FEDERAL MINISTRY OF WORKS AND HOUSING
Office of the Special Adviser on Communications
Headquarters, Mabushi P.M.B. 111, Garki – Abuja, Nigeria
PRESS RELEASE
- Alerts right thinking and well-meaning people to the antics of the main opposition
The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN on Friday clarified the statement mischievously attributed to him in a section of the media as saying that Nigeria’s achievements in Infrastructure has surpassed that of the United States.
Responding to a journalist’s question on the issue during an inspection tour of the ongoing rehabilitation of the Abuja- Kaduna- Zaria -Kano Dual Carriageway Sections I to III, Fashola said:”The first point to make is that I didn’t say that Nigeria’s infrastructure was better than America’s infrastructure because certainly anybody who knows what he is doing will know that America is a much richer nation, their infrastructure is well ahead of Nigeria.”
“What I was talking about at the presentation with the All Progressives Congress, (APC) Youth Ministerial Conference was about the challenges of infrastructure and that it is universal, every country commits to infrastructure as a legitimate way to create work, to grow the economy and distribute wealth as we have seen here.”
” That’s the first point I was making, and that in a democracy you always need the Parliament to authorize what you spend on infrastructure and so I was making the comparison that Buhari has been able to get his Parliament to authorize his spending, and that is why we were even able to gather here (at the Special Ministerial Conversational Conference). But that the American government is struggling to get authorisation from their own parliament to start what we are already doing. I didn’t say our infrastructure is better than theirs,” he said.
According to the Minister, the deliberate misreporting of his clear statement of fact and the almost spontaneous orchestration of reactions based on the misrepresentation on the social media should send a clear warning to right thinking and well-meaning Nigerians about the type of campaign which the main opposition wants to run towards the 2023 election.
“It’s a campaign of lies and misinformation. The main opposition has a very uncomfortable relationship with the truth, so they are going to run a campaign of lies and disinformation, so we must be ready for it.”
“The progress we are making here make them very uncomfortable, so they can’t disprove that work is going on, they can’t disprove that infrastructure is being developed so they are going to look for every way to distort and misinform the public,” he said .
Noting that he remains undaunted by the unwarranted attacks based on misinformation, the Minister said he took time to make the clarification in the course of the inspection tour to alert well-meaning Nigerians to the kind of campaign which the main opposition wants to run.
HAKEEM BELLO
SPECIAL ADVISER,
COMMUNICATIONS
TO THE HON. MINISTER
28TH JANUARY, 2022
Press Statement
Rt. Hon Dekor Establishes Data Base For Micro, Small, Medium Entrepreneurs
A data base for micro, small and medium entrepreneurs has been established at the Bori Constituency Office of Rt. Hon Robinson Dumnamene Dekor, member representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
The data base is to ensure that the people of Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency are adequately captured in his intervention programmes.
The registration of participants which is part of the federal lawmaker’s efforts to support micro, small and medium business owners to overcome the challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic started Tuesday, January 25 and Wednesday 26, 2022 for Khana and Gokana respectively.
Addressing the constituents ahead of the registration exercise, Rt. Hon Dekor who is the chairman, House Committee on Host Communities said the fund is basically for small scale businesses in the two Local Government Areas to boost the local economy and must not be directed to other ventures.
According to the former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, and one time commissioner of works, participants should look out for further information on the MSMEs through their phone message inboxes.
All the necessary requirements for the facilitation of the programme, the organizers said, were paid for by Rt. Hon. Dekor.
Impressed by what they described as quality representation by Rt. Hon. Dekor at the National Assembly for Khana and Gokana Federal Constituency, participants of the programme, Mr Itor-Ue Michael Dumle and Kenule Sunday Leyiga who spoke separately for Khana, Charles Feeme and Barimon Dugelo for Gokana commended the federal lawmaker for having the people at heart and prayed God to reward Rt. Hon. Dekor in multiple folds and with long life for all his service to the people and humanity in general.
- HON DUM DEKOR
MEDIA TEAM
January 28, 2022.
PRESIDENT BUHARI CONDOLES WITH SENATOR FOLARIN ON LOSS OF WIFE, ANGELA
President Muhammadu Buhari extends heartfelt condolences to Senator Teslim Folarin, the lawmaker representing Oyo Central senatorial district, his children, family members, and friends who mourn the passing of the Senator’s wife, Chief (Barr.) Angela Nwaka Folarin.
The President’s prayers and thoughts are with the Folarins as they grieve the departure of a beloved wife and mother, urging them to find solace and strength in the truth that the Almighty God is always with us through the good and difficult seasons of life.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 28, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI CONGRATULATES APC STALWART, EMEKA WOGU, AT 57
President Muhammadu Buhari wishes the former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr Emeka Wogu, more years of health and happiness, as he turns 57 on January 29, 2022.
The President recognises Chief Wogu’s steadfast commitment and service to the country in different positions of leadership and joins family, friends and well-wishers in praying for enduring strength, grace and wisdom to do more for humanity.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
January 28, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI RECEIVES ‘THANK YOU TEAM’ FROM OGUN, PRAISES QUALITY OF PROJECTS IN THE STATE
President Muhammadu Buhari Friday received illustrious citizens of Ogun State at State House Abuja, who had come to show appreciation for the visit paid their State a fortnight ago.
During the visit, the President had commissioned landmark and legacy projects like roads and housing estates, which he describes as “projects of outstanding quality” during the ‘thank you’ visit.
President Buhari particularly said the new roads would cut travel time considerably, lauding Governor Dapo Abiodun for also working hard on security, and other projects that touch the lives of the people.
He recalled that he began his military career in Abeokuta as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army, “so I will always see Ogun as home.”
The President appreciated Aremo Olusegun Osoba, a former Governor of the State, who was in the delegation, saying “we have known each other for a very long time.”
Gov Abiodun said the visit was to “express appreciation for the love you have shown our State, and your visit has reassured us that you love our people, and you will continue to give us deserving support.”
He assured that he would continue to make life abundant for the people of Ogun State, through adequate security and economic emancipation.
“Your visit was monumental. We are glad that you are part of the history of our State. I bring you the greetings and appreciation of the more than 300 Obas in Ogun,” said the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, Chairman of the Council of Obas.
Other members of the delegation were Alhaja Salimot Badru, a former deputy governor, and Chief Sulaiman Adegunwa, a foremost industrialist.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
January 28, 2022
January 28, 2022
Press Statement
Insecurity: PDP Mocks, Berates Buhari For Cancelling Trip to Zamfara State
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) berates President Muhammadu Buhari for cancelling his planned visit to troubled Zamfara State.
The Party dismisses President Buhari’s excuse of not travelling to Zamfara State because of inclement flying weather, when he had the option of travelling the short trip from Sokoto to Gusau by road.
We ask, did Mr. President cancel the trip to Zamfara State out of fear of terrorists? Was Mr. President, an Army General, with all the security apparatus under his command afraid to travel by road because he was not sure of his security as well as the dilapidated state of our roads under his watch?
From Sokoto to Gusau, the Zamfara State capital is about 206 kilometers, a journey a leader who has the interest of the people at heart and who is sure of his security could have undertaken by road.
President Buhari ought to have reassured Nigerians by travelling to Gusau, instead he opted for a video broadcast in which he promised the troubled people of the state that he looks “forward to a more weather-friendly period when I will visit”.
This is another sad demonstration of the President leading from behind against his own promise and commitment to Nigerians to lead from the front in the fight against terrorism.
Such attitude to governance speaks volumes as to why our nation is in a shambolic state under the Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration which is largely laidback, unconcerned and corrupt.
If truly the people matter to Mr. President and his Party, the APC; if truly President Buhari and the APC believe in Nigerians and feel their pains; if truly they are very concerned about the wellbeing of the people, then Mr. President would have taken it upon himself, with all the apparatus of power at his disposal, to visit and empathize with the people of Zamfara State who are daily traumatized by terrorists.
Our Party is not particularly surprised because this is a Party and President which is always absent in critical areas of our national life. Such absenteeism from responsibility is the hallmark of the APC. Even when prodded to visit such areas, President Buhari will always dwell on excuses, blame game and buck passing.
Nigerians have not forgotten the sad episode of the Agatu Massacre in Benue State wherein President Buhari, on March 12, 2018, told a bewildered nation that he was not aware that the Inspector General of Police was not in the area as directed by him.
In Mr. President’s words, “I’m not aware that the I.G did not spend 24 hours in the state as directed by me, I am getting to know in this meeting.” Such was a miserable demonstration of abdication of leadership.
Indeed, such resort to leadership by proxy is inexcusable and completely unacceptable. Our nation needs a leadership that is active, people-oriented, humane, functional and result-driven; a task which the APC as a party of propaganda, deceit and lies cannot deliver on.
The PDP sympathizes with the people of Zamfara State for being made to waste their meagre resources to organize for a Presidential visit only to get an embarrassing and uninspiring video broadcast.
The PDP however calls on Nigerians not to despair but remain resolute in rallying on the platform of our Party in our mission to Rescue and Rebuild our nation from the stranglehold of misrule. They must keep hope alive as help is on the way from the PDP, come 2023.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
PRESIDENT BUHARI SYMPATHISES WITH VICTIMS OF MARKET FIRE INCIDENTS IN ONITSHA
President Muhammadu Buhari extends heartfelt condolences to the victims of the fire incident at the Main Market and Relief Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, respectively, which reportedly destroyed several goods.
The President directs Federal Government’s agencies, working with the State Government, to give the necessary succor, while also urging public spirited individuals and corporate organizations to assist those whose means of livelihood have been affected by the unfortunate incidents.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 28, 2022
January 28, 2022
Press Statement
PDP Extends Tenure of Anambra Caretaker Committees
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved the extension of the tenure of the various Anambra State Caretaker Commitees for a period not exceeding 30 days.
The decision of the NWC is in exercise of its powers under the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended).
To this effect, the current members of the Anambra State Caretaker Committees are to continue in their respective capacities for an additional duration not exceeding 30 days, beginning from the expiration of the present tenure on February 6, 2022 to March 6, 2022.
The PDP urges all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our Party in Anambra state to remain united and focused as we work collectively to Rescue and Rebuild our nation from misrule.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
January 27, 2022
Special Announcement
PDP Fixes Dates for Lagos State Outstanding Congress
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved Saturday, February 19, 2022 for the conclusion of the outstanding State Congress for the purpose of electing new State Executive Committee members in Lagos State
Similarly, NWC has scheduled a crucial meeting with Lagos State Stakeholders on Monday, February 07, 2022 at the Zonal Headquarters, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The NWC will continue to update stakeholders on any development in this regard.
Signed:
Hon. Umar M. Bature
National Organizing Secretary
January 27, 2022
Press Statement
2023: PDP Exposes APC, FG Over N3 Trillion Fuel Subsidy Scam
…Demands Full Disclosure of Fuel Importation Costs
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is appalled by the bare-faced move of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration to hide under fuel subsidy to siphon and fritter a staggering N3trillion, describing it as outrageous and unpardonable crime against Nigerians.
Whilst the PDP is not against subsidizing petroleum products for Nigerians, our Party rejects this wicked plot by the APC government to use a heavily padded fuel subsidy claims to surreptitiously funnel trillions of naira into the pockets of corrupt APC leaders and their cronies in government ahead of their shameful exit in 2023.
The PDP demands a full disclosure of specifics of the subsidy templates including details of cost of importation of petroleum products into the country to warrant the additional N2.557 trillion being requested by the corrupt APC administration.
The PDP already has information of how corrupt APC leaders pushed for the additional N2.557 trillion to the N443 billion already approved for fuel subsidy in the 2022 budget just to create a surplus as slush fund ostensibly for APC leaders to share as well as deploy to rig the 2023 elections.
The APC government cannot justify the proposed increase in fuel subsidy in the face of incontrovertible evidence of slowing economy and consequential decrease in consumption of petroleum products in Nigeria due largely to the rudderless, irresponsible and insensitive economic policies of the APC as well as the adverse effect of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Nigerians have already noted that the proposed increase is consistent with APC’s typical padding of fuel subsidy ahead of every election cycle. Is it not revealing that while fuel subsidy was N24 billion in 2016 and rose to N144.53 billion in 2017, it spiked to N878 billion in 2018 ahead of the 2019 elections; remained at N551.22 billion in the election year of 2019, only to drop to N102 billion in 2020, after the elections?
It is clear that the APC increased fuel subsidy to N1.4 trillion in 2021 and now barefacedly seeks additional N2.557 trillion to have a cumulative subsidy bill of N3 trillion in 2022 to prosecute the 2023 elections having realized that it has a tough battle with Nigerians because of its monumental failures.
It is even more disturbing that the proposed increase is to be funded through external borrowings, which will further impoverish Nigerians, mortgage the future of our nation and burden future generation of Nigerians just to finance the insatiable greed of APC leaders.
The PDP, standing with the Nigerian people, vehemently rejects the bandying of incoherent, unsubstantiated and heavily doctored figures by the APC government in its desperate lies on domestic consumption and landing costs.
Our Party challenges the APC to present the details of importation costs to Nigerians as no genuine pricing template can support such criminal increase in fuel subsidy beyond the appropriate pricing which experts posit cannot be above N500 billion.
The PDP therefore calls on the National Assembly to stand with the people and reject the scandalous N2.557 trillion addition for fuel subsidy at this critical time as approving such would be a great and unpardonable disservice to Nigerians.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary