Monday,
29th June 2015, makes it exactly a month since President Muhammad
Buhari became the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria. Since then, you cannot categorically say that he
has not hit the ground running. It might not just be at the rate that you have
anticipated. He has been here and there in search of solutions to the Boko
Haram menace. Everywhere he goes; it`s been about finding a lasting solution to
this scourge that has plundered our land for far too long.
With
terrorism out of the way and with the new commitment against corruption, one
can practically say that the President is on the right track towards giving
Nigerians a sustainable change.
Although,
one cannot shy away from the delay in key appointments, I really hope that the
President is taking this into full consideration. With his cabinet readily on
the ground, it is expected that the synergies will boost his achievements.
However,
over the past one month, it has been from one issue to another. While some Nigerians
are still in high expectation of the “Change” to come, some assumed the change
has begun and others believe there can`t be any change.
This
article will be looking at the big issues since President Muhammadu Buhari was
sworn in a month ago;
Asset Declaration
During
his campaign President Buhari promised to publicly declare his assets and
liabilities and to encourage his political appointees to also do same.
Although, he has declared his assets as stipulated by the Constitution, but
he`s yet to make it public. Some have tried to defend him over the delay,
suggesting that the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) needs to verify his claim
before it`s then being made public. Unfortunately, the CCB have announced that
they do not have the legal backing to make the asset declaration of the
president public. It is now left to President Buhari to keep his words or not
to. Constitutionally he has done the right thing. But morally he has not,
because he promised Nigerians to make it known to them.
President
Buhari must as a matter of integrity declare his assets publicly. This is the
first litmus test of his integrity and it`s too early for him to fail. The
moment Nigerians lose trust in him, all the goodwill he enjoys is over.
Nigerians have not forgotten, Nigerians are still waiting.
Senate Presidency and
Speakership
President
Buhari apparently decided from the first day that he was not going to interfere
in the leadership affairs of the legislative arm of government and was ready to
work with anyone that emerged as their leader. His party tried to weigh in and
influence the process but it turned out not to be in their favour. And against
the wishes of the ruling party, Senator Bukola Saraki and Honorable Yakubu
Dogara, emerged the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representative
respectively.
To
some, it was good the president did not intervene in the leadership contest of
the National Assembly but the recent show of shame displayed by members of the
8th National Assembly has proven that wrong. President Buhari is the leader of
the party, either directly and indirectly. Whatsoever happens within his party
has a large influence on his performance. If his party members are not at peace
with one another, they might sabotage one another`s efforts including his own
efforts to bring that desired change that the people expect from him. Hence, he
must as a matter of urgency put his party in order. It is not a constitutional
issue, it is an obligation. You can`t talk about change where there is no peace
and unity.
Dissolution of NNPC
Board
Also,
President Muhammadu Buhari within his first month dissolves the Board of the
Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The Head of the Civil Service
of the Federation, Barr. Danladi Kifasi, announced the dissolution in a
statement issued by his Director of Communications, Alhaji Haruna Imrana, in
Abuja.
This
is probably the biggest and most commendable action the President has taken
since he was sworn in. As the NNPC over the years, have been alleged of massive
corruption and wastages of the country resources, with the dissolution of its
board, one can practically say that the President is on the right track in
repositioning the Corporation for efficient delivery. Meanwhile, as much as the
dissolution is appreciable, accountability is also key. It is important that
the dissolved board is probed accordingly while those found guilty should be
made to face the wrath of the law.
Ministerial
Appointments
There
was no week since President Buhari became the president that there was no
speculation that he was going to name his cabinet. It is now obvious that he
might not be doing that sooner as expected. Reasons best known to him. But
whatsoever reason that might be responsible for the delay; President Buhari
must understand that every second of his administration counts and he cannot do
this alone. The sooner he gets his cabinet together, the better for him and the
better for the country.
The
Big Match
Shame
to the Honorable Members of the 8th National Assembly that turned both chambers
of the National Assembly complex into a “MGM boxing arena and a WWE ring”. When
I mean honorable members, I do that out of the tradition and respect for the
position they occupied. However, this shouldn’t be taken literally. Because the
truth is, these men are not honorable. Their action during the past week has
confirmed that there is nothing honorable about them.
Their
action showed that they are not there to represent the interest of the people
but the interest of themselves and just themselves alone. Their action is a
ridicule to the nation and a disgrace to their respective mandate.
All
being said, the world is watching closely the President Muhammadu Buhari`s
administration and his party- All Progressives Congress (APC). Every step
matters, all actions count and he cannot afford to fail. It is much more
important for President Muhammad Buhari to capitalize on the goodwill he enjoys
from the people now in taking some tough decisions that will have a lasting
benefit on the people before it is too late
God
Bless Nigeria
Ogundana
Michael Rotimi is a Nigerian Biochemist, Socio-economic & Political
Commentator, and Public Speaker. He tweets @MickeySunny
calvin klein outlet
ReplyDeleteadidas wings shoes
louis vuitton outlet
oakley sunglasses
kate spade uk outlet
michael kors outlet
tiffany and co
true religion jeans
swarovski crystal
swarovski crystal
cheap uggs
mlb jerseys
babyliss pro
michael kors outlet
ugg boots
abercrombie and fitch
longchamp outlet
tiffany and co
michael kors handbags outlet
oakley sunglasses
michael kors outlet
michael kors handbags
michael kors outlet
basketball shoes
juicy couture outlet
michael kors canada
versace sunglasses on sale
ugg outlet
salomon shoes sale
oakley sunglasses wholesale
air max 90
ugg boots clearance,ugg australia,uggs on sale,ugg slippers,uggs boots,uggs outlet,ugg boots,ugg,uggs
cheap nfl jerseys
prada shoes
toms outlet
czq20160803
prada sunglasses
ReplyDeletecoach outlet store online
ugg outlet
michael kors outlet clearance
uggs outlet
louis vuitton handbags cheap
ralph lauren polo shirts
true religion jeans
michael kors outlet online
adidas yeezy 350 v2
2016.12.29chenlixiang
cheap jordan shoes
ReplyDeletepolo ralph lauren outlet online
michael kors outlet clearance
birkenstock
michael kors outlet online
fred perry shirts
ugg boots
polo ralph lauren outlet
cheap rolex replica watches
salvatore ferragamo shoes
2017112yuanyuan
dior handbags
ReplyDeletepolo ralph lauren
air jordan
jordan 11
cheap jerseys
jordan shoes
yeezy shoes
timberland outlet
canada goose jackets
flops
20182.28wengdongdong