Buhari not in London for talks with militants - UK

The United Kingdom has denied media reports that President Muhammadu Buhari is in London to hold talks with former president Goodluck Jonathan and Niger Delta militants.

This position was contained in a statement signed by the press officer of the British High Commission in Abuja, Joe Abuku.

“Media reports suggesting that the British government has set up a meeting with President Buhari, former President Jonathan and representatives of Niger Delta groups to discuss a solution to recent violence in the Niger Delta region are incorrect

“We are aware that President Buhari is currently in London seeking medical attention. We are not aware of any meetings on the Niger Delta while he is there,” the statement said.

The British government was alleged to be facilitating peace talks between both parties.

Buhari had left Abuja on Monday June 6 on a 10-day medical vacation in London.

Read More

Buhari appoints Akabueze DG Budget Office

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Mr Ben Akabueze, former Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning, the new Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation.

Until his appointment, Akabueze was the Special Adviser to the President on Budget Matters.

A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adeshina said that the appointment is part of an ongoing exercise to further reposition the office to effectively deliver on its core mandate.

Read More

Senate receives Buhari's list of 47 ambassadorial nominees

President Muhammadu Buhari has forwarded a list of 47 ambassadorial nominees to the  Senate for confirmation.

While presenting the list during plenary, Senate President, Bukola Saraki said that Buhari requested expeditious confirmation of the nominees. .

“I have the honour to forward the attached list of 47 career foreign service officers as ambassador designates for consideration and confirmation by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Copies of their Curriculum Vitae are attached. It is my hope that this will receive the usual prompt attention of the distinguished members of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

See the list of strictly career diplomats.

Obinna Chukwuemeka, Salisu Umoru, Iyang Udoh, Okeke Vivian, Liman Munir, Edem Jane, Mohammed Hassan, Martin Cobham, Janet Molegbo, Itegbuoye Sunday, Olatunde Adesesan, Lilian Onu, Manaja Isa, Ngozi Ukeje, Bello Husseini, Enoch Ducci, Garba Baba, Usman Aliyu, Umar Salisu, Momoh Omeiza, Kadiri Audu, Balogun Hakeem, Nosa Ahmed, Ibrahim Isa, Bankole Adeoye, Ibidapo Obe., Ogundaro Sakirat, Eric Belgam, Ateru Haliru, Ramota Bulima, Musa Mamman, Kabiru Bala, Adamu Shuaibu, D. A. Agiv, T.K. Gonglong, Ibrahim Hamza, K.C. Nwachukwu, Q.R. Wolu, E.K. Oguntuwase, A.I. Paragauda, L.A. Gasharga, Olufemi Abikoye, Abubakar Ibrahim, Rabiu Kawu, Janet Bisong and Adekunbi Habeebat.

Read More

Diezani cash: EFCC Quizzes Sullivan Chime

EFCC quizzes former Enugu State Governor Sullivan Chime over N450m presidential campaign funds http://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2016/06/efcc-quizzes-former-enugu-state.html

Read More

Keshi's death has saddened the nation - Osinbajo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo
on Wednesday lamented the passing away of former Super Eagles captain and coach, Stephen Keshi.

The Vice President in a statement said that the news of the sudden demise of Stephen Keshi has saddened the nation.

Osinbajo said that as captain and coach of the Super Eagles, Keshi's service, dedication and achievements, including lifting the African Nations Cup both as player and  coach, remained a great testament to the value of hard work.

“His personal triumphs and pursuits as a world-class professional footballer inspired many young talented sportsmen and women around Africa to strive for excellence.

“His great work with our youth and senior national teams unified our country and brought joy to many compatriots. His feats within and outside the country, are a rich legacy, which will continue to live on in our hearts.

“On behalf of the people and Government of Nigeria, I commiserate with the family of Mr. Stephen Keshi on this tragic loss. Our thoughts are with his children at this time of sadness especially so soon after the loss of their mother.

“We send our deepest condolences to them and also to the countless friends he made in a lifetime of service.
We pray that God grants the family the fortitude to bear the loss,” he said.

Read More

FG's recruitment of 500,000 teachers to begin on Sunday.

The recruitment of 500,000 teachers promised by President Muhammadu Buhari in his Democracy Day broadcast will begin on Sunday.

A statement issued on Wednesday by the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice-President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, said the recruitment would be done online.

According to the statement, the 500,000 Teacher Corps, nicknamed N-Power Teach on the portal, is one of the three direct job creation and training schemes Nigerians can start applying for starting from Sunday.

Others are N-Power Knowledge which will train 25,000 Nigerians in technology, and N-Power Build, which will train another 75,000 in building services, construction, utilities, hospitality and catering, automotive vocations, aluminium and gas services.

He said that all trainees would be paid the duration of their training.

“The N-Power Teacher Corps initiative which will engage and train 500,000 young unemployed graduates, is a paid volunteer programme of a 2-year duration.

“Unemployed Nigerians selected and trained will play teaching, instructional, and advisory roles in primary, and secondary schools, agricultural extension systems across the country, public health and community education-covering civic and adult education.

“Besides their monthly take home pay estimated at about N23,000, the selected 500,000 graduates will also get computer devices that will contain information necessary for their specific engagement, as well as information for their continuous training and development.

“They get to keep the devices even after exiting from the programme,” the statement said.

Read More

Read Buhari's tribute to Stephen Keshi

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, eulogized former Super Eagles captain and coach, Stephen Keshi, saying that Nigerian football would not be the same without him.

Keshi passed away in the early hours of Wednesday at his home in Benin city.

Buhari who is on a 10-day vacation in London said that
Nigerians would miss Keshi because he gave his all for the country.

He also said that with Keshi’s death, Nigeria has lost a great sportsman, football player and coach as well as a citizen.

“Nigeria today lost a great sportsman, football player, coach and citizen.

“President Buhari commiserates with the family of the late Stephen Keshi, and with the entire country, on his untimely passing.

“Nigerian football will not be the same without Stephen Keshi. He gave this country his all. May his soul rest in peace.”

Read More