Africa Prime News

-

29/11/2015

Buhari’s Six Months Of Deceitful Change – Fayose

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has described the last six months of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration as that of “deceitful change,” lamenting that the President was destroying the image of Nigeria and its people for cheap international recognition.

The governor, who also described the claim by the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun that the ministry do not have details of any fund recovered from officials of the immediate past government of Dr Goodluck Jonathan as a vindication of his position that the President was not saying the truth, said Nigerians must ask the President where the so-called looted fund was paid and who made the payments.

He said; “If the Ministry of Finance is not aware of any recovered fund, it is either those who purportedly made the refund did so by loading cash into Ghana-Must-Go bags and dropping the bags in the President’s bedroom or the fund was lodged into the Central Bank without records.

Speaking through his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose said “the only areas President Buhari has recorded tremendous achievements are areas of political persecution, disobedience of court order and desperate bid to turn the country to a one-party state as evident in the Kogi State election, which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), headed by staged managed and muddled up.”

He said; “in the last six months, a section of the judiciary has been so openly manipulated by the Buhari’s administration such that different judgments were given in similar cases, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) getting negative judgments while the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured positive judgements in cases with similar facts and evidences.”

While sympathising with Nigerians, who were deceived to vote for the APC and are now bearing the brunt of the six months of Buhari’s administration’s cluelessness, Governor Fayose said; “It is painful that Nigerians are being made to suffer great hardships from fuel scarcity, thousands of people are still being killed in the North by Boko Haram, Chibok Girls are still not found, power supply has dropped, and above all; the unity of the country is being threatened as admitted by the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, yet all our President does is junketing around the globe.”

Speaking further, the governor said; “Honestly, this change promised by President Buhari and his party, APC is nothing other than ‘one chance change’ and this has been attested to even by highly respected international news media.

“For instance, Bloomberg, in a report two days ago said hopes have fizzled in Buhari’s ability to turn around Nigeria and that money that flowed into stocks and bonds in Nigeria, which McKinsey & Co. says could become one of the world’s 20 biggest economies by 2030, is now fleeing as growth prospects diminish along with oil prices.

“Under President Buhari, the United States-based investment banking and financial services multinational J P Morgan ejected Nigeria from its Government Bond Index for Emerging Markets (GBI-EM) with effect from the end of October this year.

“Under Buhari, the future of workers are being threatened by the APC government plot to reduce minimum wage and retrench workers.

“Under Buhari, oil subsidy is to be removed next year January, thereby causing further hardship for the people.

“Under President Buhari, multi-national companies are laying-off thousands of workers while contractors working for the Federal Government have left their sites. Yet, what the President does is to junket from one country to another to cast aspersion on Nigeria and its people and one wonders how foreign investors will come to a country that its President says is peopled by rogues.”

Curled from Vanguard

President Buhari’s Foreign Junkets Add Up To Lots Of Cash — SaharaReporters

Governance

Africaprimenews

-

29/11/2015

0

President Buhari’s Foreign Junkets Add Up To Lots Of Cash — SaharaReporters

SaharaReporters has obtained information detailing the significant financial cost of trips undertaken by President Muhammadu Buhari and his entourage. The president’s trips since assuming office at the end of May, 2015 have now stretched to 14.

As SaharaReporters reported two days ago, Mr. Buhari’s frequent foreign trips have drawn increasing criticism from politicians and pundits who question the wisdom of the trips at a time when several domestic crises, including a crushing fuel scarcity, incessant attacks by Boko Haram terrorists, and blackouts demand urgent and focused attention.

According to financial information obtained by our investigators, an average two-day long presidential trip costs between $350K and $500K. For instance, during Mr. Buhari’s recent trip to Tehran, the capital of Iran, the estacode for accompanying Presidency officials was $105K. In addition, transportation costs stood at $45K, accommodation 200K, honorarium $10K, contingency 20K, with media coverage costing $10K.

The breakdown for the forthcoming trip to Paris is as follows: the estacode for accompanying Presidency officials is $130K, transportation $55K, accommodation $270K, honorarium $10K, contingency 20K, media coverage $10K. The total cost for the trip is $495K.

In the course of our investigation, SaharaReporters found that President Buhari is scheduled to make an immediate trip to South Africa. In fact, the trip is planned to follow immediately from Mr. Buhari’s visit to Paris, France. The cost of the forthcoming South African trip is as follows: Estacode for accompanying Presidency officials $110K, transportation $35K, accommodation 220K, honorarium $10K, contingency 20K, and media coverage $10K, for a total of $405K.

A source at the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF) said they have a separate budget for fueling the planes as well as allowances for the presidential air fleet commander, pilots and the air stewards. The Office of the National Security Adviser funds those expenses.

So, the costs uncovered by our investigators cover only personnel from Aso Rock Villa, aides, protocol officers, members of the press, security personnel, a cook, a luggage officer and a steward. The estacode did not reveal what President Buhari receives per night, as that expense is handled separately and secretly. In addition the Minister of Foreign Affairs and five members of his entourage who usually accompany President Buhari are not included in the costs as they get paid from the ministry’s budget.

SaharaReporters also discovered that the amounts for honorarium ($10K), contingency ($20K) and media coverage ($10K) are fixed for all trips. The State House Chief of Protocol handles honorarium and contingency while Femi Adesina, a senior assistant on media, handles $10K for “media coverage.”

Critics have come down hard on President Buhari for engaging in international junkets at a time of rising disillusionment, with Nigeria mired in a crippling fuel scarcity, continuing violence by Boko Haram, and an economic downturn that has put pressures on banks and numerous businesses.

Mr. Buhari has only visited four Nigerian states since coming to power. His much-anticipated visit to Lagos three days ago to launch anti-crime helicopter, boats and vehicles did not materialize, but led to a traffic meltdown.

A Facebook posting by SaharaReporters calling President Buhari a “junketer-in-chief” was widely shared and elicited viral response on social media.

Two sources at the Presidency told SaharaReporters that some of Mr. Buhari’s handlers were pressuring him to postpone his trip to South Africa in order to calm public anger.

Why Terrorism Thrives — Buhari

Governance

Africaprimenews

-

29/11/2015

0

Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari Sunday in Malta says violent extremism and terrorism can only thrive and endure if good people remain idle and complacent.

Speaking at the closure of Executive Session at the 2015 Commonwealth Summit, in Malta, Buhari said he was confident that terrorism will be ultimately defeated with greater international cooperation and collaboration.

Mr. Buhari who spoke on behalf of other participating African Heads of State and Government explained that they have had the opportunity to discuss, in a serene atmosphere, wide ranging issues that are of great significance, not only to the members of the Commonwealth, but to the entire global community.

He pointed out that Of particular note is the Action Statement on Climate Change, which is expected to herald the commitment to saving the planet for present and future generation

Buhari explained that the reign of terror will only succeed if peace-loving people choose to remain idle. Pointing out that he is confident that through collective efforts, the country will defeat this scourge and restore peace.

He also reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of Nigeria and other African member-countries to the promotion and protection of the core values of the Commonwealth.

Buhari said he came into power via democratic principles and values espoused by this same body. Nigeria as a country will continue to protect and promote these democratic ideals.

He thanked the outgoing Secretary-General, Kamalesh Sharma for his exemplary service to the Commonwealth.

He also congratulated the Commonwealth’s Secretary-General-elect, Rt. Hon. Patricia Janet Scotland, and assured her of the full support of Nigeria and other African members of the Commonwealth.

Nigeria Calls For Support In Fighting Corruption

Governance

Africaprimenews

-

29/11/2015

0

Nigeria Calls For Support In Fighting Corruption

President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, Saturday urged the international community to do more to support his country’s efforts to curb corruption in the oil and gas sector.

Speaking at the Commonwealth leaders on corruption in Malta Buhari said corruption in the oil sector and outright theft of Nigeria’s crude oil had been exacerbated by the culture of impunity.

The President said that corruption in the sector had also thrived because of the ease of transferring illicit funds abroad and the institutional protection given to corrupt officials in the past.

He pointed out that the present government under his leadership has the political will to stop impunity, adding that it needs the cooperation and assistance of the international community.

Buhari stressed that Nigerians must work together to compel multinational oil companies, international financial institutions and international shipping lines to stop aiding and abetting corruption in the oil sector in the country

President Buhari told the gathering which included the leaders of Australia, Canada, Singapore, Malta, Sri Lanka, Botswana and Trinidad and Tobago.

In his opening remarks at the meeting, Prime Minister Cameron said that the Commonwealth and the international community must do more to fight corrupt and promote good governance.

He explained that they care passionately about this issue of fighting corruption. Pointing out that the issue needs to have a much higher billing on the international agenda, not just because fighting corruption is right in itself, but because all the other things they want to achieve as countries and members of the Commonwealth depend on their success in doing so.

Cameron said If the world want fair economic growth, it most reject corruption. Also If the wold want to see fair and sustainable development, we most deal with corruption.

He added that dealing with money laundering, dealing with beneficial ownership and making sure to stop stolen money from being hidden away in developed countries is absolutely vital.

Nigeria Calls For Commonwealth Committee To Support Terrorism-Torn Countries

News

Africaprimenews

-

28/11/2015

0

Nigeria Calls For Commonwealth Committee To Support Terrorism-Torn Countries

President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria has advocated for a Commonwealth Committee to oversee assistance to member-countries adversely affected by scourge of terrorism. This he said should be established before the next meeting of the organisation.

Speaking at a Queen’s banquet in Malta, venue of Commonwealth meeting, Buhari said the committee should visit member-countries with terrorist presence, with a view to developing strategies for assistance to the affected countries.

He urged the Commonwealth to show greater resolve in helping Nigeria and other developing nations in its ranks to overcome the challenges of economic development, security, terrorism and corruption.

The Nigerian Leader noted that With the improvement of global communications, terrorism has no borders now.

“What happened recently in France had a profound effect on all of us, but very few countries realize that Nigeria has suffered terrorist casualties of over 10,000 killed in the last six years.” He said

Mr. Buhari who informed the gathering of efforts by Nigeria and other members of the Lake Chad Basin Commission to curb the menace of Boko Haram, noted that the problem of terrorism in West Africa had been aggravated by the collapse of the Gadhafi regime in Libya.

He noted that the elimination of Boko Haram, may not be easy, especially after the events in Libya when trained people with weapons moved back to Sahel region from where they were recruited by the former Libyan leader.and Those weapons and expertise in their use are now aggravating the situation in the Sahel and further south.

The Queen’s Banquet at which he spoke was also attended by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki Moon.

It was hosted by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II for Heads of State and Government participating in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

Harmattan; Clerics Urge Nigerians To Support IDPs With Blankets, Warm Clothing

Africaprimenews

-

27/11/2015

0

Harmattan; Clerics Urge Nigerians To Support IDPs With Blankets, Warm Clothing

By Ibrahima Yakubu

Kaduna (Nigeria) — A Team of Nigerian Clerics have called for provision of Blankets and warm cloths to the needy, especially, the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) as well as people on the street to protect them against all forms of wind and Harmattan cold.

The Team made the appeal after embarking on visitation to some motherless and Destitute homes, calling on the wealthy, companies, government and Non-governmental organisations across the country to start assisting.

Pastor Yohanna Buru, Leader of the christian clerics, who also led the team to some street beggars emphasised the need for Nigerians to donate cold- protective cloths so as to protect the needy from diseases and respiratory infections such as conjunctivitis, asthma, cough, catarrh, tonsillitis,

”This Harmattan season comes with its own challenges to Health and environment, to skin and also to hair and the body in general. The season is about to start any time from now, and there are thousands of IDPs, beggars and destitute with thousands of Orphans at orphanage homes, mostly children that really need the assistance of Nigerians.

“Everyone has started buying cold -protective -cloth for Himself and children, but very few Nigerians care about the life of street beggars, destitute and IDPs at various camps at this harmattan”

In a remark, Alaramma Abdulrahman Mohammad Bichi,, a Muslim Scholar, says, there are plenty of blessing attached to who ever donate cloth or blanket to IDPs, destitute, or any needy. Adding that even the Almajiri’s on the street begging with scattered and dirty cloth need assistance to make their lives better.

Mallam Muntari saleh, spokesman of Northern Blind Forum in Nigeria decried of neglect and stigmatisation by Nigerians to physically’ challenged persons by not involving them in most development activities in the country.

Muntari said “No one care for us, and protect us and our children at any Good or bad season only Allah

Kaduna Wins $2 Million World Bank ‘Save Children’ Grant

News

Africaprimenews

-

27/11/2015

0

Kaduna Wins $2 Million World Bank ‘Save Children’ Grant

By Mohammad Ibrahim

Kaduna (Nigeria) — Governor Nasir El- Rufai of Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria says the Worl Bank has selected his state to receive USD 2 million grant to advance the Save a million Children programme in the state.

The grant is to support the progress made by his administration in improving the standard of living in the state especially, towards women and children.

Speaking at the formal presentation of the final report of the 2015 All Progressives Congress (APC) transition committee, El-Rufai said the House of Assembly has passed the Primary Healthcare Under One Roof (PHCUOR) Bill, hence ensuring credibility an attracting donor support.

“The effort to improve our Healthcare system is receiving international and local awards, thanks to the effectiveness of the Commissioner, Professor Jonathan Andrew Nok, and the dedicated staff of the heath ministry.

“UNAIDS, gave Kaduna State the prize for the best performing State during the Maternal Newborn and Child Healthcare (MNCH) week.”MTN Foundation selected our submission to upgrade the maternity wards of five of our general hospitals. Last week, the world Bank selected Kaduna State for a USD 2 million grant to advance the Save a million Children programme.”

“We have ended the practice of making students pay for admission form into any state owned school, effectively savings our parents nearly 4 billion in 2016.”Teacher recruitment is advanced, while training modules for current teachers have been developed. As the education agenda unfolds, we are energizing the local economy with contracts for the renovation and construction of primary schools and supplies of furniture.”My formal receipt of the final report also marks the official conclusion of the work of the 2015 transition committee.

“He said the work ahead is enormous and charge the committee members to always be ready to serve the state or the country in any capacity anytime they are called upon.

Earlier the committee chairman and Secretary to the State Government, Balarabe Abbas Lawal said, the committee was saddled with the task of studying issues on ground and to proffer useful recommendations to guide government in discharging its responsibilities.

He commended the governor and the party for given them the chance to serve both parties during the transition.

Nigerian Leader Tasks African Broadcasters On Content

News

Africaprimenews

-

27/11/2015

0

Nigerian Leader Tasks African Broadcasters On Content

President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria has challenged public broadcasters in Africa to improve on their content for positive development.

Buhari was speaking Thursday, at the 9th African Union of Broadcasting (AUB) General Assembly in Abuja.

Represented by the country’s Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, he said public broadcasters in Africa should invest in quality content for the viewers, adding that in the media industry, ‘content is king’.

”Broadcasting is not just about equipment, and technology is not an end itself but a means to an end. There has been too much focus on equipment without massive investment of time and resources into content,” he said.

Buhari cited the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) as an example of a public broadcaster that has leveraged on content to dominate the media space, adding that ”They have become the catalyst for growth in the production and channel industry with spin-offs like BBC FOODS, BBC PRIME, BBC WORLDWIDE, etc. Their catalogue of content that they now sell all over the world is admirable.”

He said the creation of content and world class production would create jobs, provide revenue for government and quality entertainment capable of increasing the broadcasters share of the advertising pie.

”Therefore, I challenge you to be the stimulant for growth in your creative industries and serve the promotion of culture. You must not lose the younger generation who are fast changing their view of television, what they watch and how they watch it. If the issue of content is not addressed urgently, public broadcasters in Africa that once dominated the broadcasting landscape will have no viewers in the next 10 years,” President Buhari said.

He challenged African countries to see the Digital Switch Over as ”an opportunity to provide enhanced services, quality programming, interactive content and a new and vibrant media industry that will help grow the economy of the various African countries and create jobs”.

He urged the AUB, formerly known as the Union of African National Television and Radio Organizations, known by its French acronym URTNA, to retake the initiative of ensuring that more African viewers are able to watch global sports events like the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics.

”URTNA used to get the radio and TV rights for broadcasting such events to African viewers, using the public broadcasters, instead of the practice now that some individual marketing companies will simply secure the rights and price such beyond the reach of national broadcasters, thus limiting viewership to the few who can afford pay TV subscription. The AUB must work hard to regain its lost glory in this respect,” the President said.

He urged AUB member countries to explore and exploit the commercial viability of the services of the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) for the socio-economic benefits of Africa and the world at large.

The Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the two largest radio and television networks in Africa, are the official hosts of the 9th AUB General Assembly.

Africa Prime News.

Africa Prime News.

Africa Prime News.

Africa Prime News.

Currency Exchange Rates

Africa Prime News.

About us

Company

The latest

Subscribe

Africa Prime News