President Buhari Archives

Buhari receives Emir of Dutse Alhaji Muhammad Hamim Nuhu Sanusi

April 6, 2023

No more easy route to power: Buhari on lesson of 2023 elections

Emir of Dutse Alhaji Muhammad Hamim Nuhu Sanusi, President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari, Thursday said the 2023 elections have proven the growing strength of our democracy and the sophistication of the Nigerian voter when it comes to the choice of the leaders.

Buhari spoke when he received the newly-installed Emir of Dutse, Jigawa State capital, Alhaji Muhammad Hamim Nuhu Sunusi at the State House in Abuja.

President Buhari said the stunning outcome of 10 Governors failing to make it to the Senate meant that there is no longer a guaranteed route to power and the voter is truly the king when it comes to elections.

“It is a testament to the maturity of our democracy and to the amazing sophistication of the voter. What shocked me was that the ordinary citizen who is usually underrated has made the point of his political understanding of things.

“Assumption is always that you are Governor for eight years and you go to the Senate to crown the career. No one should underrate the Nigerian voter anymore. Politics will be more difficult, henceforth,” the President said.

After listening to the Emir who listed several government projects put in place for Jigawa State under the Buhari Presidency, and a request for some more, the President promised to do his best for the State in the remaining time left.

He also promised to brief the incoming President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on those requests, agreeing with visitors that the particular problem of water supply to the State Capital is worrisome.

The President told the Emir and members of the Emirate Council who accompanied him that he and the entire nation will continue to miss his friend, the late Emir, Alhaji Nuhu Muhammad Sunusi.

He said he will continue to pray for the repose of the deceased.

The Emir and leader of the delegation, Alhaji Muhammad Hamim thanked the administration of Muhammadu Buhari for helping Jigawa State to excel in major rice production, for approving a rail link to Dutse from Kano and for the restoration of peace to the State, the entire nation and the neighbouring countries that had suffered past insecurity.

The Emir also welcomed the upgrading of the Army Battalion in Dutse to a full military Brigade and requested the President to do something about the acute water shortage affecting the State Capital.

March 28, 2023

Buhari not spending extra day, transition to Tinubu govt on course– SGF

Boss Mustapha, President Buhari, President-Elect Bola Tinubu

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, said the transition process to handover to President-elect Bola Tinubu is on course.

“President Muhammadu Buhari is not spending a day extra after the 29 of May to handover power to whoever has been declared by the INEC”, he said.

Mustapha, who is also the Chairman, Presidential Transition Council, gave the assurance on Tuesday at a news conference to brief journalists on the updates of the transitional process since the committee was inaugurated.

The Federal Government on Feb. 14 inaugurated a 22-man Presidential Transition Council ahead of the 2023 handover to the incoming government.

“The transition process is on course and all efforts are being made to ensure that it is smooth and on May 29, there would be peaceful formal transfer of power to the new president-elect.”

According to him, the process of interface is necessary so as to keep Nigerians abreast of developments, build inclusiveness and lay a solid foundation for peaceful transition of power in the country.

“The Presidential Transition Council which was inaugurated on Feb. 14 is made up of 24 members which includes two persons from the President-Elect’s team.

“After the declaration of His Excellency, Asiwaju-Bola Tinubu as the President-Elect, the PTC requested him to nominate his representatives on the council as provided in the Executive Order.

“The President-elect nominated His Excellency, Atiku Bagudu, the Governor of Kebbi State and Chief Olawale Edun both of whom have since joined the process actively. “

Answering questions on any interference owing to the ongoing court proceedings on election, Mustapha said that litigation would not stop the transition process

“It is a constitutional matter and whether all the litigations concerning the election petitions are resolved or not, it will not in anyway stop the formal transfer of power on May 29.

“The court processes will continue and we are doing everything to ensure that the transition process is not truncated. Federal Government has issued a statement to that effect, ” SGF said

March 24, 2023

Buhari never said he won’t handover to Tinubu: Aso Rock

President Buhari, President-Elect Bola Tinubu

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

THE PRESIDENT NEVER SAID HE WON’T HAND OVER TO ELECTED TINUBU

The Presidency wishes to denounce as outrageous and fake, and condemns the fake news brigade for attributing a false quote to President Muhammadu Buhari and circulating it.

How can you vigorously campaign for somebody, vote for him and then say you won’t hand over to him? This beggars belief.

The situation of the Sahara Reporters is pretty pathetic since their ownership is politically partisan in today’s politics, in fact a loser in the presidential election. Instead of talking about issues, they repeatedly sell lies in the hope that people believe them as truth.

The government is already in transition phase.

The Transition Committee, made up of representatives of the outgoing administration and the incoming one is meeting on an almost daily basis planning the handover to the Tinubu/Shettima administration.

Thirteen committees as offshoots of the main committee, some, to arrange military drills and pulling out of President Buhari, are either all at work or soon to be.

So far, everything is going very well and there is no indication of any hitches.

As for the President, the Daura community has begun their preparations to receive their son back after the successful administration of the country for two terms of eight years. He, for his part, is eager to return home to enjoy his retirement.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

March 24, 2023

March 17, 2023

Buhari signs bills devolving power to states on rail, electricity

Constitutional amendment, President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has assented to a constitutional amendment bill that moves “railways” from the Exclusive Legislative list to the Concurrent Legislative list.

This will allow states to build rail lines, without seeking Federal approval.

Buhari also assented to the amendment that would allow states generate, transmit and distribute electricity in areas covered by the national grid.

Also signed was the alteration bill requiring the president and governors to submit the names of persons nominated as ministers or commissioners within 60 days of taking the oath of office for confirmation by the Senate or State House of Assembly.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Ahmed Wase commended President Muhammadu Buhari, for assenting to the momentous amendments that altered some provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

Wase, who doubles as the Chairman, Special Ad-Hoc Committee on the Review of 1999 Constitution gave the commendation in Abuja on Friday.

He said that the Constitution, which is the fifth alteration bill in 2023 was fragmented into 16 assented bills.

He listed the bill to change the names of Afikpo North and Afikpo South Local Government Areas (LGA), Ebonyi State and the name of Kunchi LGA in Kano.

He said that there was an alteration to change the names of Egbado North and Egbado South LGA in Ogun, adding that there was also an alteration to correct the name of Atigbo LGA in Enugu.

He said the name Obia/Akpor LGA in Rivers was also altered, adding that there was also an alteration to provide for the financial independence of State Houses of Assembly and State Judiciary.

Wase said there was an alteration to regulate the first session and inauguration of members-elect of the National and State Houses of Assembly.

Other alterations include Provisions of the Criminal Code, Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Act, Criminal Procedure Code or Evidence Act

He said the alteration was also to exclude the period of intervening events in the computation of time for determining pre-election petitions, election petitions and appeals.

He said the president also altered the bill which sought the Constitution to provide for the post-qualification of the Secretary of the National Judicial Council.

According to him, the alteration deleted the item “prisons” in the Exclusive Legislative List and re-designated as “Correctional Services” in the Concurrent Legislative List.

He said others were to correct the error in the definition of the boundary of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, adding that it also to require the government to direct its policy towards ensuring right to food and food security in Nigeria.

“Others deal with devolution of powers/promoting true federalism and also strengthening of State Houses of Assembly and Judiciary.”

Wase, however, congratulated members of the 9th National Assembly for working tirelessly to ensure the passage of the legislations

March 13, 2023

Cashless policy: Buhari throws Emefiele under the bus

CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele, President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has thrown under the bus his bumbling CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele over adherence to the Supreme Court order elongating the cashless policy and recirculating the old N200, N500 and N1000 notes.

In a rebuttal of public attacks on the President, spokesman Garba Shehu said at no time did the President order Emefiele and the attorney general not to respect the ruling.

“The CBN has no reason not to comply with court orders on the excuse of waiting for directives from the President”, the statement by Shehu said.

Governors first got an order for the extension of the Naira swap on 8 February.

On 3 March, the court handed over a broader ruling, virtually suspending the policy by assailing it for breaching the rules and causing suffering in the land.

The CBN and the attorney general of the federation kept mute over the ruling as cash became more scarce in the country.

Rebuking the AGF as well, Shehu said:

“The President is not a micromanager and will not, therefore, stop the Attorney General and the CBN Governor from performing the details of their duties in accordance with the law. In any case. it is debatable at this time if there is proof of willful denial by the two of them on the orders of the apex court.

“The directive of the President, following the meeting of the Council of State. is that the Bank must make available for circulation all the money that is needed and nothing has happened to change the position”.

Read the full statement

PRESIDENT BUHARI NEVER TOLD AG AND CBN GOV TO DEFY SUPREME COURT ORDER

The Presidency wishes to react to some public concerns that President Muhammadu Buhari did not react to the Supreme Court judgement on the issue of the N500 and N1,000 old currency notes, and states here plainly and clearly that at no time did he instruct the Attorney General and the CBN Governor to disobey any court orders involving the government and other parties.

Since the President was sworn into office in 2015, he has never directed anybody to defy court orders, in the strong belief that we can’t practise democracy without the rule of law and the commitment of his administration to this principle has not changed.

Following the ongoing intense debate about the compliance concerning the legality of the old currency notes, the Presidency therefore wishes to state clearly that President Buhari has not done anything knowingly and deliberately to interfere with or obstruct the administration of justice.

The President is not a micromanager and will not, therefore, stop the Attorney General and the CBN Governor from performing the details of their duties in accordance with the law. In any case. it is debatable at this time if there is proof of willful denial by the two of them on the orders of the apex court.

The directive of the President, following the meeting of the Council of State. is that the Bank must make available for circulation all the money that is needed and nothing has happened to change the position.

It is an established fact that the President is an absolute respecter of judicial process and the authority of the courts. He has done nothing in the last eight or so years to act in any way to obstruct the administration of justice, cause lack of confidence in the administration of justice, or otherwise interfere or corrupt the courts and there is no reason whatsoever that he should do so now when he is getting ready to leave office.

The negative campaign and personalised attacks against the President by the opposition and all manner of commentators is unfair and unjust, as no court order at any level has been issued or directed at him.

As for the cashless system the CBN is determined to put in place, it is a known fact that many of the country’s citizens who bear the brunt of the sufferings, surprisingly support the policy as they believe that the action would cut corruption, fight terrorism, build an environment of honesty and reinforce the incorruptible leadership of the President.

It is therefore wide off the mark to blame the President for the current controversy over the cash scarcity, despite the Supreme Court judgement. The CBN has no reason not to comply with court orders on the excuse of waiting for directives from the President.

President Buhari has also rejected the impression that he lacks compassion, saying that “no government in our recent history has introduced policies to help economically marginalised and vulnerable groups like the present administration.”

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 13, 2023

March 8, 2023

Buhari in Qatar urges Nigerians to support Tinubu’s government

President Buhari, President-Elect Bola Tinubu

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on Nigerians living in Doha, Qatar, to support President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu, as he takes over the reins of government on May 29.

Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s media aide in a statement on Wednesday said the president made the call at a Town Hall meeting as part of his visit to the State of Qatar, on Tuesday.

Buhari said his administration set forward to emplace credible, transparent and fair elections which will conclude on March 11, with the Governorship and State Assembly elections.

He therefore called on them to “support the incoming government of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, so that Nigeria will continue to be the beacon of hope and prosperity in our continent and an example for other African countries to emulate.”

Speaking further, the president acknowledged the noble roles that Nigerians in Diaspora all over the world had been playing in the development of Nigeria.

He added that his administration had approved a National Diaspora Policy, and supported the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) all the way to develop programmes for the engagement of Nigerians in the Diaspora for the ‘ambassadors’ to contribute their quota towards the development of their fatherland.

In his remarks, the Nigerian Ambassador to the State of Qatar, Yakubu Ahmed congratulated Buhari for conducting successful Presidential and National Assembly elections on Feb. 25, 2023.

According to him, the process has proven that Nigeria’s democracy is indeed strong while praying for an equally successful Governorship and State Assembly elections.

Ahmed informed the president that Nigeria and the State of Qatar had maintained brotherly bilateral relationship since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 2013.

According to the ambassador, there are currently about 7,000 Nigerians residing in Qatar, and gainfully engaged in diverse areas of human endeavours.

“I’m proud to inform you, Your Excellency that majority of our nationals in Doha are professionals who have excelled in their chosen careers, playing critical roles in healthcare, safety, oil and gas, aviation, construction, among other sectors,” he added

Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian community in the country, Dr Arabo Ibrahim, a Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, said he had every reason to thank the President especially for restoring peace in the North-eastern part of Nigeria.

“Our people were chased out of Mubi in Adamawa State by Boko Haran terrorists, peace is back.

”Now we go there and sleep peacefully. There is a lot of food now. People from the neighboring countries even come to buy food in Nigeria,” he added.

Another member of the community, Prof. Akintunde Akinade, also thanked President Buhari for conducting an electoral process “alluded to as one of the best. We have gone through elections many times before and we all know what it’s all about.

”This is an election where money has taken a back seat. We’re very grateful to see what has happened this time in the presidential election.

”Thank you for bringing sanity to the country and the electoral process. We wish that this would continue.”

He equally lauded the president for the infrastructural revolution in the country, his anti-corruption war, keeping Nigeria together as well as his well-known democratic crusade in Africa.

“I really want to thank you for your unwavering critique of African Presidents that really want to stay in office forever. I wish you a well-deserved rest,” he added.

The event was put together by the Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri Erewa. (NAN)

March 1, 2023

Political, community leaders rejoice with Buhari on APC’s success

President Buhari

Political and community leaders in President Muhammadu Buhari’s native Katsina State have continued to pour into his private residence in Daura to express their happiness, following the emergence of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the country’s next president.

Receiving Governor Aminu Bello Masari and the Emir of Daura, Dr. Umar Faruk Umar, who led members of their cabinets on separate visits, President Buhari reiterated what he had often said about the President-elect that “Bola Tinubu truly believes in Nigeria and is genuinely committed to the progress and sustainable future of Nigeria.”

He thanked the electorate for their massive support for the APC in the Presidential and the National Assembly elections, asking them to further mobilise for the upcoming gubernatorial and Houses of Assembly elections.

President Buhari profusely thanked the people for supporting him for two terms in office, which he will complete on May 29, 2023.

The Emir said they had visited the President to congratulate him on the outcome of the elections, and commended him for preserving Nigeria as an indivisible entity.

He described the preservation of the country as historic achievements.

The Emir said he was proud of his people in Daura who did not fail the President and his party in the elections.

“APC won everywhere,” the Emir said.

On his part, Governor Masari said he felt happy that projections by pundits that Katsina would not vote for the APC turned out to be false, saying that he was proud of what was achieved.

March 1, 2023

Buhari: President-elect Bola Tinubu best person for the job

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has described President elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the best person for the job.

Buhari said this Wednesday in his reaction to the results of the presidential election as announced, by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

President Buhari said in his congratulatory message to Tinubu:

“I congratulate His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory. Elected by the people, he is the best person for the job. I shall now work with him and his team to ensure an orderly handover of power.

“The election was Africa’s largest democratic exercise. In a region that has undergone backsliding and military coups in recent years, this election demonstrates democracy’s continued relevance and capability to deliver for the people it serves.

“Within Nigeria, the results reveal democracy’s ripening in our country. Never has the electoral map shifted so drastically in one cycle. In the presidential elections, states in all regions across the nation changed colour.

“Some amongst you may have noticed my home state amongst them. The winning candidate did not carry his own home state either. That happens during a competitive election. Votes and those that cast them cannot be taken for granted. Each must be earned.

“Competition is good for our democracy. There is no doubt the people’s decision has been rendered in the results we look at today.

“That is not to say the exercise was without fault. For instance, there were technical problems with electronic transmission of the results. Of course, there will be areas that need work to bring further transparency and credibility to the voting procedure.

“However, none of the issues registered represent a challenge to the freeness and fairness of the elections.

“I know some politicians and candidates may not agree with this view. That too is fine. If any candidate believes they can prove the fraud they claim is committed against them, then bring forward the evidence.

“If they cannot, then we must conclude that the election was indeed the people’s will – no matter how hard that may be for the losers to accept. If they feel the need to challenge, please take it to the courts, not to the streets.

“However, to do the latter means they are not doing it in the interest of the people, but rather to inflame, to put people in harm’s way and all for personal, selfish gains.

“After a degree of polarization that necessarily accompanies any election, it is now time to come together and act responsibly.

“I call on all candidates to remember the peace pledge they signed just days before the election. Do not undermine the credibility of INEC. Let us now move forward as one. The people have spoken.”

February 25, 2023

Buhari reaffirms support for Tinubu, votes for him

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President Buhari

In a show of loyalty, President Muhammadu Buhari Saturday in Daura, Katsina State, displayed his ballot paper, with thumb print for All Progressives Congress’ (APC) Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying after campaigning for the political leader in many parts of the country, he has reaffirmed on his preferred successor.

President Buhari, who cast his vote alongside his wife, Mrs Aisha Buhari, and other family members, at Ward A, Sarkin Yara Polling Unit, 003, said it was a pity that only one female emerged as gubernatorial candidate of the APC, Aisha Ahmed Binani, urging support for the candidate.

The President assured that he had always supported the candidature of Asiwaju Tinubu, and the show of his ballot paper to the media and the public further shows his commitment to the party and the national leader.

“I am very impressed because I have seen how the people turned up. I am very impressed and very happy. Well, the candidate I voted for I have already mentioned him in many states in Nasarawa, Katsina and Sokoto.

“All over the places I mentioned my favourite candidate, Asiwaju Tinubu, and I believe my constituency will elect him 100 percent,’’ he said.

President Buhari advised Nigerians to ensure that their rights to vote were always respected.

“Nigerians should make sure that they are respected; that means that the candidate they want to vote for they are allowed to vote for him.

“It is a pity there is only one female candidate from Adamawa State so the electorate should kindly follow our party,’’ he added.

Asked how he felt that it was the first time since 2003 that he was not on the ballot paper, the President said, “it is very exciting. I look at those who are competing and some of them are so agitated and they didn’t know that I tried three times and ended up in the Supreme Court three times.

“The fourth time I said ‘God dey’ and God sent technology, Permanent Voters Card, so no fraudulent person can claim anything,’’ he stated.

According to the President, “APC will win, from Daura to Lagos.’’

The President’s family members and staff also voted at the polling unit.

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 25, 2023

February 23, 2023

Buhari arrives in Daura for Saturday’s presidential election

President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has arrived in Daura, his hometown, for Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections.

He was earlier received at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Airport, Katsina by Gov. Aminu Masari, Katsina State’s Chief Judge, Justice Musa Danladi-Abubakar, and the Commissioner for Health, Malam Yakubu Nuhu-Danja.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in the zone, Mr Ahmed Abdulrahman and heads of other security agencies were also on hand to receive the president while on his way to Daura.

Politicians, businessmen and senior civil servants also welcomed the president.

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