The inaugural Presidential Media Chat is currently underway on Channels Television. We are monitoring the conversationa nd will be bringing you live updates of the highlights.
7:09 President Buhari said that his administration wants to keep information on pending corruption cases close to its chest because they will soon become court cases. The president said money has been returned but that the returners would still be prosecuted.
The President revealed that there are incidences of top officials in the Jonathan administration lifting crude oil and having the proceeds paid in their personal account.
7:17 President Buhari said he will fight corruption till the end as he swore on the Holy Quran to serve the interests of Nigerians.President Buhari said relying on cooperation from foreign countries where Nigeria’s stolen funds were sent will slow down the recovery of funds for years.
I have declared my assets four times and Nigerians have a constitutional right to demand for my declaration forms. The President responded to one of the journalists asking the question
7:23 I don’t think I picked anyone that I know is corrupt because I don’t want anyone to embarrass my government. The President said in response to a journalist who said he picked some people accused of corruption into his cabinet whilst sending others in the opposition to court for corruption.
On his ministers declaring their assets, President Buhari said he expects his ministers and all other public officials to do the right thing and declare their assets as it is a constitutional condition for public service. He stated that any member of his cabinet found wanting as regards bribery and corruption will be sacked and prosecuted.
7:26 No Chibok girl has been discovered, President Buhari says some may even be dead. But Buhari says the FG will negotiate with credible Boko Haram leadership to rescue any Chibok girls that may still be alive. President Buhari says no reliable information to say that Chibok girls are alive.
7:32 Over 2 million Nigerians in Internally Displaced Camps. Nigeria working with neighbouring countries and G7 countries to rebuild schools, security and neighborhoods.
7:40 In response to a question on the Shi’ite massacre, “I was in touch with the Kaduna Governor. Interestingly, the President of Iran spoke to me about it. But I told him that as a government we have a system of investigation. The military also has a system. And I as the head of Federal Government, have to wait for official report before I can come out and make a statement. So I am allowing them to establish their reports. It also doesn’t mean the Police and Secret Service are not carrying out their own investigation.
“A judicial system may be the most acceptable system for society.
How serious do you think this is for a society? “I do not want to speak about it now but how can a group create such a status for it within a state. Teenagers pointing their fingers at generals.
The President said the killings were not justified, however he said the community in Zaria were also undergoing hardships for close to a decade.
7:43 Whom is he expecting enquiries from since the police and Army cannot be expected by CSOs to carry out an independent investigation., moderator asked.
I expect a judicial enquiry from Kaduna State Government. President Buhari claimed most of his information on the Shiíte came from the newspapers.
7:50 On Hijab Ban: Banning hijab is not an option but hijab will have to continue if the pace of suicide bombings continue.
7:55 On the Economy: I do not support devaluation ideally, but the state of the economy based on low crude prices, high debt portfolio to be service and the insecurity are unfortunate development for this government. I need to be convinced on the devaluation of the Naira. If we devalue the Naira, is it against the Dollar, Sterling, Deutsche-mark, French Franc?
8:00 The Federal Government does not have enough forex to settle the country’s own debt and other obligations so there cannot be money made available to Nigerians who want to import flippant items.
On why Nigerians are unable to withdraw foreign exchange paid into their own accounts, President Buhari said he was unaware of the situation and speak to the Governor of the Central Bank about it.
8:15 I assure you I did not make Fashola a super minister for nothing. He is there to get power working.
8:17 I will have to have a talk with National Assembly about their plans to buy N50 billion cars. I dont think that is legitimate enough since they will still collect vehicle allowance.
The restriction on spending of Foreign Exchange abroad will have to remain for a while because the money is not there, President Buhari in response to a question on the restriction of acquiring FX at official rates for Nigerians who have legitimate needs like medical treatment abroad.
The National Assembly may make me exercise my powers to block their spending if they plan to go ahead to spend N45 billion on cars. I may have to also appeal to the National Assembly to live within our means.
The Legislative needs to be checked at the judiciary or we are all at the mercy of the media.