Politics

FG tells Nigerians how to address President Buhari, as he refuses to sign Peace Corps Bill

Published

6 years ago

February 27, 2018

The Nigerian Government in a circular sent to ministries, departments and agencies of the federal government through the office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, told Nigerians how to address President Buhari at functions.

According to the statement, President Buhari who is a retired Major General, should not to be addressed with his rank at formal functions, except in purely Armed Forces events. The statement reads;

“Government has observed with concern the inconsistent manner in which the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria is addressed during Official and Private functions. It has therefore become necessary to have a standard format for addressing him at such formal occasions. To this end, Mr. President shall henceforth be addressed as ‘‘MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA.’’ except in purely Armed Forces Programmes, where “COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA” will be added. All concerned persons should accordingly be guided and ensure strict compliance with the contents of this Circular.”
Also President Buhari declined his assent to the Peace Corp Establishment bill, passed by the National Assembly in 2017.

In a letter read by the speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, on Tuesday, Mr. Buhari cited security concerns and financial implications amongst reasons for his decision. The bill has been widely anticipated by many Nigerians, who believe the creation of the corps will help address the nation’s unemployment crisis.

The Peace Corps of Nigeria Bill has a long history with the formal procedure. It was first represented in the House of Representatives in November 2016. In December 2016, the special committee managed to harmonize this bill. On January 2017, the Bill was adopted by the House of Representatives. The Senate adopted the Bill in July 2017. Nevertheless, only at the end of December was the Bill was passed to the President.