GRPolitics
Buhari Boasts in Bauchi ‘I will win re-election in 2019’
President Muhammadu Buhari has again re-echoed his decision to seek re-election in 2019, assuring his supporters that he is confident of winning.
Buhari who made the statement in Bauchi on Thursday while inaugurating 500 tractors and other farm implements procured by the Bauchi State government at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium (ATBS), said he would seek re-election for a second term and win again because he “is a clean man and not corrupt like other past Nigerian leaders.”
He pointed out: “Most Nigerian treasury looters have more than 20 to 30 houses yet some people in the country cannot afford even a single room to sleep in because poverty has eaten them up.”
According to the president, “I don’t have this type of mind to loot the treasury of Nigeria while people are suffering.”
He vowed that he “will fish out looters and cheaters of the country, while all the funds recovered from them will be remitted into the national coffers.”
President Buhari further encouraged parents to send their children to school to acquire western education, saying life would not be good without education.
He said: “Assuming I did not go to school, I will not be the President of Nigeria today. You should go to school, not because you want to work but to acquire knowledge for the future.”
He further said: “Youths should not wait for government work because the government cannot do it alone; they should embrace farming. Farmers are the richest people in the country now and farming is the main focus of our government.”
He commended Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, for using his bailout funds to clear salary arrears and ensure regular payment of salaries in the state.
In his remarks, Abubakar said the main objectives of distributing the 500 tractors to farmers were to boost rice and maize production in the state.
He recalled that Nigerians used to go outside the country to buy rice, but with these farm implements, farmers in the state would no longer suffer setbacks.
The governor said all the farm implements which include, ox-plough, power feller, tractors, grinding machines, water pumping machines, mini pick-up van, fertilizer, plastic fish pond, motorcycles and tricycles would be sold to farmers at subsidised rates.
He said unemployed youths in the state would be employed and trained on how to handle some of the machines, carry out minor repairs, monitoring and safeguarding the machines to reduce the number of unemployed youths in the state.
Earlier, the president who inaugurated a 60-bed Nigerian Air Force Reference Hospital said the establishment of the special operation command of the Nigerian Air Force in Bauchi is in response to the current and emerging threat facing the country.
He stated that the special command which is co-located with the new hospital confirms the administration’s collective commitment to tackling any threat to the security of the country.
According to him, “The air force remains a key component of the armed forces in its constitutional role of providing aid to civil authorities across the country. These efforts include surveillance, security airports, emergency assistance and resettlement of displaced people. These laudable efforts will continue in the interest of the country as it is our strategic goals to widen civil-military relationship.”
The president said he was delighted that the hospital, though a military facility, would grant access to civilians in an emergency, and acknowledged that the hospital is of international standard.
Buhari said: “Counterinsurgency efforts are bound to be enhanced by the location of the hospital because of its proximity to the theatre of operation”, adding that it would reduce the hitherto long distance to 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital and Nigeria Air Force Hospital in Kaduna for casualties thus saving time for casualty evacuation.
He, therefore, urged Nigerian Air Force to put an adequate mechanism in place to ensure an enduring and optimal performance of the hospital, adding that it would eventually serve as a precursor to the resets list of Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) as envisaged in Defence policy of Nigeria.
Speaking earlier, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Abubakar Sadiq appreciated the president for the support that the Nigerian Air Force has enjoyed under his administration, saying: “It has undoubtedly positioned the service to effectively discharge his statutory responsibilities as provided in the constitution
The Chief of Air Staff said the effect of the president’s support has manifested in the various theatres of operations especially in the geopolitical zones of the country. (This Day)
GRPolitics
Minister Commends Guards Brigade for Exceptional Service in Securing the Seat of Government
The Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has expressed profound appreciation for the unwavering commitment and exemplary efforts of the Commander, officers, and personnel of the Guards Brigade in safeguarding the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.
In his remarks as the Special Guest of Honour at the 2024 West African Social Activity (WASA 2024) held in Abuja, the Minister stated, “Your loyalty, sacrifice, and dedication in executing your Presidential security duties, coordinating ceremonial parades, and managing operational challenges are commendable. Your proactive approach in addressing security threats has ensured the safety of the Presidency as well as that of citizens, visitors, and diplomats alike. I urge you to continue embodying compassion and empathy in your operations, striving for excellence in all your responsibilities.”
The Minister highlighted that the WASA event serves as a vibrant testament to the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria, as showcased by the personnel and families of the Guards Brigade. “The traditional dances and local delicacies on display tonight not only enhance our appreciation of our diverse cultures but also play a crucial role in preserving our cultural heritage and distinct identity,” he added.
In conclusion, the Minister called upon the Guards Brigade to uphold the trust placed in them by consistently meeting the challenges of their duties and ensuring that the flag of the Nigerian Armed Forces continues to fly high.
Earlier, Major General Adebisi Onosayan, Commander of the Guards Brigade, delivered a welcome address expressing gratitude to the President for his unwavering support of the Brigade’s operations, training, and welfare. “Thank you, Your Excellency. I also wish to extend my sincere appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff for their relentless guidance and support. We pledge our unwavering loyalty and readiness to contribute effectively to the security of lives and property in the Federal Capital Territory and its surroundings,” he emphasized.
General Onosayan further noted that the 2024 WASA highlights the social diversity, cultural identity, values, beliefs, and rich heritage of the Nigerian people, resonating with the ethos of the Nigerian Army. “This event provides an opportunity to showcase various cultural dances, traditional cuisines, languages, attire, and ethnic groups of our great nation in a relaxed atmosphere,” he stated, adding that today’s event marks the Brigade’s Grand Finale.
GRPolitics
Matawalle Commends President Tinubu for Positive Economic Reforms
…Matawalle urges critics to be positive in their narratives
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his robust economic policies and reforms, which are yielding significant positive results for the nation. According to Matawalle, these initiatives are contributing to a turnaround in the economy that will benefits all Nigerians.
In the light of ongoing criticism, particularly from some quarters in Northern Nigeria, according to a statement by Henshaw Ogubike, director information & PR at the Ministry, Matawalle urged critics to be positive in their narratives and called on citizens to remain steadfast in their support for the President and to reject divisive narratives.
“It is crucial for Nigerians to stand united behind Mr. President, who is diligently working hard to revitalize our economy through a series of effective policies, programs, and reforms,” he stated.
Matawalle specifically highlighted President Tinubu’s tax reforms as a pivotal element in the country’s economic turnaround. He explained that these reforms are designed to create a more equitable tax system, which will enhance revenue generation for the government while easing the financial burden on ordinary citizens and small businesses.
“By broadening the tax base and ensuring that everyone pays their fair share, President Tinubu is laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth. These reforms will not only increase government revenues but also stimulate investment and job creation across various sectors,” Matawalle elaborated.
He further noted that the tax reforms aim to simplify the tax administration process, making it easier for individuals and businesses to comply. This will foster a more business-friendly environment, encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation, which are essential for driving economic progress.
Matawalle also highlighted several key achievements across various sectors, particularly noting improvements in national security. He emphasized that President Tinubu has made substantial strides in enhancing the capabilities of the Nigerian military through the provision of modern hardware and equipment. Additionally, he assured that military personnel have received timely payment of their allowances and salary increases, which has significantly boosted their morale.
“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, we are witnessing a renewed commitment to the safety and well-being of all Nigerians, and I encourage everyone to recognize the positive changes taking place,” Matawalle concluded.
The Honourable Minister of State Dr. Mohammed Bello Matawalle has disclosed that the Nigerian Armed Forces have achieved a lot in the fight against insurgency, banditry and other groups that are enemies of the Nigerian State since the advent of this administration but a lot of these success stories are not in the public space due to security reasons so as not to expose the gallant men and women of the Armed Forces who are in the forefront of this fight to danger.
According to a statement by Henshaw Ogubike, director, information and Public Relations at the Ministry, Dr. Matawalle disclosed this during the engagement with the Special Assistant to President on Policy and Coordination/Head of Central Result Delivery Coordination Unit (CRDCU) Hadiza Bala Usman with the Ministry of Defence when she presented the 1st – 3rd Quarters 2024 Performance Assessment Report on Implementation of Presidential Priorities and Ministerial Deliverable at the Ship House, Abuja.
The Minister also informed the SA to Mr. President that before now, the Nigerian airwaves was always full of news of oil theft, bunkering, piracy and all forms of kidnapping.
But since they assumed office, the country has recorded low occurrence and reduced reports of those activities just as he assured Nigerians of their resolve to do more to make our society safe for all.
Matawalle assured Hadiza Bala Usman of early submission of achievement data to her office for their reviews.
In a similar development, the SA to President advised the Ministry of Defence to put out more data into the public space to avoid doubts and negative feedbacks on the successes achieved by our Armed Forces in the fight against insecurity.
Adding that, regional tour of the troubled areas could be conducted to carry out on-the-spot interviews and first hand assessment of rescued individuals whose response will serve as raw and real data to the populace and as evidence that government is not resting on its oars.
Speaking further during the review of the Q1 – Q3 Report, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni gave a detailed submission on the achievements of the Ministry and promised that the Ministry will do more to surpass previous quarter’s report as he poured encomium on the Chief of Defence Staff and all Service Chiefs for their consistency and tireless efforts in making Nigeria a peaceful and safe place.
Dr. Kana tasked the Directors of the Ministry not to relax in their quest to give their best to the service of our dear country.
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