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Why I’m the envy of many presidents of the world – Buhari

Published

2 years ago

February 23, 2023

President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari says the support his government has received from the private sector in addressing social ills is enough to make him the ”envy of many presidents of the world”.

The president stated this on Wednesday in Abuja while inaugurating and handing over of security equipment valued at over N12 billion to the military and Nigeria Police Force.

The items were donated by the Coalition of Private Sector Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) – a group of eminent Nigerian industrialists, including Aliko Dangote and Herbert Wigwe, who had also pooled N40 billion to combat COVID-19 in the country.

”Today is indeed a very happy day for all Nigerians, and I can happily say that I am the envy of many Presidents in the world.

”I am exceedingly honoured to be the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at this time.

”I am gratified to have the honour of leading a country whose private sector willingly galvanises itself to raise funds to enthusiastically support government in resolving social ills.

”I am proud to say that there is nowhere in the entire world, except in Nigeria, where the private sector has voluntarily come together to assist government efforts,” he said.

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Buhari, on behalf of the Nigerian populace, thanked all members of CACOVID, the leadership team and technical committee for their support and patriotism.

”This final gesture from CACOVID as you wind down your activities is equally very important.

”Thank you for supporting our Administration’s efforts to strengthen the Police and Military as we face the security challenges that all modern nations face.

”These 350 vehicles and thousands of vests and helmets you are handing over today will go a long way in boosting the capacity of our forces,” he said.

According to the president, such a patriotic gesture is proof that nationalistic determination is still alive in Nigeria, in the face of enormous challenges pervading the world and the country.

While recounting the history of CACOVID, the president said the initiative was set up following a quick-thinking recognition of the impending crisis that could erupt due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

”The main objective of this concept was primarily to assist the government, at all tiers, in combating COVID-19 and mitigating its impact on Nigerians.

”Accordingly, the Coalition designed a mechanism to pool funds voluntarily from an alliance that included more than 100 private sector institutions, organisations, banks and individuals.”

He said, this was meant to build Isolation Centres, procure remedial COVID-19 medications and provide palliatives to indigent Nigerians or those whose livelihoods were temporarily impacted by the outbreak.

”I am very much aware that in the first tranche of funds pooling, CACOVID collected almost N40 billion from the various private sector organisations who were more than happy to participate in the initiative and support its cause.

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”Out of the initial N40 billion contributed by the Coalition, about N17 billion was applied to speedily build Isolation Centres, acquire various medical equipment and gears, facilitate vaccine delivery and urgently procure vital COVID-19 medications for those critically in need of them nationwide.

”The balance sum of N22.2 billion was utilised to purchase staple food items, including rice, Garri, noodles, Soya, Semolina, Sugar, Pasta and Salt, etc, which were delivered to all states of the federation and the FCT, and distributed among all Nigerians who were in most need of them,” he said.

According to the president, in its drive to play its part in ensuring a golden Nigeria, CACOVID, which also received the support of the Central Bank of Nigeria, expanded its scope beyond combating COVID-19.

He added that following the unsavoury national unrest in 2020 and the continuing security challenges in the country, the Coalition again galvanised support among private sector organisations to support the Federal Government in surmounting the security challenges.

”In this regard, the Coalition commendably raised the sum of N12 billion, which was used to procure critical security equipment for our domestic law enforcement and defence organisations,” he said.

The following state-of-the-art security vehicles and equipment were procured for use by law enforcement agencies in Abuja and Lagos:

One hundred units of 14-tons Tata trucks; One Hundred units of 12 tons Tata trucks; 106 units of Toyota Vans; 64 units of Nissan Navara vans; 13,000 Ballistic Vests; 26,000 Ballistic Plates and 13,000 Ballistic Helmets.

Alhaji Dangote listed Folorunsho Alakija, Tony Elumelu, Segun Agbaje, Abdulsamad Rabiu, Femi Otedola, Adesola Adeduntan, Karl Toriola, Haresh Aswani, Raji Gupta and John Coumantaros as the moving forces behind CACOVID.

He said the affected personalities had contributed several billions of Naira each and supported the CACOVID effort with advocacy and their teams.

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He explained that in addition to the leadership team, a technical committee was constituted to guide the purchasing decisions, which was critical, given the prevailing confusion around testing and treatment options, and the lack of successful models anywhere in the world.

He identified members of that committee as leading Nigerian scientists and public health professionals, the Director-General of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Director-General of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, representatives of WHO, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the United Nations.

”For the last two years, the leadership team met on a weekly basis, mobilised others in the private sector, and were able to raise N82 billion to provide 39 fully kitted isolation centres, testing supplies for almost 1 million tests and food for 10 million vulnerable individuals across the country.”

Dangote added that from the N82 billion, the CACOVID team also donated oxygen and tanks to the most affected states and supported vaccines delivery and distribution.

He said the team also supported the reopening of the economy via travel portal, IT, airport scanners and Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), among others.

He expressed appreciation to the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 team led by Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), for their excellent collaboration.

He announced that the donation of the security vehicles and equipment marks the end of the CACOVID initiative, which he described as ”an example of patriotism, solidarity and efficiency in terms of partnership between the public and private sectors.

”This is a lesson in the power of collaboration for a worthy cause,” he declared.

Mr Godwin Emefiele, the CBN Governor, told the President he was proud to be part of the Coalition that supported government in its fight against insecurity.

”I am immensely gratified by what CACOVID has achieved in its few years of existence. The nationalist and patriotic drive of my colleagues therein is unmatched anywhere in the world and must be applauded.

”The Coalition is a good example of what Nigeria must become: a nation of patriotic solidarity of individuals and corporations, and effective collaboration of the public and private sectors,” he said.

The inauguration and handover of the security equipment event preceded the Security Council meeting chaired by Buhari.

NAN

News

Adesanya bets $10,000 on Joshua to defeat Dubois

Published

8 hours ago

September 20, 2024

Trends Admin

Anthony Joshua

Adesanya bets $10,000 on Joshua to defeat Dubois

Nigerian-born UFC fighter Israel Adesanya has staked $10,000 on Anthony Joshua, the two-time former unified world heavyweight champion, in his IBF heavyweight title battle against Daniel Dubois.

The title bout is scheduled for September 21, 2024, at Wembley Stadium in England.

The all-British showdown will include 96,000 spectators, creating an exciting atmosphere at a location familiar to Joshua but new to Dubois.

This will be Dubois’ first fight at England’s national stadium, increasing the burden on him and his staff, who is overseen by trainer Don Charles.

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Adesanya’s bet indicated that he picked Joshua to win between the 10th and 12th rounds, with an anticipated payoff of $50,000.

But Dubois had brazenly announced his goal to knock out Joshua.

“I aim to knock him out. That’s the programme. That’s the mindset; that’s the intention coming into this fight,” Dubois told Sky Sports.

“I’m going to focus my whole life on destroying him and just being a good destroyer, a good conqueror. Don’t wait. Go out there. Smash him.”

33-year-old Joshua is coming off four straight wins, including a knockout victory over former UFC champion Francis Ngannou.

Adesanya bets $10,000 on Joshua to defeat Dubois

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Jega panel’s proposal on open grazing unconstitutional – Group

Published

8 hours ago

September 20, 2024

Trends Admin

Professor Attahiru Jega and President Bola Tinubu

Jega panel’s proposal on open grazing unconstitutional – Group

The recommendation on open grazing by the Presidential Committee on Implementation of Livestock Reforms, chaired by Prof. Attahiru Jega, has been described as unconstitutional, discriminatory, and illegal.

Civil rights group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), which rubbished the recommendation in a statement on Friday, said the committee’s proposal on coexistence of open grazing and ranching as a solution to the farmer-herder crisis was faulty.

The statement signed by HURIWA national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, also said the committee’s foundation is unconstitutional, citing Section 42(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which prohibits laws or executive actions that impose restrictions based on ethnicity, community, or profession.

The group insisted that the establishment of the committee inherently favours herders at the expense of farmers, who have suffered violent attacks by armed pastoralists.

“It is unconstitutional for the government to form a committee that prioritizes one profession over another. Section 42(1) expressly prohibits subjecting citizens to laws that discriminate based on ethnicity, profession, or community. By promoting policies that favor herders while marginalizing farmers—who are the primary victims of these conflicts—President Tinubu’s administration is engaging in unconstitutional actions,” HURIWA stated.

The association also criticized the recommendations for disregarding state laws that have already banned open grazing. “In several states across Nigeria, laws have been enacted to outlaw open grazing due to the destruction of farmland and conflicts caused by herders. A national panel advocating for open grazing not only undermines these state laws but also sets a dangerous precedent where federal policies override state legislation. These recommendations are not just unconstitutional; they are illegal,” HURIWA added.

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HURIWA further condemned the Jega panel for favoring cattle rearers while ignoring the plight of farmers, who have been the primary victims of armed herder violence. “Farmers who have lost their livelihoods and lives in this ongoing crisis are being sidelined by recommendations that placate the herders. This approach fails to address the root causes of the conflict and may even exacerbate tensions,” the group noted.

HURIWA called for the immediate rejection of the panel’s recommendations by President Tinubu, labeling them an affront to state laws and legal frameworks established to protect citizens from the violence associated with open grazing. “We urge President Tinubu to reject these recommendations outright. They are unconstitutional and illegal, disregarding the rule of law in states that have banned open grazing,” the group demanded.

The rights group emphasized the need for a more balanced approach to resolving the farmer-herder conflict, advocating for the establishment of a presidential committee focused on farmers’ concerns. “For a lasting resolution, the government must ensure that farmers’ voices are heard. It is inconceivable to craft policies that cater to herders while ignoring the farmers who have been terrorized, displaced, and impoverished by the conflict. A balanced approach is essential for any resolution to be just and legitimate,” HURIWA stressed.

HURIWA warned that addressing only one side of the conflict would deepen the divide and prolong violence. “No government can settle one side of a conflict and expect peace. If the President is serious about resolving this crisis, he must give equal consideration to farmers’ concerns,” the group added.

Additionally, HURIWA highlighted international legal frameworks that bolster its stance. The rights group noted that Article 2 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) requires state parties to “respect and ensure to all individuals within its territory and subject to its jurisdiction the rights recognized in the present Covenant, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinions, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status.”

Similarly, the association informed that Article 2 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights mandates that the rights guaranteed by the Charter’s provisions must be respected “without distinction of any kind such as race, ethnic group, color, sex, language, religion, political or any other opinion, national and social origin, fortune, birth, or other status.”

In light of these international legal principles, HURIWA urged the President and his administration to adhere to both national and global legal frameworks, ensuring that all Nigerians are treated equally under the law, without favoritism or discrimination.

In conclusion, HURIWA reiterated its opposition to the Jega-led committee’s recommendations, calling them unconstitutional and a violation of the rights of Nigerian citizens. The group urged President Tinubu to reject the report and focus on inclusive, lawful, and balanced solutions to the ongoing farmer-herder crisis.

“The Jega report is unconstitutional, illegal, and ill-advised. We demand that the President reject these recommendations and work towards a solution that protects the rights of all Nigerians, especially the farmers who have suffered the most in this crisis,” HURIWA concluded.

Jega panel’s proposal on open grazing unconstitutional – Group

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Abuja court dismisses suit seeking replacement of pro-Wike Rivers lawmakers

Published

9 hours ago

September 20, 2024

Trends Admin

pro-Wike lawmakers

Abuja court dismisses suit seeking replacement of pro-Wike Rivers lawmakers

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a defection suit instituted against the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.

The suit seeking to replace the 27 lawmakers on account of their alleged defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was on Friday thrown out on various grounds.

Among others, Justice Peter Lifu who delivered the judgment held that the suit instituted by the Action People’s Party APP was statute barred having not been filed within 14 days allowed by law.

While the defection was said to have been carried out in December last year, the APP filed the case on July 12, a period of 8 months after the cause of action emanated.

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Besides, Justice Lifu said that the case was a gross abuse of court process on the ground that several suits on the alleged defection of the same 27 lawmakers had been adjudicated upon by the federal high court.

The Judge who quoted the previous judgments of the federal high court said that the request for replacement of the lawmakers had earlier been rejected due to lack of sufficient evidence to establish the defection of the legislators.

He specifically recalled the judgment of Justice James Omotosho of the federal high court in Abuja delivered in July this year where the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC was restrained from declaring the seats of the lawmakers vacant and from conducting any fresh election to replace them.

Justice Lifu said that since the judgment has not been set aside and not appealed against, it remains binding with the force of law as far as the issue of defection is concerned for the 27 legislators.

He said that it would amount to a display of judicial rascality for him to sit as an appeal court in the judgment of the same court.

The Judge subsequently dismissed the suit on the three major grounds.