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I Hope To Hand Over A Secure, Prosperous Nigeria In 2023 – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has said he hopes Nigeria will be secure, prosperous and confident by the time he leaves office in 2023.

He made the remark in a 30-minute interview with the Nigerian Television Authority, which aired on Friday.

According to the President, he is committed to stepping down in 2023 and has no third term agenda, as the constitution allows for only two terms.

He added that the success of his administration will depend on the survival of his party, the All Progressives Congress, after 2023.

‘Security is Key’
The President argued on Friday that his administration was committed to securing the country from all forms of violence, including banditry and terrorism.

He said it was unfair to conclude that the police and military action currently ongoing in the South-East was a result of his dislike of the region.

“We have been deploying police and army to deal with bandits” in the North, the President said.

While stressing that security had improved since 2015, he said his administration still faces the challenge of acquiring the required weaponry and ammunitions to fight crime in all facets.

The number one thing is security, the President said, because if you don’t secure Nigeria, people will not invest.

He also condemned #EndSARS violence, noting that such actions were bound to drive off prospective investors.

Fighting Corruption
The President acknowledged that corruption remained a nagging problem and decried the difficulty of dealing with it under a democracy.

“It is difficult under this system,” he said. “When I was a bit younger, I arrested politicians and put them under restriction and told them they were guilty until proven innocent.”

However, he said majority of Nigerians believe his administration was doing its best under the circumstance.

He advocated for the creation of special courts to deal with corruption, noting that such an institution would speed up the hearing of financial misappropriation cases and ensure criminals do not cheat justice.

Grateful to China
The President said his administration has focused on building public infrastructure such as railways and roads, and acknowledged China’s assistance.

“We are grateful to China,” he said. “They have agreed to help us and they are helping us.”

He added that his administration has also prioritised the production of fertilizer in order to fight food insecurity.

The President said his administration’s decision to close the country’s borders for months has boosted agricultural production.

JUST IN: Buhari to address Nigerians on June 12 at 7 am

President Muhammadu Buhari will address the nation on Saturday, June 12, 2021, at 7 am to commemorate Nigeria’s Democracy Day.

A statement issued by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity)on Friday enjoined television, radio stations and other electronic media outlets to hook up to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority and Radio Nigeria for the broadcast.

Why I Slapped President Macron – Tarel Tells Court

A twenty-year-old France citizen identified as Damien Tarel, on Thursday revealed the reason behind his decision to slap the President of France, Emmanuel Macron.
However, his explanation was not enough to hinder the court from sentencing him to four-month imprisonment for slapping the president.

Recall that Tarel slapped the president on Wednesday while exchanging pleasantries with members of the public during a trip in France’s Drome region.

Tarel when brought before the court disclosed that he had thought of other ways to humiliate the president days before his visit to the region.

He disclosed that he had plans to throw eggs or a cream tart at the president, but disclosed that the slap was not his initial plan

“I think that Macron represents very neatly the decay of our country,” he told the court, according to BFM TV.

“If I had challenged Macron to a duel at sunrise, I doubt he would have responded.”

He added that he was angered by Macron’s “friendly” looks. The court handed him an 18-month jail term out of which 14 is suspended.

June 12: Disregard Sit-at-home Order, CP Warns Lagosians

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu, has asked Lagosians to disregard any sit-at-home order by any group who intends to carry out a protest in the state in commemoration of the 2021 Democracy Day on Saturday, June 12, as the command is not aware of any planned protest in the state.

The commissioner made these appeal Friday, in a signed statement by the command spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

CP Odumosu asked Lagosians to “disregard any sit-at-home order called by certain groups which is being circulated in the social media and go about their lawful businesses as the police and other security agencies have made necessary arrangements to maintain law and order across the state.”

In another development, the statement also revealed that the Commissioner of Police has formed special squads to go after traffic robbers who have been terrorising innocent members of the state, and get the state rid of such “miscreants.”

CP Odumosu equally released some crime fighting equipment and modern communication gadgets to the squads for efficiency and better service delivery as some of the identified areas like Eko Bridge, Apongbon, Cele, Ijora, Ojota/7up, Mile 12, Surulere etc, “must be cleared of miscreants and traffic robbers with immediate effect.”

While assuring the general public of adequate security of lives and property in Lagos State, CP Odumosu reiterated that “police personnel in the command will religiously discharge their duties within the ambit of the law.”

Igangan youths patrol Communities with Guns after Fulani Herdsmen Attack

Some youths in Igangan have resorted to ‘self-help’ by patrolling with guns and searching vehicles that enter the area following gruesome attacks on residents by suspected Fulani herdsmen

Society gazette earlier reported that Herdsmen attacked Igangan, Ibarapaland, Oyo state on Sunday June 6th burning down a filling station, buildings including the Palace of the Asingangan(traditional ruler) and killing several people.

The gunmen stormed the community with over 20 motorcycles, killing about 15 people in the attack.

However, the youths of the community have resorted to securing the area against another possible attack. Governor Seyi Makinde, has since reacted to the incident stating that security operatives are on ground to handle the problem.

President Buhari Appoints Ilelah As NBC Director-General

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Mr. Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, a veteran broadcaster, as the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, announced the appointment in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday.

He said Mr. Ilelah’s appointment is for a tenure of five years in the first instance.

“June 12 Protest is A Plot To Destabilise Nigeria, Count Us Out” – Nans Tells Youths

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged Nigerian youths to shun a nationwide protest being planned for Saturday, June 12, saying it is a plot to destabilise the country.

Society gazette reports that there is apprehension across the nation as some individuals have threatened to shut down the nation with the said protest, tagged #Buharimustgo.

But NANS said the protest is being sponsored by some people who it said are hellbent in disrupting the peace of the nation.

In a press conference addressed at the NUJ Secretariat, Okelewo, Abeokuta, the Ogun State Chairman of NANS, Damilola Simeon, said the students body would never be in support of any protest that would put the nation in jeopardy.

Simeon said, with June 12, “we must continue to appreciate the efforts of the founding fathers of Nigeria’s democracy, especially late MKO Abiola, the father of Nigeria’s modern democracy, who fought and even laid down his life for Nigerians to have the democracy we are now all enjoying.”

According to him, June 12 carries heavy symbolism for a country that is known for more years of military rule than democracy.

He said, “Going by this, we want to say that we are not in support of any planned protest on June 12.

“We want to state unequivocally, that we will not be part of any protest or ploy by anybody or group of individuals to disrupt the relative peace Nigerians are enjoying, nor would we join any protest whose aim is to cause the disintegration of Nigeria.

“As much as we are against the Federal government and President Muhammadu Buhari’s led administration and its refusal to find lasting solutions to the myriads of problems confronting the country, we will not join in any protest or move that will further put Nigeria into destruction.

“We are not anarchists and we are not going to join in anything that will put the efforts of the founding fathers of Nigeria and those that fought for the unity and democracy of Nigeria in jeopardy.

“We are not ingrates and despite the current situation of the country, we believe a mass protest that will cause anarchy and weaken the already crisis-ridden security architecture of the country is not the solution to the problems.

“The glory of June 12 must not be rubbished by those inviting anarchy through the planned protest. The sacrifices of our founding fathers must not be compensated with rebellious acts against the country. We believe Nigeria will survive the current turmoil and anarchy is not the way to go.

“MKO Abiola is our true son in Ogun State and we should not allow selfish individuals or groups of individuals to destroy his legacies all in the name of a protest.

“The leadership of NANS and NAOSS, therefore call on all students in the State to shun the planned protest and embrace peace. We should not allow ourselves to be used by selfish individuals and groups to destroy the country.

“We appeal to those attacking police formations in the country to put an end to the act and embrace peace.”

Nigerian govt seeks fresh N5.9tn loan from British bank

The Nigerian government is currently negotiating a fresh $14.4 billion loan which is about N5.9 trillion to finance two rail lines in the country.

Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi disclosed this in an interview with Bloomberg.

According to the minister, Standard Chartered Plc, a British multinational bank will be funding the project despite previously announcing the state-owned Export-Import Bank of China.

The two rail projects include the upgrade of eastern line that links Port Harcourt with Maiduguri and the extension of the Lagos-Ibadan rail line to Kano.

“We’ve moved away from China in some of our projects,” the minister was quoted as saying by Bloomberg.

He also added that Zainab Ahmed, minister of finance, budget and national planning, is “overseeing the talks with the emerging markets-focused financial institution about arranging the infrastructure loans.”

In 2017, Buhari had announced that the state-owned Export-Import Bank of China “would shortly approve” a $3.5 billion loan to help start building the 1,400-kilometer (870-mile) standard-gauge line.

It is believed Nigeria’s decision not to borrow from China was made in order to limit the country’s vulnerability to China.

The Federal Government had been embarking on several rail line projects across the country in collaboration with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Chinese financed by stated owned Eximbank bank.

China Eximbank provided loan of about $2.3 billion for the standard-gauge railway segments that links Abuja to Kaduna, and another connecting Lagos to the city of Ibadan, as well as a metro line in Abuja.

China also contributed $5.3 billion to allow CCECC to expand the Lagos-Ibadan line to the northern commercial center of Kano, but as of January, the Minister stated that the financing had yet to be received.

Popular Gospel Music Producer killed by armed robbers a week to his wedding

Friends and family are mourning the demise of Ebenezer Ayeni, a gospel music producer reportedly killed by armed robbers in Oyo State.
Naija News learnt that the gospeller was attacked and shot at in Ibadan, Oyo state capital on Thursday, June 10.

A friend of the deceased who disclosed the incident on his social media account said Ayeni was killed just a week to be joined with his lover.

It was gathered that Ayeni was attacked while resting at his home. He is said to have survived the gunshot and was rushed to the University College Hospital Ibadan and another private hospital but was rejected as the hospital staff allegedly demanded a police report before they could treat his gunshot injury.

He, however, died hours later in the pool of his own blood, Naija News learnt. His body has since been deposited in the morgue.

Expressing his sadness on the sudden death of his friend, one MC ShayorComedian took to his Facebook page and wrote:

”Man of God like I used to call you, Ebenezer Ayeni NIGERIA HAS HAPPEN TO YOU TOO AND MY HEART BLEEDS.

“Your Government has failed you. UCH has failed you. NIGERIA has failed you

“I was still discussing with Bishop Shane Anifowose Oluwasinaayomi How we will dance and spray you money next week Saturday

“Your wedding clothe that I bought is ready.. I spoke with your wife to be she said I told her I was coming on Wednesday and I said yes.. said I should wake u up for her…… Baba wake up oo will still believe in miracle and God still answers prayers u can still wake up to surprise us.How do you want the young ones you are gathering and putting on the right path to feel?

“How do u want Bolarinwa Kehinde Ajipe feel who will feel that space you occupied in her Heart?

“And to all Nigeria youth out there na once person dey die, at this point I don’t care what happens to me again, as long as it won’t happen to my next generation let me do the fighting now and die and nothing happens to the people coming behind me #UchFailedUs #jraphahospitalfailedus #nigeriafailedus #Mcshayorsayyourmind

“Eben you can still wake up, my eye is full of tears right now and I can’t control my self.”

Another friend of the deceased shared:

Police embark on show of force ahead of June 12 protest

The police command in Oyo on Thursday embarked on a show of force in major areas of the state over an alleged invasion of armed bandits amid the proposed June 12 protests

The police command in Oyo on Thursday embarked on a show of force in major areas of the state over an alleged invasion of armed bandits amid the proposed June 12 protests.

Briefing journalists at the end of the patrol, the Commissioner of Police, Ngozi Onadeko, said the exercise was to let the public be aware that their safety was the primary responsibility of the police.

There was a rumoured apprehension in the state that armed bandits had flooded it to cause chaos.

The police started the show of force from the command’s headquarters at Eleyele, through Egbeda, Monatan, Akinyele, Moniya, Beere, Agodi-Gate, Olodo, Iwo Road, among others.

Ms Onadeko said there was no truth in the rumour that bandits had invaded major towns, warning that unfounded rumours would not do anybody good in the society.

According to her, the police and other sister security agencies in the state are collaborating with local hunters and vigilance groups to protect lives and property.

She called on residents to stop creating unnecessary fear in public.

“Go about your normal businesses. Even, the June 12 issue, the police, and other security agencies are working harmoniously together with non-state actors to ensure that the state is safe,” Ms Onadeko said.

Meanwhile, the Head of Akinyele Livestock Market, Muhammed Sugaba, said there was calm and no ethnic discrimination in the market.

Mr Sugaba added that there was peaceful coexistence among various ethnic groups in the market, assuring the residents of a continuous relationship among the people in the market.

Also, Dauda Alamu, chairman of the Goat Sellers Association in Akinyele Market, said they were impressed and felt secure with the police patrol in the state.

(NAN)