Buhari thanks ministers, State House staff for 8 years of support

By Egena Sunday Ode

President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday in Abuja participated in a valedictory session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), and met with staff of the State House, as part of a countdown on his eight years of administration, with appreciation for all the support and loyalty.

In his remarks at the valedictory session held at the State House Council Chamber, the President thanked all the ministers for their steadfastness in pursuing the goals of the administration, urging support for the incoming President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, even from outside government.

President Buhari appreciated the ministers for working closely together, despite many odds and challenges, and sustaining the synergy that translated into many achievements.

“I am proud to say we gave our best,’’ he added.

The President directed the ministers to tidy up their work and avoid last-minute rush that could compromise the good deeds they had done over the years.

“In the cause of our years together, ranging from our newest addition to the oldest members of the team for the past seven and half years, we have differed on many issues. I urge that we understand that those positions were for the collective good, and no one should keep grievances, or carry these differences forward.

“For those of us that will not directly be in government, I know that I am one of such, I ask that we continue to provide our support, in whatever way we can, if called upon by our great party, All Progressives Congress (APC) that gave us the platform to stand and we must continue to support it in every way we can,’’ he said.

The President attributed all the good work and goodwill received by the administration to God’s intervention, adding, “I also thank God for the strength and for keeping us together.’’

“I look forward to a great many of you, disproving that Daura has not become too distant because I am no longer Mr President.

“I will also be happy to do the many things that I have not been able to since May 29th, 2015, one of such is my favorite pastime of taking care of my cattle.

“I wish all of us the best and hope to hear good news whenever any of our names are mentioned. Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,’’ he stated.

President Buhari also met with members of Staff of the State House, lauding both the senior and junior workers for supporting his administration for eight years.

He noted that the administration had stretched to accommodate the views of workers and to meet some of their needs, within the available resources.

From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

No fewer than 155 rice, wheat and maize farmers were trained on climate resilient practices in rice, wheat and maize production in Jigawa state.

The training was conducted by Jigawa state Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (JARDA) in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD).

The Managing Director Jigawa state Agricultural and Rural Development (JARDA) Alhaji Imam Muhammad disclosed this while speaking to news men in Dutse the state capital.

He explained that, out of the total number of participants about eighty farmers including extension workers received emergency training and demonstration of climate resilient practices on rice production.

The MD added that, the remaining 75 participants including male and female farmers received emergency training and demonstration of climate resilient practices on wheat and maize production.

He said, after the training, starter packs of inputs including Fertilizer, agro chemicals and seed were distributed to the participants whom were selected across zones in the state.

According to him, after the training, the participants are expected to stepdown the training to others farmers in their communities.

He then urged farmers in the state to apply the new techniques and inputs for better and bumper havest in Jigawa.

The Managing Director also urged new administration in the state to support and give more cooperation to JARDA for more food production youth employment through farming.

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Benue

State Governor Samuel Ortom said he does not have any plans or intention to join the All Progressives Congress, APC, even if lured with a ministerial position.

The Governor stated this on Wednesday during an interview on ARISETV monitored by our correspondent.

Ortom said it is not on his table to defect to APC insisting that he will remain in the PDP.

“I worked for a Southern

President because I believe in justice, equity and fairness. Tinubu is part of it, Obi is part of it. I chose to work with Obi and I said that the Presidency should go to that side. Other of my colleagues worked for Tinubu which was what we agreed. That was okay. My other candidates I worked for them in PDP. Those who lost, lost and those who won, won I can be in PDP and still work for the interest of this country to ensure fairness, justice and equity.

“What am telling you is that if tommorow Tinubu is sworn-in, I will continue to pray for him. I will continue to support him to succeed as President of this country. Litigation is going on, let it take it course, it is part of the democratic process. Whatever is the outcome, we will accept it. Whoever is the President, am going to support him. But I remain the leader of PDP in Benue State. Am PDP and will remain there but it does stop me for fighting for justice, fairness and equity”, Ortom said.

On his strained relationship with President Muhammadu Buhari,

Ortom maintained that he never hated the President recalling he was the first Governor he travelled with to South Africa on assumption of office in 2015.

He however, decried that the President was surrounded by sycophants who continually lied and decieved him that all was well.