I’m Not Too Slow – Buhari Replies Critics

President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerians to imbibe this year’s Ramadan’s key lessons of self-denial and sacrifice if the country must overcome its present challenges of insecurity, corruption and under-development inflicted on it by poor governance.

In his Eid-el-Fitr message to the nation, the President also responded to those accusing him of being slow in governance, saying although he shares their feelings that there is much work to do, things must be done carefully in order not to lose the opportunity provided to fix the country.

Buhari noted that being aware of the high expectations of Nigerians when he assumed office as President, he had been working “with utmost dedication to meticulously plan and tackle the many national challenges” that his party had identified and promised to resolve.

He said, “Although we have come to the end of this year’s month of Ramadan, I believe that a greater acceptance by Nigerians of its key lessons of self-denial and sacrifice will serve our dear country well as we strive to overcome our present challenges, undo the damage done by years of bad governance and accelerate the pace of national development.

“Reviewing our dire circumstances and the many missed opportunities of the past, some commentators and observers have said that this is Nigeria’s last chance to get its act together and finally begin to fulfill its God-given potential for greatness.

“While not going that far, I certainly believe that now, more than ever before, our country needs greater self-denial, sacrifice and patriotism from all of its citizens if we are to quickly recover from our numerous problems and start moving in a positive direction”.

The President said he fully understood and shared the thirst of his long-suffering compatriots for corruption-free government institutions that work efficiently to deliver visible development for the benefit of all citizens.

On the allegation that he was too slow, he said, “I also share the feelings of those who think that we should be moving faster. But I urge them and all Nigerians to trust that my commitment to real and positive change in our nation is as firm as ever.

“There is indeed much work to be done, but we must do it well and carefully to ensure that the great opportunity which we now have is not lost to the “business as usual” group who selfishly or shortsightedly prefer a status quo that panders to their personal or group interests.”

Admitting that the adverse effects of years of rot, corruption, inept and bad governance on the country were immense, Buhari noted, however, that they are “certainly not insurmountable.”

According to him, they can be rectified if all Nigerians “resolve now to place the well-being of our nation above all other considerations and work wholeheartedly with the present administration to achieve greater peace and security across the nation, and reposition our country for faster economic development and progress.

“This current period of our life as a nation offers us a great opportunity to break from the vicious triangle of insecurity, corruption and underdevelopment. We must collectively resolve to seize this opportunity and unite to confront our problems”, he added.

He, however, appealed that for him to succeed, he would need the continued support, understanding and patience of Nigerians.

Wishing Nigerians a happy Sallah celebration, Buhari said, “I greet and felicitate with you all, especially our citizens of the Islamic faith on this auspicious occasion of the 2015 Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.”

…Sacks NIMASA DG Akpobolokemi

President Muhammadu Buhari has relieved the Director-general of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Patrick Akpobolokemi of his appointment.

A terse statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Femi Adesina to this effect noted that Akpobolokemi’s sack was with immediate effect.

Adesina, who did not state any reason for his sack, added that Akpobolokemi has been directed to hand over all government belongings at his disposal to the most senior officer in the agency pending when a new DG would be appointed.

The statement reads: “President Muhammadu Buhari has terminated the appointment of Mr. Patrick Ziakede Akpobolokemi as Director-general of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

“The termination of Mr. Akpobolokemi’s appointment takes immediate effect. He is to hand over the management of NIMASA and all government property in his possession to the most senior officer in the agency who will remain in charge until a new director-general is appointed”.

Dissolves boards of FG parastatals, agencies, others

President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday dissolved the governing boards of federal government parastatals, agencies and institutions.

Mr. Femi Adesina, Presidential spokesman, who announced this in a statement, noted that also dissolved are administrative or technical committees set up by the dissolved boards, to the exclusion of federal executive bodies recognised by the 1999 Constitution.

He added that pending when new boards are reconstituted, chief executive officers of affected parastatals, agencies and institutions are to channel all issues handled by the boards to the President via permanent secretaries of the supervising ministries.

Boko Haram: Iran pledges support to Nigeria

The Republic of Iran has assured President Muhammadu Buhari of its support to Nigeria in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.

This is even as the Nigerian President has given the assurance that, under his leadership, the country will continue to support the use of nuclear technology for only peaceful purposes and human development.

He said Nigeria, as a country, welcomes the agreement between Iran and the six world powers on its nuclear programme earlier this week.

Buhari, who stated this at a meeting with visiting Iranian Vice President for Executive Affairs, Mohammed Shariatmadari, applauded the agreement, saying that it was a major step towards ensuring peace and stability in the Middle East.

He also received an invitation from the Iranian vice president to attend an upcoming summit of gas exporting countries in Tehran, the Iranian capital.

The President said that as a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Nigeria was looking forward to the faithful implementation of the terms of the agreement by all concerned parties.

He noted that it was in the interest of developing countries to maximize the use of their natural resources for the improvement of the living conditions of their people.

Sallah: Katsina Emirate cancels durbar

The Katsina State Emirate Council has cancelled the traditional durbar, popularly known as Hawan Sallah, citing security concerns.

Hawan Sallah is one of the traditional events lined up for the sallah celebration and is often characterised by display of horse riding.

A statement signed by the district head of Rimi, who also doubles as Kauran Katsina, Alhaji Nuhu Abdulkadir, said the Emir, Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, ordered an outright cancellation of the fiesta.

Oshiomhole congratulates Muslims, preaches peace

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has urged Nigerian Muslims to exhibit the true spirit of peace and love in their daily dealings with men of all faith, saying that Islam, as a religion, of peace abhors violence in whatever guise.

The governor congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the success of this year’s Ramadan and urged them to inculcate the lessons learnt during the Ramadan fast to positively impact on their neighbours and the larger society.

TUC sues for peace among Muslims

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has called on Nigerians, especially Muslims, to make the necessary commitment to the nation by seeing every Nigerian, irrespective of his or her religious orientation, as brother and sister, saying that it is the only way the country can move forward.

In a sallah message by its President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Secretary general, Comrade (Barr.) Musa Lawal, they congratulated Nigerian Muslims and non-Muslims alike on this year’s Eid al-Fitri celebration.

Lagos Speaker advises Nigerians on sustainable peace

The Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has advised Nigerian Muslims to ensure that they did not neglect the virtues they displayed and enjoyed during the month of Ramadan.

He gave the advice in his Eid al-Fitri message to the nation, stating that Muslims all over the country should continue to display the spirit of love sharing and peace which were the major virtues they displayed during the Ramadan period.

Adamawa civil servants get free meat

Adamawa civil servants were in jubilation mood as the state government distributed free meat to them to celebrate Sallah festivities.

The workers who expressed happiness said the gesture will bring succour to them as they said the festivities came in austere times.

“The gesture will affect our lives positively as it will make life better for us as the celebration lasts,” a civil servant who pleaded anonymity said.

Sustain the lessons of Ramadan – Fayose, Mimiko urge Muslims

Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has advised Muslims and non-Muslims in the country not to lose sight of the gains and lessons of the Ramadan fast as they celebrate the Eid al-Fitr.

The governors who gave the advice in his Sallah message Thursday in Ado-Ekiti, said all that was put into the month-long fast would make no meaning if the lessons learnt were not sustained beyond the period.

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