Singapore News Channel, Singapore News Network

The immediate past Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has given reasons why President Muhammadu Buhari will be conveniently re-elected if he seeks for a second term in office come 2019.

He said the Buhari-led administration would have further consolidated on its numerous giant strides by 2019.

He added that by then, comparisons would be made by Nigerians as to the messy situation the country was in 2015 and the changes that were recorded afterwards.

The former Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, President, who spoke to journalists, said against the rhetoric of critics who no longer have access to stolen and cheap money, the truth remained that the country was gradually undergoing an unprecedented change that had put it in the path for greatness and real success.

He said, “If the Peoples Democratic Party were still at the center, I bet you it would have been case closed for Nigeria.

“Boko Haram got up to Benin and had a base in Kogi, who wants to return to that path?

“Who wants to go back to the era when Nigeria Army were said to be running away from battle?

“Who wants to return to the era of abuse of subsidy?

“Again, in all fairness who wants to return to the era of crude oil theft?

“I had asked former President Jonathan as a member of the security committee with governors how crude oil were been stolen in tankers and the Nigerian Navy was not aware. Were the tankers flying?

“Why are we not hearing such stories again, he queried.Who was in government when companies such as Michelin, Dunlop, and Nestl etc started relocating to Ghana.

“Here in Nigeria, a government spent $16bn on power and at the end of spending the last dollar the country degeneration rated from from 4,000 megawatts to 2000 megawatts.

“Who wants to return to an era where in the name of privatization, the PDP government handed over sensitive national assets to brothers, friends and cronies who neither have the competence nor the wherewithal to invest in power distribution which has further compounded our problem today.

“So who wants to return to such time.

“So honestly for me, the facts and choice is clear ahead and of course will be in 2019, “the former Edo governor stated.

While welcoming the President Buhari back from his sick leave, Comrade Oshiomhole applauded the President on the way and manner he handled his vacation, saying it was unprecedented.

He added, “President Buhari is not the first to fall ill, he just happens to be the first in the history of Nigeria to acknowledge that he was ill and hence going on vacation and also to seek medical attention.

“And as required by law, unlike in the past, he duly wrote to the National Assembly and requested that his vice acted as stipulated. What more did Nigerians expect.”

Residents of Jos and Maiduguri yesterday trooped to the streets to celebrate the return of President Muhammad Buhari to Nigeria from London.

Men and women, boys and girls massed on Bauchi Road, Jos, singing and dancing.

The jubilation soon sparked a traffic jam.
Mr. Kwajafa Hassan, a resident, described the return of Buhari as the will of God.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that some residents of Gwange, New GRA, Damboa,Borno State, went into wild celebration following the news of the President’s return.

The President is held in very high esteem in the state following the return of peace to the area which had been largely under the control of Boko Haram insurgents before his assumption of office in May 2015.

Malam Isyaku Muhammad, said the prayers of Nigerians for President Buhari have not been in vain.

“The Borno people had embarked on fasting, prayers and supplication over the president’s health when he was announced to be sick in London.

“We believe that our prayers have been answered,” Muhammad said.

Ibrahim Bashir, who resides in Damboa road area of Maiduguri said the President’s home coming was a huge relief after the tension over his rumoured health.

“The return of President Buhari is worthy of celebration; as you know the President and the Vice President were already taking steps toward resuscitating our ailing economy.

“We need only Buhari and his VP to continue fighting corruption and recovering all the tax payers’ money stashed away by corrupt politicians.”

Malam Sale Bulkachuwa, another resident said “we must continue to pray for the President for sound health to enable him continue to fight insurgency in the country. We are so happy and our prayers remain with the president.”

Malam Audu Sokoto, said that President Buhari remained God chosen for the people of Nigeria.

“Today I am slaughtering a N50, 000 ram to celebrate Buhari’s return,’’ he said.

Kano residents also trooped into the streets to express their gratitude to God for the safe return of President Buhari.
Some of the residents said that they were happy that the President returned to the country safely and in good health.

“I heard the news of his return and since then I have been very happy, because Buhari means well for our country,” a resident, Lawal Garba said.

Another resident, Mukhtar Dahiru-Rigachikun, said he had no words to express his happiness on the safe return of President Buhari.

“I have no words to express my happiness and gratitude to God for bringing him back to the country safely and in good health.The only thing I want to add is that Nigerians should thank God for returning him safely and those wishing him dead should desist from such wishful thinking,” he said.

He urged Nigerians irrespective of religious and political inclination to continue to pray for the sustenance of peace and unity in the country.

“Even diehard cynics know that Buhari has done well in tackling the security challenges which bedeviled the country especially in the Northeast region,” he said.

Also commenting, Malam Bala expressed happiness on the safe return of the President and advised Nigerians not to relent in their prayers for Buhari and his administration.

Malam Jalaluddeen, a civil servant, expressed the hope that the President would continue with the good works he had started especially the fight against corruption and insurgency.

“Even though the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has done well in his absence, they will now put heads together to move the country forward,” he added.

The Yoruba community in Zaria, Kaduna State, comprising Muslims and Christians yesterday offered a special joint prayer to God for the President’s successful return.

The prayer session was organised by a traditional title holder, the Wakilin Yarbawan Zazzau, Alhaji Isyaku Bello.
Yoruba clerics from both faiths who converged on the residence of Wakilin Yarbawa since 7:00a.m prayed extensively for the President.

Leading the prayer session, the Imam, Zaria Muslim Council, Imam Alhaji Abdurrasaq Olayiwola and Prophet Abraham Ojo (JP), said prayers heal all worries.

The clergymen prayed God to bestow wisdom on President Buhari and Governor Nasiru El-Rufa’i of Kaduna State to enable them discharge their legitimate responsibilities effectively.

They also prayed for unity amongst Nigerians and prevailing peace in Kaduna State in particular and Nigeria at large.

The clerics also prayed God to heal the President, give him the wisdom, power and ability to deliver the goods successfully.

In his contribution, the President-General, Yoruba Community, Chief Isaac Otolorin lauded the efforts of the organiser of prayer for his foresight.

Otolorin stressed the need for all Nigerians irrespective of religious, tribal and political leaning to collectively pray for the President.

Katsina state Governor Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari  has rejoiced with Nigerians over the returned of president Muhammad Buhari to the country .

Governor Masari was speaking  in a broadcast to the people of the state.
The Governor specifically thanked the people of Katsina state for the special prayers for the good health of Mr. President.

He expressed optimism that the president had returned with the  zeal and determinant to serve humanity with greater vigor.

President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to return to the country tomorrow, Friday March 10, 2017.

The President left the country on January 19, 2017 for a vacation, during which he had routine medical check-ups. The holiday was extended based on doctors’ recommendation for further tests and rest.

President Buhari expresses appreciation to teeming Nigerians from across the country, and beyond, who had prayed fervently for him, and also sent their good wishes.

FEMI ADESINA
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
March 9, 2017

Katsina state Governor Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari says Nigeria has the most advanced democracy In the continent of Africa.

Governor Masari was speaking during a public hearing organised by the national constitutions and Electoral Reforms committee headed by former Senate president Chief Ken Nnamani held at indoor sportshall of Murtala Muhammad square, Kaduna.

The Governor observed that most of the democracies, even that’s of south Africa are transitional democracies.

Governor Masari who presented a goodwill message queried to as how much powers should a political party has in the conducting of party democracy.

The Governor observed that for parties not to have control In choosing a candidate, there would be confusion In the polity.
He also asked participants to debate on how much internal democracy without power to a political party., adding that a balance is therefore critical but do able.

In a welcome address, the chairman of the constitution and electoral reforms committee, chief Ken Nnamani said the committee was inaugurated following need for electoral process undergoing panel beating.

Chief Ken Nnamani emphasised the need for contestants to win elections based on outcome of results from all the polling units In the country.

He said reforms were meant to reduce litigations at the end of voting process thereon ensuring legitimacy and acceptance of elections by the electorates.
He therefore solicited for inputs from participants from the north West zone.

Also speaking, the representative of minister of Justice, Alhaji Salisu usman Isah says he was happy with the quality representation at the north west forum.
He later read thirteen terns of reference for participants to dwell In their contributions.
Several other speakers made presentations at the public hearing.

Rev. Uja Tor Uja, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), said that having a honest man like President Muhammadu Buhari to lead the country is an opportunity Nigerians should not miss.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Celestine Ogugua, Head Media, and made available to newsmen on Monday in Abuja.

Uja stressed the need for Nigerians to support President Buhari to deliver on his campaign promises and laid solid foundation for the country’s growth and development.

He said a nation like Nigeria with all the symbols of greatness can only be built to last by those who have been established on the enduring virtues of Christ.
He admonished Christians to live up to their calling in Christ and lead by example in being strategic in their reasoning and planning.

He said Nigeria is the country in the world, which still sponsors pilgrimage and so pilgrims should give back by being change agents in the country.

“I feel sad that people come on pilgrimage and when they leave here, their character is even worse.

“I want you to make up your mind that you won’t deny Jesus Christ,’’ Uja said.

The Nigerian pilgrims in a one-day Prayer Convocation for Nigeria jointly prayed for the restoration and perfection of President Muhammadu Buhari’s health and the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo at Mount Zion, Jerusalem.

Also in his remarks, Mr Babachir Lawal, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), called on Christians to desist from what he described as Pull Him Down Syndrome.

He also advised that they should cut off from peddling false rumors about the President’s health in the social media, adding that they should focus on pursuing their own agenda.

He said Christians should be more apt in decision-making that concerns the country instead of complaining about the government of the day.

Earlier, speaking on the theme: “Building a Covenant Nation’’, Pastor Seyi Malomo, Aso Rock Chaplain, said Christians must use their position to build Nigeria up, not destroy it.

“We are praying that beginning from here, there will be a new Nigeria because when a nation is built, everyone will benefit.
The prayer convocation for Nigeria had pilgrims from Rivers, Benue, Taraba, Adamawa, Enugu states and FCT in attendance for the 2016 Pilgrimage completion.

For the second time, Muslim and Christians in Jos the Plateau State ‎capital has held a special session for the recovery and safe return of President Buhari.

The special prayers was attended by both members of the two religious faiths in the state which was held inside the main central mosques.

Our correspondent in Jos who covered the special prayer session attended by the the followers of the two faiths in the country said the event lasted for several hours inside the central mosque.

The event which was organized by the former Minister of Information, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki Nakande got the attendance of prominent government representative including religious scholars in the state.

He said, although every faithful believer normally prayed for the President, “there is the need for the people of the state to join other Nigerians in the ongoing nationwide prayer for the president“.

According to him, Nigerians are awaiting the return of the President who he said has shamed all his detractors who believed he was going to die.

The Director General, Bureau for Religious Affairs, Dr. Umar Farooq Abdullahi, has said that a special interfaith prayer sessions conducted by both Muslims and Christians to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari and his administration was held across the 25 local government areas of the state.

The DG, in a statement issued to journalists and signed by the secretary of the committee for peace and conflict resolution, Mal. Kobo Abdulazeez, said that it is the duty of all the citizens of this country to pray for divine intervention for the president and also for the wellbeing and prosperity of Niger State and the country as a whole.

He affirmed that prayer is a believer’s sword and shield and also that “the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Abubakar Sani Bello are products of our prayers for ‘change’. He said it is indispensable to keep up praying for the success of the administration so that our yearnings and aspirations for sustainable development through unity and diversity could be achieved.

Dr. Farooq prayed Allah (SWT) answers all our good prayers and reward the good people of this country.

To that effect, the Chief Imam of Minna Central Mosque, Mal. Ibrahim Isah Fari has in his Juma’at sermon, offered special prayers for good health and safe return of our president urging our Christian brothers to do same in their Sunday Church service; he used the opportunity to call on all Nigerians to be patient. “We should be thankful to Allah for things are going well as the vice president is acting, there is no vacuum in the administration of the country,” the chief imam said.

Sheikh Fari prayed to Allah to grant the president good health, safe return back home, peace and stability in Niger State and the country as a whole.

Similar prayers were offered across all the Juma’at Mosques in Minna and all the 25 local government areas of Niger State under the umbrella of Niger State Juma’at Mosques Imams’ Forum on Friday.

The Churches under the leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria, conducted special prayers for the president and his administration in their Sunday Church services calling on all Nigerians to work together and pray hard for the success of this administration at both the local, state and federal levels.

Muslim and Christian clerics  converged at the Zazzau’s palace to pray for quick recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari and his safe return to the country.

The prayer session that was organised by the Zazzau Emirate Council on under the leadership of the emir, Alhaji Shehu Idris, brought together clerics from different sects of Islam and Christianity.

Prominent among the clerics in attendance were the Chief Imam of Zaria, Sheikh Dalhatu Kasimu, and Reverend Buba Lamido, the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Wusasa, Zaria.

The clerics said powers to give or take life solely belong to almighty God, and therefore prayed Him to give President Buhari good health and return him to Nigeria to continue to discharge his responsibilities.

In his address, Kaduna state governor, Nasiru El-Rufa’i, represented by Commissioner for Stakeholders Relations, Alhaji Shehu Bala, urged residents of the state and other traditional institutions to always include the president in their prayers.

The emir directed all Imams of Juma’at Mosques in the emirate to pray for the president and prevailing peace in the country.

He urged Nigerians to continue to live in peace with one another, as that is the only way that would ensure Nigeria’s growth and development.

Daily Trust