Bear with us as we tackle the rot – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday evening appealed to Nigerians to bear with his administration as he and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo begin the earnest work of reconstructing the country.

He says the appeal is necessary because of the collateral damage that had been done to the system before the new team comes on board.

Buhari made the appeal in his remarks at the inauguration gala night held at the old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The event took place a few hours after he and Osinbajo took their oaths of office and oaths of allegiance before Nigerians at the Eagles Square, Abuja, where he promised to be the President of all.

The President said the enormous damage inflicted on the country could easily be appreciated by comparing the nation’s infrastructure in 1999 with what currently prevails.

“I ask Nigerians to please bear with us. A lot of damage has been done. You can look at our infrastructure in 1999 and now and you will appreciate this,” he said.

Buhari also regretted the high rate of unemployment among youths, who he said represented about 60 per cent of the country’s population.

The President said the nation was sitting on a keg of gun powder with the prevailing unpleasant situation.

He added that his administration would focus on agriculture and mining to engage some of the unemployed youths.

He asked Nigerians to pray for the country more than they are currently doing.

“Nigeria prays a lot; we need to even pray the more for luck so that the expectations our people have, especially the youth, would be met,” he said.

Buhari promised to seek the supports of Europe, America and Nigeria’s neighbours in tackling the unemployment and security problems confronting the country.

The President noted that if Nigeria was enmeshed in crisis, the backlash on neighbouring countries would be monumental.

He added, “Nigeria has to be well secured and efficiently managed; this is what the APC is all about.

“This was why the legacy parties made the sacrifice of jettisoning their personal ambitions, tried to come together and took the bull by the horn and therefore brought it down and slaughtered it literally.’’

He said the new party in power had realised its problems and made the sacrifice.

Buhari added that his administration would articulate the nation’s requirements after studying the handover notes from the past administration and consult the immediate neighbours, Europe and US to help the nation.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described Nigeria and democracy as the winners of the last general elections.

“Democracy is the winner and Nigeria is the winner.

“I congratulate all who made the election possible. I also congratulate former President Goodluck Jonathan for deepening democracy,’’ he said.

Atiku believed the path of honour Jonathan took would not be forgotten.

He urged the President to recognise the diversity of the country and accommodate all since the nation’s diversity remained its strength.

A National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, said a new era had come for Nigeria.

He said a commitment to build a new Nigeria had been consecrated, adding that Buhari is principled, passionate and determined to develop the country.

“The challenge is yours. We that are looking up to you will continue to do so with great commitment, perseverance and we have to show that Africa can compete, Nigeria must lead,’’ Tinubu added.

Bear with us as we tackle the rot – Buhari

Sri Lankan national kidnapped in Nigeria regains freedom

By Ehi Ekhator, Naija Center News

A Sri Lankan national, Engineer D. A Karunadsa, who works with the Burni Coli Construction Company, who was kidnapped in Ondo on the 19th of May has regained freedom.

 

During the attack, his escort, a mobile police officer, was killed while his driver, Bitrus Dada, was also shot.

 

An eyewitness who spoke with journalist on the issue said the three of them were ambushed by the gunmen on their way to Ondo from Okene in Kogi State.

A source at the Federal Medical Centre disclosed that the driver sustained  injury on his mouth and couldn’t speak for sometimes.

 

Meanwhile, the foreign foreign affairs Minister, Ajith P Perera said that the Sri Lanka embassy in Nigeria played an important role in his release.

The Sri Lankan Government too was constantly in touch with the Nigerian High Commission in Colombo who assured the government that Nigeria would do every possible to make sure the engineer was released unarmed;  as well as the family of the Sri Lankan man abducted in Nigeria and also his Nigerian employer.

D. A Karunadsa finally regained freedom on Friday, though NAIJA CENTER NEWS could not confirm  whether a ransom was paid or not, but his daughter confirmed that her father has been released and spoke with his family members.

Sri Lankan national kidnapped in Nigeria regains freedom

Fani-Kayode, Anenih speak on Buhari Inaugural speech

Nigerians yesterday reacted to the President Muhammadu Buhari’s inaugural speech.

Femi Fani-Kayode

Fani-Kayode: ‘’I believe his part of non vendetta will be true, all Nigerians should join hands to see Nigeria move forward.

“I believe it was a promising speech and sincerely hope that he is true to what he has said especially on the issue that he will not be on a vendetta mission. I hope he is saying the right thing; hope his words will be proved to be truth.

“It is incumbent upon all of us as politicians to ensure that the next four years go on smoothly. I trust that all will be well and the country will move forward.”

Iyom Josephine Anenih

Pioneer National Woman leader of the PDP and former Minister of Women Affairs and delegate to the 2014 National Conference.

“I like President Muhamadu Buhari’s speech. He was very kind to former President Jonathan by acknowledging the role he played in keeping Nigeria one and united. His avowed blueprint when implemented will definitely spell a positive Change for this country. His speech  was very states manly. Very reassuring to the nation.”

The Director- General, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, Asishana Okauru

“ the speech is very encouraging. It has a lot of accommodation in it between the federal government and the states in moving the country forward and the NGF will be ready to participate fully. “

Festus Okoye: Executive Director, Human Rights Monitor and member of the 2014 National Conference:

“The  speech lifted the spirit of despair and fatalistic  resignation  that enveloped Nigeria in the last few years. It was both  inspirational  and uplifting. He clearly mapped out his navigational chart and direction.  His pledge to be for all and for none is a clear indication that he will run  a just and fair administration.”

HDP asks Buhari to probe Adoke, EFCC

The Presidential candidate of Hope Democratic Party, HDP.

The immediate past AGF, Mohammed Adoke, SAN, sabotaged the trial of some members of the the “cabal” behind the oil subsidy scam, which occasioned untold hardship on Nigerians within the past two months.

“Our position remains that the Attorney General of the Federation and other such Ministers, and the EFCC, who played a major role in the connivance and encouraging the fuel subsidy scam, should be probed to recover trillions of naira belonging to Nigerians now in their possession.

“We demand that the government of Buhari must do this to earn the respect and confidence of Nigerians and the international community and to assuage the embarrassment the government officials have caused the entire nation and the suffering people of Nigeria.”

Buhari’s Inaugural Speech Is Illusory And Vague – Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa

Lagos based lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa has condemned the inauguration speech by President Muhammadu Buhari, saying it was illusory and vague.

The lawyer in a statement issued on Friday,  and made available to DAILY POST argued that President Buhari, in his speech failed to touch certain issues in his address, and also failed to show how certain problems he identified would be tackled, hence falling short of a presidential speech for an inauguration.

The lawyer listed areas that the new president failed to address to include foreign policy directive, issues relating to global warming and climate change, the violence in the Middle East, the general global economic downturn, the mode of tackling corruption, collapsing aviation sector, unpaid salaries of millions of workers across the land, the huge debts that the Jonathan administration has bequeathed to him and the main means of generating revenue, to run his government, apart from oil.

The lawyer therefore argued that it “would seem that the President is still on the soap box, whereby promises and promises and intentions, are the order. He is the President of Nigeria now and my expectation was that since March 28, 2015, when he won the election, when he received the certificate of return from INEC, when he got assurances from Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, that his election would not be contested, General Buhari would have outlined his main policy direction. But alas, that has not happened today.”

Fani-Kayode, Anenih speak on Buhari Inaugural speech

Aliyu stoned in Niger, smuggled out of stadium

IMMIDIATE past governor of Niger State, Dr. Babangida Aliyu was yesterday booed and stoned at the venue of the handing over ceremony in Minna. Aliyu was at the Bako Kontagora Memorial Stadium for the transfer of power to his successor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello. The former governor, who arrived at about 10.15 am was booed by the crowd as he walked to the podium.

Governor Aliyu, Niger State

Shouts of ‘Barawo’, ‘thief’, ‘ole’, ‘change has come’, ‘your time has gone,” filled the air. Aliyu was not able to present his farewell speech as a result of the ensuing pandemonium. Even as he was seated at the pavilion, stones and sachet water were hauled at him. As a result of that, military men from 31 Artillery Brigade were drafted to the stadium in search of those behind the incidence.

It was gathered that former governor was earlier advised against attending the ceremony to forestall such occurrence. The new governor , Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello and his Deputy, Alhaji Mohammed Ketso were administered the oath of office and allegiance by the Chief Judge, Justice Lami Abubakar.

Immediately after the event tear-gas was shot into the air leading to stampede. The former governor was smuggled out of the stadium amidst tight security led by the state Commissioner of Police to avoid being mobbed by the crowd. The new Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello in his inaugural address titled,”Repositioning the State For Peace and Development,” said though he was taking over at a critical period, all would be done to put smiles on the faces of Nigerlites.

His words:”As the administration settles down, we will examine the books and study what is being handed over to us. As a follow up to the debt burden being bequeathed to us by the outgoing administration,I will like to use this opportunity to assure Nigerlites that this administration will carry out a forensic audit to determine our debt profile and bonds with a view to determining how these funds were applied and for which projects.’’

 

Aliyu stoned in Niger, smuggled out of stadium

Okorocha denies having problem with Onu

Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, on Friday denied having a faceoff with former Governor of Abia State and All Progressives Congress chieftain, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, over the choice of who becomes the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

Okorocha

Okorocha, who cleared the air while addressing journalists at the Government House in Owerri, said he still had good relationship with Onu, adding that Onu’s name was among the three he submitted to President Muhammadu Buhari for consideration for the office of the SGF.

He said, “When the Ndigbo lost the chance to produce the Senate President or the Speaker of the House of Representatives, which was initially zoned to the South-East, we then brought the idea of the SGF, I nominated Onu, Senator Chris Ngige and Prof. Anthony Anwuka (Secretary to Imo State Government). But this was before Buhari said he was not going to take any list from any governor.”

In his speech at the swearing-in ceremony at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Okorocha told the people of the state to expect a vibrant government that would be committed to service.

He stressed that he kept his campaign promises to the people in the last four years.

Okorocha said, “Four years ago, I gave you my word. I told you that my word was my bond. I gave my people my word when I assured them that I would keep the citizens safe and secure within the four walls of our peace-loving state.

“In two years of the Rescue Mission, kidnapping, baby factory, armed robbery, including bank robbery and other violent crimes became a thing of the past. Those crimes have been eradicated from our great land.”

Okorocha, who was sworn in alongside his deputy, Eze Madumere, also promised to consolidate on the gains recorded in the areas of security, free education, health care and road infrastructure.

Okorocha denies having problem with Onu

Nigeria liberated from PDP misrule - Tinubu

The national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has said that Nigeria has been liberated from years of the Peoples Democratic Party’s misrule as Muhammadu Buhari was sworn in as the new President of the country.

Bola Tinubu

In a statement issued on Friday to mark Democracy Day titled, ‘A new Nigeria is possible beginning today,’ Tinubu urged Nigerians to continue to hold public office holders responsible to ensure that their struggle is not in vain.

He said, “Today, the old Nigeria is no longer in chains as we move into a new era and take hold of our new selves. From President (Muhammadu) Buhari to the state governors inaugurated this day, I wish them well and pray they govern in an open, democratic way that assures your optimal wellbeing.

“I ask that you, the people, maintain your diligence and help guide those you have just elected. The issues that confront us are deep and complex. They are not susceptible to facile solution or inattention. Wise and sound policy is within our capacity. But, we must have the will to accomplish it. If the governed and the government work in league, there is nothing our beloved nation cannot overcome.”

The APC chieftain noted that this year’s commemoration would be recorded in history as the moment when “democracy finally was allowed to participate in Democracy Day.”

According to Tinubu, this is so because millions of average Nigerians voted to make sure Muhammadu Buhari won the March 28 presidential poll.

Nigeria liberated from PDP misrule - Tinubu

I wasn’t interested in politics – Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan said on Friday that prior to the time he became the deputy governor of Bayelsa State, he was not interested in politics.

President Jonathan

He made this known during a civic reception organised by the Bayelsa State Government at Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.

The former President, who arrived at the state capital in company with his wife, Patience, was given a heroic welcome.

Present at the reception was the host governor, Seriake Dickson, his wife, Rachel, Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, and the outgoing Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim.

Others were former Governor of old Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; former Governor of Adamawa State, Boni Haruna, and Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Kombowei Benson, among others.

Many women groups and musicians were on ground to give the ex-President a rousing welcome.

The venue of the reception was filled to capacity with the people singing and dancing.

Narrating how he dabbled into politics, Jonathan said, “It all started with me and Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha. I knew Alamieyeseigha when he wanted to contest the governorship of Bayelsa State under the defunct United Nigeria Congress Party. That was the first time I knew Alamieyeseigha. We formed groups in every local governments – two persons to sign petition to enable Alamieyeseigha to contest.

“But a late Chief Judge asked me and one person from Ogbia to sign the petition. Even though I was a civil servant, I signed the document. I was in the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission then. Of course, when he started his campaign, I joined.

“Not because I was interested in any elective office, but what drove me into joining Alamieyeseigha’s team was that those of us from very small communities always have problems and sometimes you have to run to government for assistance. I felt that if I worked with him and luckily he won, I would know some of the people in government.

“When electioneering started after Abdusalami Abubakar took over, Alamieyeseigha did not call me. But somewhere along the line because we had worked together, one evening, one Bozimo and another person came to my house and asked me to run with Alamieyeseigha as deputy governor.

“I was living in Port Harcourt then and I knew how primaries work and I said I would think about it. In fact, the following day, I told Bozimo that I was not interested, but the whole thing changed later. The detail will come later. That was how Bozimo and Alamieyeseigha brought me in and during the election, we won.

“From 1999 to date, my people and Nigerians have given me rare opportunity, rare privilege. I was deputy governor, governor, vice-president and President of the country. I am grateful to all Nigerians.”

He said the only thing he could do was to thank all Bayelsans, all Ijaw people, all people from the South-South and indeed all Nigerians for giving him the privilege to serve in different capacities. He said the best he could do now is to dedicate the remaining part of his life to peace building across the country.

He added, “Nigerians have given me so much that I cannot stay back. That is why I maintain that we need peace in this country. We need development in this country. Political crises don’t bring development.

“And I believe the new administration will work with all Nigerians and make sure Nigerians are happy. I am indeed happy about the statement the President made that he did not belong to any clique, but to Nigerians. I congratulate him for that.

“I thank Dickson and the people of Bayelsa for honouring me and my wife. I thank you all.”

In his remarks, Dickson described Jonathan as the hero of democracy in Nigeria and Africa.

“Jonathan is the hero of democracy and father of modern democracy in Nigeria. I thank God for giving us Jonathan. He is a great man of Ijaw nationality and Nigeria.”

I wasn’t interested in politics – Jonathan