Heads of anti-corruption agencies in Africa seek repatriation of stolen assets from Europe and US

NEWS

Heads of anti-corruption agencies in Africa seek repatriation of stolen assets from Europe and US

 

Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies have requested Heads of Government in Europe, the United States and other jurisdictions to work towards speedy and unfettered repatriation of recovered assets to African countries.

This was contained in a communique issued at the end of the 9th Commonwealth Regional Conference of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa at the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa in Kampala, Uganda.

The event took place between May 6 and 10, 2019 and was attended by most of the Heads of anti-graft agencies in Africa with a theme titled: “Time to act: Prevent corruption for sustainable development.”

President of the Republic of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni declared the conference open on Monday, May 6, 2019 while the Commonwealth Secretary General, Hon Patricia Scotland, spoke on remarkable achievements of anti-graft Agencies in Africa.

The Acting Chairman of the EFCC and the immediate Chairman of Association of Anti- Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa, Ibrahim Magu, spoke during the conference and highlighted major achievements of the commission under his watch. Experts from different walks of life further gave illuminating experiences and solutions on how to tackle the menace of corruption.

The communique further urged Anti-Corruption Agencies to emulate the EFCC and acquire polygraph technology as part of their investigative and integrity testing process. The EFCC is the only agency in Commonwealth Africa using the technology for corruption cases in courts. An investigator with the commission had demonstrated the use of the Polygraph just as other agencies made enquiries from the EFCC on how to acquire the technology for positive development in anti-graft war.

The conference also expressed concerns over the heavy losses that Africa suffers as a result of illegal transfers of proceeds of corruption and crime out of Africa. It added that there was the need to strengthen cooperation and collaboration among the Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa for purposes of facilitating asset recovery and return.

The conference further acknowledged the benefits of a platform for discussing emerging issues and sharing good practices and country innovations in the fight against corruption. It noted that delegates made presentations on the theme of the Conference, discussed innovative measures employed by Anti-Corruption Agencies and explored other aspects of the programme of the Conference.

The Conference urged Anti-Corruption Agencies to pursue both preventive and enforcement measures in the fight against corruption within the unique context of each country.

The communique further reads in part:

“CALL upon the Commonwealth Secretary General and the Government of Rwanda to include Anti-Corruption as a side event of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to be held in Rwanda in 2020;

“FURTHER CALL upon Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to include the issue of Anti-Corruption as part of the communique for its meeting to be held in Rwanda in 2020;

“APPEAL to the Heads of Government in Commonwealth Africa to consider ways of providing adequate resources to Anti-Corruption Agencies;

“ENCOURAGE Commonwealth African countries to pursue the enactment of legislation on civil asset forfeiture;

“CALL upon Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa to strengthen co-operation and partnership with local, regional and international Civil Society and media;

“WELCOME the initiatives of the Commonwealth Secretariat to establish Commonwealth benchmarks package on Anti-Corruption and integrity standards;

“ENCOURAGE Anti-Corruption Agencies to convey to their respective governments the importance of having Integrity Officers within government ministries, departments and agencies;

“FURTHER ENCOURAGE Anti-Corruption Agencies to consider the Multi-Agency Team approach in the implementation of Anti-Corruption strategies;

“URGE the Commonwealth Secretariat through the Commonwealth Africa Anti-Corruption Centre in Botswana to develop a training calendar based on the training needs of the Anti-Corruption Agencies;

“CALL upon the Commonwealth Africa Anti-Corruption Agencies to adopt a strategy of engagement with their political elites based on their country context;

“FURTHER CALL upon Heads of Government and Commonwealth Africa Anti-Corruption Agencies to engage and empower the citizens to demand transparency, accountability and effective service delivery;

“REQUEST Heads of Government in Europe, America and other jurisdictions to work towards speedy and unfettered repatriation of recovered assets to African countries;

“EXPRESS appreciation to the President of the Republic of Uganda and the Inspectorate of Government for the hospitality extended to the delegates during their stay in Uganda;

“FURTHER EXPRESS profound appreciation to the Commonwealth Secretariat for the continued efforts in supporting the Association of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa and co-sponsoring and co-organizing the ninth conference in succession;

“AGREE that the next Regional Conference of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa in 2020 will be hosted by Rwanda in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat;

“ELECT Uganda (Inspector General of Government) as the Chair and Rwanda (Chief Ombudsman) as the Vice-Chair of the Association of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa.”

PLEASE SHARE THIS STORY

IMF Bemoans The Infrastructural Growth In Africa

​BREAKING NEWS

IMF Bemoans The Infrastructural Growth In Africa

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday said the leadership of Africa nations must take responsibility of the infrastructural growth of their respective countries.

IMF also urged the people of the continent to demand better and more infrastructure from their leaders.

Miss Ha Vu, a Public Financial Management Specialist of the IMF stated this on Wednesday at the institution’s headquarters in Washington DC, United States.

Ms Vu and and Mr Karim Barhoumi, IMF Resident Representative in Benin and Togo, jointly spoke on the theme ‘Public Investment Efficiency in Sub-Saharan African Countries: What Lies Ahead?’ on the sidelines of the IMF Spring Meetings 2018.

In response to our correspondent’s question on why Africa was still battling economic issues despite suggestions by the IMF and the World Bank, she said the bodies only provide framework and have no powers to implement.

She said: “Your question is very good. We try to help African counties to improve infrastructural governance. Now, who do you think should be the key actor?

“It is you, Africa. We are here to support, to guide. Infrastructural governance won’t improve if the framework we provide is not applied.

“The role of the framework is to guide you, to find the issues, to know where to look at. So what the IMF do is provide the technical assistance to implement reforms.”

Also speaking, Mr Barhoumi said: “You are right. There are political issues. It depends on the commitment you have at the political level.

“The Fund is always ready to help. Other developmental partners are ready to help. But more importantly, you, in Africa, must help too because we would like to see more and better infrastructure for the people.”

Please Share This Post

Buhari Speaks On The Death Of Winnie Mandela

​BREAKING NEWS

Buhari Speaks On The Death  Of Winnie Mandela

President Muhammadu Buhari has described the passing away of South-African anti-apartheid icon, Mrs Winnie Madikizela-Mandela as a huge loss to Africa.

The President, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, noted that Winnie Mandela was “a woman of uncommon determination, steadfastness and perseverance who held aloft the torch of the struggle against institutionalised discrimination even while her ex-husband, the late Madiba, President Nelson Mandela was incarcerated.

“President Buhari, on behalf of the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, commiserated with the family of the deceased, the government and people of South Africa.”

He urged the South Africans to be consoled by the knowledge that the late Winnie Mandela’s contributions to ending apartheid will not be forgotten.

According to him, she remained a pride not only to the African woman, but indeed all Africans.

The President prayed that God Almighty will comfort all those who mourn the departed and grant her soul eternal rest.

Please Share This Post

Graphic Photos Of A Soldier Allegedly Stabbed To Death By His Wife For Cheating On Her

​CRIME NEWS

Graphic Photos Of A Soldier Allegedly Stabbed To Death By His Wife For Cheating On Her

 

A woman has been arrested for allegedly killing her husband while he was fast asleep following an accusation of infidelity. The woman was said to have stabbed her husband to death in his sleep for having a baby with another woman.

According to reports, the incident reportedly happened in Gabon. The deceased who is reported to be a sergeant in the Gabonese army died immediately after the knife attack by his jealous wife in their room. He wasn’t even taken to the hospital.  

During interrogation, the woman allegedly confessed that she killed him for cheating on her and having a baby behind her back. Taking advantage that he was asleep on Wednesday night, the scorned woman inflicted several stab wounds on the man which led to his death.  

Ibe Caleb shared photos of the incident on Facebook and wrote;

Now she will spend the rest of her life in a military prison without a child of her own. The man though dead, has a child to carry on his name. Stupid actions degat dare consequences  You would have asked yourself what is really important and then have the courage to build your life around your answer instead of killing him  there are better ways of getting back to people than killing them…now you’ll cool off in prison.

That wasn’t the best thing to do but y will a married man keep a secret child in the first place.. If he had the child before the wedlock what prevented him from telling his wife. if he had it after wedlock then he brought the stabbing upon himself

See the graphic pictures below:

 

Please Share This Post

Obasanjo Slams Buhari Over AfCFTA

​BREAKING NEWS

Obasanjo Slams Buhari Over AfCFTA

 

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has again slammed President Muhammadu Buhari for failing to sign the Africa Continental Free Trade Area agreement.

The former President, however, expressed hope that the President will change his mind before it is too late.

Obasanjo spoke his mind on the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, during a presidential panel, titled: ‘When Leaders Make History’ at the Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire on Tuesday.

The former Head of State was joined by the President of Zimbabwe, Emerson Mnangagwa.

Obasanjo said, “That President Buhari didn’t sign the free trade agreement in Kigali is disappointing; I hope he signs it before it is too late.

“Egypt started the discussion on the formation of the Organisation of African Unity but didn’t conclude it and Nigeria took over.

“Nigeria was also central to the discussion of the free trade agreement, but I am surprised that the country withdrew from signing.”

The AfCFTA treaty is one of the flagship projects of the African Union Agenda 2063.

It is targeted at creating a single continental market for goods and services, with free movement of business persons, investments and a single currency.

Also, the agreement commits countries to removing tariffs on 90 per cent of goods and to liberalise services.

Also items identified as sensitive, which make up the balance 10 per cent, will also be phased out later as tariff-free.

Please Share This Post

SA Former President, Jacob Zuma Bad Behaviour Damaged His Image, ANC

​BREAKING NEWS

SA Former President, Jacob Zuma Bad Behaviour Damaged His Image, ANC

Former South African President Jacob Zuma's bad behaviour damaged his image and that of the ANC.

Opinion polls in South Africa have clearly shown the sharp decline in citizens’ approval of Jacob Zuma’s performance as president over the past three years. What has been less clear is the impact on the governing African National Congress (ANC). He was also the president of the ANC, until his term ended in December and he was replaced by Cyril Ramaphosa.

For many years, Zuma was considered a 'Teflon' president. He seemed to maintain public support even in the face of controversial decisions and scandals because of his personal appeal as an affable populist. Several surveys placed his approval ratings in the 60% to 70% range throughout his first term in office. Once that image was finally pierced, one might have logically expected his downfall to be equally personal, and not take the party down with him.

But new results from the December 2017 South African Citizen Survey demonstrate just the opposite. Asking a widely used measure of party support called partisan identification, a strong predictor of both voter turnout and vote choice, only 32% of those surveyed said they “felt close” to the ANC. This is the worst result recorded in the past 17 years, and statistically tied as the lowest level since 1994.

Zuma, it seems, pulled the ANC down with him. But this question is not asked very frequently by South African polling organisations. Fortunately, it’s possible to turn to an alternative indicator to get a more fine-grained take on recent trends in ANC support.

The South African Citizen Survey also asks respondents to rate how much they “like or dislike” each major political party on a scale of 0 to 10. In mid-2015, 61% of South Africans held a positive view of the ANC. Two and a half years later, only 43% feel this way. More importantly, the proportion who give the ANC a higher score than any other party has shrunk from over one half of the electorate in mid-2015 (55%), to just over one third (37%) in the most recent survey as shown below.

PRESIDING OVER ELECTORAL DECLINE

To be sure, it was already clear from the ANC’s loss of seats in the National Assembly and provincial legislatures in the 2009 and 2014 national elections that Zuma was presiding over an electoral decline, however small. This should have become even clearer in 2016, when large numbers of ANC members lost their seats as municipal councillors, positions in executive councils, and mayorships of major metropolitan councils.

Yet many of these losses could have been pinned to the poor performance of the post-2008 economy. Indeed, ever since 1994, the degree of economic optimism (as measured by the proportion of South Africans who expect the economy to improve in the next year) has been a strong predictor of popular support for the ANC.

But the evidence suggests that over the past year, voter support for the ANC became tied to their views of Jacob Zuma, rather than the economy. While Zuma’s popularity has fallen steadily since at least the end of 2015, the biggest single drop took place in April 2017 when his support levels plummeted by 12 percentage points on the heels of the public firestorm that followed the March Cabinet reshuffle and sacking of Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan.

Yet, even with the resultant damage to the currency and the markets, South Africans began to sense an economic turnaround. By year’s end, 48% expected the economy to get better in the next 12 months, and 59% expected their household living conditions to improve. But peoples’ evaluations of Zuma’s job performance continued to plummet (to just 22%), and the public image of the ANC remained at historically low levels.

Thus, voters finally turned on Zuma, but only after a long string of personal scandals, bad political decisions, and public outrage over the use of public money on his private homestead Nkandla, the “capture” of key state institutions by Gupta-friendly ministers and directors, and cabinet reshuffles.

Yet the ANC continued to shield him from the courts, the Public Protector, and from successive votes of no confidence in parliament. Indeed, the party came very close to electing his hand-chosen successor, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, as its new leader and presumptive national president.

But at some point in the past few months, a sufficient number of party members finally seemed to grasp the fact that Zuma’s continued presence threatened the electoral interests of the party as well as their own political futures, particularly those who appeared downwind on the party list. But it took them a very long time to reach this conclusion, and the party has paid dearly in terms of its connection with the electorate.

Zuma dragged the ANC down with him. Yet many might justifiably argue that it has been a mutual waltz to the bottom: while his behaviour and decisions damaged his own image, the ANC’s tolerance of his sins of governance has tarnished theirs.

President Cyril Ramaphosa therefore faces a double challenge. Not only must he reestablish a positive connection between the residency and the people, but he must also transform the battered image of the ANC.

The South African Citizens Survey is based on face-to-face interviews with a nationally representative sample of 1,300 respondents a month. Results are reported quarterly on a total of 3,900 respondents, which produces results with a margin of error margin of error of ±1.5 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. Sampling sites are chosen at random across all provinces, and metro, urban and rural areas, with probability proportionate to population size, based on the latest StatsSA estimates of the population aged 18 and older. Interviews are conducted in English, isiZulu, isiXhosa, Afrikaans, Sesotho, Sepedi, and Setswana. Weights are applied to ensure the sample represents the most recent national population with respect to province, race, gender, age and area type.

Robert Mattes is a professor in the Department of Political Studies, University of Cape Town.

Jacob Zuma in pictures and scandals (Supplied by International Business Times)

 

Jacob Zuma in pictures and scandals: Nkandlagate, Guptas, corruption, rape trial and more

 Source MSN News

Please Share This Post

BREAKING NEWS Lightening Hits Seventh-Day Adventist, Leaving 16 Dead, Dozens Injured

BREAKING NEWS

Lightening Hits Seventh-Day Adventist, Leaving 16 Dead, Dozens Injured 

At least 16 people were killed and dozens injured after lightning struck a Seventh-Day Adventist church in Rwanda, a local official said on Sunday.

It was gathered that fourteen victims were killed on the spot as lightning hit the church, Local mayor Habitegeko Francois confirmed.

The incident, which happened in the Nyaruguru district in the Southern Province region near the border with Burundi took place around midday on Saturday while parishioners of the town of Gihemvu were at a church service.

Mayor Habitegeko giving update on casualty rate said “Two others died later from their injuries.

“140 people involved in the incident had been rushed to hospital and district health centres, many had already been discharged.

“Doctors say that only three of them are in critical condition but they are getting better.”

Please Share This Post

Women's Day: NAWOJ Calls For Total Eradication Of Harmful Traditional Practice Against Women

BREAKING NEWS

Women's Day: NAWOJ Calls For Total Eradication Of Harmful Traditional Practice Against Women

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the International Women’s Day, the National Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, South-East Zone has called for a continuous effort towards total eradication of all forms of harmful traditional practices against women.

In a press statement issued by the National Vice President of NAWOJ, South-East zone, Comrade Chibota Edozie, she acknowledged that progress had been made by the relevant stakeholders but said more work still needed to be done to completely end the harmful practices.

The statement read: “As we celebrate the international Women day today, I urge all women journalists in the South-east to continue to promote the cause for gender parity in our society.

“Over the years, our society especially the Igbo tradition has not given the female folk the deserved right and room to exercise their potentials.

“It is, however, encouraging to note that various campaigns by different groups including NAWOJ are yielding positive results

“The hitherto harmful traditional practices against women are gradually being eroded.

“On this occasion, we shall not relent until gender parity is enthroned in our society.

“We, therefore, call on women in the South-East, especially journalists to use the occasion of International Women’s Day to advance this cause.

“On our part, the leadership of NAWOJ in the South-east is planning a special program that will involve major stakeholders in furtherance of this cause.”

Please Share This Post

BREAKING NEWS Goodluck Jonathan Speaks On Sierra Leone Election After Monitoring The Process

BREAKING NEWS

Goodluck Jonathan Speaks On Sierra Leone Election After Monitoring The Process

​

Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, head of Election Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) Mission to Sierra Leone, has advised the National Electoral Commission (NEC) to ensure that election guidelines are followed in the collation of voting.

The former President of Nigeria gave the advice in an interview with newsmen while monitoring the voting process on Wednesday in Freetown.

Jonathan said it was important for NEC to ensure that the collation of the results followed due process and laid down rules and regulations.

He said recording peaceful voting was just one aspect of election, the process of collating the result was also critical.

“If you look at the problem that we have in Kenya, it is not the voting per say, it was the transmission of results that people challenged in the court and the election was nullified in Supreme Court,” he said.

He said once the guidelines were followed, the process and the results would be accepted by all.

Jonathan also called on the contestants of the general elections and their supporters to respect the results, when announced.

He expressed satisfaction with the turnout of voters and advised them to accept the results when declared.

“We plead that if there is no major incident, at the end of the day people should be able to accept the result of the elections.

“Where you feel aggrieved in one way or the other, people should follow the elections guidelines.

“People are impressed with the turnout and the commitment of the ordinary people to vote.

“Some of the voters came out as early as 12 midnight to vote, queue, wait patiently for the poll to start in the morning by 7 a.m.”

Jonathan said though there were about 15 to 30 minutes delay in some polling units, most polling stations commenced early.

“I have also monitored elections in other countries and I am beginning to see that the standard is high here (in Sierra Leone) and we have to commend the people of Sierra Leone.”

Please Share This Post

American-Kenya Born Singer Victoria Kimani Glitz In A New Photo Shoots (Photos)

SHARE THIS POST


American-Kenya Born Singer Victoria Kimani Glitz In A New Photo Shoots (Photos)

American-born Kenyan singer, Victoria Kimani is a beautiful woman and she definitely loves to show it off.

The popular dancehall star posed in a sheer gown that gives a perfect view of her denim undies in a recent recent shoot with ace photographer Kruz.

Hot isn’t it? See more pictures below

Source – 36NG

Please Share This Post

Anambra Child Trafficking Syndicate Busted By NAPTIP

SHARE THIS POST


Anambra Child Trafficking Syndicate Busted By NAPTIP

The baby factory syndicate after they were caught

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons on Wednesday said it arrested 11 persons over suspected child trafficking, abduction and sale of children in Anambra State.

Mr Josiah Emerole, the NAPTIP Head of Press and Public Relations, said this in a statement in Abuja.

Emerole stated that the suspects were nabbed in different parts of Anambra in a combined operation carried out with the support of operatives of Directorate of the State Services.

He noted that the suspects, comprising eight women and three men, were said to belong to  a criminal syndicate which specialised in kidnapping and sale of babies across the country.

The spokesperson disclosed that three children whose ages range from eight months to four years old were recovered during the operation, while scores of other children believed to be trafficked by the gang were yet to be found.

According to him, among the children is a two-year-old girl reportedly stolen from Lagos sometime ago and another four-year-old boy allegedly stolen from his parents in Gudaba in FCT.

He added that the boy’s parents were yet to be traced to collect the child.

“The parents of the eight months old child are yet to be traced, while the two years old child whose four year old brother is yet to be recovered has been identified by her parents.

“The baby was stolen from Okpoko in Anambra and recovered in Lagos.”

He said one of the arrested suspects, Rosemary Okafor, 30, allegedly sold one of her four children, a newborn baby, to one woman simply identified as Madam Pink at the cost of N350,000.

-NAN

Please Share This Post

Over 700 Churches Closed Down In Rwanda

SHARE THIS POST


Over 700 Churches Closed Down In Rwanda

Some worshippers in a church

About 700 churches have been closed down in Rwanda for failing to comply with building regulations and for noise pollution.

Most of them are small Pentecostal churches. One mosque was also closed. A government official told the BBC that some of the more than 700 buildings shut down have already reopened after they were approved by inspectors.

According to a proposed new law, all preachers must have theological training before opening a church.

Pentecostal churches, often run by charismatic preachers claiming to be able to perform miracles, have grown rapidly in many parts of Africa in recent years.

Some are massive, attracting thousands of worshippers each Sunday, but others consist of tiny structures built without planning permission. Church leaders have at times been criticised for using loud public address systems to attract worshippers.

Government official Justus Kangwagye told the BBC’s Focus on Africa programme that they simply required the churches to meet “modest standards”.

Some church premises exposed worshippers to unnecessary risks and could “cause danger to those worshipping,” Mr Kangwagye told the Rwandan New Times newspaper.

The reported crackdown is being carried out by the local authorities with the support of the Rwanda Governance Board, according to the New Times.

Some 700 churches were thought to be operating illegally, the Rwanda Governance Board said in a recent statement.

The vast majority of Rwandans are Christians but many also follow traditional practices.

Please Share This Post

The Headlines Of Nigerian Newspapers Today 1st March, 2018

SHARE THIS POST

The Headlines Of Nigerian Newspapers Today 1st March, 2018

Punch

Buhari’s ministers delaying passage of 2018 budget –Senate

The Senate has told Nigerians to blame members of President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet and the ministries, departments and agencies under their portfolios for the delay in the passage of the 2018 Appropriation Bill by the National Assembly.

Vanguard

2019 presidency: Ex-CBN deputy gov formally declares interest 

abuja—Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Kingsley Moghalu, has officially declared to run for the president of Nigeria in the 2019 election.

The Sun

2019: I’ll be disappointed if Buhari uses public funds to campaign – Ndume

Sen. Mohammed Ndume, who represents Borno South in the senate, is known as a staunch supporter of President Muhammadu Buhari. Ndume in an interview with journalists in Maiduguri, Borno capital recently said though the decision to re-contest the presidency or not in 2019 lies with President Buhari, he said his supporters were determined to galvanize support for him and get over 12 million votes, higher than what he got in the 2015 poll.

Thisday

Okechukwu: Why S’East Leaders Endorsed Buhari for Second Term

The Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Osita Okechukwu explains the political calculations behind the endorsement of President Muhammadu Buhari for another four years by the leaders of the All Progressives Congress from the South-east. He spoke to Onyebuchi Ezigbo. Excerpts:

Guardian

‘I will restructure Nigeria if elected’

Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Professor Kingsley Moghalu, has promised to restructure Nigeria and return it to true federalism by 2021, as well as reform the police, healthcare, education, and the energy sector if he is elected president in 2019.

Daily Trust

APC endorses Buhari for 2nd term – Reuters

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of Nigeria’s ruling party, the APC, has endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari to seek second term next year; two senior party sources told Reuters yesterday.

Tribune

Alleged N4.6bn laundering: Witness testifies against Fani-Kayode, Nenandi Usman, others

THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday gave more evidence before a Federal High Court in Lagos in the ongoing trial of a former Minister of State for Finance, Nenandi Usman, who is facing a corruption charge.

Leadership

Saraki Seeks End To Pension For Ex-govs, Deputes

Senate President Bukola Saraki yesterday sought an end to payment of pensions to former governors and their deputies who hold public or political offices.

The Nation

Diezani Forefeits $4.760m Penthouses

The Federal high court in Lagos yesterday ordered the final forfeiture of two penthouses valued at $4.760m belonging to former petroleum resources minister Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke

Please Share This Post

“We Spent Last 2 Years Digging Nigeria Out Of Mess We Met” – President Buhari

SHARE THIS POST

“We Spent Last 2 Years Digging Nigeria Out Of Mess We Met” – President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari says the All Progressives Congress (APC) led Federal Government has been salvaging Nigeria from her challenges since he assumed office.

The President said this on Tuesday while addressing a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

He urged leaders and members of the APC at the meeting, as well as Nigerians, to support the security agencies in tackling insecurity in the country.

Ahead of the forthcoming elections, President Buhari declared the APC as the party of the Nigerian people and asked its leaders and members to join forces towards achieving victory in the 2019 polls.

He further asked them to remind Nigerians of the past and thank them for supporting the APC in spite of the recent challenges in the country.

The President also appealed to the party faithful not to relax and support the presidential committee led by former governor Bola Tinubu, to reconcile all aggrieved members of the APC.

Read the President’s full remarks below:

I welcome all of you dear party members to this year’s NEC meeting.

Let me first record my appreciation to the party leadership in Abuja and the states for their stewardship of the party affairs. In particular, may I commend our Chairman, His Excellency Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, for steering the party from success to success.

From our resounding victory in 2015, to gubernatorial elections in Kogi, Edo and Ondo as well as much improved showing in Anambra Elections. APC is the party of government and now the party of the Nigerian people.

Mr Chairman, Members of NEC, great credit is due to our APC State Governors for stabilizing the country and to our Armed Forces, Police and other Security Agencies for stopping Boko Haram in its tracks and driving them from their bases. No country, however well secured, can prevent isolated acts of terror as we have seen in America, Europe, Asia and here in Africa.

We must support our Security Agencies to safeguard our country so that the job of development as outlined in our Manifesto can proceed without too much interruption. 

Mr Chairman, Members of the National Executive Committee, we cannot afford to fail to remind Nigerians where we came from in 2015. I am happy to report that slowly and steadily we have managed to stabilise the country and re-direct the ship of the State.

We have restored prudence to the management of public finances. Confidence in Nigeria has been restored. On February 23rd, Nigeria issued 12-year and 20-year Eurobond on the international market, which were both oversubscribed. The 12-year bond was within days subscribed by 332%. The 20-year bond was subscribed by 372%.

We have stabilised the Naira, increased our foreign reserves from US$20 billion to US$40 billion. Inflation rate is down. With considerably less resources available to the country, we have improved all indices towards a stronger economy.

Above all, we must pay tribute to the Nigerian people. They still massively support the government in spite of distractions from exponents of “business-as-usual”.

Nevertheless, I am not asking us to relax and take things easy. As we all know, elections are looming on the horizon, we must, therefore, get our act together. Accordingly, I implore all members of the Party to give the Asiwaju Committee full cooperation to resolve differences existing amongst our members in the States affected. It is perhaps inevitable that there would be differences of opinion within the Party. If we didn’t have differences we wouldn’t be a genuinely democratic Party.

But we must not lose sight of our common purpose as a new Party to break the mould of Nigerian politics and take the country to new heights. Therefore, we have asked our respected Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lead this process of restoring order to the ranks, manage differences and strengthen the Party.

Mr Chairman, members of the National Executive Committee, I must acknowledge that the pace of government has not met the expectations of many within our Party. But few of us knew or appreciated the depth of the hole when we took office. Thus we spent the last two years digging the country out of the mess we met.

Furthermore, the stand-off between the Executive and the National Assembly slowed the process of government. We are working hard to resolve the differences so that the country can move forward.

Soon, primaries for; wards, local governments, state and centre will be due.

I urge all members to take account of the fact that APC has a history of conducting free and fair primaries whenever consensus about any position is not reached. Regardless of thcomes of the primary processes, it is imperative that we all work together to ensure victory for our party.

Thank you

Please Share This Post