All Progressives Congress (APC) said by exiting recession as published by National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), it has fulfilled promises made to Nigerians in 2015 to restore the economy of the country.
The party, while rejoicing over the economic recession after five consecutive quarters of contraction, said the country’s foreign reserve has now hit $32 billion, the highest mark since January 2015.
A statement signed yesterday in Abuja by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the country’s exit from recession was in tandem with the current administration’s forecast that the country would experience economic growth in 2017, adding that this had shown “that the President Muhammadu Buhari APC-led administration was “one that keeps its promises.
“We commend the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari on the economic recovery efforts which has evidently started to yield fruits. The APC also commends the National Assembly as it continues to work with the executive on improving the economy and other areas of national life.
“The APC thanks Nigerians for their patience, understanding and support for the President Buhari administration while the economy was in recession. Although there remains much more work to be done, we assure Nigerians that the administration remains focused on its effort to sustain the economy on the path of growth.”
The party recalled that during the 2015 elections, “the APC promised to curb corruption, restore the economy and ensure security of the nation.
“As the President Buhari administration works assiduously to build a new solid foundation, credible image and pull the country out of the present hardships, we appeal for continued patience and the cooperation from Nigerians. While these are difficult times for many Nigerians, we must sustain the hope that brighter days are ahead of us.”
Floods: FG moves to dredge River Benue (2)
The federal government has promised to dredge River Benue and construct additional drainage systems to combat the menace of incessant flood being experienced in the state.
President Muhammadu Buhari made the promise yesterday while addressing the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the International Market camp in Makurdi.
Represented by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, the president expressed optimism that the dredging of the river would provide permanent solution to the problem.
He also hoped that the dredging would not only tackle flooding but also creates job opportunities for the youth.
“We need to look at a realistic solution to this problem, the dredging of River Benue is very important in addressing this flood issue and we will do something about it,’’ the president said.
Buhari said government was not only concerned about this year’s flood disaster but the 2012 disaster too and would find permanent solution to Benue incessant flooding.
“The intention of the federal government is not just to assist flood victims but also to find ways of providing real opportunities to help Nigerians improve their standard of living.”
Buhari reiterated his administration’s determination to fulfill all its campaign promises to the citizenry.
Earlier, Governor Samuel Ortom, while welcoming the president, appealed to the federal government to assist the state in dredging the river and complete ongoing drainage system in the state.
Ortom also commended the president for his prompt response and provision of relief materials to the flood victims.
He said that the state had received eight-truck load of relief materials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), adding that five were on the way.
He said Nasarawa state government also donated four trucks of relief materials.
The governor commended the Nigerian Air force for the provision of healthcare system to the IDPs and other civil society groups for their various contributions as well.
Osinbajo also visited ecological-threatened areas in Makurdi and Central Store where relief materials are warehoused.
135,000km road network un-tarred- ICRC (3)
Director-General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Chidi Izuwah, said yesterday that about 135,000 kilometres of road network in the country were un-tarred.
Izuwah said this in Abuja at the 2017 Otis Anyaeji and Nigerian Society of Engineers Annual lecture.
He spoke on the theme: “Transportation Infrastructure as a Catalyst for Economic Diversification and Inclusive National Development”, saying: “Nigeria has about 195,000 km road network out of which a proportion of about 32,000 km are federal roads while 31,000km are state roads.
“Out of this, only about 60,000km is paved. Of the paved roads, a large proportion is in very poor unacceptable condition due to insufficient investment and lack of adequate maintenance.
“Private capital and management expertise will help in this area as has happened in Malaysia, India and South Africa,” he said.
He said that Nigeria’s investment in road and rail remained low and had led to the continued under development of the country, adding to joblessness and poverty.
Izuwah gave examples of successful and lucrative PPP operations in the country, especially the concessioned Apapa-Lagos container terminal, which had led to the de-congestion of the ports.
It also led to reduced congestion surcharge from $525 to $75, saving the Nigerian economy an estimated 200 million dollars a year.
“We no longer hear about Wharf rats or thieves who made containers from our ports vanish into thin air easily in years gone by,” he said.
Meanwhile the President, Nigerian Society of Engineers, Otis Anyaeji, called on its members to look into investing in bankable PPP projects across the country.
He said this would help to diversify the nation’s economy, create jobs, improve economic activities and enrich the quality of life of the people.
PSC confirms Senator Misau’s retirement letter (4)
The Police Service Commission (PSC), yesterday confirmed the retirement letter of Isah Misau, Chairman Senate Committee on Navy, from the force to be authentic.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Nigeria Police Force on August 27 declared Misau a deserter and accused him of carrying a forged retirement letter.
Misau was invited to appear before its Special Panel of the commission investigating the genuineness or otherwise of the two letters of retirement emanating from the commission.
Misau in series of interviews with newsmen accused the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, of taking bribe to post police officers as well as diverting money paid by private companies for police duties.
The Head, Press and Public Relations of the commission, Ikechukwu Ani, told NAN in Abuja, that the committee confirmed that the letter was issued by the commission.
He said that Misau, who did not appear before the committee, did not give any reason for his absence.
Ani said that the retirement letter with ref: No PSC 1034 Vol.8/244, was issued on March 4, 2014, but took effect from December 1, 2010.
He said that Misau’s retirement followed due process and based on recommendation from the Force Headquarters.
