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Buhari’s Three Years in Office: The Score Card

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By Eric Elezuo

    …Nigeria’s economy improving, future very bright – President Buhari

Between May 29, 2015 when it came to power and August 2017, the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC), struggled to find its feet in its self-created muddy waters of administration. The confusion that characterized the period in question was complicated by the fact that the President was never at home as he was busy gallivanting and crisscrossing the globe. At a time when it looks like he will face administration, Buhari was struck by a yet to be known ailment, which kept him away from office for a whopping 150 days. Much as the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo was in charge in his absence, he was incapable of taking any policy decision, and the country continued on its auto-pilot flight.

It was not until October 2017 while Nigeria was celebrating its 57th Independence anniversary that the Buhari administration through the office of the Vice President, released what he termed 57 achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari to mark the independence anniversary. Among the achievements were the release of 106 Chibok girls and the decimation of the Boko Haram sect.

Some of the reported achievements on the list include but not limited to the following

  1. The release of 106 Chibok girls
  2. The arrest of 16,000 Boko Haram members
  3. Tackling insurgency
  4. Decimation of Boko Haram in the North East
  5. Recovering 14 local governments and territories previously under Boko Haram control
  6. Rebuilding the lives of citizens affected by Boko Haram
  7. Curbing the incidence of kidnap across the country including the arrest of kidnap kingpins
  8. Restoring morale of the Nigerian military
  9. Re-organising and better equipping the Nigerian Armed Forces
  10. Purchase of 12 Super-Tucano aircrafts worth $600 million
  11. Ensuring continued peace in the Niger Delta through consistent funding of the FG amnesty programme for ex-militants
  12. Introduction of an improved mechanism for distribution of aid to IDPs
  13. The implementation of the National Economic Recovery and Growth Plan to aid economic recovery
  14. Taking the country out of her first worst recession in 29 years, despite fall in oil prices
  15. The N1.2 trillion expended on capital/infrastructure projects nationwide
  16. The effective implementation of the Treasury Single Account 17. Increasing government revenue by over N3 trillion
  17. Entrenching transparency and accountability
  18. Implementation of the Bank Verification Number
  19. The signing into law of two bills from the National Assembly (Acts are the Secured Transactions in Movable Assets Act, 2017 (otherwise known as Collateral Registry Act) and the Credit Reporting Act, 2017) to improve ease of doing business
  20. The establishment of the Presidential Quarterly Business Forum
  21. The prosecution of corrupt alleged public officers
  22. Institutionalising E-governance
  23. The successful establishment of the whistle-blower policy
  24. Voluntary Income Asset Declaration Scheme
  25. Signing of agreements with a number of nations to provide Automatic Exchange of Information
  26. Signing of the Extradition Treaty between Nigeria and United Arab Emirates toward strengthening Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign
  27. The establishment of PACAC
  28. The eradication of polio in the country
  29. The introduction of the One Primary Health Centre per ward

In Buhari’s own words, he said: “In the almost two years of this administration, we have worked hard to meet the expectations of Nigerians by improving security, especially in the North-East, sustaining the campaign against corruption and have taken steps to revitalise the economy.”

But civil societies as well as the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) dismissed the President’s assessment as laughable, saying the so-called achievements were lies.

Responding through the office of the Publicity Secretary, the PDP said “these comments from Mr. President are to say the least untrue and an insult to the intelligence of Nigerians who have been at the receiving end of his government’s mismanagement in the last two years.

“‎Fellow citizens, we…wish to crave your indulgence to reflect on the state of affairs in the country before and after President Buhari’s APC led administration took over two years ago.”

The party went on to state that most of what the APC stated as achievements were actually their programmes before they left office and blamed the ruling party for feeding Nigerians with the wrong narrative.

“‎But Nigerians have been fed continuously with the wrong narrative as if we have all slipped into collective amnesia…,” it said.

The president’s efforts have had little or no effect on the man on the street as every Nigerian continues to power his own home and business concerns with the use of generator and expensive fuel; provide his own water through self-dug borehole, even tackles his own security with recruitment of vigilantes and other security mechanism at his disposal

Again in January 2018, the Presidency came up with another list of achievement, but this time either reduced in quantity or shrunk. Instead of the previously published 57 of about four months behind, the achievements were 17 in number vis-à-vis

  1. Exit from the worst recession in decades. Also, Inflation fell for ten consecutive months during 2017 (February to November).
  2. Stabilisation of the naira against the dollar, after the Central Bank introduced a new forex window for Investors and Exporters.
  3. Nigeria’s stock market emerged one of the best-performing in the world, delivering returns in excess of 40 percent.
  4. Bumper food harvests, especially in rice, which local production continues to rise significantly with states like Ebonyi, Kebbi, Kano leading the pack, and Ogun joining at the end of 2017.
  5. Launched of 701 billion Naira Intervention Fund (‘Payment Assurance Programme’) aimed at supporting power generation companies to meet their payment obligations to gas and equipment suppliers, banks and other partners.
  6. Payment of pensions to police officers who were granted Presidential pardon in 2000 after serving in the former Biafran Police during the Nigerian Civil War.
  7. Nigeria moved 24 places on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rankings, and earned a place on the List of Top 10 Reformers in the world.
  8. Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves grew by $12 billion, reaching the highest level since 2014 and added an additional $250m to its Sovereign Wealth Fund.
  9. Nigeria successfully issued two Eurobonds (US$4.5bn), a Sukuk Bond (100 billion Naira), a Diaspora Bond (US$300m), and the first Sovereign Climate Bond in Africa, raising billions of dollars for infrastructure spending.
  10. The Federal Government launched a Tax Amnesty scheme expected to raise hundreds of millions of dollars in additional revenues when it closes in March 2018.
  11. Implementation of Whistleblowing Programme that has so far seen recoveries of tens of millions of dollars.
  12. The Social Investment Programme, which feeds over 5.2 million primary school children across selected states daily in addition to Npower project which has enlisted about 200,000 unemployed graduated.

Other reported achievements, according to the party, were the reorganization of Joint and Admission and Matriculation Board and The Nigeria Customs Service which have remitted more than it used to. It also noted that with the footprints of 2017, the year 2018 will mark a revolution in agriculture and infrastructure.

However, during the week, the Presidency in recognition of the third anniversary, released yet another list of achievements in a statement it tagged The Economy: Facts are Stubborn Things, and signed by the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina. He condemned as many that suggest through their actions and inactions that President Buhari has achieved nothing good on the economy while highlighting the following achievements and quoting the National Bureau of Statistics, which suggests that ‘the economy has recovered from the slow-down and eventual recession, which started in 2014’.

Most of the problems the average Nigerian is facing today may have been there before the present administration, but the difference lies in the fact that Buhari and his co-travellers made us believe that they have the antidote to the good life Nigerians yearn for, but unfortunately, the case is even worse today. The country is not any better three years after the change regime came in with a lot of hope – a lot of dashed hope

Improvement with stronger growth for three successive quarters, where from contracting by 0.91% in Q1 2017, the economy has grown by 0.72 percent in Q2 2017, to 1.17 percent in Q3 2017, and 2.11 percent in Q4 2017.

Again, the Q1 2018 GDP, showed that the economy has recorded a GDP growth of 1.95 percent, compared to a contraction of 0.91 percent in Q1 2017.

The Nigerian economy is on the road to diversification, indicating that the oil sector’s contribution to GDP is 9.61 percent, while non-oil sector’s share is 90.39 percent.

Spending of about N1.5trn on infrastructure projects in 2017 which resulted in the positive performance of the economy in Q1 2018

Consistent decline of inflation in 15 months from 18.72 percent to 12.48 percent

Continuous growth in total capital importation into the country, the fourth consecutive quarterly increase since Q2 2017

Foreign reserves stand at $47.79bn, compared to $29.6bn inherited in May 2015, after about six years boom in oil prices in the international market. The increase came at a time of modest oil prices, showing transparency and accountability by government.

Nigeria’s Stock Market ended 2017 as one of the best-performing in the world, with returns of about 40 percent.

Tax revenue increased to N1.17trn, in Q1 2018, a 51 percent increase on the Q1 2017 figure.

Milled rice production has increased from 2.5MT to 4MT, and rice imports have dropped from 580,000MT in 2015 to 58,000MT in 2016.

It would be recalled that, according to Adesina, that on exiting recession last year, President Muhammadu Buhari had said he would not consider the job done, until the ordinary man feels the impact of the rebounding economy on his life and pocket. The question now is ‘has the ‘ordinary man’ felt the impact…’

Buhari’s administration kicked off in 2015 on a tripod stand of Fight against corruption, Security and the Economy, and even as the Presidency has given itself pass mark on all fronts, the majority of Nigerians think otherwise

A cross section of Nigerians who spoke to The Boss unanimously agreed that the president’s efforts have had little or no effect on the man on the street as every Nigerian continues to power his own home and business concerns with the use of generator and expensive fuel; provide his own water through self-dug borehole, even tackles his own security with recruitment of vigilantes and other security mechanism at his disposal.

“Most of the problems the average Nigerian is facing today may have been there before the present administration, but the difference lies in the fact that Buhari and his co-travellers made us believe that they have the antidote to the good life Nigerians yearn for, but unfortunately, the case is even worse today. The country is not any better three years after the change regime came in with a lot of hope – a lot of dashed hope,” a Lagos resident recounted.

Never in the history of the nation that so pronounced discordant tunes ever experience. It is just 10 months before the next election, and 12 months before the inauguration of a new regime. Will it still be Buhari; will it be someone else?

Time, as usual, will surely tell.

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Ezekiel Bolarinwa Ajayi: Mentor, Philanthropist Revels at 80

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By Eric Elezuo

The ancient town of Ile-Ife was agog weekend, when Professor Ezekiel Bolarinwa Oladele Ajayi, a renowned educationist, accomplished mentor and elder brother of veteran journalist, Dele Momodu, pulled all the stops to mark a resounding entry into the octogenarian club, celebrating his 80th birthday with fanfare, pomp and class.

The event, which attracted family members, colleagues in the academic world, friends and well wishers, was another testament in the expression of influence, clout and connection.

Held at the Rock Rehoboth Cathedral in the centre of Ile-Ife, the event brought out the best in the Stanford trained PHD holder, as beamed with contagious smiles, absorbing accolades from a crowd of well wishers and dignitaries, most of whom traveled half  way across the world to felicitate with the newest octogenarian.

A lavished reception followed after heartfelt prayers were said for the celebrant flanked by his wife of many years, children and grandchildren. The reception witnessed guests savoring the best of continental and local delicacies as well as dancing happily to the old school tunes.

The highpoint of the event was the cutting of the gigantic cake by the birthday boy around whom were dotting family members.

As guests expressed their profound, hearty and sincere congratulations towards the octogenarian, whose event changed the landscape of Ife, many recalled how they have come a long way from their very humble beginning in Gbongan Olufi.

Fondly called Ladele, Prof Ajayi was born on March 23, 1944 in Gbongan, Osun State, where he had his earliest beginnings.

He statted his education at the Saint Paul’s School Gbongan, before moving on to Saint Judes School, Ebute Metta, and later to Saint Stephens School, Ile-Ife, where he completed his primary education.

After his elementary education, he was admitted into the Government College lbadan, where he was described as having  ‘passed out in exceedingly bright colours’. As many that knows him has confirmed that Prof Ajayi was a walking encyclopedia, and vibrated with intelligence while at school.

It was not therefore, surprising that he later proceeded to the United States of America, after his secondary education, where he attended various prestigious Universities including Stanford University. It is worthy of note that all his appearances for university education were on different scholarships. It was also at Stanford that he bagged his PhD honours.

On the completion of his PhD programme in Stanford, Prof Ajayi was recruited by the University of Ife, as it was then known, before its transmutation to Obafemi Awolowo University, where he later became a Professor of Physics, a position he jealousy guarded until retirement from active classroom duties.

According to a very close family member and confidant, Bola Adeyemo, who spoke glowingly about their fond relationship, Prof Ajayi “also became active in things of God. Like a proverbial gold fish, he has been recognized as a Pastor. Ladele played a mentoring role in the final years of school for my twin daughters who both graduated from the medicine program in the same University.

“The mutual fondness between Ladele and I remains very much intact. Ladele and l share common ancestry. His father who was the Otun Olufi of Gɓongan was a much older cousin to my mother and was fondly referred to as baba mi ile ASORO. They both had the same tribal marks. Ladele can be classified as belonging to the royal class as his father was the OTUN OLUFI while his mother was the daughter of the ÒOSA, first class chief in Gbongan.”

A life of Prof Ajayi without a mention of prolific publisher of the Ovation brands,  Chief Momodu, remains incomplete. It is worthy of note that apart from both sharing the same mum as siblings, the Prof was instrumental in shaping and mentally mentoring Momodu on the path of education. His 80th birthday was a reminder of how it used to be in times past as it marks a form of reunion for the Ajayi extended household.

Among those who attended were his daughter, Kemi Ajayi-Ingram, who flew in all the way from the United States of America, with her entire family; his niece, Yejide Ajayi among a host of others.

We wish the ebullient octogenarian a splendid birthday, and many ore years of splendid celebrations.

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Easter, Ramadan: Adeleke Releases March Salaries, Pension, Palliatives, Approves Promotion for Personnel

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Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has approved the release of salaries, pensions and palliatives for the month of March for all public servants in the state, as well as approved the promotion of service personnel due for promotion from 2023.

Adeleke’s show of love for the entire workforce, is in spite of the fact that the State allocation from the Federation account is yet to be released, according to a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed.

The Head of Service, Mr Samuel Ayanleye Aina confirmed the approval of the March salaries, pension and palliatives, noting that the fast tracked approval covered all categories of state and local government employees including tertiary institutions in the State.

“I can confirm that Mr Governor has approved the March salaries, pension and palliative wage awards, including the usual payment of the outstanding half salary for retirees under the contributory pension scheme yet to obtain their bonds. Mr Governor requested for the file and granted immediate approval.

“Any moment from now, alerts will be landing in our peoples’ accounts. This is a preemptive step on the part of Mr Governor to meet the needs of our people”, the Head of Service explained.

Governor Adeleke who has been hosting inter faith leaders at the Government House said he approved the early payment to ease the burden of the workers ahead of the Easter period.

“As I wish muslim and christian faithfuls blessed fasting season, the early payment is a gesture of support for workers whose welfare remains the number one priority of our administration”, the Governor noted.

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FG Announces Nine Individuals, Six BDCs Financing Terrorism

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The Federal Government says it has uncovered the identity of 15 entities, including nine individuals and six Bureau De Change operators and firms, allegedly involved in terrorism financing.

Details of the development were revealed by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, in an email seen by The Punch on Tuesday night, entitled “Designation of Individuals and Entities for March 18, 2024.”

The document revealed that the Nigeria Sanctions Committee met on March 18, 2024, where specific individuals and entities were recommended for sanction following their involvement in terrorism financing.

“The Honourable Attorney General of the Federation, with the approval of the President, has thereupon designated the following individuals and entities to be listed on the Nigeria Sanctions List,” the document read in part.

Among the individuals named in the document was a Kaduna-based publisher, Tukur Mamu, who is currently being tried by the Federal Government for allegedly aiding the terrorists who attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train in March 2022.

According to the document, Mamu “participated in the financing of terrorism by receiving and delivering ransom payments over the sum of $200,000 US in support of ISWAP terrorists for the release of hostages of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack.”

The document said one of the individuals is “the suspected attacker of the St. Francis Catholic Church Owo, Ondo State on June 5, 2022 and the Kuje Correctional Center, Abuja on July 5, 2022.”

Another was described as “a member of the terrorist group Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladissudam, the group is associated with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.

 “The subject was trained and served under Muktar Belmokhtar, aka One Eyed Out, led Al-Murabtoun Katibat of AQIM in Algeria and Mali.”

The NFIU said the individual “specialises in designing terrorist clandestine communication code and he is also Improvised Explosive Device expert.

“The subject was also a gate keeper to ANSARU leader, Mohammed Usman aka Khalid Al-Bamawi. Equally, he was a courier and travel guide to AQIM Katibat in the desert of Algeria and Mali. He is into carpentry. Subject fled Kuje correctional centre on July 5, 2022. He is currently at large.”

Another was identified as “a senior commander of the Islamic State of West Africa Province Okene.”

The agency said, the individual “came into limelight in 2012 as North Central wing of Boko Haram.

“The group is suspected of the attacks carried out around Federal Capital Territory and the South West Geographical Zone, including the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.”

Another was described as “a financial courier to ISWAP Okene. She is responsible for the disbursement of funds to the widows/wives of the terrorist fighters of the group.”

According to the document, another of the individuals “in 2015, transferred N60m to terrorism convicts.”

He was also said to have “received a sum of N189m  between 2016 and 2018.”

The same person is said to “own entities and business reported in the UAE court judgment as facilitating the transfer of terrorist funds from Dubai to Nigeria.”

Another individual was said to have “received a total of N57m from between 2014 and 2017.”

Another was said to have “had a total inflow of N61.4 bn and a total outflow of N51.7bn from his accounts.”

The document further revealed that, in accordance with Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, institutions and individuals are required to:

“(a) immediately, identify and freeze, without prior notice, all funds, assets, and any other economic resources belonging to the designated persons and entities in your possession and report same to the Sanctions Committee;

“(b) report to the Sanctions Committee any assets frozen or actions taken in compliance with the prohibition requirements.

“(c) immediately file a Suspicious Transactions Report to the NFIU for further analysis on the financial activities of such an individual or entity; and

“(d) report as a Suspicious Transactions Report to the NFIU, all cases of name matching in financial transactions prior to or after receipt of this List. ”

It said the “The freezing obligation required above shall extend to

“(a) all funds or other assets that are owned or controlled by the designated persons and entities, and not only those that are tied to a particular act, plot, or threat of terrorism or terrorism financing;

“(b) those funds or other assets that are wholly or jointly owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by designated persons or entities;

“(c) the funds or other assets derived or generated from funds or other assets owned or controlled directly or indirectly by designated persons or entities; and

“(d) funds or other assets of persons and entities acting on behalf of, or at the direction of designated persons or entities.”

The Punch

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