News
Garba Shehu Responds To Daily Trust Editorial On Worsening Security Situation In Nigeria
RESPONSE FROM THE OFFICE OF PRESIDENT BUHARI TO TODAY’S DAILY TRUST EDITORIAL: “LIFE HAS LOST ITS VALUE UNDER BUHARI’S NIGERIA”
Given the seriousness of the issue raised by the Daily Trust today, the Office of the President would like to issue a response.
The growing instability and violence in the North of Nigeria and elsewhere is unacceptable. No one, not least the Presidency underestimates the seriousness of the situation. Everyday, the President holds the victims and their families in his thoughts and prayers. Above all, he wishes to reassure them – and all Nigerians – that tackling the scourge of banditry and terrorism remains this government’s first priority.
Sadly, in this respect, Nigeria is not unique. Violence and terror have risen steadily across the entire African continent over the last decade. The Economist magazine in a recent publication wrote about “The Next Afghanistan,” warning the global community of the horrifying security in our neighborhood, citing specifically the states of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. So we understand the frustrations of the Daily Trust and Nigeria’s northern communities about the ongoing challenges of security and the Buhari administration is no less worried. But it is only fair to say that Nigeria’s persistent and continued efforts to suppress that instability have seen results, with the terror group Boko Haram among others reduced to a shell of its former self.
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Yet, now we Nigerians face a new threat: the worst global health crisis in living memory. Even Nigeria that proudly holds the mantle of Africa’s largest economy is not immune from the debilitating economic impact of COVID-19. The economic instability that the pandemic has wreaked has proven an effective recruitment tool for bandits and terrorists across the continent.
Indeed, the Daily Trust has correctly identified the source of the violence as “an amalgam of many complex issues” such as poverty and unemployment. It is equally right to note that, in tackling the violence, “force alone will not be enough.” It is quite wrong, however, to suggest the problem of insecurity is intractable, and more wrong still to claim apathy on the part of the government.
So what is the government doing?
First, our military efforts have not let up. It is true that in the face of today’s growing number of threats from Boko Haram, kidnappers and IPOB to your run-of-the-mill bandits, our forces are stretched increasingly thin. But our dedicated soldiers are working around the clock to keep Nigerians safe.
Second, alongside military force, this government is seeking to address the violence at its economic source. Massive infrastructure projects like the coastal rail and new train from the southern coast through the north-east to our neighbour Niger, aim to expand employment and opportunity across the country, bringing hope to our more remote and poorer regions where bandits and terrorists thrive.
Third, even as the West continues to extricate itself from Africa militarily, we are lobbying our Western allies aggressively for partnership, investment and support in other areas, such as proscribing Boko Haram, bandits and IPOB as terrorist groups, which would severely dent their funding; for investment in trade and infrastructure, to help lessen economic instability; and to help with technical assistance, advanced weaponry, intelligence and ordinance.
This will likely be small comfort to the families and loved ones of those already lost. But make no mistake: this is a battle we are fighting without let up. The Daily Trust’s suggestion that the President exchanges violence for the support he got electorally is beneath a publication that claims any kind of political neutrality or integrity.
Now is not the time for this sort of lurid political journalism. Now our focus as Nigerians must be on coming together and ending the violence. As President Buhari wrote recently of the terrorists in the UK paper, The Financial Times: “We will defeat them, one highway, one rail link – and one job – at a time.”
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
December 12, 2021
News
Pope Francis Passes On At 88
Pope Francis has died, the Vatican has announced in a video statement.
The first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church died at the age of 88 at 7:35am (05:35 GMT) on Monday, said Cardinal Kevin Farrell in a statement published by the Vatican on its Telegram channel.
Francis had suffered various ailments in his 12-year papacy, with severe complications in recent weeks after a bout of double pneumonia for which he spent five weeks in hospital.
His death comes one day after a brief appearance before thousands of Catholic pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square for the Vatican’s open-air Easter Sunday mass.
News
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf Distributes 10,000 Free JAMB Forms to Secondary Students”
The Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has inaugurated the distribution of 10,000 free JAMB forms to Kano secondary school students.
During the flag-off of the distribution, the Governor, who was represented by the state’s Commissioner of Education, Ali Haruna Makoda, also used the opportunity to inaugurate the training of the 10,000 beneficiaries on the use of computer-based tests at various designated centers across Kano State.
On his part, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Education, Alhaji Tajuddin Gambo, said the Governor has promised to provide transport for the beneficiaries throughout the training session and urged them to ensure they pass the examination.
He said the government is willing to select the best schools for the beneficiaries if they pass the examinations.
One of the beneficiaries of the 10,000 free JAMB forms, Fatima Mukhtar Umar, expressed gratitude to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for issuing the free JAMB forms and promised not to disappoint.
In a statement by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s Special Adviser on Information, Ibrahim Adam, it was noted that the Governor used the opportunity to elaborate on the feats achieved by his government in developing the education sector in the last 22 months. These include the re-introduction of foreign and domestic scholarships, re-opening of 21 skills acquisition institutes, general renovation of primary and secondary schools, construction of new classrooms, provision of classroom furniture and writing materials, and the distribution of free uniforms to primary school pupils.
Other achievements, according to the Governor’s Special Adviser on Information, Ibrahim Adam, include the reduction of 50% of registration fees in state-owned tertiary institutions, cash conditional transfers to support girl-child education, and the settlement of registration fees for NECO, NABTEB, and NBAIS, to mention but a few.
Ibrahim Adam said Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf urged all the beneficiary students to make the best use of the opportunity and strive for excellence in their academic pursuits, saying that the future belongs to those who work tirelessly to turn dreams into realities.
News
Pastor Tunde Bakare Criticizes President Tinubu’s Economic Policies and Governance
Pastor Tunde Bakare, a prominent cleric and former vice-presidential candidate, has openly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s handling of the Nigerian economy.
Speaking during his Easter sermon in Lagos, Bakare accused the President of undermining the independence of the National Assembly, claiming it has become “the 48th member of his cabinet.”* He also condemned Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as a misstep in governance.
Bakare, who was the vice-presidential candidate for the Congress for Progressive Change in the 2011 elections, did not hold back in his critique of other political figures. He took aim at Senate President Godswill Akpabio, referencing allegations of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti. According to Bakare, the Senate’s handling of the matter reflects poorly on its leadership and ethical standards.
The cleric also addressed the controversy surrounding Senator Nwebonyi, who was involved in a heated altercation with former Minister Oby Ezekwesili during a Senate Ethics Committee hearing. Bakare expressed disappointment in the conduct of the Senator, emphasizing the need for decorum and accountability in public office.
Turning his attention to Rivers State, Bakare criticized former Governor Nyesom Wike, accusing him of effectively serving a third term through his influence over the state’s current administration. He described Wike’s continued dominance in Rivers politics as detrimental to democratic principles.
Bakare’s sermon, delivered to a congregation in Lagos, highlighted his concerns about the state of governance in Nigeria. His remarks have sparked discussions across political and social circles, with many debating the implications of his pointed criticisms.
The Easter sermon served as a platform for Bakare to voice his discontent with the current political climate, urging leaders to prioritize transparency, accountability, and the welfare of the Nigerian people. His statements have added to the growing discourse on the challenges facing the nation under the current administration.
Lawmaker Honours Journalist With Traditional Title
Pope Francis Passes On At 88
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf Distributes 10,000 Free JAMB Forms to Secondary Students”
Pastor Tunde Bakare Criticizes President Tinubu’s Economic Policies and Governance
From Vision To Impact: How Comrade Waiya is Redefining Information and Internal Affairs in Kano
Lawmaker Honours Journalist With Traditional Title
Pope Francis Passes On At 88
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf Distributes 10,000 Free JAMB Forms to Secondary Students”
Pastor Tunde Bakare Criticizes President Tinubu’s Economic Policies and Governance
From Vision To Impact: How Comrade Waiya is Redefining Information and Internal Affairs in Kano
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