The Nation Newspaper

Tag: change

  • Ways to tackle change in behaviour

    DEAR Harriet, I am 26 years old. My fiancé and I have been together for some years now. Our marriage is around the corner. Recently, he keeps telling me that I should allow him to rest. I don’t understand his reasons for such statement.

    His intimacy with me has also taken a new dimension. Personally, I really don’t know how long this will last. I love him and he has become a part of me and a member of my family because everybody in my family knows and like him a lot.

    Please, I need your counsel.

    Thanks.

    Name withheld, Akwa Ibom State.

     

    Thanks for sharing your problem with us. To be in a relationship with someone, especially if the person is on the same page as you, it is actually a thing of joy.

    Therefore, for any relationship to be successful, be it with family, friends, neighbours, colleagues and so on, information is vital and this is a fact when it comes to understanding the person you want to spend the rest of your life with.

    Attitude, as we know, is the predisposition or tendency to respond positively or negatively towards certain ideas, objects, persons or situations. It is a powerful tool for positive action, but when used negatively, it reflects in bad actions and behavior, so confrontation by the means of communication is the first step we must bear in mind in dealing with a situation like yours.

    Interaction is the heart of every relationship, and for it to be effective, it is very important to note three factors: what to say, how to say it and when to talk. This is why we have a case of someone claiming that his or her action is misinterpreted.

    So in order to avoid such scenario, it will be a nice idea to actually discuss with him to find out what the problem is, if there is any reason for him to pass such a statement.

    It could be something different from what you think, so the only way you can find out the motive for his change of attitude is by engaging your partner or spouse in a relaxed conversation at the right time.

    Avoid assumption if you want to have a successful relationship.  What it does is to give you false impression instead. Note, you are no mind reader, so ask questions for proper clarification before jumping into conclusion about the situation.

    Moreover, his statement, “let me rest” can connote a lot. Have you considered the fact that he might be going through personal issues? It may not necessary be from you as a person. It could be his job, family, or the whole marriage preparation since it’s just around the corner.

    Listen, it might be anything, but the good news is that he is the only one in a better position to let you in on what he is experiencing that makes him feel that he really does not want additional stress at the moment, so learn not to take it to heart rather find a way to let him tell you what is happening to him.

    In addition, avoid nagging, but prepare to be considerate by listening attentively to him, bearing in mind that you are in it together. Furthermore, once you have succeeded in clearing the air about his action, then let him understand how his action is affecting you.

    To sustain a healthy relationship is ability to always tackle your issues as they come amicably no matter the circumstances. Some people want to get married, but as the time starts approaching, some might start experiencing cool feet for different reasons.

    Marriage is a lifetime commitment and a beautiful thing that must not be rushed into. That is why it is important that you must be truthful to yourself by evaluating your relationship critically before taking the bold step. Intimacy in a relationship is another important aspect that must be discussed. However, it mostly advised to keep it on hold, while dating in order to have a good sense of judgment. After all, you are going to get married soon.

    Self-discipline is another important factor that helps a marriage to be successful, and it is best practised while dating, so that when eventually you get married, no matter the circumstance, you can handle it. There is more to marriage than you can imagine, so learn to look deeper.

    Take care of yourself and each other.

     

    Harriet Ogbobine is a counsellor and a motivational speaker. Send your questions and suggestions to her blog; www.liwh.com.ng, text messages only 08054682598 or bineharriet@gmail.com.  You can follow her on twitter: @bineharrietj and instagram: harrietogbobine.

  • Change we refused to own

    SIR: The recent protest initially conceived by the award winning thespian Tuface Idibia and later tactically abandoned by him citing police advice on the potential of it being hijacked by venal interests was successfully carried out.

    To the federal government, this is a vestige of civilized adherence to modern governance.

    The revanchist political spin-doctors who contemplated a rally to hurt governance are disappointed once more.

    The inalienable rights of protesters were not abridged, governance was not undermined and anticorruption war can only be revivified.

    Past protests under PDP did not go without dissipation of tear gas and other live ammunition.

    For those still disillusioned about change, this is CHANGE in its overt template.

    The generic change being tendentiously canvassed on social media is too pedestrian to take Nigeria to the promised land. A change that is cast on stomach infrastructure is a momentary change not putting the next generation into account. A change that guarantees an opened treasury to looters and political jobbers can only ensure ephemeral gratification and not an enduring legacy.

    Unfortunately, no desired change cannot assuage the surgical pain needed for national healing in the immediate. Just as the pain of any surgery is necessary for an anticipated healing process, the austere regime foisted on the nation through a combination of dwindled oil price and hyper- inflation called recession provide opportunity for healing process that is fundamental to the future of Nigeria.

    It is amazing to see the quantum of work going on Lagos-Ibadan express way at a time the so-called recession has eroded practically all bottom lines. This was not done in the 16 years of revenue surplus.

    The line of least resistance for any government in power from independence is to manoeuvre away from fighting corruption and create the impression of false prosperity with bogus statistical imprimatur.

    The rage against PMB and his administration is therefore not unexpected; Murtala Mohammed even paid ultimate sacrifice for fighting corruption. PMB has taken the bull by the horn and his life is tied to the future of Nigeria. Well-meaning Nigerians would pray that the president returns soon to lend credence to the change renaissance.

    One good the recession-triggered austerity regime has done to Nigeria and Nigerians is to compel a quadrant lifestyle away from metrics of private jets and other unrealistic benchmarks.

    Adherence to this change will put Nigeria in alignment with the rest of the civilized world where governance is measured by how much patrimony the present generation is bequeathing to the next generation.

     

    • Bukola Ajisola,

    bukymany@yahoo.com

  • This is the “change” we voted for!

    Some people glamourize regret as if regret is a virtue or an endowment. All some posers need to do to remain relevant on social media is to say they regret voting Buhari. Others less imaginative ask, “Is this the change we voted for?” Whenever I hear these, I am reminded that loyalty is a high-price commodity.
    What are you regretting? IF you really voted “Change”, what did you have in mind? Instead of reveling in your ignorance, should you not be ashamed that you lacked the basic understanding of what you espoused? At your age and with your level of education you still dance to every beat? Shame!
    This is the “Change” I campaigned and voted for. From inception, I know real, lasting change comes at a high cost and discomfort. Have you ever attempted to change your life, weight, values or complexion? Did it come cheap or easy? Why do many people fail to live up to their New Year resolutions? Genuine change at any level is tough and cruel at first. Nigeria will not be an exception.
    What happens when corporate organizations decide to change processes and procedures in the workplace? It is usually resisted because most people prefer the status quo. Corporate changes like mergers, acquisitions and reconstructions create imbalance and uncertainties in the concerned entities. I know a man whose workforce reduced by 75% when he restructured (or effected change in) his company. Today, the same man is shouting his voice hoarse that Buhari’s change is draconian and insensitive. Hypocrite!
    How do we become self-sufficient in food production? The answer is simple: make heavy investments in agriculture and ban importation of foods that deplete our foreign reserve. Take rice for instance. As long as there are no restrictions on the importation of rice, local farmers will not grow rice and our exotic taste buds will not be retrained. If I were Buhari, I would put a total ban on the importation of rice.
    Take cars, fabrics and wines (and spirits) for another instance. Something drastic needed to be done about our appetite for cars, clothes and wines. The cumulative costs of importing this trio into Nigeria consumed a substantial share of our foreign reserve. Buhari says NO. He argues that if you must use these imports, then be ready to pay a premium price for them. This is simple logic and economics. This is especially so since global oil price has dwindled and tempers are high in the Niger Delta.
    Goods are more expensive in Nigeria today because Buhari insists that most of the products we import can and should be produced locally. By so doing, he has flung open unending investment and job opportunities for Nigerians especially. While reserving limited foreign exchange for some critical sectors of the economy, Buhari is urging them to make hay while the sun shines. Buhari is CHANGING the way we live, and the pains we now experience are his instruments of CHANGE. You can only take it, but you can’t reject it.
    Why is Buhari putting these strategic restrictions on our consumption patterns? If you are PDP or a hater, these restrictions are to punish Nigerians. But to the dispassionate observer, Buhari’s stance is the most effective route to Nigeria’s escape from economic doldrums festered by inordinate importation of all and every product. Some countries in Asia, Africa and North America have provided infallible precedents to what Buhari has set out to do.
    What has happened so far? Buhari is in a mad hurry to fix the refineries. About 6 states are now producing rice in commercial quantities. Cross River state has almost completed what is arguably the largest textile mill in Africa. Buhari is challenging Nigerians to introspect and unleash their creative geniuses. Unfortunately, politics is providing a distracting counter-intuition to these breath-taking developments.
    Where will Nigeria be in 10 years if we continue (or forced to continue) to look inwards? Imagine what will happen if we continue to produce a larger chunk of what we eat, wear and drink. Imagine when Aba, Sokoto, Nnewi, Kano, Ondo, Osun, Benue and Nasarawa turn natural endowments into skills. Imagine when our universities and polytechnics wake up. Imagine when our industries and blue-chip companies begin to produce. Only a bold step like Buhari’s CHANGE will give form to these imaginations.
    If you did not understand Buhari’s change, it is not Buhari’s fault. Regretting voting Buhari says so much about your character. Asking “Is this the change we voted for?” is the clearest indication that you must never be taken seriously again. You are a plastic supporter, and we will not need you in 2019.

  • Change should begin with every Nigerian

    SIR: When President Muhammadu Buhari launched the “Change begins with me” campaign, critics saw it as a deceptive policy from a government that had promised change. Some even went as far as saying that they regretted voting for President Muhammad Buhari because they felt they had not seen the expected changes the APC-led administration promised its followers. Only a few Nigerians have reasoned that a lot of damages were done to the socio-political and economy of this country by previous administrations.

    Individual citizens have been socially and politically corrupted, and for government to realize its change plans, change must first be effected in individual characters. We ought to change our negative perceptions that have long divided us, if we must progress.  I believe Nigeria can get change only if they give that change. Change is within us, the citizens of this great country and not the country itself.

    Nigeria will be a great country if only we keep away our selfish interest and focus on how to make our nation great. America, England, Japan did not develop in a day; sacrifices were made, some died just to take their country where it is today. We keep on shouting change, but the question is, are we really ready for the change? Are we ready to face the consequences that come with it? There is a saying that “nothing good comes easy”; why not join hands with the President to change this country because, I believe that this change we are clamouring for starts with me and you. Have we ever sat down to think who needs to change in this country? Is it the country itself or the attitudes of its citizens?

    Nigeria can only change if we see ourselves as one nation and remove all forms of ethnic and religious differences and also our selfish interest and promote the general interest of our dear country. Let us change from individual levels before asking for change from the government.

     

    • Zainab Adamu Kaka,

    IBB University Lapai, Niger State.

  • Amaechi digging deep for change

    A cursory look at the changes recorded in Nigeria’s transportation sector last year , will leave any one in no doubt that the desired change Nigerians yearned for and promised by the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is  becoming a reality.

    In the transportation sector, more and more developments are been achieved on almost a weekly basis through the collective effort of the Hon. Minister, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi and his team. The feat recorded by the Minister and his team cannot be disputed. It is such that when one thinks about performance of political office holders, one thinks about the name Rotimi Amaechi.  Amaechi has become associated with performance and concrete achievements.

    Amaechi ensures that repositioning of the transportation sector is key pursuant to the task expected of him and bearing in mind that transportation plays a crucial role to the development of Nigeria society. Amaechi swiftly swung into action to addressing the challenges bedeviling the sector which in turn triggered concrete solutions to the benefit of all.

    Aside from the routine inspection of facilities, Amaechi had partnered with specialists in the transportation domain both local and foreign just to improve on the already dilapidated sector. Seminars and symposiums which brought together men and women from all walks of life were held, ideas were exchanged, issues were resolved and results achieved.

    Projects like the commissioning of Abuja-Kaduna rail way by the President, Muhammadu Buhari were feat achieved by Amaechi in 2016. The ongoing reconstruction work in some airports  like the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa in Rivers state and others  across the Country kick started last year under Amaechi’s watch, and hopes are that by the end of 2017 our Airports would have attained international status for smooth operations.

    Government is also doing its best to ensure that the nation’s airports compete globally with developed and developing countries by ensuring a total radar coverage of the nation’s airspace as well as efficient and effective emergency rescue unit, and also imbibe a maintenance culture for all infrastructures in the public transportation sector.

    The change promised by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is at the door steps of Nigerians, particularly dividends ushered in by Amaechi’s Ministry.

    Amaechi is not taken for granted the fact that the office he occupies is a privilege, hence the need to prove his mettle. Under his watch the Ministry recorded the completion and flag off for commercial operations of the Abuja-Kaduna Standard Gauge Railway and Commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari in July,2016, signing of Addendum 1 for the Coastal Railway Line; Lagos-Calabar with additional line from Benin City-Agbor-Asaba-Onitsha and Onitsha Bridge on 1st July,2016, signing of the commercial contract for the execution of Addendum No 3; Kano-Kaduna of the Lagos-Kano Railway Modernization Project on 31st September,2016 and completion of the Controller Pilot Data Link Communication(CPDLC) at Kano and Lagos for improved communication between the Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers.

    Other achievements are, completion of 5kw SOLAR DC System for NAVAIDS sites at Bida and Okitipupa enroute sites which lead to the elimination of power surges and power outages, signing of an MOU with Chinese Company, China Railways Construction Corporation (CRCC) for the completion of the Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri(Aladja Jetty) Railway Line and the extension from Aladja-Warri town Port, Refinery and Industrial Park; and Itakpe-Kaura-Baro-Abuja with siding from Eganyi-Jakura.

    Installation of low level Windshear Alert System at Katsina Airport to enhance safety of Aircraft operations and retention/upgrade of NIMET ISO 900;2008 certification (ie) ICAO certification of quality meteorological services provision to airlines by NIMET and the Isuring of Inland Container Nigeria Limited(ICNL) Bonded Terminal, Kaduna earler recommended for upgrade by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) was upgraded to the status of a Dry Port thereby making it the first Inland Dry Port in the country.

    Again, the upgrade and  rehabilitation of Airport  Terminal building s  at Kaduna, Port Harcourt, Maiduguri ,Enugu, ongoing construction of new International Terminal Building at Abuja,Lagos,Kano, Port Harcourt,Enugu as well as rehabilitation of Car Parks and service roads at Ibadan,Akure,Lagos,Illorin,Benin,Owerri,Enugu,Yola,Kano,Kastina and Sokoto Airports are visible projects engineered by the Amaechi’s leadership in the transportation sector.

    The developments of strategies to enhance patronage and efficient utilization of the Eastern Ports of Calabar,Onne, Warri, Koko and Port Harcourt is also an enviable to achievements to boast of.

    The ministry has also secured the Federal Executive Council approval for the development of Badagry Deep Sea Port in Lagos and Continuous monitoring of the implementation of International Ship Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code in Nigeria leading to significant improvement in the complaint levels of the ports facilities among others.

    For Amaechi, the change agenda must be pursued vigorously. The Kaduna-Abuja rail line among other things will impact on housing as the poor are able to live in their houses in Kaduna and come to work in Abuja.

    It will also impact on agriculture and the economy, as agriculture produce is conveyed from Kaduna to Abuja at much cheaper rates. Transportation is also provided for majority of Nigerians who reside between Kano and Abuja at a cheaper rate.

    When Kaduna/Abuja road is maintained it would last longer as heavy cargoes are now conveyed by rail. Aside all these, thumps up should be for Amaechi for partnering with the Chinese Government and the China Exim Bank for their financial support.

    Most importantly is the priority attached to transportation by President Muhammadu Buhari, and the CCECC for keeping faith and doing a good job.

    Amaechi is also not leaving any stone unturned in developing the sea ports in the coastal states with capacity to handle modern shipping activities and establishment of  Inland dry ports and usher in effective upgrade of the rail system with a view to restoring its lost relevance. This will make the sea ports more efficient and competitive, thus improving human capital development. Amaechi no doubt, represent hope of modern transportation in Nigeria.

    Nigerians and the rest of the world are already enjoying the dividends of change in Amaechi’s Ministry. Amaechi planned to work out modalities of creating a prominent role for Nigerian sea ports within the ECOWAS community, encourage private sector participation and promote the enabling legal frame work for private sector participation in several projects including air, road and port.

    Amaechi’s plan of developing the sea ports in coastal states with the capacity to handle modern shipping activities and establish inland dry ports will make the sea ports more efficient and competitive, thus improving human capital development.

    Already, steps are also been taken by government to ensure and encourage manpower training and retraining and maintenance capacity with a view to adopting other development measures.

    Needs had also been put in place to increase enlightenment and effective media policy in the sector to encourage feedback mechanism on how to manage interface with the public for attitudinal change with respect to traffic laws in the transportation sector.

    The ministry’s 2017 budget carefully considered speedily developing an integrated master plan that would dwell on all elements of transportation and things that would ensure implementation and sustainability of all the transport facilities to achieve set goals of the present administration.

    Amaechi had also signed contractual agreements with China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) on the Lagos-Calabar coastal rail way project. The first and second segments of the projects run through Calabar-Uyo-Aba-PH-Yenagoa-Otuoke-Ughelli-Warri-Sapele-Benin-Ore-Ijebu-Ode-Lagos, with a target of covering all the seaports along those routes in good time.

    The Kano-Kaduna segment of the Lagos-Kano rail modernization project was signed with (CCECC) the Chinese firm with a sum of $1.685 billion and the Calabar-Port Harcourt segment 1, extending to Onne deep sea port of the coastal rail project at the cost of $3.4 billion with the Chinese engineering firm.

    Amaechi spoke briefly during the contract signing, describing it as “symbolic”.  Amaechi is pursuing a virile and visionary transportation system that will stand the test of time. The expectation to complete all ongoing projects in the transportation sector is in top gear; this is an indication that he is determined to succeed in other to make Mr. President’s change mantra a reality.

    Amaechi utmost concern is to ensure continued safety of lives and property in the sector and leave Nigeria as one of the best country to reckon with in terms of modern, effective and efficient transportation. Amaechi is galvanizing his vision in the transportation sector, more importantly is the fact that his vision to manage public affairs in a way that changes are for the better by developing and using the human resources allocated to his Ministry in a manner that benefits the generality of the people.

    As we pray to God for a successful 2017 year, we hope that leaders in authority will follow the right path and do more justice to their areas of appointments.

    Nigerians are eagerly waiting to see the change promised by the present administration translate into good life in all ramifications.

    And for Amaechi, all over the world people do remember leaders who make indelible impacts in their lives especially in project delivery. Amaechi will certainly be remembered in the annals of history for his roles in bettering the Nigerian project; this may not be immediate but certainly in time to come.

     

  • What change should mean to us

    SIR: No society has ever developed without dynamic mindset of the people. The people proffer solutions to trending issues and look beyond present phenomenon to ensuring better future through attitudinal changes; positive mindset towards development; putting theories into practice; and establishment of mutual respect and recognition. Any nation or society that fails to acknowledge the realities of change amidst a new social economic challenge is bound to face developmental setbacks.

    The current state of the Nigerian economy is not one to be proud of and it seems to be getting worse as time passes by. It is safe to say every Nigerian is waiting for a miracle to happen as the economy is being diversified to areas that have been abandoned before; agriculture springs to mind. As a result of the exploration of crude oil, the agricultural sector had been abandoned, hence reducing the exportation of cash crops such as cocoa, coffee, rubber etc.

    Nigerians have over the years been living on imported items; even those readily available are not patronized as citizens have put value on items imported more than products made in Nigeria. We prefer foreign rice, clothes and bags, shoes etc, even foreign furniture is preferable in Nigeria now even though we have an abundance of timber to make ours.

    We expect a miracle to happen through diversification of the economy into agriculture and other areas when many of us don’t want to patronize Nigerian made products, don’t want to eat rice grown in Nigeria, and only those who cannot afford to buy foreign rice patronize our own and when things get better, they also start purchasing foreign rice.  If we don’t appreciate our own efforts and products who do we expect to do that for us?

    We keep chanting change and how Nigeria should change for the better when we the individuals in the society have not changed our personal behavior on how we conduct ourselves, how we treat people around us and how we relate with friends and the larger society. We need to embrace changes in our homes, work places, communities, traffic junction, traffic lights, change in our attitude to government property and infrastructure and also change our attitudes towards Nigerian made products as change does not only apply to economic progress but also social progress.

    There is the need for all of us in Nigeria to have a positive attitude and become positive in order to save the nation, rebuild its economy so that more jobs can be created for the youths to tackle the problem of unemployment and hunger. In other to do that as a developing country seeking growth; we should endeavour to reduce importation to the barest minimum and utilize local resources.

    Our patronage of made in Nigeria goods will benefit us and other people around us in the society as for every made in Nigeria goods we patronize those involved in the production and distribution of such goods and also those involved in the sourcing of raw materials will also benefit since it is a chain of activities that are interconnected along with the people involved. When we buy made in Nigeria goods we are indirectly providing employment opportunities for Nigerians, the more we buy the more opportunities we create and our failure to buy worsens the rate of unemployment.

    We all want to eradicate poverty in the country and we keep buying foreign goods thereby creating jobs for the foreigners while our own manufacturing industries keep dwindling. The more we purchase foreign goods the more we create poverty by increasing the countries unemployment rate. If we patronize made in Nigeria goods, Nigeria will save 50-60% of its foreign exchange in the next five years and our manufacturing industries will be able to improve.

    We should stop seeing foreign goods to be better than our made in Nigeria goods. Development is a gradual process and with individual cooperation we will get their; growth and development does not happen in one day as it is a gradual process that requires patience and perseverance ; Asian countries like Korea, China, Thailand etc did not develop their economy as it is today in one day.

    • Abdulrahman Nafisat Sanni IBB Lapai, Niger State
  • ‘We need to be patient for change to come’

    ‘We need to be patient for change to come’

    Otunba Denge Anifowoshe is the Chairman, Conference of All Progressives Congress (APC) Local Goverment Chairmen in Lagos State. He spoke with reporters in Lagos on partisan issues. 

    Nigerians are complaining that your party is taking too long in coming. What is your take on this?
    The journey of change may not be as smooth as expected by some quarters because the process of reconstruction takes gradual process but in the end it will be beneficial to all concern
    The economy was in comatose seriously battered with monumental corruption. No nation in the world developed where corruption strives. I have to appreciate the Government at my party APC at both Federal, State and local level.
    What do you think of the anti-graft war?
    I commend Mr President for the bold step he took in figting the corruption head on with determination to reduce the menace drastically if possible uproot corruption from our system. Honestly, if only this could be achieved in four years the physique and thinking of Nigerians would have changed and that will be a great achievement of change.
    How could one imagine looters laundering trillions of naira in abroad when Nigerians are dying of poverty at home. Before the inception of this administration nothing works in Nigeria again crime rate has reached an alarming rate with introduction of kidnapping, rituals, militancy, terrorism with all social devices all over the country.
    The middle class has already be eradicated you are either rich or poor.
    The civil service is not left out. The corruption was so rife with hardly you will get anything done without oiling palms. People who are saddled with responsibility of keeping tax payers money fiddle with it without the fear of God. ghost worker, ghost contract ghost everything where pension fund was not spared.
    How would you assess the performence of President Muhammed Buhari?
    Infact, Mr President has an assiduous task in putting things right and instill discipline and the fear of God in governance of this country. The economic saboteurs who are enemy of change are equally there to contend with. I want to suggest to Mr President that any state where vandalized such as pipelines, blowing of government infrastructure such state should be held responsible by deducting their monthly allocations to repair the vandalized infrastructure. This will serve as deterrent and big caution to other states to curb the citizens and beef up security like Governor of Lagos Mr Akinwunmi Ambode has invested heavily in security in Lagos State.
    Let’s us look at crime in Lagos…
    The governor Mr Ambode deserves kudos in combating crime in Lagos State.
    However, I made bold to say that APC government at Federal level has recorded tremendous achievements in area of security by waging war against terrorism, kidnapping, vandals treasonable agitation and a lot of social vices in the country. The recruitment of security personnels is highly commendable. I am convinced that second year in office will be geared towards economic improvement like I’ve said earlier a country does develop under insecurity and corruption with this given attention in first years in office attention will be focused on the sector of Economy I enjoined all Nigerians to be prayerful and give support in totality to this administration.
    As for my silent achiever. A man whose achievement in one year beats the imagination of Lagosians, an economic engineer, astute administrator. A man who has given Lagos State over 200 new roads within one year in office, light up all nook and cranny of Lagos. A man who re-organised the civil service to the satisfaction of every civil servant by paying the salaries and emolument promptly. I can confidently say that Mr Akinwunmi Ambode won the hearts of Lagosians with his unprecedented achievements so far.
    I must congratulate the leadership of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his vision and foresight in encouraging us to vote for President Muhammed Buhari and Mr Akinwunmi Ambode respectively. It was a right decision. Lagosians should continue to pray for this amiable Governor and pay their taxes reqularly.

  • Buhari to Nigerians: Change will manifest more in 2017

    Buhari to Nigerians: Change will manifest more in 2017

    President Muhammadu Buhari pledged yesterday that the change sought by the majority of Nigerian voters, who backed him in the 2015 election, will manifest more and be sustained in different sectors in the new year.
    He declared in his new year message that the current pains Nigerians are going through are temporary.
    His words: “On our part, in the past 20 months since our inauguration on May 29, 2015, we have focused our energies to turn around the economy, create jobs, fight corruption, and transform agriculture to replace oil and gas as a major revenue earner for the nation. I am encouraged that we are getting things right.
    “The agricultural revolution has begun. Farmers in different parts of the country are experiencing bumper harvests; states are getting into strategic partnership towards attaining self-sufficiency in rice, and the era of over-dependence on oil for foreign exchange revenues is gradually waning.
    “I am optimistic that the CHANGE we all yearned for in voting this administration to power in 2015 will manifest more and be sustained in different sectors, particularly agriculture, in 2017.” He added
    Noting that the administration’s economic recovery and growth plan in 2017 is anchored on optimizing the use of local content and empowering local businesses, he urged Nigerians to start patronizing “Made in Nigeria” goods.
    He said: “Like I said during the 2017 Budget presentation to the National Assembly, farmers, small and medium-sized manufacturers, agro-allied businesses, dressmakers, entertainers and technology start-ups, will remain the true drivers of our economic future.
    “They are the engine of our economic recovery and their needs underpin our Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.”
    On job creation, he said, that the administration will sustain existing programmes aimed at lifting great number of Nigerian youth out of poverty.
    Government, he added, will also create more opportunities for people to fend for themselves.
    The President insisted that the administration’s resolve to defeat corruption in the country remains unshaken.
    He said: “This fight, which will be guided by respect for the rule of law and due process, will not spare anybody or organ of government. It is a collective undertaking and resolve that must be seen to its logical conclusion in spite of certain distractions.
    “The fate of our country lies partly in the success of this campaign. It will be unthinkable on my part to allow the boat of this crucial campaign promise capsize mid-stream.” He said
    Thanking Nigerians for their support to the administration’s efforts towards transforming Nigeria, he said: “I assure you again that the current pains are temporary and will ease when the economic seeds in gestation begin to bloom to fruition. I urge you to continue to support this administration in its effort to transform Nigeria for the good of all.”
    The President again, congratulated the heroic and gallant efforts of Nigerian military and other security agencies on the successes recorded to rid the nation of terrorism.
    He said: “Following the successful capture of Sambisa Forest, spearheaded by troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, we have entered a new phase in our battle against our common enemy, Boko Haram.
    “When we see our beloved 21 Chibok girls reuniting with their families and community for Christmas, it gives us the hope that those who are still in captivity will one day return to the loving arms of family, friends and well-wishers.
    Buhari appealed to Nigerians in their different communities to be on the look out for Boko Haram terrorists on the run from the Sambisa forest.
    “I urge all Nigerians to be on the alert and watch out for strange figures settling in their communities, and report to the nearest security agencies, as our armed forces intensify the pursuit of fleeing terrorists from the captured Sambisa Forest.” He stated
    He also warned that any misguided elements taking up arms against constituted authorities must be brought to face the full weight of the law.
    The support of all Nigerians to security agencies, he said, is crucial for them to successfully execute their mandate and effectively secure the country.
    He added: “In this New Year, I want to reassure all Nigerians that our defence and security forces are more than ever before ready to perform their constitutional role of protecting lives and property in the country; and we will surely overcome all other forms of security challenges.
    “The lingering security issues in several states will be frontally addressed. These ugly crises cannot be allowed to fester as they strain the unifying bonds of brotherhood and neighbourliness. Some sections of the press and some politicians should avoid provocative and inflammatory statements, while the government is painstakingly trying to find solutions to our challenges.
    “I want to remind you on the first day of this New Year of an African proverb that says “it is easy to break a broomstick but not a bunch”. Nigeria is a bunch and is more than equal to troublemakers.
    “I have interacted with a broad spectrum of Nigerians, the old and the young, and they have told me unequivocally that they believe in the unity and stability of Nigeria.” He said
    He was also optimistic that voluntary return of all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their communities is imminent following the joyful return of thousands of IDPs to Damasak town in Borno State and the reopening of Maiduguri/Gubio/Damasak road in Northern Borno on December 25, 2016.
    The Federal Government, he said, will spare no effort in seeing to the resettlement and rehabilitation of all victims of terrorism and insurgency.
    But the President urged state governments, privileged Nigerians, donor agencies and countries to redouble their contributions towards resettlement and rehabilitation of all victims.
    Stressing that the government is not unaware of some mistakes and wrongdoings in handling the affairs of IDPs in the country, he said that measures are been taken to correct the mistakes and punish the culprits.
    He said that the year 2017 provides an opportunity for Nigerians to build on those aspects of national life that unite the nation.
    He added: “We are courageous, hardworking, hospitable, steadfast and resilient people, even in the face of difficulties.
    “These are the attributes that define us and have for years confounded the pessimists who do not believe in our continued existence as a united and indivisible nation.
    “We are a remarkable nation that has succeeded in harnessing our multiple diversities for national development. We must continue to support and tolerate one another and live together as one.”
    Stressing that his administration will continue to pursue peace initiatives in the Niger Delta, he called on the people in the region, who have taken to violent disruptions of economic infrastructure, to come to the negotiating table.
    He went on: “As for our brothers and sisters of the Shia Community, we urge them, too, to embrace peace. They must accept the laws of the country they live in. They cannot be islands by themselves.
    “At the same time, the law enforcement agencies must treat them humanely and according to the rule of law.”

  • The stink of Buhari’s ‘change’ (2)

    (Boko Haram, a shady budget and Buhari’s ‘expensive shit’)

    Thumbs up to President Muhammadu Buhari. On his watch, the Nigerian military routed terrorist group, Boko Haram, from Sambisa forest, its major stronghold in Borno State. Although the terrorists’ defeat exceeded the timeline given by Buhari, the President deserves praise for aiding the military’s decisive victory against the group. Let’s hope he doesn’t lose himself in the maze of hyperbolic praise and amplification of his exploits by career sycophants milling around him.

    While some of his overexcited ministers, among other lackeys, would argue that he be canonised for the military’s exploits, Mr. President should never forget that running over Sambisa forest was simply one promising step in ridding the country of the bogey of terrorism and religious extremism, among other afflictions.

    Sambisa may have fallen and the military may beam with pride over the 1, 200 terrorists allegedly arrested during its campaign against Boko Haram but that is simply one battle in the country’s protracted anti- terrorism war. Buhari should lead Nigeria to desensitize her youth to vicious philosophies and poisonous tenets that baits them to romanticize terrorism.

    The anti-terrorism war should shift from the killing fields, into the valleys of wit and constructive ideology. But has Buhari nurtured such practicable and justifiable sociopolitical ideology? Can he? Beyond his mantra of ‘change,’ and its hackneyed sound bites, does he truly possess the courage and catholicity of will to rid Nigeria of her extremist leanings?

    The President must understand that Nigerians are eager to see him arrest and prosecute the masterminds of Boko Haram’s campaign of violence and death. His declaration of victory against the terrorist group is thus premature and hasty, given his inability to identify and reveal the brains behind Boko Haram’s bloody siege.

    In an era when the Nigerian state prides herself on exploits of her military and secret services on the intelligence fields, it is extremely shameful that the incumbent government is unable to deploy such formidable intelligence to uncover and arrest the evil men and women responsible for Boko Haram and its campaign of carnage.

    Buhari should never forget that extremism fluorishes and fertilises in minds riddled by poverty and thwarted by corruption. It is easier to indoctrinate and radicalise impoverished, jobless youth. It is easier to make terrorists of youth at the receiving end of various forms of extremity. Such youth are ever willing to serve as cannon fodder in the dastardly plots of devious masterminds.

    Has Buhari been able to chart practicable blueprint to empower the youth and revitalise the country’s economy? Can he? What are his plans to rehabilitate the northeast? And are there similar plans to rehabilitate other troubled zones of the country, like the militant Niger Delta and religiously volatile Kaduna? These represent a smidgen of the country’s security problems.

    There is also the recurrent ghastliness of herdsmen’s murderous attacks on their host communities and transit townships across the country. In this respect, the president has been disconcertingly quiet and apathetic. Lest we forget the terrifying reality of seeing disbanded Boko Haram soldiers morph into guerrilla cells across the country. Is Buhari’s military intelligence capable of preventing fleeing terrorists’ from  establishing operational bases across the country and thus become even more invisible and deadly? How many arrested terrorists have been successfully prosecuted? Who are their sponsors and enablers?

    Will Mr. President, in prosecuting Boko Haram members, subscribe to the principles of political expediencies as he currently does in prosecuting established looters of public fund? Will he shy from revealing and prosecuting the masterminds of Boko Haram just as he fails at prosecuting looters of Nigerian’s public till?

    Buhari has become disappointingly timid and terrified of the ‘change’ he preached in order to earn Nigerians’ trust and win their votes. His mutation from a disciplined, moral, hardnosed ascetic to politically-expedient-Buhari is tragic and mind-boggling. As you read, Buhari breaches too many of the promises he made at election time.

    This moment, Buhari’s version of ‘change’ resonates as a corny phrase he had to chant to achieve an epic sweep at the polls. No doubt, it worked for him as it did for his fellow public officers on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). It is however, interesting to see him  bluster through his second spell in office, chanting ‘change’ yet denouncing it in conflicting tenor and undertones.

    He has failed to prosecute looters of public fund – it is shameful to see him reveal the amount retrieved from looters while shielding their identities. Does he know that Nigerians are jailed for stealing N500 and pots of soup while he gives looters of public funds cum mass murderers punishments ranging from a slap on the wrist to a pat on the back. He has failed to rescue Chibok girls like he promised. He is unable to fulfill his promise of a ridiculous N5, 000 pittance to the impoverished and unemployed. He has failed to fulfill his promise to employ 500, 000 unemployed graduates. And it is increasingly worrisome to see him compromise in the spirit of ‘political strategy’ and ‘expediencies’ as certain aides and lackeys in his cabinet continually urge him.

    This minute, President Muhammadu Buhari is a far cry from aspirant Muhammadu Buhari and president-elect Muhammadu Buhari. The man who claimed to “belong to everybody and belong to nobody,” is undoubtedly owned by ‘somebody.’

    This changes the narrative about Buhari. Even his most ardent apologists are beating a retreat from Camp Buhari. His most virulent critics hurl unprintable missives at him and dubious fence-sitters contend that they had always seen him as an overhyped moralist inspired by a sense of  entitlement to power characteristic of most politicians of his ilk.

    At the backdrop of these depressing realities, the federal government produces a ludicrous budget on Buhari’s watch. Although Mr. President won’t be spending approximately N1billion as annual feeding expenditure, unlike his predecessor, former President Goodluck Jonathan, his 2017 budget is undoubtedly an eyesore and downer to his status as moral crooner, religious ascetic and symbol of honesty.

    In the 2017 budget proposals, christened budget of growth and recovery, Buhari will spend N42 billion on State House, with expenditure on food, cooking gas and kitchen utensils to gulp well over N850 million. Of the figure, about, N100, 820,300 would be spent on cutlery and kitchen utensils. Food stuff and catering materials will swallow N360 million while cooking gas is expected to take N63 million. The President also budgeted a horrid ?53 million just to drain the State House’s septic tank. This means he will burn about ?145,000 daily to drain Aso Rock’s waste tank. Jonathan budgeted ?5 million for the same purpose in 2015 and Buhari budgeted N6 million for the purpose in ?6 million. This figure went up by 1050 per cent compared with Jonathan’s 2015 budget and 850 per cent compared with Buhari’s 2016 budget for the same purpose. Apology to Saatah Nubari.

    Yet Nigeria’s education sector will receive less than the 26 percent of national budget, as recommended by UNESCO. A paltry six percent of the N7.30 trillion budget is allocated to the education sector contrary to Buhari’s gospel of literacy and youth empowerment. Specifically, N398.01billion was allocated to recurrent expenditure and the balance of N50billion allocated to capital projects.

    A partner and co-founder of BudgIT, a transparency monitor, allegedly described some of the spending proposals as “suspicious and wasteful” amounting to N111.32 billion, which includes N53.7 million repeated 52 times, N37.8 million which appears over 369 times, and a N3.9 billion allocation for the presidential clinic that exceeds funds designated for all 17 of the country’s teaching hospitals combined…

     

    • To be continued

  • The stink of Buhari’s ‘change’

    In the run-up to the last general elections, Nigeria’s former ‘first lady,’ Patience Faka Jonathan, described her husband, Goodluck Jonathan’s arch rival, Muhammadu Buhari, as ‘brain dead.’ She undoubtedly perverted truth in manic, uncouth rage at Buhari’s candidacy via the All Progressives Congress (APC). Buhari was not and has never been brain dead. He is simply incapable of genius. This is surely interesting given the APC’s shrill marketing and presentation of Buhari as the best thing that would be happening to Nigeria in a long while.

    Yeah, Buhari happened to Nigeria. He defied the odds and emerged president in a keenly contested election. At his emergence, a great segment of the citizenry, this writer inclusive, heaved rhythmic sighs of relief. Everybody waited devotedly to experience Buhari and the APC’s gospel of ‘change.’ Having sacked Goodluck Jonathan and his People’s Democratic Party (PDP), not a few Nigerians believed the country would eventually be rid of corruption, mismanagement and a legion of deviously orchestrated misdemeanours characteristic of Jonathan’s PDP. But like a recalcitrant bug that will not go away, mismanagement, corruption and a legion of more carefully orchestrated misdemeanours have resurfaced in the nation’s corridors of power, on Buhari’s watch.

    However, this writer would be committing duplicity similar to that which Buhari and his APC inflicts on Nigerians even as you read, if he fails to acknowledge the flashes of competence betrayed by Buhari and his bumbling government. Buhari’s initiative at establishing one purse for the Nigerian government is worthy of commendation. Mr. President’s military campaign against the dreaded Boko Haram is barely commendable too. Although, he has failed woefully at keeping his promise to rescue Chibok girls and exterminate the terrorist sect within his professed timeline, the military has succeeded considerably, at containing the terrorists’ activities. This does not excuse the fact that the Nigerian military still suffers the affliction of saboteurs, inadequate funding, lack of essential weaponry, among other ills.

    Buhari also promised to rescue Nigerians from the moral failings of his predecessor’s leadership. He hasn’t. And it is impossible for him to do that while his cabinet reeks as a cesspit of individuals with damaged character. It is no doubt heartrending to see the president discard his cloak of sanctimoniousness to wine, dine and sing the praises of men he earlier identified as corrupt and unworthy of public office.

    Sycophants and Buhari groupies would deem his radical mutation as a happenstance borne of political expediency. They will tell Buhari that “In politics, there are certain compromises that you have to make…Occasionally, you to wine and dine and hawk your soul to the devil (s).” And Buhari, has undoubtedly, mastered the art of such political expediencies.

    Governing Nigeria is vastly more complicated than Buhari thought. All kinds of things can go wrong. A lot of things have gone wrong. If Buhari understood his limitations, he has done too little to cushion the consequences on the citizenry. Besides peopling his government with ‘milk men,’ characters whose chief expertise subsists in milking the proverbial cow even as they are grossly ignorant and inept at nurturing the cow and preserving it, he has failed in several spheres of governance.

    Despite taking several months to seek out his ‘winning, extraordinary team,’ Buhari ended up afflicting Nigerians with ‘over-recycled characters’ many of whom came with hideous baggage around their necks.

    The real test of his Presidency came with the continued fall in oil prices and the fall in the value of the naira. Buhari’s reaction was predictable: he sought to defend the naira by keeping its official exchange rate relatively low even as the currency fell irretrievably in the black market.

    Inflation sky-rocketed across the country causing hardship that permeated class boundaries. Businesses collapsed, banks executed mass retrenchment of staff, sole proprietorships floundered and suffered gruesome, excruciating death. At the backdrop, PDP and Buhari’s APC governors owed salaries even as they threw extravagant parties across the seas.

    Buhari and his ministers enjoyed the luxuries and entitlements of office while they preached cold, bitter truth to Nigerians screeching: “You need to suffer now to make amendments for the wastage of the past; Jonathan and the PDP destroyed everything; PDP is the cause of your hardship; Things will get better in 2017 only if you persevere.”

    Buhari also failed to deliver on his lifeboat palliative; that is, the ridiculous N5, 000 pittance promised to the unemployed and impoverished at election time. He has also gone back on his promise to employ 500, 000 unemployed graduates as teachers. His government recently announced that these teachers would be trained under its social welfare scheme to serve as voluntary teachers.

    His brazen offensive against institutionalised corruption has yielded to his targets’ immoderate lust for riches and priapism of want. Even his ‘change’ agents are currently tarred with these perversions widely regarded as the fault of dupes and satyrs. As you read, President Buhari’s much professed anti-corruption campaign is being interpreted in several quarters as arrant posturing. Till date, Buhari and his anti-graft missioners are unable to see to a fruitful end, the prosecution of established looters of public fund among other perpetrators of corruption.

    His inability to address the degeneracy within his political party and cabinet has become counterproductive to his efficiency as president and anti-corruption crusader. The APC has become a cesspool of Nigeria’s dreaded elements. Like this writer intoned in an earlier piece, of Buhari’s ministers and ‘compatriots’ in the APC, too many are vectors, mortal agents of the worst kind of viruses. They have made his government food for worms.

    From the moment of their acceptance into the fold, the infestation of Buhari’s administration commenced but Buhari and his political groupies naively maintained that if the head – that is, Buhari – be moral, the body (his cabinet and underlings) too will have no choice but get with his program.

    He is either naive or duplicitous to dream of transcendental reforms and recourse from the country’s plummet down the ravine of corruption while he hobnobs with vectors of corruption.

    Is Buhari like his ministers, a dubious change agent feigning a moral growth crusade? Unlike certain APC and PDP governors and senators, Buhari and his ministers were expected to epitomise a moral, philosophical rampart that will continually uphold the strife of contraries by which true, positive ‘change’ evolves.

    Sadly, they aren’t. Thus the incumbent APC government manifests as yet another disease of governance and civilisation. Yet Buhari started out as a man devoted to wiping out corruption. He sought to do that while conveniently turning a blind eye to his inadequacies and self-imposed handicaps, or compromises, if you like. He forgets that nature and history only cares to identify individuals as intrinsic part of species and never as a lone genus.

    Buhari’s mantra of chastity and change is diametrically opposed to the realities of his politics and mutating ethics. Our president has diluted his moralist communion with toxic liquor. Thus he evolves as a revolutionary of the comedies. He won’t eliminate besmirched society by redeeming morals with the amoral. Our Buhari has eventually lost himself shying from the pathway of moralist dystopia.

    Let’s hope he rediscovers his groove in 2017. Our Buhari, the presumed ‘change’ agent, may yet pamper us with ‘change’ we can believe in and prosper by.