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Tag: change

  • Buhari: Beyond the ‘Change’ mantra

    Buhari: Beyond the ‘Change’ mantra

    President Muhammadu Buhari has a chance to transform Nigeria into a model state in Africa. Experts believe the country’s development has been bogged down by corruption, mismanagement of resources, high cost of governance, lopsided structure of the federation and instability, among others.  Deputy Political Editor RAYMOND MORDI looks at the prospects of the Buhari administration.

    THE President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration rode to power on a sweeping mandate to give the country a new direction, inject a sense of urgency and purpose into the business of governance. Political analysts believe Nigerians chose the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate above former President Goodluck Jonathan, because of the perception that as a former military leader, he has the experience and better positioned to tackle Boko Haram insurgency, growing insecurity in the East and the unrest in the Niger Delta region. There was a high expectation that corruption would be tackled head on and policies initiated to create employment opportunities.

    The election of March 28 last year that brought him to power was historic, because it brought to an end the 16-year rule of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and for the first time in the nation’s political history, providing an opportunity for an opposition figure to dislodge a sitting president through the ballot box.

    Analysts have interpreted this as a sign that Nigeria’s relatively young democracy has finally matured and that the country may finally be leaving behind its legacy of military coups and predominately authoritarian regimes once and for all. The PDP had boasted that it would hold on to power for 60 years.

    They say Buhari has a chance to transform the country into a model democratic nation even as they foresee a long and rough road ahead. The administration, according to them, has recorded some progressa in its war against Boko Haram insurgents as the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), driven by the Nigerian military has been routing the sect members from their strongholds, rescuing the captives. The insurgents, who are now on the defensive, can only launch attacks on soft targets.

    The anti-corruption efforts have also yielded positive results as a lot of money illegally taken from the public till have been recovered. Prominent Nigerians, who served in the immediate past administration, including former National Security Adviser Col Sambo Dasuki, are  facing corruption charges. Dasuki is facing trial for allegedly diverting over $2 billion voted to procure military equipment, specifically to figth Boko Haram. Others, linked to the case and are either been grilled or facing prosecution. However, the anti-graft war is yet to yield any convictions.

    In fact, there is growing fear that with the help of clever lawyers, poorly prepared prosecution cases and potentially buyable judges, the culprits might ultimately go free or get light prison sentences.

    Critics have also accused the President of being selective in his anti-corruption fight, saying he targets politicians linked to the former government, while ignoring members of his party, who has one allegation or the other hanging over their neck.

    Though Buhari inherited an economy battered by weak oil prices, but his critics believe he has not done much to remedy the situation. For some time now, the administration has seized every opportunity to plead with Nigerians be patient. His lieutenants have warned that hard times would not disappear overnight, but that better days will follow.

    As a result, the President has continued to enjoy the support and cooperation of the people. But, his approval rating has dropped from 77 per cent last August to 57 per cent this February, reflecting the growing economic frustration.

    A finance and investment consultant, Akintunde Maberu, said the Buhari administration has laid a solid foundation in the last one year that will soon begin to yield benefits for the country. He said the President has demonstrated a lot of courage in his fight against corruption in a country where impunity was once celebrated.

    Maberu said the President is making efforts towards improving governance by tackling corruption. His words: “Nigerians are shocked everyday by the unimaginable figures being alleged to have been stolen by individuals. Till date, a good number of persons believed to have collectively plundered the commonwealth have been arrested and are facing charges at the courts.

    “This is only the beginning. The return of stolen funds is important. But it is just as critical to ensure that those who seek to steal realise that no longer will there be such impunity in Nigeria.”

    The consultant said there are lots things that are being put in place, which will be institutionalised with time, to ensure that in future, they would not be cancelled by another administration.

    Maberu believes the gains being recorded in the capital market suggest that the economy is gradually stabilising.

    The presidential candidate of the United Progressive Party (UPP) in last year’s general elections, Chief Chekwas Okorie, said the Buhari administration has demonstrated some seriousness in fighting corruption, especially in trying to recover what was stolen from the treasury in the recent past. He added that the APC administration is also making some savings through plugging leakages within the system.

    Okorie also disagreed with notions that the administration has not property articulated its vision for the Nigerian economy, saying the 2016 Budget – the first to be prepared by the administration – holds a lot of prospects for reviving the economy. He said the budget reflects the government’s vision for the economy. The UPP chief however added that the Buhari-led administration may not have enough political will to implement its ambitious plans.

    But, the Buhari administration has equally come under criticisms for its approach towards agitations and unrests in some parts of the country. One of them is the reported killings of Nigerians in parts of the country by itinerant herdsmen. Though the clashes have been nurtured for decades, they never became major issue capable of threatening national security. It has been inflaming passions perhaps because of President Buhari’s pereceived reluctance to comment on the matter directly. After maintaining studied silence,  he spoke through his spokesmen Femi Adesina and Garba Shehu, as well as Information Minister Alhaji Lai Mohammed. The trio said the Commander-in-Chief has directed to security forces to crackdown on the rampaging herdsmen.

    “I have directed the Chief of Army Staff and the Inspector General of Police to secure all communities under attacks by herdsmen and to go after the groups terrorising innocent people all over the country. This government will not allow these attacks to continue,” Mohammed quoted the President as saying. It was at the launch of a book titled: “Who Will Love My Country: Ideas for Building the Nigeria of Our Dreams”, written by Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu.

    Many observers felt that the matter deserved urgent attention of the President and given the bad blood it has generated, that Buhari ought to have visited one of the flashpoints to identify with the victims, to assuage the feelings of the people.

    Former Police Commissioner Abubakar Tsav is an avid supporter of the Buhari administration. But, Tsav, who gave kudos to the President on the anti-terror war, is not impressed by the administration’s response to agitations in the South south and Southeast, saying the President’s response have not been the best. He, however, said the youths engaging in such agitations are misguided.

    His words: “They have recorded some remarkable achievements in the fight against insurgency in the North. But, in the South, it is a different story; we now have pockets of agitations in the Southeast and the Southsouth, which are seriously threatening the security of the nation. I believe these agitations are political because their candidate, former President Goodluck Jonathan, lost the last presidential election and they are not happy about it.

    “Nevertheless, the best approach open to the Buhari administration will be to resort to dialogue. It will be too much for the government to be engaged in wars on many fronts; it would not serve any useful purpose, because it might become too much for the government to handle.”

    Okorie also expressed concern over “the President’s lack of tact and political sagacity to govern a complex, multi-ethnic and multi-religious country like Nigeria”.

    He said: “He (Buhari) is still talking tough like a soldier. With all the flashpoints opening up in different parts of the country, it will be difficult to implement this budget. It is unfortunate that the administration, through its overbearing attitude, has allowed a new militant group in the Niger Delta, after the late President Umaru Yar’Adua tactically nipped militancy in the bud.”

    Okorie said with the flashpoints opening up here and there, that it will be difficult to implement the budget and attract foreign investments.

    “No foreign investor will walk into a burning inferno. The President requires a think-tank, made up of stakeholders from different parts of the country to brainstorm and advise him on regular basis,” he said, adding that the simmering Shiite uprising, Biafra agitation and the resurgence of militancy in the Niger Delta at a time the Boko Haram insurgency is yet to be laid to rest portends a bad omen for the country.

    The Southeast  Secretary-General of human rights watchdog, the Campaign for Democracy (CD), Dr. Jerry Chukwuokolo, is also not happy with the President’s silence in the face of the recent attacks by Fulani herdsmen. He said: “Whenever he talks, as he did recently at the Emir of Katsina’s palace, he has been playing the ethnic card. For instance, he said at the Emir’s palace that it would be foolhardy for anyone to think that the Fulanis would not be allowed to roam freely in Nigeria after they fought to ensure that Nigeria remained as one country. He said with the encroaching desertification, the Fulanis had no choice but to move southwards to feed their cattle. Such a comment coming from the President is totally unacceptable, in the sense that he has aligned himself with a section of the country and alienated himself from others.

    “In his anti-corruption fight, he has shown clearly that he is merely battling his political opponents. Otherwise, why is he only probing the funding of the PDP campaign and not doing the same to that of his party? He is not fighting any corruption. In fact, he has deceived Nigerians into believing that he is a man of principle.

    “Nothing is going on in the economy. The exchange rate of the naira to the dollar has been soaring and it has adversely affected the prices of goods and services in the market. He has not done anything about it. Having said this, I think it is not too late for him to amend his ways and show some commitment to the Nigerian masses that trooped out to vote for him.”

    The human rights activist also faulted Buhari’s approach to the agitation for Biafra. He said: “If you recall, last year, Scotland wanted to leave the United Kingdom (UK). The Prime Minister, David Cameron, tried to persuade them to remain in the union, but when he saw that they were serious, he organised a referendum and marshaled all the arguments, explaining why they should vote to remain in the fold. Eventually, when the referendum was carried out, only 45 per cent voted to leave the union and so the bid failed. So, in this age and time, it is not everything you do by force.

    “What I expect Buhari to do is to try to find out why all these agitations are coming up at this point in time; because aside from the Southeast, there are agitations now from virtually all parts of the country. Let’s face it, we have not moved away from how we have been carrying on in this country; people only identify with their tribes, but when it comes to Nigeria, it is a different ballgame. It is not that people are not happy to be part of the Nigerian federation, but we have reached a stage where we must sit down and re-examine the structure and also come up with new guiding philosophy that will drive the union.”

    Tsav also cautioned the administration to tread softly over the anger on several issues, if it truly desires to leave a lasting legacy. He said the vision of the Buhari administration on the economy is not clear yet and that understandably, Nigerians are becoming impatience. He said the ruling party raised the expectations of Nigerians during the electioneering campaigns and gave the assurance that once the APC is voted into power, it will correct all the ills and make Nigerians smile again.

    The former police chief said the sudden increase in the price of fuel may bring problem to the country, if not handled with tact.

    Tsav said: “People are angry because salaries are no longer paid as at when due. Besides, government told us that it has recovered a lot of money from treasury looters. But, government has completely kept us in the dark in this regard, so people are losing confidence in it, because they feel the Buhari-led government is too slow and they are no longer sure the direction it is headed.

    “For Nigerians to have confidence in the government, they want to see people being punished for wrong doing. Go to our prisons, you will see suspects who are detained and awaiting trial that have been there for over six years and nobody is saying anything about their case.”

    Tsav agrees with those calling for the institutionalisation of the fight against corruption.

    “At the moment, everything revolves around Buhari. It should not be so; he cannot do things alone. The proper thing to do is to institutionalise the process so that it can be running on its own,” he added.

    Tsav blamed his constituency – the police – partly for the slow and inefficient criminal justice system, saying many police officers are corrupt and they compromise, by letting offenders off the hook, once they are ready to play ball.

    According to him, the police bungled the investigation and prosecution of the case of former Delta State Governor James Ibori and that of many other high-profile citizens with deep pockets. He however praised the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Arase, saying he is one of the best IGP’s the country has ever produced.

     “I doff my hat for Arase because he is humble and accessible,” he said.

    Though it is not yet uhuru, but not a few Nigerians feel there is an administration that is genuinely trying to meet their needs. Buhari has a task to give the ‘change’ promised by his party and he has to this fast.

    With more than N350 billion released to galvanise the economy following the approval and signing of the budget, Nigerians expect to see actions soon on the socio-economic landscape.

  • One year of change

    Having just a few minutes ago sworn on the Holy Book, I intend to keep my oath and serve as president to all Nigerians. I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody.

    -Buhari, May 29, 2015

    The magic word was change and it worked like magic. The electorate keyed into the word and voted for the party of change – the All Progressives Congress (APC) – in the last elections. APC not only swept the polls, it also  swept out the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ending the so-called largest party in Africa’s fantasy to be in power for 60 years. It took a change in government to open our eyes to PDP’s  disastrous 16 years outing spanning 1999 to 2015. It took that change for us to know that PDP took us for a ride all those years.

    With that change,  APC’s battle cry during the polls, comes the hope of a better tomorrow for our country. With that change we have hope that things will work and that outsiders will not continue to look down on us. The APC has a lot to do to change Nigeria for it to reclaim its place in the comity of nations. Transforming the country is not going to be easy, but President Muhammadu Buhari must start from somewhere. We are an extremely impatient people; we want quick fixes to problems. This is why many of us have come to see the president as being ‘’too slow’’.

    We want him to do whatever he wishes to do fast because the time is short – he has only four years in the first instance – to deliver on his promises to change Nigeria. By Sunday, he would have spent the first of his four years, leaving him with three more to go. What has Buhari done in the last 365 days? Has he delivered on his change deal? Has anything really changed? The president’s loyalists will quickly point out that things have changed. They will tell you that things are no longer the way they were in the last dispensation. What they are saying in effect is ‘’it is no longer business as usual’’.

    But his critics will say ‘’it is all motion and no movement’’. They will insist that ‘’nothing has changed’’ because the lives of the people cannot be said to be better than before. They will also point at the economy, noting that rather than improve, it is still haemorrhaging. They will refer to the high exchange rate, the fuel price hike, the erratic power supply and unemployment. All these were inherited problems, no doubt, but the critics do not want to hear that. To them, the issue is ‘’what has changed?’’ and they are quick to always add the clincher ‘’is this the change we voted for?’’

    This may not be the change we voted for yet, but it is better than where we are coming from. Things are hard today because they have to be so before they get better. In the last dispensation when there was money, what did the administration do for the country? Nothing. The leadership allowed the country to go to seed, while lining the pockets of a few. The government was more concerned about itself than the people. The welfare of ministers and their aides mattered most. That was why a minister could be gallivanting around the world in a charter flight under the guise of working for the country. What did all those flights yield? Nothing, but pains and debt for the country.

    We went through hell in the past in the hands of successive PDP administrations. If the people are today impatient with the Buhari administration, the government should try and understand how they feel. Once bitten, they say, twice shy. Former President Goodluck Jonathan pretended to be a good man and we gave him all the chance in the world, but what did we get in return? The Buhari administration must bear with the people. It should listen to their cry for the good things of life early in the life of the administration. The president is no stranger to how tough things are. He once wore the shoes like us and his being in power today should not distance him from the people.

    Things have become tougher under him because he has to correct the ills of the past in order to take off well. This is for those who understand; many do not. These people do not understand why fuel price had to go up from N86.50 to N145 per litre after several months of scarcity of the product, which during that period they even bought for as high as N250 and above per litre. They also cannot understand why power is still unstable despite the president’s promise to tackle the problem frontally. They want to take the president for his word, but the reality is otherwise. They keep asking themselves how long they have to bear these pains before the paean.  Their songs of triumph will surely come, the president assured the nation a few months ago.

    He said then that he was aware that people were complaining that he ‘’is too slow’’. He told his party members to tell us that he still has three years left to deliver on his election promises. We need not remind him of those promises. He knows that there is suffering in the land, with many workers going for months without salaries. As a caring father, he came to the aid of many states to pay salaries, but that gesture seemed not enough. Many states are still owing their workers. What about fuel, power and security? The president knows that these are issues he must address to remain in the hearts of the people after winning their votes in the last elections.

    At his inauguration last May 29 while reviewing the state of the nation, he said : ‘’At home, we face enormous challenges. Insecurity, pervasive corruption, the hitherto unending and seemingly impossible fuel and power shortages are the immediate concerns. We are going to tackle them head on. Nigerians will not regret that they have entrusted national responsibility to us. We must not succumb to hopelessness and defeatism. We can fix our problem’’. That was not all he said. On security, he said ‘’we cannot claim to have defeated Boko Haram without rescuing the Chibok girls and all innocent persons held hostage by insurgents’’.

    Two of the girls have been found, raising hopes that others may also be found soon. It will enhance the Buhari administration’s image if all the girls are found. But, a better way to launder the administration’s image  will be to ensure constant fuel and stable power supply. With that, Buhari would write his name in gold. He has only three years left to do that.

  • Labour and dilemna of change

    SIR: From all indications, the strike action embarked upon by the Ayuba Wabba faction of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in protest against recent increased in the price of petrol from N86.50 to N145 is not effective. Reports from across the country show that many workers defied the strike to report at their various places of work. In major cities such as Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt, there were little or no signs the strike action as normal activities were on. In Lagos, for instance, regular activities were in full swing as banks, markets, schools, petrol stations and other public institutions were fully opened for business.

    Over the years, organized labour seems to have overdrawn its credit line with the Nigerian people in terms of integrity and genuine commitment of its leadership to protecting the general interests of the average Nigerian. Up till now, many people are still insisting that it was the compromising stance of labour leadership that bungled the 2012 fuel subsidy protest.

    Till date, the 2012 fuel subsidy protest remains, perhaps, the most well organized and widely supported in the annals of civil actions in the country. Sadly, it was while the protest was almost achieving its objective that labour leadership abruptly called it off.

    Insisting on strike action, at this point in our national life only goes a long way in exposing the cluelessness of labour leadership. It is no longer news that the Nigerian economy is currently experiencing a downward trend. The current fall in global prices of crude oil, a major source of revenue for the country, has serious implications for the country’s economy. Presently, the economic situation is biting so hard in some states in the federation as monthly receipt from the federal purse has sharply declined.

    It is, therefore, from this perspective that one faults the present insistence of labour on industrial action. Labour has to be more creative in its response to critical national issues. The reality on ground now does not justify strike action as such would further worsen the economic situation of Nigerians.

    Labour leadership, therefore, needs to come up with new strategies that would erase their perception as noise makers. The poser here is: Where was labour when all the nation’s refineries packed up? Where was labour when the nation began the disgraceful venture of importing petroleum products into the country? Where was labour when major public and private companies with huge employment generating potentials folded up? What did labour do to avert the collapse as well as the resuscitation of public corporations such as Ajaokuta and Oshogbo Steel Rolling mills and others alike?  Where was labour when the economy of the country was appallingly mismanaged to the point where we currently find ourselves? What happened to the mass transit business that labour once ventured into?

    Critical times as we currently experience in the country call for tremendous patriotic inclinations. Bravado and undue egocentric tendencies would certainly lead us to nowhere.

     

    • Tayo Ogunbiyi

    Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy,

    Alausa, Ikeja.

  • Herbs market in the wind of CHANGE

    What is new on the health store medicine chest? Someone asked me last week. “Nothing spectacular”, I replied, remembering that the market has been shrinking as the velocity of money in circulation has been slowing and prices are driven up.

    “That’s surprising, he teased, because this is “the season of change.

    I was in no mood for a political debate on whether the first year of the Muhammadu Buhari administration is blowing ill or good wind across Nigeria. But I reminded him Buhari has had just one year to clear all the logs of wood and debris piled for more than 15years on the road Nigeria is meant to drive to greatness. Besides, which woman goes into the maternity Labour room and doesn’t experience some discomfort before she is delivered of a baby? Like the children of Israel who rebelled against Moses in the desert on their way to freedom in the Promised Land, simply because they had no garlic added to their meals, a delicacy they enjoyed for digestion, immunity and energy in Egypt, many people heading for freedom from slavery hardly realise there is no Gain without Pain.

    Being an ardent Christian and church goer, my friend lowered his guards. I explained to him that the high and  unpredictable exchange rate has made import cost and cost of sale so high that the import list has shrunk in size and number and discouraged the addition of new layers of proprietary medicines.

    Thus, one of the good, old proprietary medicines the Nigerian market has missed for months now is MAHARANI by Dynapharm.This blend of many herbs has helped in the management or correction of some female reproductive system problems, including (Amenorrhea absence of menstruation), dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), hormonal imbalance and the several symptoms it parades.

    Another popular herbal formula which has been missed for some time is ROBUST ROOTS. It is sought after by men who suffer from erectile dysfunction, especially if his challenge originates from the kidney and or the adrenal glands which sit on top of them. Long before the advent of Buhari, LIBIDO TONIGHT AND STEEL LIBIDO had gone out of circulation. So had YOHIMBE BARK, long before them, and the milder or gentler DAMIANA GINSONGwhich doubled as a sexual stimulant for frigid or “cod fish” women. I haven’t sighted on the shelves in a long while the hormone-boosting SEVEN KETOS DHEA, which is said to make hormone (testosterone) enhancement for sexually dull men safe for their health. In its place has emerged hormone body sprays and creams which recharges the penile batteries. MACCA should still be around. Forever Living Products (FLP) is one of its marketers in Nigeria, and the company is still very much around. MACCA is a Peruvian discovery. Somewhere in the grass land of Peru, some animals grazed which were found to be more reproductive than animals in other regions. When their diet was examined, it was found to be plentiful in a plant called MACCA which grow abundantly in the region. When scientists analysed MACCA, they found it contained plants chemical substances which stimulated the production of testosterone, the male hormone and estrogen, the female hormone. The body’s production of these hormones may diminish with age, through ovarian or testicular insufficiency or disease, aging or dietary insufficiencies, among many factors. One of the great names abroad which I am yet to find on the Nigerian market is the AFRICAN BLACK ANT. A rugged soldering an, it was fed on white sugar almost exclusively for a long period of time in the expectation that its sugar balancing mechanism would collapse as in humans who develop diabetes, but  this resilient ant didn’t develop the disease. And it was later found to not only be resistant to many diseases but to also be a good sexual stimulant. So viable is it said to be in this area that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is accused by the sellers and users of trying to outlaw African black ant – based product to protect big pharma VIAGRA. In Nigeria, the extract are available in an antibiotic proprietary blend.

    Oh boy! Today is not a day for men’s talk. Rather, it is for recognising what is left or has survived the economic ravage of the years gone by, and, in particular, of the on-going effort to roll back the hands of the clock. Step forward….Edmaok’schlorophy I soap, long reach’s PANT LINER and Best ways series of combination powder herb formulas for different ailments.

    For believers in the mangled Nigerian economy who believe the sun will rise again for it from the east, I have the following encouragement from James Ngugi’s book, Weep Not  My Child belongs to the African writers series. If my memory serves me right, James Ngugi, a Kenyan, wrote this book at the time of  MAU, MAU resistance to British colonial rule. He wrote somewhere in the book (I hope I get the quotation right, having last read the book in 1968). WEEP NOT MY CHILD/ weep not my darling/ with these kisses let me wipe thy tears/ the raving clouds shall not be long victorious.

     

    CHLOROPHYII SOAP

    Just back from a two-month long EDMARK three – nation marketing drive, Emeka: one of the company’s double crown managers, tossed a chlorophyII tablet soap gift into my palm. If you appreciate the health benefit of plant chlorophyll, you should appreciate this soap no less. Plant chlorophyll builds and recharges the human blood with energy. It is a disinfectant and deodorize. It enhances immunity, destroy microorganisms, calms, promotes sleep, and mitigates the trauma of ulcers.Chlorophyll toothpaste protects the gums and the teeth. What may chlorophyll not do? This power of the green plant to unite forces of the air, soil and water and, from this union, encapsulate energies of the universe for the use of man through his diet. At about N1, 000 or a little more, chlorophyll soap may be expensive for the average for Nigerian. My first thought was to message a lather of it on my foot and in-between my toes overnight. Because I lose shoes in the rainy season, I prefer to wear covered, high shoes specially made for this season. The inside of these shoes is comfortable. But when they are worn from early morning till late at night, say for between 15 and 18 hours, then their use may encourage fungal growth. Only people who have experienced fungal infections deep in the plantar (inside lining) of the foot would appreciate the need to prevent this infection which may develop into a cancer deep inside the foot. I found that Edmarks’s

    CHLOROPHYLL SOAP may clear fungal infection in the toes (athletes’ foot) and those which cause cracks in the heels and raised lesions on the foot itself. People who suffer from itching inner thigh or on the scrotal sac may try it for these conditions. I am not sure yet if it may crack pimples and other skin challenges as I do not have them. There is not harm in trying to find out if it can. What I know will care skin infection is ORANGE PILL POWDER added to body creams.

    SURE BEST this is a series of combination herbs targeted at specific health conditions such as vision, diabetes, infertility and arthritis, among others. Sure best vision combines EYEBRIGHT, GRAPE SEED EXTRACT, GREENTEA, GOLDENSEAL ROOT and BILBERY herbs.

    According to FRANK J. LIPP in his” HERBALISM”:

    “Eyebright has astringent and tonic properties and is the pre-eminent herbal eye medication. It is used in treating sore, tired eyes and weak vision caused by overstraining while reading and writing. It is beneficial for light-sensitive eyes, style, and cold of the eyes, watery eyes and discharge due to allergic reaction. Eyebright is especially recommended for Blupharitis inflammation of the eye lids, and conjunctivitis”.

    According to herb wisdom.com: “herbal use of Eyebright or Euphrasearostkoviana dates to the 14th century when it was described as a cure for all eye maladies. By 16th century, eye bright was hailed by well – regarded herbalist such as FUCHISUS and TRAGUS. It is found and used in Europe, North America, Western Asia and Northen Asia… When used appropriately, Eye bright will reduce inflammation in the eye caused by Blepharitis (inflammation of the eye lash follicles) and conjunctivitis, inflammation or infection of the membrane lining the eye had. It can be used as an eye wash, as eye drops, or plant intrusions taken internally for Ophtalmic use. It is used as an anti-inflammatory for high fever, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract, infections, and catarrh (inflammation of the mucus membrane.) As an astringent, it is used for dry congestion. Herb is also used in the healing of skin wounds.”

     

    BILLBERY

    Bilberry gained prominence as an eye health remedy during the Second World War. American pilots who bombed enemy targets could not make reconnaissance flights the following day to check if the targets were hit because glare from bomb flashes affected their eyes. British pilots, on the other hand, were unaffected by the glare. Studies showed that British pilots’ breakfasts which included plant chemicals which were friendly to the light – sensitive part of the eye, the retina. Those substances were plentiful in Bilberry and which they ate. According to www.organicfacts.com, the health benefits of bilberry include the following. “Relief from digestive problems and ulcers. Since many decades, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Bilberry have been prized for their effectiveness in a range of disorders including diabetes, cancer, liver and kidney damage. Multi-nutrient rich Bilberry is valuable in maintaining cardiovascular health, healthy and disease free eyes, unobstructed blood flow and better functioning of overall body.

    “Bilberry is useful for the maintenance of eye health. Apart from the traditional usage, scientific usage, studies have also advocated the effectiveness of bilberry extract in preventing age related ocular disorders along with other eye diseases such as cataracts and night blindness. Powerful radical scavengers present in bilberry help enhance the vision and may be useful from the restoration and home ostasis of carneatlimbat epithelial cells. Another research conducted on bilberry has also suggested its beneficial enzymes-stimulating activity which protects the eyes from endotoxin induced Uvertis. Bilberry extracts stimulate the production of rhodopsinpigment which  supports the eye to adapt to light changes. Another amazing effect of bilberry is its defence against kidney damage. Scientific research has shown that Bilberry extracts help in the normalising multiple critical factors, including levels of Creatinine, serum blood urea, nitrogen and nitric oxide. This inhibitory action against attributes to the antioxidant profile of Bilberry which enhances the oxygen radical absorbance capacity in the kidney tissues and protects it from the oxidative damage.

     

    SURE BEST INFERTILITY SOLUTION

    This package combines Dong qualland Unicorn root called the “female ginseng” because of its support for the female reproductive system, dong quall also supports male sexual vitality. It balance estrogen level, for which it is nicknamed gyneacological regulator. It lowers high estrogen levels and reduces high estrogen levels. As a blood builder, it helps to overcome iron deficiency and anaemia. The Ferulic acid, an anti-oxidant present in Dong quall has been found to “improve sperm quality. As an anti-spasmodic, it eases spasms (painful) movement of muscles) of pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) dialates blood vessels so that more blood can flow through them during menstruation when the womb is cleared up, and to increase blood volume after the period stops.

    According to BODY ECOLOGY: “Only a generation ago, infertility was rare but now it takes the average woman up to 18 months to conceive. Women often seek the help of expensive fertility specialists and undergo painful procedures when an anti-fungal diet and an herb like Dong quall may be all that are needed.”

    North Americans have employed FALSE UNICORN ROOT over many centuries to treat a variety of gyneacological problems. Today, says www.livestrong.com, “modern herbalists value the root for its beneficial effects on the uterus, ovaries and menstrual cycle” false Unicorn root is believed to have a balancing effect on reproductive hormones. According to the website herb2000.com, the hormone-like the saponis, the plant contains help to normalise irregular menstrual periods, increase low levels progesterone levels, relief pre-menstrual syndrome symptoms, and improve ovarian hormone and cyclical function.These patients may need treatment for several months before noting any change to their cycle. The herb may also treat conditions such as endometriosis and uterine infections, and may add in the prevention of miscarriage.”

    SURE BEST ARTHRITIS SOLUTION

    Tumeric and Nettle are the major components of this warehouse. The others are burdock, flax seed, Licorice and Black pepper.They are all anti-inflamatories.Tumeric gives curry its yellow colour and is highly anti-inflammatory. Inflammation is a major symptom of arthritis. If Tumeric nourishes the brain, intestine, fights inflammation anywhere in the body and one of the active ingredients in Tumeric is Curcumin. That’s why you will find on the market a product named Curcumin 2000x, in which Curcumin is made 2000 times more active than naturally-occurring Curcumin. Tumeric is presented by researches as dramatically increasing the body’s antioxidant profile. In authority nutrition, we learn that “arthritis patients respond very well to Curcumin supplementation. Given that Curcumin is a potent anti-inflammation, it makes sense that it could help with arthritis. Several studies show this to be true. In a study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, Curcumin was even more effective than an anti-inflammatory drog.”

     

    SURE BEST FIBROID SOLUTION 

    The package parades Yellow Dock, Dandelion and Vitex. Like Dong Quall, Vitex is a female hormone regulator. Hormonal imbalance may be a cause of uterine fibroids and even breast cancer. Fertility info says: “our current understanding of Vitex is that it has a supporting and regulating effect upon the pituitary gland. The pituitary is known as the Master Gland because it controls many body functions such as sending chemical signals to the ovaries, telling them how much hormones to make. This communication is known as the hormonal feedback loop. Vitex has been shown in studies to inhibit follicle- Stimulating Hermione (FSH). Vitex increases the secretion of luteinizing Hormone (LH), which in turn increases progesterone long terns a short luteaphare, reduces advancement of mild endometriosis, relieves PMS.”

    With such herbs in packages as shown above, there is something on the health store shelve to keep our health going smartly in this season of Change.

  • Ki-Moon: Let’s take climate change to next level

    Ki-Moon: Let’s take climate change to next level

    •175 countries sign Paris Agreement 

    United Nations Secretary –General Mr. Ban Ki-Moon has urged member-nations to take steps to actualise their commitments to climate change, saying, “it is time to take climate action to the next level”.

    Ki-Moon spoke following the signing of the Paris Agreement on climate change, by 175 countries,  last week at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

    “We need to accelerate the speed, scope and scale of our response, locally and globally,” Mr. Ki-Moon told participants at the Climate Action Summit 2016 in Washington D.C. It was a two-day meeting aimed at strengthening the multi-stakeholder approach to climate implementation.

    “It was to deepen and expand the coalitions of government, business, finance, philanthropy, civil  society and academic leaders launched at the Secretary-General’s Climate Summit 2014 in New York.

    “I have been looking forward to this event because it is about solutions – innovation and imagination; collaboration and partnerships between the public and private sectors. Today, as never before, the stars are aligning in favour of climate action. Everywhere I look, I see signs of hope,” he said.

    The summit focused on six high-value areas of multi-stakeholder partnership: sustainable energy; sustainable land-use; cities; transport; and tools for decision-making. The UN chief emphasised that strong partnership would be needed at all levels to tackle those challenges.

    “No sector of society and no nation can succeed alone. I encourage you to collaborate, innovate and invest. Together we can build the world we want,” he said.

    The signing of the Paris Agreement on April 22 received overwhelming support from all regions of the world; never before had so many countries signed an international accord in one day.

    Adopted in Paris by the 196 Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at a conference known COP 21 last December, the Agreement’s objective is to limit global temperature rise to well below two degrees Celsius, and to strive for 1.5 degrees Celsius. It will come into force 30 days after at least 55 countries, accounting for 55 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, deposit their instruments of ratification.

    “Two of the world’s largest emitters – China and the United States – have pledged their continued commitment and collaboration,” Ki-Moon had stressed, noting that leaders must turn the “promise of Paris” into action and implementation as soon as possible.

    The UN chief also announced that in September, on the margins of the G20 meeting, he intends to co-convene a meeting in China similar to this one to further solidify coalitions.

    Also speaking at the event, the President of the World Bank Group, Jim Yong Kim said there is no time to waste. “Political agreements are critical, but they are just the beginning. We must regain the sense of urgency we all felt on the eve of COP21. Inaction means we will not meet our targets set in Paris, and the global temperature will soar above 2 degrees Celsius. That would spell disaster for us, for our children, and for the planet,” he warned.

    Kim highlighted the World Bank Group’s Climate Action Plan, developed soon after the Paris agreement, which aims to increase its support in a range of areas – from water to crowded cities and from forests to agriculture.

    “One part of our plan is to help countries put a price on carbon, which will create incentives for investments in renewable energy and in energy efficiency,” he explained. He added: “In many parts of the world, we have seen the price of renewables like solar and wind falling fast – so fast that they are now competitive with fossil fuels. Private sector investments are pouring in. But we need to expand these breakthroughs and help countries establish the right policies that will drive down the cost of renewable energy even further.”

  • The hope in change (2)

    The hope in change (2)

    In this concluding part of the overview of the first anniversary of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, Group Political Editor Emmanuel Oladesu highlights the achievements of the regime and examines the gaps between expectations and government’s projections.

    Anti-corruption battle

    President Muhammadu Buhari has an uncompromising position on the anti-graft war. The anti-corruption mantra is achieving results. The fear of Buhari has become the beginning of wisdom. Past functionaries are being asked to give account. The due process of law is being followed. The anti-corruption battle, besides, not selective. The targets are corrupt public officers, irrespective of political parties, ethnic backgrounds and religious leanings.

    The anti-graft bodies have also risen to the occasion, unlike when there was a lull in the hunt for financial criminals. More rigorous investigation of past officials suspected of fraud have been embarked upon by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the ICPC without witchhunting the suspects. According to observers, the anti-graft agencies are responding to the President’s ‘body language’. The Federal Government has reiterated its resolve recover stolen funds. But, suspected corrupt officials are fighting back. They have resorted to propaganda and blackmail. However, the President has developed a thick skin, which has enabled him to stay focused.

    There are many startling revelations in the EFCC’s office and courts in the trial of suspected corrupt officials. Investigations are still on over the diversion of money for arms and ammunition to fight the Boko Haram insurgency. Looted funds are being recovered by the Federal Government. There is a pressure on government to release the names of those who have returned looted funds and the amount returned.

    Corruption has dented Nigeria’s image. Despite the activities of the anti-graft agencies and the courts, unpatriotic Nigerians still exploit the loopholes in the legislations to evade justice. Others also exploit the alleged vulnerability of some judicial officers to undermine the war.  To lawyers, a new legal framework is required for the anti-graft war. Many Nigerians have saluted the President for setting up the Sagay Committee to make salient recommendations on the way forward. APC National Legal Adviser Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN) has also raised a poser: How many structures do we have fighting corruption all over the place? He said: “EFCC, ICPC, Code of Conduct Bureau, Police, SSS, DMI are all fighting corruption. I believe this must be structured. We need a format. The Sagay Committee needs to give us the legal framework; look at all legislations for fighting corruption in Nigeria, analyse them. I think there is a need for realignment.”

    Diversification of the economy

    The drop in oil earnings has exposed Nigeria as a country without solid alternative sources of revenue. This reality has made the diversification of the economy non-negotiable. A financial expert, Dr. Alaba Olusemore, warned against the danger of over-dependence on a single product for national earning. Olusemore, the Managing Director of Nesbet Consulting, said: “The monolithic nature of the economy is unsustainable. We must immediately begin to initiate and sustain policies directed at economic diversification. We must look at manufacturing and agriculture, which have the potentials to create employment opportunities.”

    Agricultural incentives

    The Buhari administration has reiterated its determination to invest heavily in agriculture and make it an income yielding sector while also providing employment for youths. The administration has recently obtained 15 billion dollars from China in aid if the sector. The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu said: “If a country like China, with a population of over 1.4 billion, can provide food security for her citizens through mechanised farming, Nigeria with less than 200 million people could do the same.”

    Dr. Kuku shared the same opinion. But, he said the government needed to do more in the sector before it can thrive.

    He said: “Agriculture should be made attractive and it can only be attractive if it is profitable. Farmers’ farm produce rot away on the distant farms, in the absence of feeder roads. There is lack of immediate market for the products, which are mostly perishable. Government can assist in facilitating the marketing of agricultural products.  Canning is also very important. Youths will not embrace agriculture, if the rural areas are unattractive because of lack of social amenities and if agriculture is unprofitable.”

    Solid minerals development

    The reality has dawned on the Buhari administration that  the country can no more be salvaged by oil. Thus, Nigeria is now emulating countries that are reaping the fruits of diversification. Examples are China, India, Mexico and Indonesia. Nigeria has natural endowments, which remained untapped. These resources include bitumen, tin, copper, zinc, coal, gold, celica, clay and limestone. Others are laterate, cassilitrite, koolne stones, columbite and marble.

    The President of Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society, Prof. Olugbenga Okunlola, said Nigeria could earn more from solid minerals than oil.  The University of Ibadan (UI) don lamented that despite Nigeria’s natural endowment, efforts have not been made to harness the natural resources besides oil. He pointed out that of the 44 non-oil resources available, at least 20 are of economic value.

    “We suffer in the midst of plenty. If government puts just about 10 per cent of what is in oil and gas into the solid mineral sector, our national income will be more than triple. The MDAs in the Ministry of Steel and Mining will be richer than the NNPC. We are talking about 44 minerals with many more being added. In 2006, we were talking about 34 minerals. In eight years, we are talking about 44.

    “If we have adequate data acquisition, we will have more minerals that will generate more incomes for us. If there is close monitoring, no gold will be smuggled out. Investors will come in. So, we are endowed and it is a shame we are not tapping into them.”

    The Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has been up and doing. His ministry is working on a new policy and a legal framework that will guide exploration and mining activities. Due to the neglect of the sector, illegal miners have been on the prowl. To the minister’s consternation, five million Nigerians are engaged in illegal mining. The minister’s aide, Yinka Oyebode, said: “The ministry is putting in place a mining road map that will define the standard practice in the sector.” Also, the ministry is partnering with governors and the host communities to ensure that environmental safety is accorded a pride of place. A machinery is being put in place to coordinate miners as they organise themselves into cooperative societies so that they can acquire licences and work legally.

    The Ministry of Solid Minerals is also trying to woo investors by granting them tax holiday and making their equipment duty-free. It is also working with the Central Bank, the Bank of Industry and other banks to make funding available to miners. Banks are being encouraged to set up mining desks and guarantee them lease on equipment because mining equipment are expensive. The ministry is also working with the ministries of works, transport and interior to ensure a better investment environment and security.

    Infrastructural development

    Buhari’s priority is the repositioning of the power sector. But, in the last one year, nothing has changed in the sector. He is concerned about the problem in the oil sector. The president has apologised for the poor service delivery in the sector. The recent deregulation policy, whereby fuel price is being pegged to N145 per litre has been received with mixed feelings. Generally, there is the dearth of infrastructure facilities. Many roads are still death traps, leading to avoidable accidents.

     

    Power

     

    The energy crisis has become a national albatross and an embarrassment. Power generation and distribution are a mirage. Although there was a glimpse of hope when President Buhari was inaugurated, the relative electricity supply has now been displaced by acute darkness. This explains the limitation to the efficacy of presidential body language. The saving grace is the generator. Yet, not all Nigerians can afford it. Power supply is fluctuating. It has now dropped to 2,140 megawatts. This has led to a high cost of production. The manufacturing sector is groaning. The result is the recurrent capital flight.  An official of the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN), Babatunde Odunayo, said the expansion programmes of the sector are hampered, making it difficult or impossible to assist in resolving the challenge of growing unemployment.

    Eko Distribution Company Deputy Managing Director Ramesh Narayanan has listed the factors that inhibit the supply chain at the level of power generation, transmission and distribution. The impediments include inefficient and outdated technology and the dearth of a national grid. “This is responsible for the bottleneck hindering access from power source to the point of use, resulting in poor quality of supply,” he said.

    Oil sector

    There has been no respite in this critical sector. It is still ailing. Paradoxically, the sixth largest producer of crude oil is also an importer of oil for domestic consumption. The scarcity of fuel has persisted, resulting in the unmitigated agony of long queues at filing stations.  Last month, the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachukwu, attributed the scarcity to sabotage. He said the fuel was being diverted. “I have had sleepless nights. I work round the clock to solve this problem. Over 30 per cent of fuel is diverted to Chad and Cameroon. You see people making money out of agony of NigeriansGovernment has only overcome a hurdle. The amount of crude oil being lifted and actual earnings from the crude oil can now be determined.  But, refineries are at a low ebb, despite the huge investment on turn around maintenance. Oil theft has become a lucrative business, fuelling suspicion of an institutional cover-up. President Buhari cried out in London last week that, unless oil theft is listed as an international crime, the trend may persist.

    Kachukwu has embarked on some reforms. He has reduced the number of subsidiary heads from eight to four. In his view, cutting costs will reduce efficiency and profitability. Oil subsidy may have been removed. But, deregulation too will require adjustment.

    Another area of focus should be the health and capacity of the refineries. Should Nigeria continue to import fuel as outrageous costs when the refineries can be rehabilitated and bridge the gap? What has happened to the huge investment on maintenance? Which is a better option-importation of refined fuel or domestic production and distribution? What time frame is apposite for full domestic production?

     

    Roads

     

    Lamentably, federal roads are an eyesore. Many of them are abandoned projects. Project sites have been deserted by contractors. Where they stay back, there is hypocritical commitment to the job. The Federal Government is owing huge amounts of money to states for federal roads constructed by the states. The Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) has reiterated the determination of the Federal Government to complete the rehabilitation of the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway. The Calabar/Lagos Rail Project is one of the projects expected to be executed as from this year.

     

    Security

     

    The Boko Haram insurgency, kidnapping, armed robbery and the activities of armed herdsmen are the main challenges. The country is still grappling with the terror sect.  Although much success has been recorded and the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are returning home, the Chibok girls have not been liberated. Some of their parents are dying of psychological trauma. The camps for IDPs are not even insulated from terror attacks. Many investors are afraid to come to Nigeria because the security climate is cloudy.

    President Buhari has taken proactive steps. Following his inauguration, he directed the relocation of the Army headquarters to the battle front in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. Although he directed the Armed Forces to end the menace in December, last year, the deadline could not be met. The Commander-In-Chief is ambivalent towards the option of dialogue with the terror group. In his view, dialogue could only be meaningful, if the abducted girls are still alive.

    The President has visited the neigbouring countries-Cameroun, Niger and Chad-to solicit their cooperation for the sustenance of the Joint Task Force.  More weapons have been procured in aid of the war. Last week, President Buhari announced plans to buy fighter jets from the United States to combat the terrorists. Now, the sect now is on the defensive by going after soft target. The government is also proposing the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the ravaged Northeast. The President has also directed security agencies to curtail  the nefarious activities of herdsmen.

     

    Foreign trips

     

    The international community has started changing its views about Nigeria’s image under Buhari. His avowed commitment to repositioning the country and fighting corruption has received almost universal applause. World powers have also given an assurance to assist the country to combat terror, encourage investment flow and boost diplomatic ties. The most applauded was President Buhari’s recent visit to China. The trip brought instant dividends: 6 billion dollar loan to finance infrastructural development, 15 million dollar for agricultural development and currency swap. But, critics fear that the loans will increase Nigeria’s foreign debt.

     

    National question

     

    There is no indication that the Buhari administration will consider the national question.  The restructuring of the country, the devolution or decentralisation of power, and state police are not on its agenda.

  • The hope in Change (1)

    The hope in Change (1)

    Nigerians were full of hope on May 29, last year when President Muhammadu Buhari received the mantle of leadership from Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. How far has the ‘Government of Change’ lived up to expectation? Group Political Editor Emmanuel Oladesu highlights the achievements of the regime in the last one year, the gaps between expectations and the government’s projections for the future.

    Like a flash of lightning, it is almost a year since President Muhammadu Buhari was given a popular mandate by Nigerians to rule for four years. It is now time for a preliminary stock taking. Indisputably, opinion is divided on the performance of the ‘government of change.’ To some people, a huge gap exists between expectation and reality, owing to the inability of the government to quickly redeem many of its promises. Thus, what is striking is not what has changed, but what has remained the same.

    Ahead of last year’s general elections, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) rolled out a 10-point road map. The party explained that the blue print was meant to herald a welfarist state. The highlights of the manifesto include job creation, free and qualitative education, better housing plan, improved funding for agriculture and security. Others are social security for the poor, technological driven industrial estates, allowances to ex-corps members for 12 months and war against corruption. Nigerians even expected more. They hoped that President Buhari would end fuel scarcity, restore security, guarantee uninterrupted power supply and tackle poverty.

    The former APC National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who is now the Minister of Information and Culture, assured all that the implementation of the road map would usher Nigeria into a glorious era. But, his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, Chief Olisa Metuh, dismissed it as unrealistic. He said it was a road map to anarchy and doom.

    Reflecting on the prolonged anxiety about the dividends of change, an economist, Dr. Olaotan Kuku, observed that impatient Nigerians, who had endured the agony of misrule for 16 years, have also sustained a legitimate quest for a sudden turnaround in public life.

    “The structural economic and social reforms, the re-laying of foundations and restoration of discipline and due process are key steps, which may not bear immediate fruits or end poverty and squalor suddenly. But, they have prospects of multiplier effects, both short and long terms, on the socio-political economy,” said Kuku, who teaches at the Federal College of Education, Akoka.

    However, to many discerning Nigerians, although Buhari’s government may appear to have been moving at a snail-speed at the initial stage, the administration has been steady. The unfulfilled promises are notable, but cannot be attributed to lack of concerted effort, shortage of patriotism and loss of focus.

    According to observers, Buhari cannot be described as a lucky statesman. Fixing a nation at a crossroads is not an easy task. Twice in national history, fate has entrusted on the Daura-born leader the unenviable duty of salvaging a nation in distress; first as a young and energetic General in 1984, and later, as a septuagenarian statesman driven by patriotic anger . Under his leadership, hope has been the elixir for Nigerians in the last one year. Three decades ago, he rode to power on military populism. The conditions that paved the way for his ascension in 1983 were similar to the prevailing circumstances of 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015, which made him to thrown his hat in the ring. Reminiscent of the Second Republic, Buhari had warned that the country was in the brink. He lamented that the ship of state was sinking; the economy had been mismanaged, the Nigerian currency had almost become a worthless paper, a culture of theft and graft in high places was thriving, insecurity remained insurmountable, roads were death traps, and hospitals were mere consulting clinics. The nation lay prostrate.

    On May 29, last year, the euphoria of victory at the historic presidential election fizzled out in the face of these mounting challenges. President Buhari inherited little assets and many liabilities. The components of the national burden included a disunity polity, aptly torn apart by the battle for presidential power, an empty treasury ravaged by an avaricious leadership, a huge foreign debt capable of mortgaging the future, depleted foreign reserves, soaring corruption by greedy actors, an army of jobless youths, dilapidated infrastructure, and growing insecurity. Mohammed has repeatedly blamed the past PDP government for the woes. But, Metuh has enjoined the APC government to live up to expectation, instead of turning the heat on the officials of the defunct administration.

    In spite of his inability to fulfill many of his campaign promises- the party insists he will-, it is to the credit of Buhari and the public perception of his antecedents, vision and mission that majority of Nigerians have shown understanding and embraced the reality and formidability of constraints that have tended to impede speedy service delivery in the last 12 months.

    Buhari has managed to overcome his inevitable adjustment difficulties. The image of the new democrat in Aso Villa, Abuja contrasts sharply with the stern-looking soldier of early eighties in Dodan Barracks, Lagos.  In 1984, the military Head of State and Commander-in-Chief was like the lord of the manor. There was no parliament to moderate his actions. He was both the legislature and the executive. He ruled by decrees, many of which were draconian. He brooked no opposition. But, the last one year has been a different ball game. The President is being constitutionally checked by the National Assembly and an independent judiciary. Unlike before, the media and civil society groups are active in playing the role of watchdogs in democracy without inhibition. Presidential actions may have also been moderated by the utter sensitivity to the legitimate pressure and demands from the ruling party. Unlike 30 years ago, dialogue is now the watchword. An effort at consensus building is becoming the norm.

    No doubt, many achievements of the ‘regime of change’ may have been easily overlooked by a polity assailed by “collective amnesia”. But, the feats constitute, in part, the making of a new nation. The Buhari administration has not only maintained a clean break from the past, it has also offered a new orientation to the polity. The first task was clearing the Augean table by making corruption a risky venture. The President has demonstrated to all that, henceforth, the corridors of power should not be perceived as an avenue for private accumulation. He and his loyal deputy, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), have led by personal examples by reducing their emoluments and shunning opulence in office. It was the first preliminary step in setting the tone for reducing the cost of governance.

    “I believe government functionaries will be more cautious now. I believe we may have a disciplined civil service too. They are bound to be sensitive to the body language of the highly disciplined leader,” said Dr. Yemi Ayeobasan, a lecturer, who added: “When people know that the leader is a no-nonsense leader, they will ether fall in line or risk the consequence, which may be catastrophic.”

    Laying a new template for good governance, the President has been acting as a model of transparency and accountability to governors. Buhari is presiding over an administration that has a zero tolerance for corruption. For the first time in 16 years, the budget was passed, amid foot-dragging by the National Assembly, but without the usual insinuation and allegation of bribery characterising the process.

    The President has also displayed the trait of a tolerant leader, statesman and custodian of popular rule. The outcome of the supplementary elections in the last one year has shown that he has not indulged in do-or-die politics. Even, when results were unfavourable to his party, he enlisted on the side of the sanctity of the electoral box. As the president of all Nigeria, Buhari has, unlike his predecessors, refrained from deploying what is typically referred to as the “federal might” in aid of his party during the staggered governorship polls and other supplementary elections in states dominated by the opposition. Also, the President has halted the trend of covert or overt interference in the electoral process, especially post-election litigations involving his party and the opposition at the state level.

    To the APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, it has been one year of dynamism, action and commitment to Nigeria. He explained that, under President Buhari, governance is no more a tea party, adding that a new foundation for a virile, stable and prosperous country is being laid, in fulfillment of the party’s manifesto. But, it has also been a year of great expectations and insatiable yearning for instant miracle among Nigerians. Before he was sworn in, Nigeria was  on the verge of becoming a failed state. In the last few months, the economy has become more fragile, with poverty growing in geometrical proportions. In the view of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Waba, the dividends of change are still scanty. The masses-friendly government is yet to fulfill its promise on school feeding programme, social security for elders and employment for youths. Last month, about 900,000 people applied for police jobs, although only 10,000 vacancies were advertised. But, the decision to employ 50,000 teachers for public schools has been widely applauded.

     

    Economic challenges

     

    A major constraint is revenue. Ni
    geria is a mono-economy that
    has closed its eyes to diversification. Oil is the only source of income. But, since last year, oil earnings have dropped for the world’s sixth largest producer of oil.

     Putting this into perspective, the Accountant-General of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, said: “The price of oil at the international market has gone down and Nigeria is earning about 35 percent of what it hitherto earned from that source of revenue.”

    The awful picture of the economy is compounded by a sharp drop in investment. Nigeria’s flow of foreign investment has dropped by 74 percent. Experts believe that this is a major blow to the economy. Foreign investment came in at 711 million dollars in the first quarter of this year, a significant 74 percent drop from last year’s.

    The administration inherited a leaking treasury– no thanks to looters. Revenue allocation and sharing have become a big challenge because there is little to share, unlike before. Buhari has pointed out that 27 states are insolvent. Besides, terrorism was a big challenge. Apart from the Boko Haram insurgency, kidnapping and the menace of armed herdsmen have created a new dimension to the security challenge. The atmosphere of insecurity has heralded a diminishing faith in the system, leading to investment flight. Besides, the president inherited a corrupt system that has dented the image of the country abroad. Last week, British Prime Minister David Cameron referred to Nigeria as “fantastically corrupt”. Irked by the gravity of corruption, the President once retorted: “If Nigeria does not kill corruption, corruption will kill Nigeria.” But, while waging a war against corruption, corruption has also been fighting back.

    In the last one year, the infrastructure battle has not been fought with vigour. No road has been built in the last one year. Power outage has continued to cripple businesses. The new tariff introduced by the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing has led to protests. The ministry is proposing the return of toll gates on federal highways. Until last week, fuel scarcity seemed to have defiled solution. Long queues for fuel created traffic jams in major cities. The President inherited a budget that paled into a declaration of deceit from his predecessor. For almost five months, this year’s budget was not ready. The implication was that a whole financial quarter was wasted.

    The prevailing macro-economic indicators have continued to point to an economy in ruins. The negative effects are biting harder. Experts believe that the fragility of the economy is underscored by the declining Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The government appears to be taking some steps to avert a recession. In the World Bank’s ranking of world economies, Nigeria is 170th. Nigeria’s debt profile is soaring, with the Federal Government said to be spending N500 billion on servicing in the last two quarters of last year.

    An element of the gloomy picture is the rising inflation. The common man is at the receiving end as he bears the burden of the surge in prices of food items. Bankers have cried out that savings are going down and withdrawals going up, with implications for investment and productivity. According to the World bank, Nigeria is under the yoke of extreme poverty, with over 70 percent of its 170 million population living on $1.25 (about N250) per day. This is compounded by lack of access to social amenities, including healthcare, sanitation and potable water. Millions are homeless.

     Financial operators have pointed out that as the government pursues the anti-corruption and terror wars, equal attention should be given to the economy. The Registrar of the Institute of Business Development (IDB), Paul Ikele, has advised the government to initiate people-oriented policies and programmes that will stimulate the economy and reduce the cost of production by fixing power and other infrastructure.

    He said: “The local currency, the naira, is still losing value. Unemployment is rising dangerously. Manufacturers are either closing shop or putting their expansion programmes on hold due to rising production cost that has in turn triggered infrastructure challenges, particularly power.”

    Due to the grave economic challenges, Nigeria has been urged by some experts to consider the devaluation of the naira. Last year, former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor and Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi 11, said the option was inevitable. His remarks inflamed economic passion. But, in his wisdom, the President has ignored the call. His argument is that the measure will not benefit the country because its productive activities are low and thus cannot benefit much from export trade.

     

    Delay in cabinet composition

    Generally, there was an unusual delay on the part of the President in making some critical appointments. When he decided to make the appointments, ethnic champions accused him of lopsidedness, violation of the Federal Character principle and marginalisation of some zones. But, merit has not been sacrificed on the altar of ethnic sentiments and regional balancing.  For example, the military appointments were informed by the strict adherence to professionalism, experience and competence. Other political appointments were dictated by the same factors. The bone of contention between the Presidency and the ethnic voices is the appointment of the Secretary to Government of the Federation and Chief of Staff. These appointees are personal aides of the President.

      Also, for more than three months, Nigerians awaited the ministerial list. There was anxiety. Many thought that there cannot be a clear-cut economic direction without ministers who will drive the agenda. When the President embarked on his foreign trips, many pointed out that he was not accompanied by ministers; there was none. The president’s spokesmen explained that he was searching for men of ideas and vision who will assist him to deliver on his promises. But, at the end of the day, the list did not spring a surprise. Critics pointed out that the President’s go-slow approach to the cabinet composition was borne out of his distrust of ministers. Others said that it was a flashback to his military days characterised by the military’s undiluted belief in the civil servants as natural allies. Before releasing the list of nominees, the President was credited with disparaging remarks about the role of ministers. He said they are noise makers with diminishing utility value.

    However, the list turned out to be a mixture of politicians and technocrats. Since the politicians   were not found wanting in their previous assignments as governors, ministers, commissioners and party leaders, many thought that their robust past would have a predictive value. The consensus of opinion was that majority of the ministers are eminently qualified because they have experience. The cabinet composition may have doused the fear of marginalisation in some regions. The cabinet has a national outlook, contrary to the unfounded fear of ethnic chauvinists, who have berated the President for lack of sensitivity to the Federal Character when he appointed his personal aides. However, the ministers are still familiarising themselves with their ministries and re-assuring Nigerians that there will be a turnaround across the sectors. No giant stride has been recorded across the ministries.

     

    Budget delay

    The Buhari administration inherited an unworkable budget, which did not mirror its agenda for the country. It was the legacy of the Jonathan administration. Its implementation was displaced by the exclusive devotion to the partisan interests of the former ruling party and the re-election bid of the former president. It was evident that the budget had under-performed, following its non-implementation. Many contracts were awarded, but there was little commitment to execution. The onus was on the president to propose a review of the budget to the National Assembly. Despite this, it was obvious that the reviewed budget could not be implemented by the new administration because the treasury was empty. Thus, last year, in terms of budgetary performance, was a waste, the rebasing of the economy by the previous administration notwithstanding.

    Little did Nigerians guess that it will take the executive and the National Assembly five months to make a new budget. The document was tossed around for months. At a time, the budget disappeared. When it resurfaced, its content was disputed by both the Presidency and the National Assembly. The executive claimed that the budget was padded. In fact, the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, reportedly said that a disparity existed between what his ministry proposed and what was put in the budget. After vetting, it was sent back to the Senate.

    With the passage of the N6.06 trillion budget, it is hoped that more money will be pumped into the economy for its re-invigoration. There are certain impediments. The budget has been pegged at $38 per barrel. The government is planning to finance it through borrowing. However, the plan by the President to inject N350 billion into the economy quarterly underscores the administration’s readiness to kickstart economic activities.

     

    Bailout for states

     

    Since last year, many states have
    been on their knees, due to dwin
    dling federal allocations. Under former President Jonathan, there was chaos when the finance commissioners, caps in hands, stormed Abuja for the statutory monthly allocations. There was no end in sight to the hopeless situation, until President Buhari came on board. Many states could not pay their workers for over six months. Industrial disputes were declared by labour unions, following the expiration of long ultimatums. Efforts to settle the disputes met with a brick wall. Labour leaders maintained that they could not negotiate on empty stomach. They fired salvos at the governors, who they inadvertently accused of gross financial recklessness and shortfall in foresight.

    The states continued to groan under financial insecurity. As the cash crunch persisted, capital projects were put on hold. There was confusion. Banks were on the neck of states for payment of outstanding debts. They refused to grant new loans to the debtors. For many governors, it was not the best of times. The financial mess brought into fore the viability of the ever-crawling, dependant states, whose creation by the military governments was in response to the elite’s agitation for more political space and increased access to structures of power and resources.

    As a last resort, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) approached the President for succour. To mitigate the suffering of workers across the states, Buhari, in solidarity with the affected civil servants, released a bailout to 27 states on the verge of financial liquidation. The move followed the sharing of N420 billion Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) taxes among the federal, state and local governments. The intervention was like a drop in the ocean. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) also came into the rescue of the distressed states. The apex bank’s intervention included the review of interest rates and the repayment schedules spanning 25 years. Thus, through these creative financial engineering, the burden and bondage of debt and possibility of lack of funds for capital projects were lifted by the Federal Government.

    The bailout was not selective, unlike under the Jonathan administration when only PDP states got ecological funds while APC states were sidelined. As a result of the utilisation of the funds, workers called off their strike.

    The lessons of the economic predicament are instructive. States are expected to look inward, exploring opportunities for the expansion of financial their base through internally generated revenue and without imposing strenuous taxes on the people. More importantly, governors should avoid reckless spending and promote frugality.

    Instructively, shortly before assuming the reins, Buhari, who met with the governors, unequivocally warned against personal aggrandizement and wastage. He said his administration would not close its eyes to impunity.

    States are now calling for the review of the revenue allocation and sharing formula. Under the current formula, the Federal Government takes the biggest chunk of 54 per cent, leaving 26 percent for states and 20 per cent for local governments.

     

    Treasury Single Account

    To block loopholes, the Federal Government has introduced the Treasury Single Account (TSA). The move has restored sanity in revenue generation. It has stopped the duplication of accounts, with its attendant consequence of fraud by unscrupulous top government officials. Under the new system, ministries, departments, boards, parastatals and other agencies of government are not expected to run separate accounts. This has paved the way for prompt remittance to the central pool. According to the government, N3.2 trillion was not paid into the national treasury in 2014. The advantage is that government is able to determine its revenue status. Also, indiscriminate borrowing from banks, based on flawed assessment of the government’s financial status, is outlawed. Ironically, in the past, the government was borrowing money from banks that kept its money. Today, when the banks receive money meant for states that have adopted TSA, it is promptly transferred to the CBN.  The enthronement of a new fiscal discipline may foster probity and accountability.

    However, despite the fact that the new method has its advantages, experts have also warned that it could be counter-productive. According to them, it may create bureaucratic bottlenecks. There may be tardiness in meeting emergency problems. The method does not allow for the necessary liquidity in the system. The result is the cash crunch affecting the agencies of government. Experts have warned that the method is not in tune with the modern speed for financial transaction. Dr. Kuku said while the method has its merits, its demerits should not be ignored. He also said, although the TSA may enhance prudent savings, it may not enhance prudent spending.

    “Only judicious use of the revenue can impact positively on public welfare,” he added.

    With the passage of the N6.06 trillion budget, it is hoped that more money will be pumped into the economy for its re-invigoration. There are certain impediments. The budget has been pegged at 38 dollars per barrel. Government is planning to finance it through borrowing. However, the plan by the President to inject N350 billion into the economy quarterly underscores the administration’s readiness to kick start economic activities.

    • To be continued
  • Onobrakpeya explores Abananya for change

    Onobrakpeya explores Abananya for change

    With the series Abananya, an Okpe-Urhobo name for an inferior fabric, Dr. Bruce Onbrakpeya, iconoclastic printmaker and painter, explores the dynamics of change in Nigeria.  He spoke to Edozie Udeze on this momentous project and more in his studio in Lagos.

    At the moment, Dr. Bruce Onobrakpeya is busy in his studio churning out works he hopes to push into the society as part his own contribution to change.  Onobrakpeya, one of the most outstanding visual artists in Nigeria today, at the age of 84, is still active and energetic.  He works as if he is a young man still in his prime.  A renowned printmaker, painter and sculptor, he is one of the Zarian rebels of the 1960s who did not allow foreign incursion into the Nigerian art to determine their love for the art.

    “At the moment,” he says in an interview at his home in Lagos, “I am working on a series which I call Abananya.  Abananya is Igbo but it also means a lot in Okpe-Urhobo language.  It is an Okpe-Urhobo word.  The meaning, is where am I going to go with this?  That came out when the Dutch wax that was originally acknowledged as Ankara was somehow being printed here or done wrongly.  Then people became disillusioned; they did not like it.  So Abananya stood for an inferior clothe.  I therefore started to put out cut-outs from it together.  And so I developed a style of print-making and painting, which resulted into the series.

    “This is what I now call Abananya series, representing now change.  Abananya now becomes a metaphor for change.  This is what I have been working on now for sometime.  A few times I showed a lot of them to Sandra Obiagu, one of the most outstanding curators and matrons of the art; she liked it.  A few people also showed up at the Temple Gallery, Lagos where she had a show and they also liked the idea,” he says.

    Widely known for his peculiar form of the art, Onobrakpeya says: “The work is about change.  It talks about change; change to make the society better.  Change in our lives; change to make the art more on ahead.  This is so because what has been on the lips of the people when Buhari came to power is change, change and change.  I now said, the corruption is on the lips of everybody and therefore there has to be change.  And the art can be used in this Abananya series to espouse change.  So, it gave me the idea that change is even more than that.”

    Over the years a lot of people had clamoured for change.  But as an artist, Onobrakpeya’s idea about this is never sacrosanct.  “For me, this issue of change has been there all the time.  It is the only thing that is permanent in life and it is entering a new phase.  The idea even brought me back to when we were young in school.  I began to reflect over the changes that had come into our lives ever since.  So apart from creating the pictures which are not graphic illustrations but they are there to help you look back in time to explore these changes, the works also put your mind on who we are and so on.”

    Using some notable examples to make this series clearer and closer to the people, Onobrakpeya zeroes it down to this moment, “oh one of those changes is on free education which was introduced by Chief Obafemi Awolowo in Western Nigeria in those days.  He was the first person to do so in Nigeria and this also included the Midwest, where I come from.  That is the sort of change these works are talking about.  This change was a total revolution, it touched the lives of people positively.  This was so because true change has to touch the lives of people and make them experience a new era.  Most people then could not buy a six pence book for ABC.  But Awolowo said, no, we have to help our people go to school.  He worked for change and changes came at all cost.  Now it is the work of the art to display this change in a way to appeal to mankind; to show those moments of change over time.”

    Looking back in time and also sensing what obtains today, the printmaker decided to put these in painting to symbolize a society.  “Yes, we had Cambridge exams and then went through series.  Now, it is G.C.E. and so many other change ever since.  Now what is the role of the art in all these?  From U.C.I. which was the University College, Ibadan, to what we have now, there have been revolutions.  So this Abananya series let me go back into history to be able to do the works to represent change, real change over the years.”

    Coming in multiple colours in what the artist says may not represent real human or artistic faces or figures, the paintings done essentially in print forms explore human history and traditions.  “The word became popular – Abananya was, at a time, on the lips of everyone in my area.  When I spoke to a few people from the area, they certainly understood the word and what it means.  Therefore this work will address this issue properly.  But apart from creating the art works themselves.”  I do a lot of writing that will go with it.  The writings will explain a lot of things and make the works truly rhyme with this change mantra.”

    When the works are done with he hopes to exhibit them so as to encourage the public appreciate the metamorphosis of change in Nigeria.  “Yes, there will be an exhibition and also there will be a portfolio where each work will go together with it for clearer explanation.   Yes, basically the picture is to encourage you look into yourself and examine the changes that have taken place in your life.  The story is to make you look in the direction of change to see what you can also do to effect a change.  It is symbolic in a way.”

    As an artist, Onobrakpeya tries to see how arts can key into the world of politics for the type of change that benefits all.  “What I have done is to help everyone.  Last year, I met Gowon one-on-one for the first time.  And I told him I had started this series.  What I had for him was: Gowon – Go on with one Nigeria, for he did well for Nigeria.  He introduced the NYSC – National Youth Service Corps – which has helped a lot of people to understand Nigeria better.  This is change.  Isn’t it?  He fought to keep Nigeria one.  This is change.  He has this image of someone who wanted Nigeria to be one.  NYSC is a big thing in Nigeria.  I had the opportunity to go to school in Zaria, otherwise I wouldn’t have had the time to go up North.  Many people are like that.  Therefore NYSC is for you to know places other than where you are born or where you went to school.”

    On the whole, the works will come out in 50 series.  Each one has a history to tell; has a statement to make.  Changes have come in different parts of Nigeria and those who did them have to be celebrated through these works.

  • Change: Time to re-strategise

    Alot of events are unfolding in the country by every passing day and there is no gainsaying the fact that the change agents are putting in much effort towards ensuring that the misdeeds of the past are corrected and other necessary things are done to move the country forward. However, it is worrisome that despite all efforts, the situation on ground is a far cry from all expectations. Thus, it will not be out of place to say that the masses are in a state of confusion as a result of the fact that, what is happening to them is beyond comprehension. At the early stage of the administration, a lot of positive changes were experienced. Presently, the case has suddenly changed; queues have only just begun to disappear from the filling stations; electricity is now meant for the affluent and privileged few; the costs of living have sky-rocketed; many organizations are folding up and laying off workers; societal vices are on the rise again and there seems to be no end to the suffering of the masses.

    Consequently, the people are gradually losing their patience and faith in the system because they now have misgivings about every step taken by the government. Some of us who called for the patience and support of Nigerians to enable the administration make positive impacts have now become subject of mockery in the society.

    Numerous reasons and excuses have been adduced ranging from the global fall in oil prices; the looted treasury and bastardized economy; activities of some unpatriotic elements in government’s establishments; activities of Boko Haram; corruption in high places; battered image of the country; distractions from opposition and a host of others. In as much as I want to sympathize with the government for all these inherited problems, the fact remains that things are presently not working out as planned and the best way out would be to re-strategize and prioritize objectives. There is need for President Muhammadu Buhari to put measures in place to ensure that majority of the people can afford to fend for themselves. It is only then that you can make them understand and buy the idea of sacrificing to make the country great again. There is need to tackle the most pressing problems first before thinking of solving other secondary issues. Projects that will have immediate positive impact on the lives of the masses must attract urgent attention and be pursued vigorously.

    It is very important for leaders to always have it at the back of their minds that, there is a limit to human endurance. The people opted for change because their affairs were not properly handled in the last dispensation, which made life very difficult and unbearable for them. Consequently, they used their voting powers effectively to change the government. Thus; it was not as if the people in APC performed any magic or that they were tactically or strategically better than those of the other parties during the elections. The situation in the country then was so hard on the people and the future very discouraging that it became expedient to salvage their existence and future by voting out the then leaders to give a new set of people the benefit of the doubt. Therefore, if our leaders take the people for granted again, the consequences are very clear and predictable.

    In as much as I want to agree with the government that there is need for all and sundry to make sacrifices for the country to get to the desired destination, it must not be sacrifices of avoidable deaths through hunger and rising societal vices. In as much as the old saying that, there is no gain without pains is still relevant; it does not make sense when the people are made to suffer endlessly. At least, they should know what they are set to achieve at the end of the sufferings or trying period. It is no longer news telling them that change is slow to come because of the state of hopelessness the last administration plunged the country into. The people knew that something was fundamentally wrong and, that was what informed their resolved to vote in the government of change to alleviate the situation and not to worsen it.

    The wrangling within the ruling party is one major albatross of this government. The division caused by the composition of the leadership of the National Assembly which still persists is an indication that selfish interest is paramount in the minds and considerations of some of our leaders. The people who ought to work together to resolve the problems of the country are now divided. By now, one would have expected that the issue is buried and forgotten but, that is not the case.

    Cross carpeting of some members of the opposition parties to the ruling party is not also helping matters as it has turned out to be negatively affecting the performances of some office holders whose focus have now shifted to how to retain control of the party’s machineries in their respective localities. The situation is compounded by forces outside government whose stock in trade is to cause disaffection amongst the people and capitalize on the crises for selfish political gains. Time is ticking fast against their antics and they will be demystified and put to shame sooner than expected because, the masses are patiently observing the trends and waiting for the right time to show that power belongs to the people.

    As a result of the aforementioned, mutual suspicion is now prevalent in every facet of government and it has created an atmosphere or situation that can hardly breed good returns.

    In as much as I am personally convinced that the President meant well for the people and he is putting in every available/possible effort to deliver the dividends of democracy, he can only be himself. The people that ought to close ranks and join hands with him to move the country forward are the same elements that have polarized the affairs of government by sowing seeds of discord. They do not give a damn about the hardship the masses are presently experiencing. By their actions and dispositions, it is very clear, that they are only pursuing personal and selfish interests as against the national interest they want the world to believe.

    The President should note that, if anything goes wrong in the country, the blame will be his. Therefore, he should impress it on his lieutenants to sit up and face the business of governance squarely. No one should allow his/her political ambitions to conflict with the national interests (which is sacrosanct) otherwise, they should throw in the towel and allow those that will serve patriotically to come on board.

    The people are losing their patience; they need change urgently.

     

    • Oise-Oghaede writes from Surulere, Lagos.
  • The imperative of change

    The imperative of change

    Opalaba asked me the other day how I would describe my experience of change almost one year to its introduction into our political lexicon. Perceiving a deviously laid trap, I cleverly wiggled out. “What is your definition of change? What does it involve?” I asked him.

    “For me, it is simple. Change is the movement from an undesirable to a desirable state of affairs”, my friend responded. And on my part, I thought that I got him. So I agreed. “In that case, while there is still a lot to do, I can say that change is happening.”

    “Sure, I guess you could say that” Opalaba intoned. But I knew that what was coming after was going to be damning in the least. So I hit back first.

    “You cannot combine certainty with doubt in the same breath. You are either sure or you are guessing” I volunteered.

    “Your grammatical sensitivity, my foot”, Opalaba shot back. “This is serious business and you better see it as such. For the very future of progressive politics is at stake. What I am witnessing is different than what you choose to see.”

    My friend opined that it was not enough to define change as he did. “It is also important to give the conditions for its possibility. Leadership is important. Change requires leaders with the strong will and determination to go the whole length no matter what. Successful change requires humility and respect for the people, taking account of their suggestions and sensibilities. If change is meant for the good of the people, their voice deserves to be heard in the process of effecting change.”

    Opalaba then lounged into a litany of complaints. He acknowledged the fact that the government of change inherited too many undesirables, including executive impunity, legislative licence, institutionalised corruption, ethnicised politics, inflation, unemployment, wage compression, infrastructure decay, value deficit, violent clashes, etc.

    My friend observed that in the best of times, with a robust forex earnings capacity, the inherited pit is too deep for the nation to climb out of. In the regime of harsh economic realities, it is simply Herculean. But this is hard to explain to the victim of untold poverty and unbearable suffering. While the masses of our people are unemployed or self-employed in drudgery, the country in general, and the media in particular, does not appear to be perturbed by the condition of the wretched of the earth in our midst. Yet homelessness, hunger, and disease have been their portion in recent times.

    Resentful of the advantaged position enjoyed by the well-positioned, Opalaba observed that we know more about the undesirable condition of public servants who are owed months of salary payments because they have the voice to make their case and they have labour unions to fight their cause. But we do not have a union of the unemployed and the homeless. Yes, these have advocates in NGOs, but these are too busy on the large issues- the root causes—to bother about the surface matters of immediate need for food and shelter.

    Talking about wages, Opalaba agreed that “labour deserves its reward.” He noted that part of the challenges that the nation must face squarely is the impact of centralisation on the ability of states and local governments, the largest employers of labour, to meet their obligations. We have a system that centrally imposes financial obligations on states without taking into consideration their differing abilities. What is more absurd, the system that imposes uniform wages throughout the country’s public system doesn’t take account of the differing cost of living between Lagos and Lokoja or between Port Harcourt and Potiskum.

    “The consequence could not have been any different from what we have or less devastating. States devote 80 per cent to 90 per cent of their revenue to workers’ salary, leaving 10 per cent to 20 per cent for developmental projects. Of course, the rest of the population have a right to complain when roads are impassable or they have no access to drinking water or they have no effective protection against kidnappers and armed robbers or violent herdsmen because of an inadequate security regime.”

    But while the foregoing are issues of immediate concern, my friend was concerned that the people are being let down by the apparent absence of willingness to deal with them head-on. As he put it, “one expects that an issue that stands in the way of a progressive administration’s effective delivery of pledged services to the people would be its foremost concern. The assumption is that upon securing power, a progressive party that presides over the executive and legislative branches of government will make government restructuring for effectiveness a priority. That this has not been an urgent concern of the new administration in its first year is unfortunate and shameful.”

    As I urged him to clear his mind and assured him of my listening ears, he fired on. “In the matter of what is preventing a robust engagement with the serious and fundamental issues of refocusing government on its real mission your guess is as good as mine.” When I retorted that I didn’t have a clue, Opalaba struggled to avoid my distraction but simply cleared his throat and continued.

    “The progressive government at the centre took off on wobbly and crippled limbs. Things fell apart from the beginning due to insatiable greed and oversized ambition. The effort that should be focused on progress for the nation was spent on scheming the political survival of individuals. And in a bizarre turn of events, the government of change is on a collision course with reason. Or is it rational for an entity that is not suicidal to create the suitable condition for its demise?”

    “From the fight over position to the unabashed declaration of solidarity with a leader in contempt of the people, to the messy handling of the budget, there is too much noxious air in the political landscape. Disenchantment with the ruling party in its first year is evident around”, my friend declared.

    But he was not done: “One year into the progressive administration, the signs are terribly ominous. As if the gods are aligned against progress, agents of retrogression are on prowl. Taking on these evil agents and fighting them to the ground will take the strong will of the Primus inter pares whose charisma and past achievement catapulted back to power.”

    “Why is this an important task? In 1999, progressives claimed the six states of the Southwest. They embarked on great progressive policy implementation based on the cardinal programmes of education, health, rural development and employment. Their party did not control the centre. They relied mostly on federal allocation. Federal might was deployed against them, especially from 2002.

    “Of course, they also got carried away by primordial instinct syndrome. Relishing the fact that the president was a son of the soil, they promoted him beyond reason and got whacked by him. Abandoning the principle that brought you to power and running after chimera does not go unnoticed by the savvy electorate and the mischievous opponents who exploit electorate apathy to rig elections. It happened in 2003. And it can happen in 2019”, Opalaba, the mystic, warned.

    “Those who must worry about such a repetition of history are irrationally cutting their nose to spite their face. They are gearing up for 2019 even when they are not perturbed about 2016. But if they are not part of the solution of the challenges of 2016, do the pseudo progressives expect their party to be taken seriously in 2019? And if it is not taken seriously by voters who loathe disappointment, what’s the expectation of these ambitious politicians and what is their prospect of doing well in the polls in 2019? Unless of course their plan is to jump party ship again in 2019 as some of them did in 2014.”

    With an air of finality and arrogance that I have always despised, Opalaba fired the parting shot. “Just know that my fellow-citizens are now in the driver’s seat of electoral politics. Get your act right or be prepared to be booted out” Ouch!!! A classic fiend, he is!