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It’s Characteristic of Buhari to Blame Others for His Failures, Dogara Fires Back
Yakubu Dogara, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, has blasted President Muhammadu Buhari for always blaming people for his personal failings.
Buhari, while speaking, on Monday in an interview broadcast on the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA said “I asked them how they felt to hold the country at ransom for seven months without passing a budget. Unfortunately, they were not hurting me; they were hurting the country. So, really, in terms of patriotism, I think I rated them very low indeed.”
Reacting to the allegations in a statement on Tuesday, Dogara said: “His first budget was the 2016 budget, which was submitted on December 22, 2015, exactly nine days to the end of the fiscal year.
“The minimum time the National Assembly requires to pass a budget is three months. But he presented it just nine days to 2016’ and that ‘what Nigerians didn’t know and the President won’t say is that the Executive through the various ministries continued to propose additional projects to be included in the 2018 budget even as at April and May which further delayed the passage of the 2018 budget. These were communicated officially and if anyone is in doubt, the letters are there with the dates they were written and received. But here’s Buhari blaming the National Assembly.’
“President Muhammadu Buhari a few days ago, in his usual characteristics of self-righteousness, and buck-passing blamed tardiness in the passage of budgets by the National Assembly for the delay in the completion of projects across the country by his government.
“To be precise, the president said, ‘If the National Assembly takes seven months to pass a budget, then we should be commended for the much that we have achieved, and can still achieve. I personally feel very disappointed. I spoke with the leaders of the National Assembly on the issue that seven months is a long time to work on a budget.”
“Even though buck passing and blame game is not new to Buhari as it is now his stock in trade; in the past few days and weeks, there is no day that passes without the President blaming others in a desperate move to exonerate himself from any blame or failure of the Executive under his leadership to execute projects across the country.
“In fact, very recently, Buhari blamed all his predecessors for failing to build infrastructure. And I wonder why? It was the general consensus that the former employees didn’t perform as expected and that was why Nigerians hired him for a job he has sought for four conservative times but here he is blaming the same people he replaced. If you are the boss of ” Nigeria limited”, what will you do this employee?
“Some weeks ago, he even blamed the media for failing to showcase his achievements.
“I’m very disappointed with the Nigerian press. They didn’t give this government the credit of the go back to the land programme,” he said on 26 October. Time and space would not permit me to list all his “blaming”.
“However, it is disingenuous for President Muhammad Buhari to blame the National Assembly for his government’s inability to implement budget and execute projects that affect the lives of Nigerians in the last three years.
“To set the record straight, this is a President who, from the inception of his government didn’t show any sign that he was well prepared and ready for the job he sought for four times in 16 years and for which we voted for him.
“For instance, it took him six months, yes six months not six weeks to form his cabinet. It also took him two years to appoint board chairmen for most government agencies. This was his greatest undoing and was principally responsible for plunging Nigeria into recession because activities in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of government were brought to a half for the period since civil servants could not take decisions due to the absence of political heads in a country where public sector spending drives the economy. At a point, he even said he was happily working with civil servants because ministers or politicians were noisemakers because “they are only there to make a lot of noises”, he told a French television station in September 2015.
“Now, after three years, with the election in three months, the President is at it again, exonerating himself from the apparent failure of his government thereby throwing the blame right at the doorstep of the legislature. But facts don’t lie and they could be stubborn and here are the facts.
“Since his assuming office, the president has been unable to present the budget on time. His first budget was the 2016 budget which was submitted on December 22, 2015, exactly nine days to the end of the fiscal year.
“The minimum the National Assembly requires to pass a budget is three months. But he presented it just nine days to 2016.
“Again, the 2017 budget was presented on December 14, 2016, just 17 days to the end of 2016. ‘The earliest he presented budget was on November 7, 2017, which was the 2018 appropriations bill. It was less than two months to the end of the year.
“However, his ministers refused to appear before National Assembly committees to defend the budget for five months thereby delaying the passage.
“It was after the leadership of the National Assembly sought the President’s intervention on March 16, 2018, that the ministers reluctantly appeared before the committees, an exercise that takes at least one month to complete.
“In fact, some of them who felt they were super ministers sent in their permanent secretaries.
“What Nigerians didn’t know and the President won’t say is that the Executive through the various ministries continued to propose additional projects to be included in the 2018 budget even as at April and May which further delayed the passage of the 2018 budget. These were communicated officially and if anyone is in doubt the letters are there with the dates they were written and received. But here’s Buhari blaming the National Assembly.
“Violation of Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 ‘Since the inception of the Buhari administration, it has been in constant violation of the Fiscal Responsibility Act which stipulates that budgets should be presented in early September. The wisdom or import of the FRA is that the National Assembly will have at least three full months to work on the budget bill.
“Intact, the Executive admitted its failure and inability to abide by the law on August 24,2018 when former minister of Budget and National Planning, now minister of finance, Zainab Ahmed disclosed that the Federal government will present the 2019 budget in September in a bid to restore the budget circle from January to December but here we are in November without the budget estimates before the lawmakers.
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The “Pad Me A Girl Initiative”, in partnership with the Senate Committee on Women Affairs (SCOWAS) and Access Bank, on Monday, October 13, 2025, hosted a powerful and transformative celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child at the Area 1 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp, Durumi, Abuja.
An initiative of Gatmash Media that seeks to bring hope, empowerment, and essential support to hundreds of vulnerable girls and women.
The event gathered hundreds of internally displaced girls and women, alongside top government officials, lawmakers, civil society, actors, media representatives, and corporate partners — all united by a single goal: to amplify the voices of girls in crisis and champion menstrual health, dignity, and equal opportunity.
In her welcome address, Theresa Moses, Convener of “Pad Me A Girl Initiative” and CEO of Gatmash Media, expressed gratitude to partners and highlighted the urgent need for sustainable action to break barriers facing young girls.
“This year’s theme: The girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the frontlines of crisis reminds us that girls are not just victims of crisis, but resilient leaders, change-makers, and symbols of hope,” Moses explained.
“At Pad Me A Girl, our mission is to ensure that no girl is left behind because of her period, her circumstance, or her background.”
Through its Access Pad Me A Girl Pad Bank, the initiative has reached over 5,000 girls and women with reusable pads, menstrual hygiene education, and self-esteem building sessions.
Moses shared the inspiring story of 17-year-old Nafisa Abdullah Aminu, from Yobe State, who was crowned World’s Best in English Language Skills at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals in London, beating 20,000 contestants from 69 countries.
“Nafisa’s story is a reminder that brilliance can blossom anywhere — even in the most unlikely places,” she added. “Every girl, when supported, can transform her community and her nation.”
Represented by her Personal Assistant, Mrs. Patricia Oyagha, Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, delivered a compelling speech that cut to the heart of gender inequality and health stigma in Nigeria.
“For too long, menstruation has been shrouded in silence, stigma, and misinformation,” she began. “Silence around menstruation is not neutrality — it is neglect. And neglect has consequences.”
Senator Kingibe called for a national framework that recognizes menstrual health as a matter of public health, education, and human rights. She revealed ongoing efforts by her Committee to push for:
* Integration of menstrual health education into national school curricula.
* Policy support for the affordability and availability of menstrual products for girls in rural and underserved communities.
* Increased collaboration between government, private sector, and CSOs to drive grassroots impact.
“When we break the silence, we break the stigma. When we empower girls, we uplift communities. And when we invest in menstrual health, we invest in the future of our nation,” she said, to a standing ovation.
She commended the “Pad Me A Girl Initiative” and partners for their grassroots impact, describing their work as “a bridge between government policy and lived realities.”
“We cannot achieve gender equality if our girls are missing school every month because of a natural process. Menstrual hygiene is not a privilege — it’s a necessity,” she concluded.
In her goodwill message, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, FSI, represented by Mrs. Mariam Fitumi Shaibu,
Deputy Director,
Child Development,
Federal Ministry of Women Affairs lauded the initiative for its bold commitment to gender empowerment and inclusion.
“Today’s celebration is not just to highlight challenges, but to celebrate the strength, resilience, and leadership of the Nigerian girl,” she stated.
She revealed that the Ministry is actively reviewing and updating key national instruments, including: The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015; The Child Rights Act, 2003; and The National Child Policy (2009).
In addition, the Minister announced the validation of the National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management, aimed at normalizing menstrual conversations and ensuring nationwide access to hygiene products, facilities, and information.
“We must eliminate female genital mutilation, early child marriage, bullying, and all forms of gender-based violence. The future of Nigeria depends on how well we protect and empower our girls today,” she emphasized.
“Empowering the girl child is not charity; it is nation building.”
The day’s highlight featured an engaging health education session led by Mrs. Blessing Amos, Abuja Team Lead of Pad Me A Girl Initiative, focusing on menstrual hygiene management, body confidence, and breaking taboos around menstruation.
This was followed by the distribution of empowerment packs — including reusable sanitary pads, exercise books, corn flour (Tuwo Masara), custard, and kuli-kuli — to hundreds of girls and women.
The event which was also supported by ProStar Sports International, a renowned sports equipment and apparel company, BL Consulting and Vita Baites Foods was rounded off on a note of hope, unity, and renewed commitment to girl-child education and menstrual dignity.
About Pad Me A Girl Initiative
Pad Me A Girl Initiative is a gender advocacy project under GATMASH MEDIA, committed to promoting menstrual hygiene, reproductive health education, and girl-child empowerment. Its Access Pad Bank has reached over 5,000 beneficiaries across Nigeria, providing reusable pads, mentorship, and health awareness in schools and communities.
Foremost security news beat association, National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) felicitates with the Force PRO of Nigeria Police, Olumuyiwa Adejobi on his new promotion and decoration with the rank of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun at the Force Headquarters Abuja.
The well-deserved promotion of DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, alongside other newly promoted officers across various ranks, was approved by the Police Service Commission at the recent plenary session presided over by the PSC Honorable Chairman, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (retd).
Widely regarded for his dynamic approach to police-community relations, quick response and transparency in public communications, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi has served as the image maker of the Nigeria Police Force with distinction and excellence. His promotion underscores and recognizes exceptional service, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the ideals of policing in Nigeria. Since his appointment as Force PRO, DCP Adejobi has led several strategic initiatives to rebuild public trust, effective media relations, improve accountability, and modernize the Force’s communication channels across the Country.
Conveying the felicitations of NAOSNP to the Force PRO, the National President of the association popularly known for covering the Nigeria Police and other security agencies, Comrade Oki O. Samson highlighted the great impact work of DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi noting that ‘he has proven to be an asset to the Nigeria Police helping to spotlight the values and ethics of the Force as a citizen-friendly agency as well as its mandate as the prime agency in charge of internal security.’
‘For us at NAOSNP, DCP Adejobi is a great and reliable friend; he has contributed significantly to us, being a great supporter speaking at many of our security conferences and trainings and providing deep insights to conversations. The exploits of Nigeria Police across operations, administration, public relations, advocacy, and other sectors are given the much-needed attention. We celebrate a refined senior police officer, a PR guru, an excellent communicator, a Media-Friendly Force PRO, a capacity building officer and wish him greater heights in the service of our motherland’, Oki said.
The blue blood, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi is a great role model who portrays the policing values of discipline, service, professionalism and integrity. He has a rich blend of expertise and experience having served in various capacities such as the Police Public Relations Officer in Lagos and Ogun States among others.
He is a recipients of the prestigious NAOSNP Best Security Agency Image Maker of the Year Award and many other International awards.
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SPIN Hosts Inaugural Scientific Induction Committee, Makes Case for Reseach-Based Sustainability
The Sustainability Professionals Institute of Nigeria (SPIN) convened its inaugural Scientific Induction Committee on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
The virtual event, themed “Mainstreaming Sustainability in Africa: Professionalism, Standardization, and Capabilities,” brought together distinguished scholars, industry leaders, and sustainability professionals to chart a path for Africa-centric sustainability solutions.
Moderated by Dr. Mories Atoki (Hon.), SPIN’s Legal Director, and headlined by First Bank of Nigeria PLC, the event featured keynote addresses and panel discussions with globally recognized experts. These included Professor Kenneth Amaeshi, President of SPIN and Professor of Sustainable Finance at the European University Institute.
Professor Amaeshi stressed the importance of “decolonizing sustainability frameworks” and prioritizing local contexts. He noted, “Africa must redefine sustainability on its own terms, balancing environmental, social, and economic imperatives unique to our realities.”
Vice President Ini Abimbola, while administering the SPIN induction oath, charged the newly inducted scientific committee members to advance professionalism, drive standardization, and strengthen capacity building in sustainability, ultimately shaping the future of sustainability in Africa.
The newly inducted scientific committee of the Sustainability Professionals Institute of Nigeria (SPIN) comprises seven distinguished scholars and practitioners. Professor Emmanuel Adegbite, Professor of Accounting and Corporate Governance at Nottingham University Business School, emphasized the critical role of corporate governance in driving sustainable business practices.
Professor Judy Muthuri, Professor of Sustainable Business and Development at the University of West Indies, stressed the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge and community-led approaches into sustainability strategies. The committee members highlighted the complexities of sustainability in Africa.
Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, Professor of Global Climate Governance and Public Policy at the University of Bristol, advocated for justice-centered policies that address historical inequities.
Professor Uwafiokun Idemudia, Dean of the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences at the University of Guelph, called for multi-stakeholder collaboration to mitigate environmental degradation.
Dr. Adaeze Okoye, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Lead at the University of Brighton, underscored the need for regulatory frameworks that promote equity and inclusion.
The committee emphasized innovative approaches to sustainability, featuring expert insights from renowned thought leaders. Dr. Natalie Beinisch, Co-founder of the Circular Economy Innovation Partnership, shared insights on leveraging circular economy principles.
Professor Tazeeb Rajwani, Chaired Professor of International Business and Strategy at Surrey Business School, analyzed geopolitical shifts impacting sustainability practices and emphasized the need for African businesses to develop resilient, context-specific strategies.
Building on these insights, Ismail Omamegbe, SPIN’s Director of Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement, outlined the committee’s roadmap. “We look forward to our new scientific committee members’ insights in shaping our research agenda, policy formulation, and capacity-building initiatives,” he stated.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Eunice Sampson, SPIN’s Director of Learning and Development, reaffirmed the committee’s vision. “Through this distinguished committee, we will transform sustainability in Africa by localizing solutions and decolonizing approaches. Our focus remains on driving inclusive, data-driven growth through strong political commitments and cross-sector collaboration.”
