. Buhari after Mr. Dogara.

The meetings are coming on the heels of apparent Executive/ Legislative rift following the refusal of the Nigerian Senate to consider and approve the list of 27 Resident Electoral Commissioners, REC PREMIUM TIMES reports.


The Senate said it is stepping down the confirmation hearings in protest against the continued retention of Ibrahim Magu as acting chairman of the EFCC by Mr. Buhari in spite of the lawmakers’ refusal to confirm him twice.

MAGU's Fate: The So Many Legal Confusion; Buhari Confused Either, Seeking Legal Advice

MAGU's Fate: The So Many Legal Confusion; Buhari Confused Either, Seeking Legal Advice

Buhari and Magu
President Muhammadu Buhari has opted to seek legal opinions in deciding what to make of Mr. Ibrahim Magu, following the latest refusal of the Senate to confirm him as substantive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The legal consultations will form an integral part of the planned peace talks between government’s mediation team headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and National Assembly leaders.

The Federal Executive Council constituted the team recently to interface with the NASS leadership with a view to resolving the differences between the two arms.


The Nation gathered yesterday that the Osinbajo-led team was yet to contact the National Assembly leaders.

Authoritative sources said yesterday that Buhari had called for advice on the import of Section 171 of 1999 Constitution which is the bone of contention on the fate of Magu.

The Section says:  (1) “Power to appoint persons to hold or act in the offices to which this section applies and to remove persons so appointed from any such office shall rest in the President.

(2) The offices to which this section applies are namely.

(a) Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

(b) Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

(c) Ambassador, High Commissioner or other principal Representative of Nigeria abroad.

(d) Permanent Secretary in any Ministry or Head of any Extra-Ministerial Department of the Government of the Federation howsoever designated; and



(e) any office on the personal staff of the President.

(3) An appointment to the office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation shall not be made except from among the Permanent Secretaries or equivalent rank in the Civil Service of the Federation or of a State.

(4) An appointment to the office of Ambassador, High Commissioner, or other Representative of Nigeria abroad shall not have effect unless the appointment is confirmed by the Senate.

(5) In exercising his powers of appointment under this section, the President shall have regard to the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity.

(6) Any appointment made pursuant to paragraphs (a) and (e) of subsection (2) of this section shall be at the pleasure of the President and shall cease when the President ceases to hold office;

“Provided that where a person has been appointed from a public service of the Federation or a State, he shall be entitled to return to the public service of the Federation or of the State when the President ceases to hold office.”

Section 11 of the Interpretation Act says:   (1)   “Where an enactment confers a power to appoint a person either to an office or to exercise any functions, whether for a specified period or not, the power includes-

(a)  power to appoint a person by name or to appoint the holder from time to time of a particular office;

(b)  power to remove or suspend him;

(c)  power, exercisable in the manner and subject to the limitations and conditions (if any) applicable to the power to appoint,-

(i)   to reappoint or reinstate him,

(ii)   to appoint a person to act in his place, either generally or in regard to specified functions, during such time as is considered expedient by the authority in whom the power of appointment in question is vested.

(2)   ” A reference in an enactment to the holder of an office shall be construed as including a reference to a person for the time being appointed to act in his place, either as respects the functions of the office generally or the functions in regard to which he is appointed, as the case may be.”

Prof. Itse Sagay’s Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) believes that by virtue of Section 171, Magu can continue to act as Acting EFCC chairman.

The Department of State Security Service, some government officials and the Senate think otherwise.

The Senate on Wednesday stopped the consideration of the 27 Resident Electoral Commissioners who were nominated by Buhari to protest Buhari’s refusal to sack Magu after it rejected him for a second time.

A top level source said although  the President has stuck with Magu for now, those opposed to the EFCC acting chairman  are drawing attention to  Section 11 of the Interpretation Act in the constitution.

The source said: “The President is being painstaking in taking a decision on Magu.

“He has sought legal advice on the contentious Section 171 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 11 of the Interpretation Act.

“The legal advice might either strengthen his position on Magu or determine what action to take. It will also assist him to engage the National Assembly leadership on Magu’s fate.

“Buhari is aware of argument for and against the retention of Magu but he does not go by the spur of the moment because of posterity. He is aware of Magu’s impeccable contributions to anti-graft war. And on a personal note, he is with Magu.

“He runs a peculiar presidency based on adherence to the rule of law and not Executive fiat as the case was in the past.”

Another source said: “the President’s ultimate decision on Magu will have to take cognizance of the EFCC Establishment (2004) Act and the rejection of the officer by the Senate for the second time.

“Apart from the law, some government officials prefer a political solution to the controversy on Magu. We are hopeful that Osinbajo’s mediation team will be able to resolve this issue amicably.

“There is a dilemma before the President. He favours Magu for the job and he does not pretend about it. But he has to manage the anger of the Senate too.

“The battle over Magu is now in the realm of legal technicality, especially his continued stay in office in Acting capacity. This is why the President needs sound legal advice, not jaundiced type.”

The questions to be resolved are:

* Can the President re-nominate Magu for the third time?

* What becomes of Magu’s status in the light of his rejection for the EFCC job for the second time by the Senate?

* Should Magu remain in office in Acting capacity as EFCC chairman until Buhari takes a decision or as long as it takes Buhari to decide his fate?

*If Buhari does not re-nominate Magu for a third time, can he remain in Acting EFCC chairman till the end of Buhari’s tenure in 2019 in the light of the provision of Section 171 of the 1999 Constitution?

A principal officer in the National Assembly said: “We are awaiting communication from the Vice President before we constitute our team which will meet with the mediation committee from the Executive.

“Certainly, we are bound to disagree on issues in line with the principle of separation of powers but we are also expected to reach consensus for the betterment of the society at large.

“We have issues with the interpretation if Section 171 of the 1999 Constitution.”

Shortly after Magu’s last rejection, the Executive Secretary of PACAC, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, had told our correspondent that Magu can continue to serve in acting capacity.

He said: “We believe that there is nothing inhibiting him from being in office as the Acting EFCC chairman. We are of the opinion that he should remain in office.

“If you look at Section 171 of the 1999 Constitution, the President is empowered to retain him as long as he wants in acting capacity. As long as the President remains in office, Magu can continue to act as EFCC chairman.”

Responding to a question, Owasanoye added: “If there is something new, we would have modified our position but the Senate acted on old report without considering the President’s points in the re-nomination letter.”

Buhari and Magu
President Muhammadu Buhari has opted to seek legal opinions in deciding what to make of Mr. Ibrahim Magu, following the latest refusal of the Senate to confirm him as substantive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The legal consultations will form an integral part of the planned peace talks between government’s mediation team headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and National Assembly leaders.

The Federal Executive Council constituted the team recently to interface with the NASS leadership with a view to resolving the differences between the two arms.


The Nation gathered yesterday that the Osinbajo-led team was yet to contact the National Assembly leaders.

Authoritative sources said yesterday that Buhari had called for advice on the import of Section 171 of 1999 Constitution which is the bone of contention on the fate of Magu.

The Section says:  (1) “Power to appoint persons to hold or act in the offices to which this section applies and to remove persons so appointed from any such office shall rest in the President.

(2) The offices to which this section applies are namely.

(a) Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

(b) Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

(c) Ambassador, High Commissioner or other principal Representative of Nigeria abroad.

(d) Permanent Secretary in any Ministry or Head of any Extra-Ministerial Department of the Government of the Federation howsoever designated; and



(e) any office on the personal staff of the President.

(3) An appointment to the office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation shall not be made except from among the Permanent Secretaries or equivalent rank in the Civil Service of the Federation or of a State.

(4) An appointment to the office of Ambassador, High Commissioner, or other Representative of Nigeria abroad shall not have effect unless the appointment is confirmed by the Senate.

(5) In exercising his powers of appointment under this section, the President shall have regard to the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity.

(6) Any appointment made pursuant to paragraphs (a) and (e) of subsection (2) of this section shall be at the pleasure of the President and shall cease when the President ceases to hold office;

“Provided that where a person has been appointed from a public service of the Federation or a State, he shall be entitled to return to the public service of the Federation or of the State when the President ceases to hold office.”

Section 11 of the Interpretation Act says:   (1)   “Where an enactment confers a power to appoint a person either to an office or to exercise any functions, whether for a specified period or not, the power includes-

(a)  power to appoint a person by name or to appoint the holder from time to time of a particular office;

(b)  power to remove or suspend him;

(c)  power, exercisable in the manner and subject to the limitations and conditions (if any) applicable to the power to appoint,-

(i)   to reappoint or reinstate him,

(ii)   to appoint a person to act in his place, either generally or in regard to specified functions, during such time as is considered expedient by the authority in whom the power of appointment in question is vested.

(2)   ” A reference in an enactment to the holder of an office shall be construed as including a reference to a person for the time being appointed to act in his place, either as respects the functions of the office generally or the functions in regard to which he is appointed, as the case may be.”

Prof. Itse Sagay’s Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) believes that by virtue of Section 171, Magu can continue to act as Acting EFCC chairman.

The Department of State Security Service, some government officials and the Senate think otherwise.

The Senate on Wednesday stopped the consideration of the 27 Resident Electoral Commissioners who were nominated by Buhari to protest Buhari’s refusal to sack Magu after it rejected him for a second time.

A top level source said although  the President has stuck with Magu for now, those opposed to the EFCC acting chairman  are drawing attention to  Section 11 of the Interpretation Act in the constitution.

The source said: “The President is being painstaking in taking a decision on Magu.

“He has sought legal advice on the contentious Section 171 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 11 of the Interpretation Act.

“The legal advice might either strengthen his position on Magu or determine what action to take. It will also assist him to engage the National Assembly leadership on Magu’s fate.

“Buhari is aware of argument for and against the retention of Magu but he does not go by the spur of the moment because of posterity. He is aware of Magu’s impeccable contributions to anti-graft war. And on a personal note, he is with Magu.

“He runs a peculiar presidency based on adherence to the rule of law and not Executive fiat as the case was in the past.”

Another source said: “the President’s ultimate decision on Magu will have to take cognizance of the EFCC Establishment (2004) Act and the rejection of the officer by the Senate for the second time.

“Apart from the law, some government officials prefer a political solution to the controversy on Magu. We are hopeful that Osinbajo’s mediation team will be able to resolve this issue amicably.

“There is a dilemma before the President. He favours Magu for the job and he does not pretend about it. But he has to manage the anger of the Senate too.

“The battle over Magu is now in the realm of legal technicality, especially his continued stay in office in Acting capacity. This is why the President needs sound legal advice, not jaundiced type.”

The questions to be resolved are:

* Can the President re-nominate Magu for the third time?

* What becomes of Magu’s status in the light of his rejection for the EFCC job for the second time by the Senate?

* Should Magu remain in office in Acting capacity as EFCC chairman until Buhari takes a decision or as long as it takes Buhari to decide his fate?

*If Buhari does not re-nominate Magu for a third time, can he remain in Acting EFCC chairman till the end of Buhari’s tenure in 2019 in the light of the provision of Section 171 of the 1999 Constitution?

A principal officer in the National Assembly said: “We are awaiting communication from the Vice President before we constitute our team which will meet with the mediation committee from the Executive.

“Certainly, we are bound to disagree on issues in line with the principle of separation of powers but we are also expected to reach consensus for the betterment of the society at large.

“We have issues with the interpretation if Section 171 of the 1999 Constitution.”

Shortly after Magu’s last rejection, the Executive Secretary of PACAC, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, had told our correspondent that Magu can continue to serve in acting capacity.

He said: “We believe that there is nothing inhibiting him from being in office as the Acting EFCC chairman. We are of the opinion that he should remain in office.

“If you look at Section 171 of the 1999 Constitution, the President is empowered to retain him as long as he wants in acting capacity. As long as the President remains in office, Magu can continue to act as EFCC chairman.”

Responding to a question, Owasanoye added: “If there is something new, we would have modified our position but the Senate acted on old report without considering the President’s points in the re-nomination letter.”

Buhari Appoints Onabule, Runsewe, Others In Fresh Multiple Appointments

Buhari Appoints Onabule, Runsewe, Others In Fresh Multiple Appointments

MUHAMMADU BUHARI
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointments into the executive management of some government agencies and parastatals.

This was contained in a statement signed by the President’s spokesman, Femi Adesina.

“The new chairman of the board of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) is former newspaper editor and ex-presidential spokesman, Chief Duro Onabule,” the statement said.

“Other executive directors of NTA include: Dr Steve Egbo, Administration and Training; Abdul Hamid Salihu Dembos, Marketing; Mohammed Labbo, News; Fatima M. Barda, Finance; Stephen Okoanachi, Engineering; and Wole Coker, Programmes.


“At the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Aliyu Hayatu is new chairman, while Buhari Auwalu and Yinka Amosun, are Zonal Directors, Kaduna and Lagos, respectively.

“Under the Ministry of Information and Culture, the following agencies have new appointees: Nigerian Film Corporation, Dr Chika Maduekwe, General Manager; National Theatre and National Troupe of Nigeria, Comrade Tar Ukoh, Artistic Director; National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, Director-General; National Film and Video Censors Board, Folorunsho Coker, Director-General.

“At the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, is chairman, while the new Director-General is Engr. Mustapha Yunusa Maihaja.

“Other members of the NEMA Board are the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Engr. David Babachir Lawal; Captain Talba Alkali, representing Ministry of Transport and Aviation; Amb. Rabiu Dagari, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Dr Ngozi Azadoh, Ministry of Health; Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido, Ministry of Interior; Engr. Ajisegiri Benson Akinloye; Ministry of Water Resources, AVM Emmanuel Anebi; Nigerian Armed Forces; and AIG Salisu Fagge Abdullahi, Nigerian Police Force.”
.Aina was among the young Nigerian-born England-based stars that trained with the Super Eagles after the recent international friendly against Senegal.Although he has played for England at the youth level, Aina is still eligible to represent Nigeria at the senior cadre since he has not played for the Three Lions.
MUHAMMADU BUHARI
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointments into the executive management of some government agencies and parastatals.

This was contained in a statement signed by the President’s spokesman, Femi Adesina.

“The new chairman of the board of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) is former newspaper editor and ex-presidential spokesman, Chief Duro Onabule,” the statement said.

“Other executive directors of NTA include: Dr Steve Egbo, Administration and Training; Abdul Hamid Salihu Dembos, Marketing; Mohammed Labbo, News; Fatima M. Barda, Finance; Stephen Okoanachi, Engineering; and Wole Coker, Programmes.


“At the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Aliyu Hayatu is new chairman, while Buhari Auwalu and Yinka Amosun, are Zonal Directors, Kaduna and Lagos, respectively.

“Under the Ministry of Information and Culture, the following agencies have new appointees: Nigerian Film Corporation, Dr Chika Maduekwe, General Manager; National Theatre and National Troupe of Nigeria, Comrade Tar Ukoh, Artistic Director; National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, Director-General; National Film and Video Censors Board, Folorunsho Coker, Director-General.

“At the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, is chairman, while the new Director-General is Engr. Mustapha Yunusa Maihaja.

“Other members of the NEMA Board are the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Engr. David Babachir Lawal; Captain Talba Alkali, representing Ministry of Transport and Aviation; Amb. Rabiu Dagari, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Dr Ngozi Azadoh, Ministry of Health; Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido, Ministry of Interior; Engr. Ajisegiri Benson Akinloye; Ministry of Water Resources, AVM Emmanuel Anebi; Nigerian Armed Forces; and AIG Salisu Fagge Abdullahi, Nigerian Police Force.”
.Aina was among the young Nigerian-born England-based stars that trained with the Super Eagles after the recent international friendly against Senegal.Although he has played for England at the youth level, Aina is still eligible to represent Nigeria at the senior cadre since he has not played for the Three Lions.

Prof. Stephen Ocheni: The Profile Of The New Minister Appointed By President Buhari from Kogi State

Prof. Stephen Ocheni: The Profile Of The New Minister Appointed By President Buhari from Kogi State

Prof. Stephen Ocheni
Prof. Stephen Ocheni
Prof. Stephen Ocheni is a Professor of Public Sector Accounting and the Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences Kogi State University Anyigba

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Idah Secondary Commercial College, Idah, Kogi State

The Federal Polytechnic, Idah, Kogi State 1979-1983
Enugu State University of Technology, Enugu 1988-1990

University of Nigeria, Nsukka (M.Sc/Ph.D Programme) 2001-2004
Management Training Programme in Health Financial Control (USA) 1994 


Crown Agent International Management Training June-July 1996
Worthing, West Sussex, U. K (Internal Auditing with Computer applications)

Howard University, Washington DC, USA 2006 ii.

QUALIFICATIONS:

2004 Ph. D (Public Finance) - (UNN)

1990 MBA  (Finance)

1989 PGD (Finance) 

1983 HND (Accountancy)

1979 WASC 

2006 Certificate on “Strategies for Home ownership”  Howard University Washington DC, USA

1996 Certificate in Internal Auditing with Computer Application - Worthing, West Sussex U.K 8.

1994 Certificate in Project Financing and Sustainability (Financial Management Course), USA



Prof. Stephen Ocheni
Prof. Stephen Ocheni
Prof. Stephen Ocheni is a Professor of Public Sector Accounting and the Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences Kogi State University Anyigba

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Idah Secondary Commercial College, Idah, Kogi State

The Federal Polytechnic, Idah, Kogi State 1979-1983
Enugu State University of Technology, Enugu 1988-1990

University of Nigeria, Nsukka (M.Sc/Ph.D Programme) 2001-2004
Management Training Programme in Health Financial Control (USA) 1994 


Crown Agent International Management Training June-July 1996
Worthing, West Sussex, U. K (Internal Auditing with Computer applications)

Howard University, Washington DC, USA 2006 ii.

QUALIFICATIONS:

2004 Ph. D (Public Finance) - (UNN)

1990 MBA  (Finance)

1989 PGD (Finance) 

1983 HND (Accountancy)

1979 WASC 

2006 Certificate on “Strategies for Home ownership”  Howard University Washington DC, USA

1996 Certificate in Internal Auditing with Computer Application - Worthing, West Sussex U.K 8.

1994 Certificate in Project Financing and Sustainability (Financial Management Course), USA



Buhari Appoints New Ministers

Buhari Appoints New Ministers

Muhammadu Buhari appoints new minister
President Muhammadu Buhari has sent names of two new ministerial nominees to the Senate for confirmation, the News Agency of Nigeria reports

A source close to the Senate told a NAN correspondent that the letter arrived the Senate late Tuesday.

The source revealed that the two nominees are from Kogi and Gombe states.

Our correspondent gathered that the Kogi nominee will be replacing the late Minister of State for Labour, Barr. James Ocholi while the nominee from Gombe would be replacing former Minister for Environment Ms. Amina Mohammed who had gone to serve in the United Nations as a deputy Secretary General.


The list of ministerial nominees is coming at a time when the Senate stood down for two weeks consideration of the request of President Buhari for the appointment of Resident Electoral Commissioners, RECs.

The Senate based its decision on what it termed disregard for its resolutions.

The upper legislative chamber specifically berated the President for appearing to be doing nothing about the rejection of Ibrahim Magu as the Chairman of the EFCC but allowing him to function in an acting capacity.

The senate stressed that it was wrong to leave any appointee in an acting capacity after he had been rejected twice by the senate.
Muhammadu Buhari appoints new minister
President Muhammadu Buhari has sent names of two new ministerial nominees to the Senate for confirmation, the News Agency of Nigeria reports

A source close to the Senate told a NAN correspondent that the letter arrived the Senate late Tuesday.

The source revealed that the two nominees are from Kogi and Gombe states.

Our correspondent gathered that the Kogi nominee will be replacing the late Minister of State for Labour, Barr. James Ocholi while the nominee from Gombe would be replacing former Minister for Environment Ms. Amina Mohammed who had gone to serve in the United Nations as a deputy Secretary General.


The list of ministerial nominees is coming at a time when the Senate stood down for two weeks consideration of the request of President Buhari for the appointment of Resident Electoral Commissioners, RECs.

The Senate based its decision on what it termed disregard for its resolutions.

The upper legislative chamber specifically berated the President for appearing to be doing nothing about the rejection of Ibrahim Magu as the Chairman of the EFCC but allowing him to function in an acting capacity.

The senate stressed that it was wrong to leave any appointee in an acting capacity after he had been rejected twice by the senate.

Nigeria's Territorial Integrity and the Buhari Covenant, By Sam Ode

Nigeria's Territorial Integrity and the Buhari Covenant, By Sam Ode

Muhammadu Buhari
Some Nigerians have just been awakened to consciousness that Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari, would forever remain evergreen in the memory of Nigerian masses among the chronology of our leaders since independence. Mouthing his difference about the leadership of Nigeria failed to convince many skeptics, until he began manifesting his spartan and honest leadership style.

Now, after a long while, millions of patriotic Nigerians are marvelled to notice in a Nigerian leader, the character of one who does not just blow hot air into the ears of the led because he is bent on leadership for pecuniary benefits. This specie of leadership is concerned that whatever he says, should be sacrosanct.

He has steadily, boldly and proudly wrested Nigeria and particularly, the Northeast from the claws of terrorism. What is largely clear to all even the influenced senses of the few sentimental armchair critics and other detractors is the acknowledgment that PMB has famously and effectively serviced two of his most dearest campaign promises to Nigerians effectively and on time too.


The wakeful world is aware that at the peak of partisan campaigns, President Buhari covenanted with Nigerians to end Boko Haram insurgency and battle corruption in public governance to a standstill in Nigeria among other motley of promises. But these two covenants consistently assailed his mind, hence he believed, like any other Nigerian, that the persistence of these national malaises could unarguably mar the fortunes of a country and the success of its administration.

Buhari rightly foresighted that ending these twin evils is the priceless antidote that would launch Nigeria on a sound foundation of accelerated velocity of development and prosperity. In this regard, President Buhari has not pretended to be sweeter than honey to any loyalist.
Nigerians know corruption has been dealt a lethal blow by the Buhari administration and it is wobbling backwards in staggered steps. There are no arguments about it. If there are skeptics or doubting Thomases, they could kindly approach the hundreds of former public office holders convicted, standing trial in courts or those who on bended knees resorted to the plea bargain clause of the EFCC to appreciate point of blisters in the shoes they are wearing currently about corrupt enrichment. But corruption is not the focus of today’s analysis; it’s about insecurity in Nigeria and Boko Haram terrorism.

That Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) have been defeated is no longer news. Nigerians and the world have confirmed it since December 22, 2016, when Nigerian Army led by her Chief strategist, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai invaded and captured Sambisa forest, in Nigeria’s Northeast, Borno state.

It was the final death knell of Boko Haram insurgents and terrorism in Nigeria. The globe is bewildered by this feat in a country hitherto considered a collapsing nation on all indices. Borno state Governor Kashim Shettima has declared December 22 of every year as Sambisa Memorial Day, signifying when the region was freed from years of terrorism.

“Based on Buhari’s announcement, the Sambisa Forest became deceased or dead at about 1.35 p.m. on December 22, 2016,” an excited Shettima exclaimed at the opening ceremony of the 2017 Nigerian‐Army Small Arms Championship in Sambisa. Earlier, the Army Chief, Gen. Buratai had decreed at the capture of Sambisa forest that henceforth, it will serve as a training center for the Army. And in spite of the elaborate preparations’ and publicity accorded the 2017 arms championship event, no terrorist’ was courageous enough to do as little as voyage from neighboring countries to whisper a whistle about his presence anywhere in the vicinity.

To intimate Nigerians that his administration play no games with issues of insecurity, President Muhammadu Buhari approved and launched the Nigeria Army’s conduct of the five-day 2017 Nigerian‐Army Small Arms Championship, (NASAC) inside the Sambisa forest, famed for its notoriety as Boko Haram insurgents safest enclave; an impenetrable mountainous forest, where insurgents congregated in large numbers, train new recruits, planned and unleashed awful, violent atrocities on Nigerians.

President Buhari in abiding assurance declared the opening event in these words: “This championship is a showcase of the clear defeat and degradation of the Boko Haram‐terrorists group, with the destruction of camp Zero here in hitherto Sambisa forest. It will also mark the commencement of our plan to move speedily to make Sambisa and the entire North-East safe again for law abiding citizens.”

Represented by the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dam Ali, the President reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to leave no stone unturned to absolutely eradicate all kinds of terrorisms in the Northeast and Nigeria generally. And this is a clear testimony of Buhari’s mindset on security as verified by the termination of the most violent, brutal and barbaric campaigns waged by insurgents.

Appropriately, leaders anywhere, who are truly inspired by the divine summons of leadership, play no games with adherence to oath of office. In America, from where Nigeria is assumed (because it’s doubtful, whether the confederating states in America are in such internally-instigated mess, as Nigeria) to have copied its model of presidential system of governance, leaders pay inviolable allegiance to the words and spirit of their oath of office. Abusing any part of it is assumed tantamount to public self-proclamation of a verdict of guilt on the leader.
The experience in Nigeria, sustained over time is that those privileged with leadership at all levels observe the oath of office more in aberration or more as a mere routine ceremony and in outright breach of its dictates. It is accountable for the illegal powers most chief executives wade in Nigeria, abusing every law of public governance and projecting their personal and selfish interest uppermost.
President Buhari has proven that he is a different leader from the chronology of Nigerian leaders since independence. The President does not trivialize his oath of office, especially on securing the lives and property of Nigerians at all times, which is prime, paramount and innocuous, but which determines the effectiveness and triumph of every executive leader in any country.

Thus far, there is no doubt that the funeral of the once dreaded Boko Haram terrorists has been officially conducted and Nigerians have every reason to celebrate and pay glowing accolades to Mr. President and the Nigerian military. However, it is risky for saboteurs’ or terrorists agents to downplay the nexus of the Sambisa forest event and the sacred resolve of President Buhari never to allow any territory of the Nigerian state to be held in bondage in whatever guise by miscreants and outlaws under his watch.n Those who previously doubted Buhari’s resolve are now stampeded with the manifestations of Mr. President’s vows to end insecurity in public interest.

To this extent, Buhari can rightly be described as a President whose shadows on security are followed by the Nigerian military and Nigerians have not only been assailed with the military’s knowledge about this mindset, but the military have all demonstrated good knowledge of his covenant with the people of Nigeria, which Nigerians savour now.

Today, Boko Haram insurgency is over, and truly abiding by the oath of his office to secure every part of Nigeria against satanic forces, President Buhari has to his credit successfully pushed back the meaningless menace of the twin evils IPOB/MASSOB. Clairvoyant Southeastern Nigerians, especially youths are into the voluntary vanguard of appealing and cautioning members of these twine irritant groups to give peace a chance, as Mr. President sleeps and wakes up daily with the interest of all Nigerians at heart in accordance with his mandate, as lubricated by his vows, covenants and oath of office to Nigerians.

For narrow-minded critics, who play the ethnicity card in advancing national discourse in a nation with nearly 300 ethnicities or beg nepotism or religious favoritism to swim in shallow waters, President Buhari quieted them a long time ago. The manner Mr. President handled and disarmed the Iranian-backed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) (a branch of ISIS) or the violence- prone Shiites Islamic sect domiciled in Kaduna, with appreciable tentacles in Northern Nigeria, by deploying the highest amount of civility as a leader reveals his inner voice about security; but much more, his stable character in leadership of the country.

And the message to the Shiites, hypnotized by these foreign, destructive extremist ideologies they imbibed before his ascension to democratic power is crystal clear. It keeps reverberating that Buhari is a leader of Nigerians, as against any ethno-religious sect and would prefer to see them repent to embrace the liberal ideals of democratic freedom as dictated by the laws of the Nigerian federation.

President Buhari is passing a lucid message. That the internet henchmen, who delight in heating up Nigeria, for devilish ends, whether fronting for terrorists, or the dingy secession agitators in the Southeast, or militants of the Niger Delta or the criminals’ clothed as armed bandits and cattle rustlers in the Northwest or the mercenary herdsmen in the North central of Nigeria or elsewhere, time is ripe for them to either quit Nigeria or repent of their evil against their own country.

And the presidential message has sank in creditably as attested by the tranquility in parts of the country hitherto embroiled in senseless violence, gruesome killings, maimings, arson and resentful conspiracies to perpetually keep Nigeria on the furnace, instead of peace. The unalteredn desire of President Buhari today about Nigeria is to leave a legacy of total reformation of Nigeria, a country all Nigerians would see reasons to proudly boast even in foreign climes as the land of their birth.

Ode , Participant of SEC 39, 2017, contributed this piece from NIPSS, Kuru, Plateau State.
Muhammadu Buhari
Some Nigerians have just been awakened to consciousness that Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari, would forever remain evergreen in the memory of Nigerian masses among the chronology of our leaders since independence. Mouthing his difference about the leadership of Nigeria failed to convince many skeptics, until he began manifesting his spartan and honest leadership style.

Now, after a long while, millions of patriotic Nigerians are marvelled to notice in a Nigerian leader, the character of one who does not just blow hot air into the ears of the led because he is bent on leadership for pecuniary benefits. This specie of leadership is concerned that whatever he says, should be sacrosanct.

He has steadily, boldly and proudly wrested Nigeria and particularly, the Northeast from the claws of terrorism. What is largely clear to all even the influenced senses of the few sentimental armchair critics and other detractors is the acknowledgment that PMB has famously and effectively serviced two of his most dearest campaign promises to Nigerians effectively and on time too.


The wakeful world is aware that at the peak of partisan campaigns, President Buhari covenanted with Nigerians to end Boko Haram insurgency and battle corruption in public governance to a standstill in Nigeria among other motley of promises. But these two covenants consistently assailed his mind, hence he believed, like any other Nigerian, that the persistence of these national malaises could unarguably mar the fortunes of a country and the success of its administration.

Buhari rightly foresighted that ending these twin evils is the priceless antidote that would launch Nigeria on a sound foundation of accelerated velocity of development and prosperity. In this regard, President Buhari has not pretended to be sweeter than honey to any loyalist.
Nigerians know corruption has been dealt a lethal blow by the Buhari administration and it is wobbling backwards in staggered steps. There are no arguments about it. If there are skeptics or doubting Thomases, they could kindly approach the hundreds of former public office holders convicted, standing trial in courts or those who on bended knees resorted to the plea bargain clause of the EFCC to appreciate point of blisters in the shoes they are wearing currently about corrupt enrichment. But corruption is not the focus of today’s analysis; it’s about insecurity in Nigeria and Boko Haram terrorism.

That Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) have been defeated is no longer news. Nigerians and the world have confirmed it since December 22, 2016, when Nigerian Army led by her Chief strategist, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai invaded and captured Sambisa forest, in Nigeria’s Northeast, Borno state.

It was the final death knell of Boko Haram insurgents and terrorism in Nigeria. The globe is bewildered by this feat in a country hitherto considered a collapsing nation on all indices. Borno state Governor Kashim Shettima has declared December 22 of every year as Sambisa Memorial Day, signifying when the region was freed from years of terrorism.

“Based on Buhari’s announcement, the Sambisa Forest became deceased or dead at about 1.35 p.m. on December 22, 2016,” an excited Shettima exclaimed at the opening ceremony of the 2017 Nigerian‐Army Small Arms Championship in Sambisa. Earlier, the Army Chief, Gen. Buratai had decreed at the capture of Sambisa forest that henceforth, it will serve as a training center for the Army. And in spite of the elaborate preparations’ and publicity accorded the 2017 arms championship event, no terrorist’ was courageous enough to do as little as voyage from neighboring countries to whisper a whistle about his presence anywhere in the vicinity.

To intimate Nigerians that his administration play no games with issues of insecurity, President Muhammadu Buhari approved and launched the Nigeria Army’s conduct of the five-day 2017 Nigerian‐Army Small Arms Championship, (NASAC) inside the Sambisa forest, famed for its notoriety as Boko Haram insurgents safest enclave; an impenetrable mountainous forest, where insurgents congregated in large numbers, train new recruits, planned and unleashed awful, violent atrocities on Nigerians.

President Buhari in abiding assurance declared the opening event in these words: “This championship is a showcase of the clear defeat and degradation of the Boko Haram‐terrorists group, with the destruction of camp Zero here in hitherto Sambisa forest. It will also mark the commencement of our plan to move speedily to make Sambisa and the entire North-East safe again for law abiding citizens.”

Represented by the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dam Ali, the President reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to leave no stone unturned to absolutely eradicate all kinds of terrorisms in the Northeast and Nigeria generally. And this is a clear testimony of Buhari’s mindset on security as verified by the termination of the most violent, brutal and barbaric campaigns waged by insurgents.

Appropriately, leaders anywhere, who are truly inspired by the divine summons of leadership, play no games with adherence to oath of office. In America, from where Nigeria is assumed (because it’s doubtful, whether the confederating states in America are in such internally-instigated mess, as Nigeria) to have copied its model of presidential system of governance, leaders pay inviolable allegiance to the words and spirit of their oath of office. Abusing any part of it is assumed tantamount to public self-proclamation of a verdict of guilt on the leader.
The experience in Nigeria, sustained over time is that those privileged with leadership at all levels observe the oath of office more in aberration or more as a mere routine ceremony and in outright breach of its dictates. It is accountable for the illegal powers most chief executives wade in Nigeria, abusing every law of public governance and projecting their personal and selfish interest uppermost.
President Buhari has proven that he is a different leader from the chronology of Nigerian leaders since independence. The President does not trivialize his oath of office, especially on securing the lives and property of Nigerians at all times, which is prime, paramount and innocuous, but which determines the effectiveness and triumph of every executive leader in any country.

Thus far, there is no doubt that the funeral of the once dreaded Boko Haram terrorists has been officially conducted and Nigerians have every reason to celebrate and pay glowing accolades to Mr. President and the Nigerian military. However, it is risky for saboteurs’ or terrorists agents to downplay the nexus of the Sambisa forest event and the sacred resolve of President Buhari never to allow any territory of the Nigerian state to be held in bondage in whatever guise by miscreants and outlaws under his watch.n Those who previously doubted Buhari’s resolve are now stampeded with the manifestations of Mr. President’s vows to end insecurity in public interest.

To this extent, Buhari can rightly be described as a President whose shadows on security are followed by the Nigerian military and Nigerians have not only been assailed with the military’s knowledge about this mindset, but the military have all demonstrated good knowledge of his covenant with the people of Nigeria, which Nigerians savour now.

Today, Boko Haram insurgency is over, and truly abiding by the oath of his office to secure every part of Nigeria against satanic forces, President Buhari has to his credit successfully pushed back the meaningless menace of the twin evils IPOB/MASSOB. Clairvoyant Southeastern Nigerians, especially youths are into the voluntary vanguard of appealing and cautioning members of these twine irritant groups to give peace a chance, as Mr. President sleeps and wakes up daily with the interest of all Nigerians at heart in accordance with his mandate, as lubricated by his vows, covenants and oath of office to Nigerians.

For narrow-minded critics, who play the ethnicity card in advancing national discourse in a nation with nearly 300 ethnicities or beg nepotism or religious favoritism to swim in shallow waters, President Buhari quieted them a long time ago. The manner Mr. President handled and disarmed the Iranian-backed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) (a branch of ISIS) or the violence- prone Shiites Islamic sect domiciled in Kaduna, with appreciable tentacles in Northern Nigeria, by deploying the highest amount of civility as a leader reveals his inner voice about security; but much more, his stable character in leadership of the country.

And the message to the Shiites, hypnotized by these foreign, destructive extremist ideologies they imbibed before his ascension to democratic power is crystal clear. It keeps reverberating that Buhari is a leader of Nigerians, as against any ethno-religious sect and would prefer to see them repent to embrace the liberal ideals of democratic freedom as dictated by the laws of the Nigerian federation.

President Buhari is passing a lucid message. That the internet henchmen, who delight in heating up Nigeria, for devilish ends, whether fronting for terrorists, or the dingy secession agitators in the Southeast, or militants of the Niger Delta or the criminals’ clothed as armed bandits and cattle rustlers in the Northwest or the mercenary herdsmen in the North central of Nigeria or elsewhere, time is ripe for them to either quit Nigeria or repent of their evil against their own country.

And the presidential message has sank in creditably as attested by the tranquility in parts of the country hitherto embroiled in senseless violence, gruesome killings, maimings, arson and resentful conspiracies to perpetually keep Nigeria on the furnace, instead of peace. The unalteredn desire of President Buhari today about Nigeria is to leave a legacy of total reformation of Nigeria, a country all Nigerians would see reasons to proudly boast even in foreign climes as the land of their birth.

Ode , Participant of SEC 39, 2017, contributed this piece from NIPSS, Kuru, Plateau State.

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