INEC backs Makarfi as Acting National Chairman of PDP

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, says that it recognizes Senator Ahmed Makarfi as the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

In a statement issued by its Deputy Director, Voter Education and Publicity, Mr Nick Dazang on Tuesday in Abuja, the electoral body said it ratified the administrative approval granted Makarfi, based on the judgment of a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt.

He noted that the ratification was a follow up to INEC’s Decision Extract, issued on July 14, 2016 and signed by the Director, Commission’s Secretariat, Mr Ishiaku Gali.

According to Dazang, INEC will recognise the National Caretaker Committee's activities like primary elections for political officers and the party's list of candidates for any election to be conducted by INEC.

“Two weeks ago, the commission received the candidate forwarded to it by the Sen. Ahmed Makarfi-led faction of the PDP, which had earlier secured an order from the Port Harcourt High Court,’’ he explained.

NAN

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PMB with Progressive Governors Forum at the State House Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday met with the Progressive Governors Forum at the State House, Abuja.

Also present at the meeting was Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

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President Buhari's address at the flag off of Abuja-Kaduna train services

26 July 2016 | STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA AT THE COMMISSIONING AND FLAG-OFF CEREMONY OF ABUJA (IDU)-KADUNA STANDARD GAUGE TRAIN SERVICE ON TUESDAY, 26TH JULY, 2016

Protocol.
I am delighted to be here today to commission the Abuja – Kaduna railway track and flag-off the Abuja-Kaduna train services (Passengers & Freight) on Nigeria’s first ever Standard Gauge Rail track to go into operation. This project was conceived by a previous administration, started by the last government and I am pleased to complete and commission it.
2. It is on record that between 1963 and early ‘80s, Nigeria had a vibrant rail system which conveyed agricultural and livestock and solid mineral resources to Lagos and Port Harcourt sea ports from where they are exported to other parts of the world. It is our vision and hope that those good old days will soon be back with us and indeed in a more prosperous way with the restoration of rail transport system which today’s occasion symbolises.
3. The construction of the Abuja-Kaduna Standard Gauge rail track commenced in 2009 and happily, seven years after, we are on the threshold of presenting to Nigerians a Standard Gauge Railway Train Service that will be safe, fast and reliable. The Abuja-Kaduna train service will provide the much needed alternative transport link between the Federal Capital Territory and Kaduna State, a corridor which has a huge potential for industries, agricultural activities and a growing labour force.
4. The Minister of Transportation, Chief Rotimi Amaechi and his team have put great efforts in the last few months to ensure the successful completion of this project under this Administration. Completion and Commissioning of this project is indeed in keeping with our vision of bringing about the desired change to make life easier for the generality of Nigerians through the development and provision of the necessary social and physical infrastructure.
5. In this regard, I wish to assure Nigerians that most State capitals and major commercial and production centres will be linked with railway system as a way of bringing about rapid socio-economic development and improving the quality of life of the Nigerians and promoting social & regional integration.
6. Furthermore, I wish to also reassure Nigerians that due attention will be placed on pursuing the 25-Year Strategic Railway Master Plan which is aimed at rehabilitating the existing 3,505km narrow gauge rail line and developing and constructing new standard gauge rail lines across the country.
7. As we celebrate the symbolic return of rail service today I wish to reiterate the commitment of this Administration to pursue with greater vigour and determination rehabilitation and construction of other rail lines including the major Lagos-Calabar and Kano-Lagos lines.
8. As we get down to work, I look forward to flagging off many more lines outlined in our transport policy programme.
Thank you, and safe journey to all our travellers.

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Buhari commissions Abuja-Kaduna rail services

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday commissioned the $1.457 billion Abuja- Kaduna standard-gauge rail line.

While commissioning the high speed rail services at the Idu Station in Abuja, the president said that the Federal Government plans to link all states and commercial centres in the country by rail.

As part of the official flag-off, Buhari rode in the train from Idu to Kubwa station.

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Boko Haram: troops rescue Emir's wife, daughter in Borno

Troops on counter-terrorism operations on Monday rescued the wife and daughter of the Shehu of Bama who were abducted by Boko Haram insurgents in 2014.

However, the royal father's son who was abducted alongside his mother and sister was not that lucky as he killed by the terrorists soon after the abduction.

Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding, 7 Division, Nigeria Army, Brig. Gen. Victor Ezugwu has reunited the rescued queen and her daughter with the royal family.

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Buhari to commission Abuja - Kaduna rail line on Tuesday

President Muhammadu Buhari will on Tuesday July 26, 2016 commission the Abuja—Kaduna standard-gauge Railway Line, and flag-off commercial operations on the route.

The Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi has last week conducted an inspection tour of the project in preparation for Tuesday's commissioning.

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President Buhari poses for a photograph with FIFA President

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday received in audience FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Secretary-General Fatma Samoura at the State House Abuja.

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