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Nigeria leader orders probe into palace shooting
The Nigerian president has ordered an investigation after security guards reportedly shot into the air at his presidential palace.
The incident happened at Aso Rock following an altercation between one of the president’s aides and his wife’s bodyguards.
They had been arguing about the need for a presidential aide to self-isolate after returning from a trip.
Some of the First Lady’s staff have been arrested.
No casualties were reported.
The incident happened last week but came to light at the weekend when both President Muhammadu Buhari and his wife Aisha spoke about it publicly.
The BBC’s Ishaq Khalid in Abuja reports that the incident is seen as yet another sign of internal wrangling in Nigeria’s government where officials often publicly disagree.
The First Lady Aisha Buhari has spoken out about her husband before, suggesting in a 2016 BBC interview that his government had been hijacked. He responded by saying his wife belonged in the kitchen.
President Buhari’s spokesman Garba Shehu said in a statement that the “minor” incident happened outside the main residence and that the president was not in any form of danger “arising, either from deadly infections or the reported incident by security personnel which is currently under investigation”.
“That a minor occurrence is being used by some critics to justify attacks on the government and the person of President Muhammadu Buhari beggars belief,” Mr Shehu added.
In a series of tweets, Mrs. Buhari said she wanted authorities to make sure that anyone who had been travelling across states to go into 14-day quarantine – a reference to her husband’s aide making a trip outside the capital, Abuja.
She then called upon the Inspector General of Police to release her staff “in order to avoid putting their lives in danger or exposure to Covid-19 while in their custody”.
As part of the restrictions to try and contain coronavirus, Nigerians are banned from travelling outside their state.
There are 13,873 recorded cases of coronavirus in Nigeria and 382 confirmed deaths. -BBC
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We doubted agenda 111, but you have proven us wrong – Dormaahene to Bawumia
The paramount chief of the Dorma Traditional Council and president of the Bono House of Chiefs, Osagyefuo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, has expressed renewed confidence in the government’s Agenda 111 initiative following a recent courtesy visit from Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
During the VP’s tour, the chief and his elders participated in a Stakeholder Consultation Forum held on Wednesday, October 9, at the Dormaahene Palace, where they engaged in discussions on various developmental issues affecting the region.
In his remarks, Dormaahene acknowledged the initial skepticism surrounding Agenda 111 but noted that the government’s commitment and progress have dispelled doubts. He highlighted the initiative’s potential to improve healthcare facilities in the area, emphasising the positive impact it could have on the community’s well-being.
The chief also took the opportunity to discuss the “One District, One Factory” project in Dormaa East, urging for further development projects to be introduced in the region.
Furthermore, the chief expressed his support for Vice President Bawumia’s campaign, wishing him success as he seeks to lead the nation.
He reiterated the importance of continued collaboration between traditional leaders and the government to drive development initiatives that align with the community’s needs and aspirations.
In addressing environmental concerns, Osagyefuo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II voiced his strong opposition to illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
He urged the government to take decisive action to curb the menace, stressing the need for sustainable practices to protect the environment for future generations.
“My Vice President, it is true we chiefs don’t do politics, but as your spokesperson, Dr. Gideon Boako mentioned during the introduction that we cannot close our eyes to the many development interventions your government has brought to Ghana, and also Dormaaman.”
“Here at Dormaa, we are very much aware of the many road improvements you have brought to us. We can boast of asphalts here, and even my palace has benefited,” he said.
Source: Presidency.gov.gh
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Faith-Based Organisations will have equal access to my office when elected – Bawumia assures
During a courtesy call on the Catholic Bishop of the Sunyani Diocese and President of the Ghana CatholicBishops Conference, Most Rev. Mathew Kwesi Gyamfi, on Wednesday, October 9, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia reiterated his promise to run an open-door government if elected, assuring that all faith-based organizations will have equal and unfettered access to his office.
He further reaffirmed his commitment to classifying the church and all faith-based organisations as key development partners.
The visit took place ahead of his campaign in the Bono Region and underscored his dedication to strengthening the relationship between the government and faith-based organizations.
Dr. Bawumia sought the prayers and spiritual blessings of the Bishop, emphasizing the vital role of the church in national development.
He stressed that religious institutions, including the Catholic Church, would play a significant role in shaping policies and contributing to the country’s development.
According to the Vice President, collaboration with faith-based organizations would be crucial in addressing key societal issues and promoting national unity.
“I intend to run an open-door government in which all faith-based organisations will have equal and frequent access to my office as president so we can collaboratively work for the development of Ghana,” he assured.
On his part, the Catholic Bishop expressed his deep appreciation for the Vice President’s visit, noting that it was the first time any sitting vice president had called on him.
He commended Dr. Bawumia’s approach to engaging with religious leaders and acknowledged the importance of maintaining a close relationship between the government and the church.
The Bishop emphasized that the church is committed to working alongside the government to ensure inclusive and sustainable development.
The Bishop also reaffirmed the church’s dedication to supporting initiatives that foster peace, education, and social progress.
He noted that by partnering with the government, the church could continue to play a pivotal role in uplifting communities and contributing to the nation’s growth. Both leaders agreed on the need for ongoing collaboration to address pressing national challenges and promote holistic development across Ghana.
