My Ministers Are Performing Well, Says Buhari
- Orders police to restore Obiano’s security aides
- Senate upbraids IG
Omololu Ogunmade in Abakaliki
Nigerians clamouring for the sack of
some members of President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet over perceived
inefficiency, might have to tarry a while before their wish would come
true as the president on Tuesday night said he had confidence in his
team.
The president, who spoke in Abakaliki,
the Ebonyi State capital, while making closing remarks at a dinner
organised in his honour by his host, Governor Dave Umahi, in the Banquet
Hall of the Government House, said he had a good team.
According to the president, a number of his appointees were unknown to him before their appointments, pointing out that the appointments were based on merit and proven track records.
According to the president, a number of his appointees were unknown to him before their appointments, pointing out that the appointments were based on merit and proven track records.
A statement by the president’s media
adviser, Mr. Femi Adesina, Wednesday said Buhari also emphasised that he
had always put the best interest of Nigeria into consideration before
making decisions.
He said: ‘‘Some of the people holding
high positions in the government, like my ministers, will tell you that I
didn’t know them from Adam.
‘‘I just came across their names from the
‘‘I just came across their names from the
records and I worked with the records. I thank God that I have a very good team.’’
According to the statement, the
president commended the governor for his development strides in the
state, saying: ‘‘The absolute commitment of the governor to his position
is very remarkable and I am very impressed.’’
While expressing gratitude to God and the people of Ebonyi State for recognising his modest contribution to the country, Buhari described Nigeria as a great country with incredible resources and highly talented people.
‘‘We should continue to pray to God that the elites that will be in charge of the country in the future fear God,’’ he said.
While expressing gratitude to God and the people of Ebonyi State for recognising his modest contribution to the country, Buhari described Nigeria as a great country with incredible resources and highly talented people.
‘‘We should continue to pray to God that the elites that will be in charge of the country in the future fear God,’’ he said.
Orders Police to Restore Obiano’s Security Aides
Meanwhile, Buhari has directed the reinstatement of the security aides of Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State.
While welcoming the president to Awka Wednesday for the grand finale of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship rally, the governor had complained about the withdrawal of his security aides.
While welcoming the president to Awka Wednesday for the grand finale of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship rally, the governor had complained about the withdrawal of his security aides.
The Inspector General of Police (IG),
Mr. Ibrahim Idris, had withdrawn the security aides of the governor at
the weekend, claiming that he did that to provide a level playing field
for all the gubernatorial contestants in the state.
But Adesina in a terse statement on his
Facebook page Wednesday said Buhari while departing Awka directed the
Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations), Mr. Joshak Habila, to
ensure the return of the governor’s security personnel.
Also deliberating on the matter, the
Senate Wednesday condemned the police boss’ action, saying that it was
improper and must be reversed immediately.
It directed its Chairman, Committee on Police Affairs, Senator Abu Ibrahim, to liaise with Idris and ensure that its resolution was respected by Thursday.
It directed its Chairman, Committee on Police Affairs, Senator Abu Ibrahim, to liaise with Idris and ensure that its resolution was respected by Thursday.
The Senate acted upon a motion moved by
Senator Emmanuel Bwacha under Order 41, faulting the reasons given by
the Idris for his action.
He said: “I woke up to my shock to
listen to an explanation offered by the Inspector General of Police in
respect of the withdrawal of security aides of the Governor of Anambra
State.
“Mr. President, this matter is
bi-partisan. The explanation offered went to the extent to mean that
because there is a need for a level playground for all the aspirants in
the Anambra governorship election, so, the governor who is a sitting
governor should lose his security aides. Mr. President, I was in a state
of shock when I received this explanation.
“The governor has lost his immunity on
an election that everybody is allowed to participate. If a precedent is
being set, we want clarification. That in 2019, if the president will
contest, the president will lose all his security aides because we want a
level playground. I am not a member of APGA but I know that injustice
anywhere is injustice everywhere.”
Bwacha was backed by Senator Biodun
Olujimi, who warned that Nigeria could become a “Banana nation” if the
excesses of the police were not checked.
The Senate subsequently resolved to ask the police chief to restore the governor’s aides immediately.
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