President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in Abuja said steady progress was being made in achieving the targets set out in Nigeria’s Strategy for Immunization and Primary Health Care System Strengthening, with preliminary reports showing that coverage for the third dose of the pentavalent vaccine increased from 33 percent in 2017 to 63 percent in 2019.
The President, who received Gavi Alliance High Level Mission to Nigeria led by Dr. Seth Berkley, Chief Executive Officer of The Gavi Alliance and members of the Gavi Alliance, at the State House, said there was a drop to 56 percent in 2021, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, adding “However, there is a lot more to do.’’
The President said the Federal Government would increase funding to the Health Sector through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund and other initiatives.
“Gavi’s disbursement of a total sum of 1.5 billion dollars in grants to support immunization and health systems strengthening in Nigeria since 2001 has significant results but I know that as partners we would all like to see this translated into an improvement in our health indices and outcomes, particularly in the area of maternal and newborn health.
“Our donors and partners have played their part in providing all the necessary support to improve our health outcomes. The responsibility therefore ultimately lies with the Federal and States Ministries of Health, the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency and other healthcare parastatals to place greater focus on exploring innovative ways of ending the lingering issues, improving accountability across board, and ensuring that value for money is prioritized in all health expenditure,’’ he said.
President Buhari noted Gavi Board’s exceptional approval for extension of Nigeria’s transition out of Gavi’s support, which was initially scheduled for 2022 to 2028, and the joint commitment of over 3 billion dollars to fund vaccine procurement and health system strengthening interventions across the country.
“I extend my sincere appreciation for the recent support you provided to Nigeria’s COVID-19 response efforts through the provision of 762million dollars in grants, free vaccines through the COVAX Facility as well as an additional 23 million dollars for vaccine deployment,’’ the President added.
President Buhari said he received regular briefings from the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 and the National Economic Council on the ongoing efforts by the Federal Ministry of Health, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency and partners to ensure an improvement in the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines.
“Your current strategy of strengthening your engagement and direct support to States is highly commendable and will help improve uptake at the State and Local Government Levels. I recommend that you also explore the provision of support to secondary healthcare facilities in your engagement with States, as this critical tier of our healthcare system is in dire need of support, particularly in this era of pandemics.
“I assure you that the Government of Nigeria will sustain and improve our work on routine immunization performance; contain outbreaks of the Circulating Vaccine-Derived Polio Virus, strengthen surveillance against Wild Polio Virus and curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus,’’ he said.
The President assured that the Federal Government would continue to honour its funding commitment for traditional routine vaccines and co-financing the introduction of new vaccines into the country’s Expanded Programme on Immunization schedule.
“We look forward to our continued cooperation with Gavi and other partners in our efforts to achieve the annual targets set out in Nigeria’s Strategy for Immunization and Primary Health Care System Strengthening and towards the attainment of Universal Health Coverage,’’ President Buhari added.
In his remarks, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire said the GAVI team was in Nigeria for the annual review of the implementation of the accountability framework of the Nigerian strategy on routine immunisation and also to support the establishment of a robust primary health care system in the country and access to vaccines.
He added that GAVI had also been of immense help in accessing the COVID-19 vaccines through the COVAX facility.
Chief Executive Officer of The Gavi Alliance said the last time he visited the country the foundations of the 2018 Accountability Framework were still setting, and the follow up visit was an important opportunity to take stock of the progress being made.
“I am encouraged to be able to report that the Government’s commitment to primary health care and immunization remains strong. While Covid-19 has set us all back, the on going response, offers opportunities to strengthen systems to migrate against resurgence of the virus as well as the challenges of other vaccine preventable diseases,’’ he added.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 25, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI HAILS ‘AUTHENTIC RAILWAY MAN,’ ELDER NATH OKORO AT 91
President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates the first indigenous Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Elder Nath Okoro, on his 91st birthday, February 26, 2022, sharing the auspicious occasion with family and friends of the nonagenarian.
President Buhari rejoices with management and staff of the NRC as they celebrate the former Managing Director/CEO, who played a commendable role in construction and administration of railways in Nigeria, including setting up training institutions for the transport sector.
The President felicitates with ‘the Authentic Railway man’, whose passion for adding value to humanity, further drove him into research, writing and publishing.
As the nonagenarian adds another age, President Buhari prays for his good health, especially as he remains active in serving God and the country he loves so much.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 25, 2022
CEMENT DEFICIT: PRESIDENT BUHARI COMMENDS BUA GROUP FOR BRIDGING THE GAP
President Muhammadu Buhari Friday applauded the BUA Group for its strides in narrowing the gap between demand and supply of cement in the country.
The President spoke at State House, Abuja, while receiving a top delegation from BUA Group, led by the Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, which was on a thank you visit.
President Buhari had last month visited Sokoto to commission the Line 4 of BUA Cement, which would ensure further availability of cement, of which Nigeria suffers about three million tonnes deficit.
“I want to congratulate you on your success,” the President told the BUA Group Chairman. “And I thank you for mobilizing senior members of your Group to come and say thank you to me. It is remarkable. What you have done in bridging the gap of cement supply in the country is quite commendable. You have proven that the productive capacity of a country is very important.”
Alhaji Rabiu said BUA Group was currently building more factories in two different parts of the country, which will contribute about six million additional tonnes to cement supply.
He added: “Your presence at the commissioning of our Line 4 sends a strong message of commitment to industrialization of our country. Like you often say, we need to add value to what we produce with locally sourced raw materials, and we remain committed to it. We are ready to work with the Federal Government, and all other relevant stakeholders. The consistent effort of the Government in supporting local capacity has helped us a great deal.”
The BUA Group Chairman said the support of President Buhari for Nigerian enterprise was unflinching, “and we are encouraged to add more value.”
He further thanked the President for what he called his “forthrightness, vision, and passion for Nigeria.”
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
February 25, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS CHIEF PHILIP ASIODU AT 88
President Muhammadu Buhari warmly felicitates with former Permanent Secretary, Chief Philip Chukwuedo Asiodu, on his 88th birthday, February 26, 2022, celebrating the renowned economist and administrator, whose discipline and competence contributed to the growth of Nigeria.
The President joins family, friends and associates of Chief Asiodu, the Ogbuefi Akuna Ka of Asaba in Delta State, in celebrating the joyous occasion of another year, congratulating him for the significant impact on the history of the country, particularly in shaping the economic and administrative structures, right from joining the civil service in 1964.
President Buhari notes the leadership roles of the Patron of Council of Retired Federal Permanent Secretaries, which include Head of Chancery, Nigerian Permanent Mission to the UN, 1960-1962; Member, Organisation of African Unity Provisional Secretariat, Addis Ababa, 1963-1964; Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Lagos, 1963-1964; Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Lagos, 1964-1965; acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, 1965-1966 and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industries, 1966-1971, Ministry of Mines and Power, 1971-1975 and Federal Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, Lagos, 1975.
As Special Adviser to former President Shehu Shagari and Chief Economic Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo, and having worked closely with former Head of State, Gen Yakubu Gowon, in restoring peace and unity of Nigeria in the 60’s, the President believes Chief Asiodu’s sense of patriotism continues to inspire younger public servants, especially in putting the country first.
President Buhari prays that the Almighty God will grant the former frontline civil servant good health and strength.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 25, 2022
ELECTORAL ACT: WE’RE BEQUEATHING A LASTING LEGACY WITH NEW ELECTION LAWS, SAYS PRESIDENT BUHARI
*ASKS THAT SECTION 84 (12) BE DELETED
President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in Abuja said The Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2022, passed by the National Assembly, holds a lot of promise for improving the election processes in the country, with introduction of new technology, and efforts to engender clarity and transparency.
At a signing ceremony held at the State House, President Buhari, however, highlighted the need to amend section 84(12), which contravenes the rights of political office holders to vote, or be voted for in political party conventions and congresses.
“Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members of the National Assembly, from the review it is my perspective that the substance of the Bill is both reformative and progressive. I am making this bold declaration because I foresee the great potentials of the Bill. Worthy of note include the democratic efficacy of the Bill with particular reference to sections 3, 9(2), 34, 41, 47, 84(9), (10) and (11) among others.
“This, however, cannot be said about one provision as contained in the proposed Bill, which provision constitutes fundamental defect, as it is in conflict with extant constitutional provisions.
“Section 84 (12) constitutes a disenfranchisement of serving political office holders from voting or being voted for at Conventions or Congresses of any political party, for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election in cases where it holds earlier than 30 days to the National Election,’’ he said.
Quoting the section, “84(12) No political appointee at any level shall be voting delegate or be voted for at the Convention or Congress of any political party for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election,” the President noted it had introduced qualification and disqualification criteria that ultra vires the Constitution by way of importing blanket restriction and disqualification to serving political office holders of which they are constitutionally accorded protection.
Adding:
“The practical application of section 84(12) of the Electoral Bill, 2022 will, if assented to, by operation of law, subject serving political office holders to inhibitions and restrictions referred to under section 40 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
“It is imperative to note that the only constitutional expectation placed on serving political office holders that qualify, by extension as public officers within the context of the constitution is resignation, withdrawal or retirement at least 30 days before the date of the election.
“Hence, it will be stretching things beyond the constitutional limit to import extraneous restriction into the constitution on account of practical application of section 84(12) of the bill where political parties’ conventions and congresses were to hold earlier than 30 days to the election.
“Arising from the foregoing, with particular regards to the benefits of the Bill, industry, time, resources and energy committed in its passage, I hereby assent to the Bill and request the Nationally Assembly consider immediate amendments that will bring the Bill in tune with constitutionality by way of deleting section 84(12) accordingly.’’
President Buhari commended the National Assembly for their commitment and dedication to improving the previous Electoral Bill 2021.
“It is gratifying to note that the current Bill comes with a great deal of improvement from the previous Electoral Bill 2021. There are salient and praiseworthy provisions that could positively revolutionize elections in Nigeria through the introduction of new technological innovations. These innovations would guarantee the constitutional rights of citizens to vote and to do so effectively.
“The Bill would also improve and engender clarity, effectiveness and transparency of the election process, as well as reduce to the barest minimum incidences of acrimony arising from dissatisfied candidates and political parties.
“These commendable efforts are in line with our policy to bequeath posterity and landmark legal framework that paves the way for credible and sound electoral process that we would all be proud of,’’ he said.
The President said he received inputs from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government, after careful and thorough reviews of the Bill and its implications to democratic processes, before signing The Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2022 into law.
President Buhari noted that the National Assembly forwarded the Electoral Bill for Presidential Assent, via a letter dated 31st January, 2022.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 25, 2022
PDP Dismisses Purported Impeachment of Zamfara Deputy Governor
…says Mohammed Gusau Remains Legitimate Deputy Governor
After an extensive review of the issues, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) dismisses the claims by the Zamfara State House of Assembly that it has impeached the democratically elected Deputy Governor of the State, His Excellency Mahdi Aliyu Mohammed Gusau.
The purported impeachment of the Deputy Governor Mahdi Aliyu Gusau by the sequestered Zamfara State House of Assembly, which has been annexed by the Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle cannot stand as the entire process remain unconstitutional, illegal and as such a nullity.
It is instructive to state that by virtue of the Order of the Federal High Court, Abuja in Suit Number FHC/ABJ/CS/ 650/2021 and pursuant to section 109 (1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) the Zamfara State House of Assembly as presently constituted has no constitutional standing to undertake any legislative action let alone claim to have impeached the Deputy Governor of the State on any ground whatsoever.
The import of the case is that by virtue of Section 109(1)(g), the members of Zamfara State House of Assembly constitutionally lost their seats when they recklessly cross-carpeted to the All Progressives Congress (APC) when there is no division in the PDP.
It is imperative to inform Nigerians that the Federal High Court had on July 19, 2021 granted an order directing the maintenance of status quo ante bellum, regarding any action against the Deputy Governor, which was duly served on the Zamfara State House of Assembly, the Chief Judge of Zamfara State and Governor Bello Matawalle.
The purported impeachment of the Deputy Governor as induced, orchestrated and choreographed by Governor Matawalle, the Chief Judge of Zamfara State and the Zamfara State House of Assembly is therefore not only an exercise in futility but also an affront to the Rule of Law by the APC and Governor Matawalle.
It is unfortunate that the Chief Judge of Zamfara State who should be a defender of the Rule of Law will allow herself to be used to desecrate the Order of Court and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which she swore to uphold. The PDP is reviewing the actions of the Chief Judge of Zamfara State in this violent assault on the Rule of Law and will take appropriate actions necessary.
In any case, the PDP and the people of Zamfara State will not allow the impunity being foisted on Zamfara State to stand and appropriate legal action is being taken in that regard.
Fortunately, our Party has implicit confidence in the judiciary, which has in the past demonstrated its capacity and ability to defend the Constitution and the Rule of Law by reinstating elected public officials who were unconstitutionally and illegally removed from office as was in the case of former Oyo State Governor Rasheed Ladoja as well as that of former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Ali Olanusi.
The PDP urges the Deputy Governor, His Excellency Mahdi Aliyu Mohammed Gusau not to be deterred by the illegality but remain focused at this critical time.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
PRESIDENT BUHARI: LEADERS WHO SWEAR BY THE HOLY BOOK MUST NOT ABUSE PUBLIC OFFICE
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Lafia said leaders who take the oath of office, swearing with the Holy Book, must be careful not to abuse the trust of leadership placed on them by the people and God.
Speaking at a courtesy visit to the palace of Emir of Lafia, retired Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad 1 , the President reaffirmed that he has no intention whatsoever to stay beyond the constitutionally recognised two terms of office as leader of Nigeria.
”The traditional ruler is on a terminal appointment. Constitutionally, we (elected public office holders) are not. I cannot go beyond two terms and I have sworn by the Holy Quran that I will uphold the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
”Politics apart, whenever we are made to swear by the Holy Quran, we have to be very careful. We must make sure that we do not abuse the trust God has given us as leaders.
”I have seen former Governors here and I am looking forward to also becoming a former President,” he said.
President Buhari thanked the people of Nasarawa State for a rousing welcome, expressing delight that the North-Central State was wearing a new look since his last visit in 2019.
He congratulated the immediate past Governor and Senator representing Nasarawa South Senatorial District, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura and the incumbent, Governor Abdullahi Sule for the laudable initiatives and accomplishments in the State.
Welcoming the President to the over 200-year old palace, the Emir of Lafia thanked him for ending the problem of insufficient power to Nasarawa State with the provision of 330kVA sub-station.
The Emir, who is also the Chairman, Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs, told the President that the provision of the electricity plant ”has taken out 80 percent of our problem.”
”Our people have never had it so good. Our people are back to their normal life as entrepreneurs, ” he said, adding that the Federal Government projects that were ”standing as ghosts” in the state in the past have now become a reality.
The retired jurist listed the newly inaugurated CBN Building in Lafia, the Federal Secretariat, UBEC Smart School and completed Ecological projects, just to mention but a few.
On arrival in the capital for his 2-day State Visit to Nasarawa, President Buhari inaugurated the Lafia Airport, Vocational and Skills Acquisition Centre, Modern Bus Terminal and the Shinge-Barkini Abdullahi-Kilema road, executed by the State Government.
He also inaugurated CBN Lafia Branch building and a 330kva Akurba Transmission Substation executed by the Federal Government through the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) to boost power supply in the state and its environs.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 24, 2022
February 25, 2022
Press Statement
PDP Sets Up Osun State Ward Congress Electoral Appeal Panel
The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved the nomination of the following members of our great Party to serve as members of the Osun State Ward Congresses Electoral Appeal Panel to consider appeals arising from the conduct of the 3 man ad-hoc delegate Ward Congresses.
The members of the committee are
- H.E. Sen. Eyinnaya Abaribe – (Chairman)
- Dr. Steven Omeje – (Member)
- Prof. Aishatu Madawaki – (Member)
- Hon. Chief Ako Atu – (Member)
- Barr. Tanko Beji (Secretary)
The exercise is scheduled to hold on Monday, February 28, 2022 at the National Working Committee (NWC) Hall, Wadata Plaza, PDP National Secretariat, Abuja at 10 am.
All critical stakeholders and members of our Party in Osun State are to take note accordingly.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
February 25, 2022
Press Statement
Electoral Act: PDP Congratulates Nigerians…Urges Nigerians to Take Charge of Polling Units in 2023
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates Nigerians, particularly Civil Society Organizations for fighting on the side of the PDP in putting pressure on President Muhammadu Buhari to finally assent to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill today.
The party also salutes the courage of PDP and other opposition members in the National Assembly for standing their ground on the passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill which among other things principally provided for the electronic transmission of election results directly from the polling units.
The newly signed Electoral Act is a death knell for the All Progressives Congress (APC) which thrives in manipulations, ballot box snatching, ballot box stuffing and alteration of election results at the collation centers against the expressed Will of the people.
It is clear that President Buhari and the deflated APC had come to their wits end and bowed to the sustained pressure by the PDP and Nigerians for the entrenchment of processes that can guarantee free, fair, transparent and credible elections in 2023.
The victory by Nigerians in resisting the APC and compelling President Buhari to sign the new Electoral Act clearly signposts the inevitable triumph of the Will and aspiration of the people to kick out the APC through a process that ensures that votes cast at the polling units count.
The PDP calls on Nigerians not to rest on their oars but to further strengthen their resolve by rallying themselves to take charge of their polling units and ensure that their votes are transparently counted and transmitted in the 2023 general elections.
Nigerians must note that the APC in its desperation will not give up easily but attempt to device other means to frustrate credible elections in the country.
Our Party therefore charges Nigerians and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be at alert and resist all shenanigans of the APC ahead of the 2023 elections.
While commending the International Community for standing on the side of democracy in Nigeria, the PDP counsels President Buhari to further redeem his image by reining in his party members who are reportedly seeking to deploy the instrumentality of violence to frustrate the efforts for free, fair and credible elections in 2023.
Signed
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
February 25, 2022
Press Statement
PDP Sets Up Lagos State Congress Electoral Committee
The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved the nomination of the following Party members to serve on the Electoral Committee for the Lagos State Congress.
The members of the Committee are:
- H.E. Sen. Diri Douye – (Chairman)
- H.E. Erelu Olusola Obada – (Member)
- Maj-Gen. Sarkin Yaki Bello (rtd). – (Member)
- Hon. Awwal Tukur – (Member)
- Chief Peter Atofarati – (Member)
- Hon. Peter Orji – (Member)
- Hon. Gabriel Onyeweife – (Secretary)
The exercise is scheduled to hold on Sunday, February 27, 2022 at the State Capital, Ikeja, Lagos State.
All aspirants, leaders and critical stakeholders of our Party in Lagos State are to take note.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
- *PRESS STATEMENT*
BREAKING: *NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, AFRICAN ACTION CONGRESS, COMRADE OMOYELE SOWORE HAS BEEN ARRESTED.*
*#FREESOWORENOW*
Without undue rhetorics, the Buhari regime has recorded another low yet again in its attacks against the rights of citizens to freely associate, assemble, hold opinions and freely express them.
Earlier today, the State sent after us armed men, dressed in paramilitary regalia. It was clear that their mission was to attack the convoy and cause serious harm. They attacked the rear team and heavily assaulted our party members in the vehicle. These unknown armed men also took away their phones.
Our comrades were able to scamper for safety, to later join the rest of the team at the Court of Appeal premises in Abuja.
Just after stepping out of the Court where the Chairman, party leaders and members have converged to witness the party’s case against INEC and usurpers, Mr Omoyele Sowore was arrested and driven away in a gestapo style, very similar to how he was arrested on August 3rd, 2019 by men of the State Security Service.
We can however confirm as at the time of releasing this statement that he is currently at the dreaded SARS unit called “Abattoir” and men from that station were the ones who carried out the arrest. We are monitoring these events and we can assure all members that this re-occurring illegalities and attacks won’t be allowed to stand. Specific reason(s) for his arrest remain sketchy at this time.
Let me state for the umpteenth time that we are not oblivious of the plans of the regime to cause harm to our National Chairman, neither are we unaware of their plot to shut us out completely from the forthcoming elections through different tactics. But they can only try because it is just too late. Nigerians are ready to be free and we are the most reliable alternative voice to the
shenanigans of the regime. No one or system can stop an idea whose time has come.
We call on all peace-loving Nigerians to join the call for his immediate and unconditional release both from this present arrest and the unjust, illegal and immoral city detention.
Solidarity.
Signed:
Femi Adeyeye
National Publicity Secretary,
African Action Congress
24/02/2022
Ebireri Henry Ovie Mobile: 2348036977194.
henryebi@yahoo.com
To:henryebi@yahoo.com
Thu, Feb 24 at 7:47 PM
*PRESS STATEMENT*
BREAKING: *NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, AFRICAN ACTION CONGRESS, COMRADE OMOYELE SOWORE HAS BEEN ARRESTED.*
*#FREESOWORENOW*
Without undue rhetorics, the Buhari regime has recorded another low yet again in its attacks against the rights of citizens to freely associate, assemble, hold opinions and freely express them.
Earlier today, the State sent after us armed men, dressed in paramilitary regalia. It was clear that their mission was to attack the convoy and cause serious harm. They attacked the rear team and heavily assaulted our party members in the vehicle. These unknown armed men also took away their phones.
Our comrades were able to scamper for safety, to later join the rest of the team at the Court of Appeal premises in Abuja.
Just after stepping out of the Court where the Chairman, party leaders and members have converged to witness the party’s case against INEC and usurpers, Mr Omoyele Sowore was arrested and driven away in a gestapo style, very similar to how he was arrested on August 3rd, 2019 by men of the State Security Service.
We can however confirm as at the time of releasing this statement that he is currently at the dreaded SARS unit called “Abattoir” and men from that station were the ones who carried out the arrest. We are monitoring these events and we can assure all members that this re-occurring illegalities and attacks won’t be allowed to stand. Specific reason(s) for his arrest remain sketchy at this time.
Let me state for the umpteenth time that we are not oblivious of the plans of the regime to cause harm to our National Chairman, neither are we unaware of their plot to shut us out completely from the forthcoming elections through different tactics. But they can only try because it is just too late. Nigerians are ready to be free and we are the most reliable alternative voice to the
shenanigans of the regime. No one or system can stop an idea whose time has come.
We call on all peace-loving Nigerians to join the call for his immediate and unconditional release both from this present arrest and the unjust, illegal and immoral city detention.
Solidarity.
Signed:
Femi Adeyeye
National Publicity Secretary,
African Action Congress
24/02/2022
