Singapore News Channel, Singapore News Network

Only God will punish the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for looting the country for the 16 years it was in power, President Muhammadu Buhari has said.

He was speaking on Friday when he met with his local and international support groups at the state house in Abuja.

“With the large scale abuse of trust, only God can give them punishment. But those we can touch, we will get them prosecuted. Properties confiscated should be sold and the money put into treasury,” he said while addressing the leaders of the support groups.

“I have said this for the umpteenth time and I have challenged them to prove me wrong. In those 16 years of PDP rule, Nigeria was getting 2.1 million times 100 (2.1 million barrels by $100 per barrel) everyday, but when we came on board, the price fell to between $37-38 and hung around $40-$50.

“I went to the Central Bank of Nigeria and asked him for money and he said there was no money.”

He said the last time roads rehabilitation took place was under Sani Abacha when Buhari served as chairman of the Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund which intervened in infrastructural projects.

In May 2018, Buhari, in an interview with  the Voice of America, said God would judge the PDP for mismanaging the country’s resources.

“Nigerians know that there were no roads or rail lines, there was no power, despite the billions of dollars spent. Only God will judge this thing,” he had said.

PDP ruled the country from 1999 to 2015 while Abacha was military head of state from 1993 until he died in 1998.

The cable

President Muhammadu Buhari has been photographed ‘playing football’ with his young supporters.

The occasion appears to be a public function where he is a guest.

However, unlike the usual situation where a sportsman wears athlete’s gear, Mr. President is pictured in his usual full traditional babaringa complete with his trademark cap.

Mr. President acts more like a referee or a goalkeeper trying to, literally, set the ball rolling as he raises it up above his head, appearing to study the situation before throwing the ball.

He doesn’t seem out of place though, as his teeming supporters lap up the moment with cheers and plenty laughter.

Punch

President Muhammadu Buhari says the implementation of the Federal Government’s Made in Nigeria for Exports will generate 30billion dollars and create 1.5million jobs by 2025.

MINE is a presidential special priority intervention programme implemented by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, but under Buhari’s direct supervision.

The president stated this at the signing of the agreement between Nigeria Special Economic Zones Investment Company and Strategic Investment Partners at the State House, Abuja on Friday.

According to him, MINE is using Special Economic Zones to achieve the objectives of boosting the share of manufacturing in Gross Domestic Product to 20 per cent.

“Under my direct supervision, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment is implementing Project MINE (Made in Nigeria for Exports) as a Presidential special priority intervention using Special Economic Zones to achieve the objectives of; boosting manufacturing’s share of GDP to 20%, generating $30bn in annual export earnings; and creating 1.5 million new jobs all by 2025.

“In order to achieve these ambitious objectives, we are implementing a comprehensive plan including but not limited to the following:

“We have set up the Nigeria SEZ Investment Company Limited as a vehicle for participating in Public-Private Partnerships involving Federal and State governments and local and foreign private investors.

“This company will develop new Special Economic Zones all over the country, offering advanced infrastructure and facilities at competitive costs,’’ he said.

The president revealed that the projects in the pilot phase included Enyimba Economic City, Funtua Cotton Cluster and Lekki Model Industrial Park.

He announced that experienced SEZ developers and operators were needed to partner with the government to upgrade its Free Trade Zones in Calabar and Kano, and to offer first-class standards of infrastructure and facilities.

He said, “Whilst we await the completion of the process of bringing in these investors, the Federal Executive Council has approved the award of contracts in excess of N19.45 billion for the needed investment in Calabar and Kano Free Trade Zones and work is currently ongoing.

“This is the highest amount of capital investment ever in the history of these zones.’’

The President said the federal government had allocated funds to upgrade the capabilities of management and the systems in the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, to strengthen it as a regulator of the SEZ.

He added that government was also allocating substantial resources to the provision of “outside the fence” infrastructure to ensure that SEZ are connected to global, regional and domestic markets.

“We are reviewing our incentive framework to ensure competitiveness relative to the other countries with whom we are in the race to attract export-oriented global manufacturing investment.

“We will extend the early successes we have achieved in Ease of Doing Business to the areas critical to globally competitive export-oriented manufacturing operations,’’ he said.

The president thanked the investment partners including the Africa Export and Import Bank; Africa Finance Corporation; Bank of Industry; Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority and the African Development Bank for their support for the initiative.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that those who signed the agreement included President Afreximbank, Dr Benedict Oramah; the Managing Director, Bank of Industry, Mr Olukayode Pitan and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, Mr Uche Orji.

(NAN)

..Atiku’s plan a strategy of lies, says Fashola

Ahead of the Saturday mega rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, a coalition of 53 political parties has endorsed the candidacy of President Muhammadu Buhari, saying the decision was based on the president’s achievements in the last three years.

The coalition, under the banner of Coalition of Political Parties in Lagos State (COPPILS), declared its support for Buhari at an event held in Surulere.

The event was witnessed by the Minister for Works, Power and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, SAN, APC’s National Legal Adviser, Babatunde Ogala, the party’s governorship candidate in Lagos, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and lawmaker representing Lagos East in the Senate, Gbenga Ashafa, among others.

Director of Publicity of the coalition, Mallam Shakirudeen Olofin, said the 53 parties had directed their members to work with the APC to deliver Lagos to Buhari, noting that they took the decision to support the APC presidential candidate because of the infrastructure projects of Buhari administration in the Southwest.

According to a communiqué issued by the coalition and signed by its convener, Hon. Akinola Obadia, the APC-led Federal Government had sited more projects in Lagos to consolidate the status of the state as the fastest growing economy in Africa. The coalition said the strides must be sustained for sustainable development.

The communiqué read: “Based on the numerous achievements of the President Buhari in the last three and half years, which include reduction in $5 million importation spending, infrastructure projects on Lagos-Ibadan axis and the flag of Apapa-Oshodi-Oworonsoki-Ojota Expressway, the coalition hereby endorses the candidacy of President Buhari.”

Hailing the decision of parties to support President Buhari’s re-election bid, Fashola said Lagos residents had no choice than to return APC to power. He said the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in its 16 years dominance at the centre, left infrastructure in the state to rot, pointing out that the opposition party’s candidate, Atiku Abubakar, had no plan for the country.

Fashola described the PDP presidential candidate’s policy paper as “strategy of lies”, saying Atiku’s plan is impracticable. He said Buhari’s investment in infrastructural renewal was unprecedented, adding that the “Next Level” slogan of the APC was strategically coined in preparation for the projected job creation and economic upswing that would come as dividends of Buhari’s investment in infrastructure.

Sanwo-Olu said Buhari’s achievements in four years could not be compared to PDP’s 16 years in power, saying the APC-led Federal Government had initiated and completed 143 road projects across the nation since 2015. He said Buhari’s victory at the general election must be collective responsibility.

The nation

Few days to this year’s Presidential election, the Igbo Youth Assembly (IYA) has thrown its weight behind the re-election bid of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The organisation at a press conference on Friday in Abuja told newsmen that it took the decision because they have found the President to be a man of impeccable integrity without blemish.

The President General of the Assembly, Mazi Ifeanyi Nwaudunna, said the move was taken by the group after its leadership consultative meeting held in Umuahia, Abia State last Monday in the interest of political and economic development of the country.

“IYA is the foremost nationalistic and most widely spread socio-cultural and political youth movement of the South East extraction, having leadership structures in every major village in Igbo land and in the Diaspora, working for and promoting the peace, unity, indivisibility and prosperity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Nwausdunna said.

He noted that the Igbo Assembly unanimously resolved to endorse President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election for his resourcefulness, honest and transparent leadership style.

He said, “What President Buhari has done in his first four years are unprecedented, there is not political party or individual today in Nigeria that can match him by all standards. We are happy about what is happening in our region, PMB has commissioned projects in the East, and we have seen what he has done in the past three years and half.

“It is God that brought PMB to address some age-long problems in Nigeria, which he has been able to address, improved infrastructure renewal in the transport sector, improved industrial sector through research and technology transfer, sports, entertainment and tourism.”

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/igbo-assembly-backs-buhari.html

In an effort to distance the All Progressives Congress (APC) party of instigating the recent Boko Haram attacks in Shuwa and Kirchinga,the Senator representing Adamawa state Northern Senatorial zone, Mrs Binta Masi Garba said the attacked was blown out of proportion by the media and the communities of Michika and Madagali are much safer for credible elections.

She bluntly refuted the rumours making around town that  some candidates of the ruling party are fuelling the menace activities of Boko Haram for the elections to be taken to more safer place.

“APC returned in our communities nobody can say that my party can destroy the works of its hands built over the years. If not because of my party good number of people will never return to their homes.

“The rumour is unfounded, rootless and baseless, I’m assuring all my constituents elections will be holding on all the units of the senatorial zone.” Binta said

She continue to say that the Boko Haram remnants are scamming for food,believe to be serious starving at their hideouts in Sambisa which is close to Kirchinga were they have attacked for shortage of food,a reason why few of them came into Shuwa to loot and carted away with food stuff.

She lamented that a social media (Facebook) post that is consider to be fake news by one Man from Michika caused a serious confusion and panic in the whole of Michika, thereby making the media to give the situation undue popularity it deserve.

“Why are we now spreading evil reports against the government that is working hard to curb Boko Haram, kidnapping, killings of all sorts that are becoming the order of the day?” She asked

“Social media is not mean to spread evil reports.” She warned

Garba who is the senatorial candidate of APC told journalists in her Yola residence Said elections is not do or die affairs and her office as senator does not the trouble for someone to die.

“I have every reason to God,if I win is to His Glory, if I don’t is to Him the glory is going to be as He can still have a good plan for me.”

Wife of the Minister of Transport, Judith Amaechi, says the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) has done more for the south south than any other government.

Amaechi stated this at the South South Women and Youth Presidential Campaign, organised by the Foundation for Female Empowerment FEP.

It was held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State yesterday, in collaboration with female founders and leaders of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and other bodies in the Niger Delta region.

According to her: “There are so many things in the south-south that speak for themselves, which Buhari brought to the area. I want to assure you that this region will deliver for President Buhari, come February 16.”

She cited the trains, east-west road and the schools’ feeding system in Rivers State.

In her remark, wife of the President, Aisha Buhari, represented by the wife of the Vice President, Dolapo Osibajo, called on the youths to shun all temptations to be used to perpetrate electoral violence, and implored them to ensure that their votes were counted at the polling units.

She said Buhari was interested in women and youth, adding: “That was why the government engaged more in the home grown school feeding programmes, and N-Power programmes, among others.

“The present administration is also helping in small loans for business owners, as they are putting together policies to ensure that there is the ease of doing business in the country.”

Also in Ekiti State, wife of the Ekiti State governor, Mrs. Bisi Fayemi, canvassed support of women for Buhari’s re-election, to save the place from losing out if it turns to be in the opposition.

Fayemi warned that Ekiti will be subjected to all forms of ridicule before getting what is due for it in Abuja, if the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar triumphs in the election.

She made the appeal in Itapa Ekiti yesterday, while leading a campaign team to mobilise women across the state for the return of President Buhari.
Fayemi addressed the crowds and also visited market centres at Itapa, Oye, Ilupeju, Ikole, Ode and Omuo Ekiti.

She said the series of projects that were promised for Ekiti, like the rail line and the ongoing federal secretariat, federal housing estate and others would be stalled, if Buhari loses.

Guardian

The Lagos State Government has restricted movement on 18 major roads across the state for President Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign on Saturday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere.

A former Minister of State for Defence and Chairman, Transport Committee on President Muhammadu Buhari’s Campaign visit to Lagos State, Demola Seriki, told journalists at a press conference in Ikeja on Wednesday that the restriction was necessary as Buhari would lead other All Progressives Congress members to seek Lagosians’ votes in the general elections.
He said movement would be diverted on the roads so that motorists and commuters would not be left stranded.

He listed the affected areas as the Stadia (Teslim Balogun and National stadia) in and out; Funsho Williams Avenue, Surulere, Lawanson/Itire /Tejuosho Road, Apapa/ Costain Road, Abebe village, Eric Moore Road, Eko Bridge/Apongbon, Marina Road, Ikorodu Road, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Old Toll Gate/Third Mainland Bridge/Obalende, Airport Road, Oshodi-Oworonshoki Expressway, Agege Motor Road, Jibowu area, Yaba/Muritala Mohammed Way Iddo/Otto, Herbert Macaulay Way and Adekunle and Ijora Olopa.

He said the committee issued the traffic advisory to ease movement, but advised   motorists to stay away from Surulere, venue of the rally, insisting that many routes would be closed.
Seriki said, “For instance, Alaka (by Lanre Shittu Motors) on the service lane, inwards Stadium will be closed to traffic while vehicles will be diverted to the Stadium Bridge on the main carriage way. Shitta, inwards Stadium and Stadium inwards Shitta will be closed to traffic and vehicles diverted to Adeniran Ogunsanya Street or Akerele extension. Traffic from Barracks to Stadium on Funsho Williams Avenue will be diverted to Stadium Bridge on the main carriage way to Alaka.”

He called for the cooperation of Lagosians, urging residents to come to the venue to receive Buhari “to our dear state.”
Seriki said over 100,000 APC members were expected at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, adding that Lagos was ready to deliver over two million votes for the President.

The Federal Road Safety Corps Sector Commander for the state, Hyginus Omeje, said truck drivers would be restricted from entering the metropolis from Friday, February 8, in preparation for the presidential rally on Saturday.

“Truck drivers are advised to plan their movements and cooperate with officers to ensure that trucks do not jeopardise the travel advisory issued for the safety and comfort of all while the event lasted,” he said.

Punch

President Muhammadu Buhari has urged the Church to continue to stand for righteousness and truth, and preach against all forms of corruption.

 Buhari, represented by Vice President Yemi Osibanjo, made the appeal on Thursday in Makurdi at the 15th Biennial Conference of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).

 He said it was important for the Church to always stand on the side of righteousness and truth, as ”it is only righteousness that can elevate our country.”

 He lamented the recurring crises in Benue since 2011, and called on herders and farmers to sheath their swords and live in peace.

 ”It happens without exceptions. In fact without exceptions. But with your prayers there is peace and your meeting here is in peace. With your prayers it has been put under control.

 ”If it were before now your families would have discouraged you from visiting Benue because of the clashes. God will make Benue a point of contact to all nations,” the president said.

On the forthcoming general election, Buhari said its outcome was in the hands of God and urged all Nigerians to play their part within the confines of the law.
 Earlier, National President, PFN, Rev. Felix Omobude, assured that the Church would continue to pray for the president and his administration.

Omobude pledged that the Church would not leave the country’s leaders out of its prayers.

NAN

“I would like to use this opportunity on behalf of my humble self, members of my Council and the entire people of Adamawa to acknowledge with immeasurable thanks and congratulate you on keeping faith with the contract you entered with our people and, indeed, Nigerians.

“The giant strides and inroads you recorded in various fields of our endeavours such as economy, security, and fight against corruption, which still remain the cornerstone of your agenda, would not have been made possible if not for your resilient focus, passion, and love for the country.

“Mr President, there is no doubt that much has been achieved during your present tenure but certainly you need more time to actualize your dream for a better Nigeria. This, therefore, calls for all and sundry to rally round you and allow you to get to the next level to enable you consolidate the various laudable programs of your party.”