100 days: Is Buhari really slow? by Adamu S. Ladan

By Adamu S. Ladan

The resultant gain of the new policy and commitment in the fight against terror could be seen in the new spirit, the highly motivated Nigeria armed forces are confronting their assignments. The destruction of insurgents various camps at Sambisa forest and their containment to record low in recent times is considered as a pointer in that direction. As similar war is been waged on other forms of criminality against the state and the people such as vandalism, kidnapping , cattle rustling, cultism, etc, the country is believed to be now ready for smooth economic and commercial activities.

The removal of military check points especially in areas not directly affected by the insurgency was

one single act that further free the nation from the shackles with which the administration of Jonathan tied around the neck of the nation. The check points were seen to mean to keep the people in bondage for ulterior motive. The security operatives were accused of perpetrating many forms of human rights abuse; while the high command allegedly used them as conduit to siphon public funds. The president’s directive for the release of funds for rehabilitation of victims of the insurgency as well as clean up of the Ogoni land oil spills could be seen from the stand point of the administration’s reconciliation efforts to end in security in the north-east and the Niger delta respectively.

Hitherto, many believed, President Jonathan was clueless as to how to solve the nation’s security challenges. The government was viewed as captive of the leadership of the security agencies, while like the infectious cholera the insurgency eat deep into the country as well as spread across the nation’s borders with all the attendant catastrophes.

The appointments of new security chiefs and the deliberate step taken to develop internal strengths to produce and maintain its weapons are said to be predicated on the government’s realization of the fact that; the nation’s strength to protect its security and evolve an independent foreign policy is underpin by the degree with which it is able to be self reliance in its security system.

When taking oath of office, President Buhari had also pledged to as far as the constitution allows him “ensures responsible and accountable governance at all levels of governance in the country.” Stressing that; “for I will not have kept my own trust with the people if I allow others abuse theirs under my watch.” Accordingly, the President directed revenue-generating agencies, including the NNPC, FIRS, Customs and NPA, to close all Illegal Revenue Accounts as well as remit all funds generated to the Federation Account. This is considered a bold step to plug leakages being used to siphon public funds.

Scrupulous scrutiny by the President on the nation’s resources has furthermore lead to startling revelations on the rot in the system he inherited. For instance it is only then that Nigerians know; that out of N8.1 trillion generated by the NNPC in three years, N3.8 trillion was not remitted to the Federation Account. Similar discovery was also made; that the cash in the Excess Crude Account has been depleted by 2 billion dollars without explanation. Hitherto, Jonathan government had been in denial of such profligacy even when coming from impeachable source like the former CBN Governor, Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. A panel of four governors has since swung into action to investigate what happened to the money. This is in addition to other measures taken aim at recovering looted public funds like the setting up of a committee of experts to advise the administration on how to strengthen anti-corruption institutions.

Nigerians have since demonstrated their support to the administration’s onslaught against corruption. This was seen when the nation rose in unison to condemn a group of prominent citizens who attempted trivializing the Buhari’s effort and thus, wanted him soft pedal. Nigerians faith with the administration is believed to be underpinned by president Buhari’s impeachable pedigree as an incorruptible personality and any attempt therefore to derail from the current pursuit against corruption could lead to loss of confidence of the people.

As the nation watch Buhari administration as it further unfold its programmes with keen interest, it behooves on it to remain focus in its derive to take the country out of the woods. In this regard while one would want dismissed critics of the administration over slow pace of development, it is however, pertinent to point out that the earlier it tackles sensitive issues like youth restiveness the better.

The 2015 elections really demonstrated the fact that the country desperately needs not just some young people but their energy, enthusiasm, morality, and diligence to fast-track its development pace. Hence, the young minds responded to this reckoning and led the movement to violent free elections.

Now we have seen the capacity of the youths, to change the political condition of the country for better, what do we plan for them in return? This is the mind boggling question in the lips of most critical observers. The positive role of the youths in the realization of change according to many pundits is a direct response to their discontent on the manner the affairs of the country is been managed. This is more so, considering the state of infrastructure, health facility or services, water, sanitation, hygiene, education, security, etc. as well as high rate of employment and its attendant youths involvement in crime related activities. Their decision to support change therefore is in essence saying enough is enough and are ready to determine their destiny.

How do the new administration keeps the faith of the youths is indeed a task that must be undertaken without further delay. The new administration should as a matter of priority considers programmes that would keep the bond between it and the youths through constant mobilization and active engagement. This includes mobilizing necessary resources, disseminating information, generating support, and fostering cooperation across youth groups with a view to building collaborative partnerships, engagement or involvement.

How they are mobilized would really help maintain their faith, patience and endurance with the administration. The consequence of failure on the other hand can only be imagined.

Adamu S. Ladan is a broadcast journalist based in Kaduna and can be reached at adamuladan82@yahoo.com

Ref: http://www.peoplesdailyng.com/100-days-is-buhari-really-slow-2/