Nigeria on Sunday, October 1st, 2017 celebrated its 57th independence anniversary. The journey into becoming a nation has its share of challenges bordering around Leadership, Resource control/ allocation, Equity in distribution, Development and Ethnocentrism.
Nevertheless the country somehow held on to hope of a better and brighter future, and all that binds her together as against growing challenges.
On October 1st, 2017, President Muhammadu Buhari, as expected, delivered to the nation his goodwill message, citing his administration's goals and achievements.
This message was briefly analysed in comparison to what is obtained in reality, with the hope that it is read, and corrective measures taken as Nigeria journeys into becoming one united and progressive nation.
President Buhari's speech and analysis below:
"My dear Nigerians,
October 1st remains a special date for all Nigerians
as this marks the day when we attained one of the most precious of human
desires — freedom.
Over the years the country has gone through trials and
tribulations, but October 1st is always a day for celebrations.
It is a day for thanks giving, reflection and
re-dedication.
It is also a day for remembrance. We should remind
ourselves of the recent journey from 1999 – 2015, when our country happily
returned to democratic rule.
However, in spite of oil prices being an average of
$100 per barrel and about 2.1m barrels a day, that great piece of luck was
squandered and the country’s social and physical infrastructure neglected."
...The above highlighted challenge is 100% owed to the infamous culture of lack-of-continuity that beclouds the structure of Nigeria's government since independent...every government comes up with its peculiar agenda borne out of what they thought is best for the country at the time, not minding the need for a long term developmental structure set in place, and which must be respected and inculcated into every administration's agenda irrespective of political party affiliation. Hence the country keeps going back-and -forth in progressive developmental stories.
"We were left with no savings and huge infrastructure
deficit.
The APC Government’s Campaign rallying cry to restore
security, re-balance the economy and fight corruption was not all rhetoric."
...Nigerians need to see more of the above highligted displayed in objective campaign and execution of anti-corruption and security concerns fight....regardless of Partisanism.
"The country must first be secured. The economy must be
re-balanced so that we do not depend on oil alone. We must fight corruption
which is Nigeria’s Number One Enemy. Our Administration is tackling these tasks
in earnest.
In the past two years, Nigeria has recorded
appreciable gains in political freedom. A political Party at the Centre losing
elections of State Governor, National Assembly seat and even State Assemblies
to the opposition parties is new to Nigeria. Added to these are complete
freedom to associate, to hold and disseminate opinions. Such developments
clearly attest to the country’s growing political development. But like all
freedoms, this is open to abuse.
Recent calls on re-structuring, quite proper in a
legitimate debate, has let in highly irresponsible groups to call for dismemberment
of the country. We can not and we will not allow such advocacy".
As a young Army Officer, I took part from the
beginning to the end in our tragic civil war costing about 2m lives, resulting
in fearful destruction and untold suffering. Those who are agitating for a
re-run were not born by 1967 and have no idea of the horrendous consequences of
the civil conflict which we went through".
"I am very disappointed that responsible leaders of
these communities do not warn their hot-headed youths what the country went
through. Those who were there should tell those who were not there, the
consequences of such folly.
At all events, proper dialogue and any desired
constitutional changes should take place in a rational manner, at the National
and State Assemblies. These are the proper and legal fora for National debate,
not some lop-sided, un-democratic body with pre-determined set of objectives."
...Absolutely in agreement, there is need to agitate for a cause without violence. The world has since evolved past the 'violence smeared turbulent' years....There are better, more refined ways to solicit.
...However, the name calling "hot-headed youth" is totally not necessary. Mr. President, the truth is that ...almost every Nigerian youth is justifiably angry as a result of turns of events over the years.
"Government is keeping up the momentum of dialogue with
stakeholders in the Niger Delta to keep the peace. We intend to address genuine
grievances of the communities.
Government is grateful to the responsible leadership
of those communities and will pursue lasting peace in the Niger Delta."
SECURITY
"On security, Nigerians must be grateful to our gallant
Armed Forces for rolling back the frontiers of Boko Haram’s terrorism,
defeating them and reducing them to cowardly attacks on soft and vulnerable
targets."
...Nigerians are "grateful" Mr President, except your media personals inform you otherwise...
...Moreover, "totally defeating Boko-Haram" was one of the promises made by the present administration.
"Nigeria is grateful to its neighbours and the
international community for the collective efforts to defeat this world-wide menace
of terrorism.
Not even the most organized and most equipped police
and security forces in the world can escape the menace of modern day terrorism,
as we have seen in recent years in Europe and other parts of the world.
But we are not letting up. Our Armed Forces in an
effort to enhance the operational capability of troops of OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE
have established Mobile Strike Teams in the North East. These will ensure the
final push to wipe out the remnants of Boko Haram.
In addition, through targeted air strikes most of the
leadership and identified logistics bases and routes of the insurgents have
been neutralized. The Armed Forces have established a Naval presence in the
Lake Chad Basin as part of the coordinated military efforts to curtail the movements
or re-emergence of the sect in the area.
Government is working round the clock to ensure
release of the remaining Chibok girls, as well as other persons in Boko Haram
captivity. Government will continue to support the Armed Forces and other
security agencies to fight not only terrorism, but kidnapping, armed robberies,
herdsmen/farmers violence and to ensure peace, stability and security in our
country.
ECONOMY
With respect to the economy, the Government has
remained pro-active in its diversification policy. The Federal Government’s
agricultural Anchor Borrowers Programme, which I launched in November 2015, has
been an outstanding success with:
· N43.92 billion released through the CBN and 13
participating institutions,
· 200,000 small holder farmers from 29 states of the
federation benefitting,
· 233,000 hectares of farmland cultivating eight
commodities, namely Rice, Wheat, Maize, Cotton, soya-beans, Poultry, Cassava
and Groundnuts, in addition to fish farming.
These initiatives have been undertaken in close
collaboration with the states. I wish to commend the efforts of the Governors
of Kebbi, Lagos, Ebonyi and Jigawa States for their support to the rice and
fertilizer revolutions.
Equally commendable are contributions of the Governors
of Ondo, Edo, Delta, Imo, Cross River, Benue, Ogun, Kaduna and Plateau States
for their support for the Presidential initiative for palm oil, rubber, cashew,
cassava, potatoes and other crops.
With the abundance of rainfall last year and this
year, agriculture has enjoyed Divine intervention.
Since December last year, this Administration has
produced over 7 million 50Kg bags of fertilizer. Eleven blending plants with a
capacity of 2.1 million metric tons have been reactivated. We have saved $150
million in foreign exchange and N60 billion in subsidy. Fertilizer prices have
dropped from N13,000 per 50Kg bag to N5,500.
Furthermore, a new presidential initiative is starting
with each state of the Federation creating a minimum of 10,000 jobs for
unemployed youths, again with the aid of CBN’s development finance initiatives."
...kudos to the above highlighted initiative..
...But, there is need to ensure that not only limited organisations and individuals affiliated to them gets to benefit from this measure.
...The masses are tired of situations where the government releases funds for sme development across the country, but in actuality, the funds ends up with organisations and individuals with 'government-connection' leaving ordinary Nigerians with no connection, struggling to keep theirs small businesses or start-ups afloat.
...Programs on how to sensitise the public on how to fully benefit from these government initiatives on sme developments should be geared-up, in-order to carry everyone along.
"Power remains a huge problem. As of September 12th,
production of power reached an all — time high of 7,001 Megawatts. Government
is increasing its investment, clearing up the operational and financial log jam
bedeviling the industry. We hope to reach 10,000 Megawatts by 2020."
Key priorities include better energy mix through solar
and Hydro technologies. I am glad to say that after many years of limbo,
Mambilla Power Project has taken off.
...Mr. President, I for one, did not get to watch your Independent broadcast live...reason???...No Light in my neighbourhood between Saturday September 30th and October 1st Sunday 2017.
There is slight improvement not with-standing...but general observation indicates that a lot needs to be done, and all hands-needs-be-on-deck.
"Elsewhere in the economy the special window created
for manufacturers, investors and exporters, foreign exchange requirements has
proved very effective. Since April, about $7 billion has come through this
window alone. The main effect of these policies is improved confidence in the
economy and better investment sentiments.
The country has recorded 7 consecutive months of lower
inflation, Naira rate is beginning to stabilize, appreciating from N525 per $1
in February this year to N360 today. Broad-based economic growth is leading us
out of recession".
...Let's bear in mind the nation is coming from a "180 exchange rate" situation less than four years ago.....and that or even less should be the nation's index.
...Be that as it may, the above highlighted indicates progress
...Kudos to your efforts Mr. President.
"Furthermore, in order to stabilize the polity, the
Federal Government gave additional support to states in the form of:
· State Excess Crude Account loans,
· Budget Support Facility,
· Stabilization Fund Release
to states and local governments as follows:
· N200 billion in 2015
· N441 billion in 2016
· N1 trillion in 2017
Altogether totaling N1.642 trillion.
"This was done to enable states to pay outstanding
salaries, pensions and small business suppliers who had been all but crippled
over the years".
...Kudos to the above highlighted step, most retirees who received their gratuities about two years after retirements, are yet to receive their pensions, and some of the benefits that comes with retirement.
..Some of these individuals who laboured 35-years in service for this country have passed on, most are currently living in abject poverty.
"In addition, the Government’s current N500 billion
Special Intervention Programme is targeting groups through;
· Home Grown School Feeding Programme,
· N-Power Job creation to provide loans to small-scale
traders and artisans,
· Conditional Cash Transfer,
· Family Homes Fund and
· Social Housing Scheme."
"CORRUPTION
Fellow Nigerians,
We are fully aware that fighting corruption was never
going to be a straightforward task. We expected corrupt elements to use any
weapon to fight back, mainly judicial obstruction and political diversion. But
we are determined to eradicate corruption from our body politic.
In this fight, the Government has:
· Empowered teams of prosecutors,
· Assembled detailed databases,
· Accelerated the recovery of stolen funds."
...There is no such thing as "judicial obstruction" in a democratic system of government, only "judicial processes"...
...And this does not in any way interfere with the Criminal Justice System of a responsible government.
...It only takes its due cause.
...No citizen irrespective of their crimes or allegations brought against them should be denied that.
...There is however need to worry... when the SYSTEM is corrupt.
"The Administration’s new institutional reforms
include:
· Enforcing Treasury Single Account,
· Whistle-Blowers Policy,
· Integrated Payroll Personnel and Information System".
We have signed multi-lateral cooperation agreements on
criminal matters with friendly countries. There are signs of increasing
cooperation from the Judiciary. Recently the Chief Justice of Nigeria directed
Heads of all our Courts of first instance and Appeal to accelerate hearings of
corruption cases and dismiss any judicial officers found to have been
compromised.
"Justice Salami has just been appointed to chair the
Judiciary’s anti-graft committee. Government expects a lot from this Committee."
...Good one...We equally expect transparency in this situation.
"I commend the National Assembly for refocusing on its
oversight committees. They should, in addition, ensure swift passage of
enabling corruption laws. But fighting corruption is a bottom to top operation.
I call on all Nigerians to combat corruption at every turn. By not asking for
and refusing to accept a bribe, by reporting unethical practices or by blowing
a whistle, together we can beat corruption. The government for its part will work
for accountability at all levels – Federal, State and Local Governments. CHANGE
will then be real.
As we enter the second half of our term of office, we
intend to accelerate progress and intensify our resolve to fix the country’s
challenges and problems."
...Nigerians look forward to 100% government/ citizens corporation in the fight to fix the country's challenges.
Thank you and a happy holiday to all of you.”
