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Tag: President Muhammadu Buhari

  • Taking Nigeria out of recession not by accident – Lai Mohammed

    Taking Nigeria out of recession not by accident – Lai Mohammed

    Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has attributed the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration feat of taking the country out of recession to conscientious effort and not by accident.

    Mohammed said the country has been on the path towards recession since mid-2014 due to a combination of factors, including the total dependence on a mono product – oil – and the failure to save during the boom years, the country officially slipped into recession in the 2nd Quarter of 2016.

    Speaking on Wednesday at the 4th Annual Conference of the Association of Communication Scholars and

    Alhaji Lai Muhammed, Information Minister

    Professionals of Nigeria in Kano, the minister said the current administration’s articulated economic policies did the magic.

    He said: “Taking Nigeria out of recession did not happen by accident. It is the culmination of months of hard work by the Administration and fidelity to its well-articulated economic policies, especially the Strategic Implementation Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) that was launched on 5th April, 2017.

    “Though Nigeria has been on the path towards recession since mid-2014 due to a combination of factors, including the total dependence on a mono product – oil – and the failure to save during the boom years, the country officially slipped into recession in the 2nd Quarter of 2016. Of course, as you all know, a recession is generally defined as two consecutive quarters of negative growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP, which measures the economic performance of a country by how much production of goods and services it achieves, usually over the course of a year).

    Related: Recession: Economists express fears, hopes over new status

    “The recession presented a scenario of contracted GDP (0.67%), stagflation, which occurs when periods of low economic growth or Economic Contraction in GDP coincide with periods of elevated Inflation, which is often accompanied by high levels of Unemployment.

    At the same time, inflation increased from 9% in Jan 2016 to 18.6% in December of the same year; unemployment rate rose above 14% and there was a massive foreign reserves decline.

    “But things are looking up now. For Nigeria to be out of recession means the Administration has taken some right steps that have culminated in the good news that we are celebrating now. It didn’t just happen.”

    He also listed some of the various impactful programmes of the Administration as including the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme, which today feeds 3,065,000 pupils in 14 states of the Federation pupils and has employed 36,000 Cooks across the country; the Conditional Cash Transfer that has seen about over 30,000 households benefit from the N5,000 monthly stipend; the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme under which about 120,000 people have benefited from the cooperative loans; and the N-power that has employed 200,000 people.

    Recession: Economists express fears, hopes over new status
    Image of Recession

    This  positive growth, the minister stated, ” is attributable to both the oil and non-oil sectors of the economy. Growth in the oil sector, which has been negative since Q4 2015, was positive in Q2 2017. It rose by 1.64% as compared to -15.60 in Q1 2017, an increase of up to 17 percentage points.

    ”The non-oil sector grew by 0.45% in Q2 2017, a second successive quarterly growth after growing 0.72% in Q1 2017. In particular, improvement in the non-oil sector was driven principally by strong growth in agriculture and solid minerals sector, and reversal in the previous contraction of the manufacturing and construction sector. This shows that the government’s economic diversification programme is working,” he said.

    The Minister listed other positive developments as a fall in the inflation rate from 18% to 16% as of July 2017; the rise in exports, coupled with a decrease in imports, which brought the country’s trade balance to ₦719.4 billion, up from ₦671.3 billion; increase in capital inflow that brought the total value of capital imported into Nigeria in the second quarter of 2017 to $1,792.3 million, representing a growth of 95.02 percent; increase in foreign reserves to a 30-month high of $31.8 billion in July 2017; and appreciation in exchange rate from N520/$ as at 20 February 2017 to N362/$ as at 17th August 2017.

    Mohammed who did not also spare the critics of the administration, stressed that Buhari administration is working and the results are showing.  Hence, he said they should not be given the space to dominate the economic narrative of the country.

    “Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, to naysayers, these positive developments do not constitute news. That’s why they make up their own fake news, and engage in disinformation and hate speech. They believe that by seeking to overwhelm the polity with fake news, disinformation and hate speech, they can easily obliterate the glaring achievements of the Buhari Administration.

    “We must not allow them to dominate the media space. This Administration is working and the results are showing,” he said.

  • Economic Growth: Don’t lower your guard- Buhari

    Economic Growth: Don’t lower your guard- Buhari

    • Senate, House of Reps excited

    Nigeria is out of recession, it has been announced. But President Muhammadu Buhari and economists, who are as excited as many Nigerians, are cautious, saying we should not lower our guard.

    The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Report for Second Quarter 2017 released by the bureau in Abuja, said Nigeria’s GDP grew by 0.55 per cent (year-on-year) in real terms in the quarter, indicating the emergence of the economy from the recession into which it slipped in 2016.

    The Bureau stated that the figure indicated that the economy was out of recession after five consecutive quarters of contraction since first quarter 2016.

    An economy is said to be in recession after contracting for two consecutive quarters.

    The bureau, however, stated that the growth in the quarter was 2.04 per cent higher than the rate recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2016 (–1.49 per cent).

    It is higher by 1.46 per cent points from the rate recorded in the preceding quarter (revised to –0.91 per cent from – 0.52 per cent).

    Quarter on quarter, the bureau stated that real GDP growth was 3.23 per cent, adding that during the quarter, aggregate GDP stood at N26, 986,005.20 million, resulting in a Nominal GDP growth of 14.60 per cent.

    The growth is higher relative to the growth recorded in the second quarter 2016 (3.01 per cent)

    The report also showed that the economic recovery was driven by improved performance of oil, agriculture, manufacturing and trade sectors.

    Speaking on the report yesterday in his home town Daura in Katsina State after receiving visiting Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou, President Buhari said the real impact of exiting the recession would be better felt when ordinary Nigerians experience a change in their living conditions.

    He said he was “very happy’’ to hear the country was finally out of recession, adding:

    ”Certainly, I should be happy for what it is worth. I am looking forward to ensuring that the ordinary Nigerian feels the impact.”

    “Until coming out of recession translates into a meaningful improvement in peoples’ lives, our work cannot be said to be done,’ the President said and commended all the managers of the economy for their hard work and commitment, stressing that more work needed to be done to improve the growth rate.

    A statement by the Economic Adviser to the President, Dr Adeyemi Dipeolu, said the administration would continue to drive Nigeria’s economic growth by vigorously implementing the Economic Recovery & Growth Plan (ERGP) launched earlier this year by President Buhari.

    He said the overall economic plan and direction of the administration had resulted, among others, in sustained restoration of oil production levels (occasioned by the enhanced security and stability in the Niger Delta),  sustained growth in agriculture, mining and the first growth recorded in industry as a whole in the last nine quarters since Q4 2014.

    Dipeolu said: “The figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics for the second quarter of this year (Q2 2017) show that the economy grew in Q2 2017 by 0.55% from -0.91% in Q1 2017 and -1.49% in Q2 2016.

    “This, in effect means that the Nigerian economy has exited recession after five successive quarters of contraction.

    “This positive growth is attributable to both the oil and non-oil sectors of the economy.  Growth in the oil sector, which has been negative since Q4 2015, was positive in Q2 2017.  It rose by 1.64% as compared to -15.60 in Q1 2017, an increase of up to 17 percentage points.

    “This improvement is partly due to the fact that oil prices, which have improved slightly from the lows of last year, have been relatively steady as well as the fact that production levels were being restored.

    “The non-oil sector grew by 0.45% in Q2 2017, a second successive quarterly growth after growing 0.72% in Q1 2017.  This increase, which was not quite as strong as it was in Q2 2016, reflects continuing fragility of economic conditions.  However, given that nearly 60% of the non-oil sectors contribution to GDP is influenced by the oil sector, growth in the oil sector will help boost the rest of the economy,” he added

    According to the presidential adviser, the positive growth seen in agriculture when the rest of the economy was contracting was maintained at 3.01%, which was encouraging especially if seasonal factors are taken into account.

    “Manufacturing growth was also positive at 0.64% and although lower than the previous quarter’s growth of 1.36%, it was a noticeable improvement over the -3.36% experienced in Q2 2016 and a continuation of the turnaround of the sector.  Solid minerals, which remain a priority of the Administration, also continued to grow and in Q2 2016 by 2.24%.

    “Overall, the industry as a whole grew by 1.45% in Q2 2017 after nine successive quarters of contraction starting in Q4 2014.”

    Dipeolu pointed out that the positive development was somewhat overshadowed by the continued decline in the services sector which accounts for 53.7% of GDP.

    “Nevertheless, electricity and gas, as well as financial institutions, grew by 35.5% and 11.78% respectively in Q2 2017.

    “The GDP figures give grounds for cautious optimism, especially as inflation has continued to fall from 18.72% in January 2017 to 16.05% in July 2017.

    “Foreign exchange reserves have similarly improved from a low of $24.53 in September 2016 to about $31 billion in August 2017.  In the same vein, capital importation grew by 95% year-on-year driven by portfolio and other investments but also notably by foreign direct investment which increased by almost 30% over the previous quarter.”

    Foreign trade, he said, has also contributed to improving economic conditions with exports amounting to N3.1 trillion in Q2 2017. Imports, which increased by 13.5%, amounted to N2.5 trillion in the same period.

    “The overall trade balance thus remained positive at N0.60 trillion,” he said.

    Unemployment, however, remains relatively high, but job creation is expected to improve as businesses and employers increasingly respond more positively to the significantly improving business environment and favourable economic outlook.

    “Besides, as key sectoral reforms in both oil and non-oil sectors gain traction, the successful implementation of ERGP initiatives, such as N-Power and the social housing scheme, will boost job creation.

    “Food inflation also bears watching as it has remained quite high and volatile due mostly to high transport costs and seasonal factors, such as the planting season. Investments in road and rail infrastructure, increased supply and availability of fertilisers and improvements in the business environment should contribute to the easing of food prices.

    “Overall, the end of the recession is welcome but economic growth remains fragile and vulnerable to exogenous shocks or policy slippages.  Accordingly, it remains essential to intensify efforts going forward on the implementation of the ERGP to achieve desired outcomes including sustained inclusive growth, further diversification of the economy, the creation of jobs and improved business conditions.”

    Also yesterday, presidential spokesman Femi Adesina described Nigeria’s exit from recession as a clear testimony that Buhari’s administration was working for the prosperity of all Nigerians.

    He told a solidarity rally for the Federal Government organised by the Centre for Civil Society and Justice.

    Adesina said: “You have chosen a very auspicious day for this solidarity rally. Earlier today, we were told that Nigeria had officially exited recession.

    “That shows that we have a government that is working for us. We have a government that is interested in our welfare. We have a government that is interested in our well-being.

    “Recession came due to some mistakes of the past and in just about a year, the government battled it and today we are officially out of recession and we give all glory to God.’’

    Adesina assured the rally that he would relay its message of support and solidarity on the unity of Nigeria to the President.

    “You know the President swore to uphold the Constitution and the Constitution recognises Nigeria as one indissoluble entity.

    “The President has sworn to keep the unity of the country and whatever it takes; he will keep to that pledge,’’ he said.

    The presidential aide advised those ‘‘beating the drums of separation’’ to keep their peace, adding that the government is resolute to preserve the unity, cohesion and togetherness of Nigeria.

    The convener of the rally, Comrade Goodluck Obi, said the group wholeheartedly supported Buhari’s uncommon resolve to fix a nation “plundered and pillaged by irresponsible leadership in the past at various levels of government’’.

    Obi called on the National Assembly and the Judiciary to support the executive in the war against corruption, insurgency and economy recovery programmes.

    “We want to sound a note of warning to both organs of government, that we the Nigerian people would no longer allow our collective destiny to be toyed with like a game.

    “We are more than ever ready to mobilise the people to do the needful within the ambit of the law. Enough is Enough,’’ he said.

    For some economic analysts, it’s no time to fully rejoice yet. Former Executive Director Keystone Bank, Richard Obire, said Nigeria’s exit from recession will trigger more investments from local and international investors. He said the psychology underpinning economics is that if people have a positive outlook about the economy, they are more likely to invest in such economy.

    He said the growth recorded was slim and needed more hard work to be sustained. “Being out of recession gives the people positive boost that there is hope for the future and that hope will bring about more capital inflows into the economy.

    “We’re out of recession because we registered two-quarters of positive growth. But that does not mean we are out of the woods yet because we could slip back into recession if the growth indicators are not sustained,” he said adding that “We can still slip back very easily. We need to liberalise policies. Let’s avoid political statements that would destabilise the economy especially as the 2019 election approaches.”

    Managing Director Cowry Assets Management Limited, Johnson Chukwu, said the report gives economic managers hope and will give investors confidence to return to the country.

    “No foreign direct investor wants to go to an economy that is in recession but the economy needs to grow at a higher rate. We need to ensure that inflation comes down to boost people’s purchasing power.”

    Director- General of Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) Muda Yusuf, said the news is a welcome development as it has a positive signalling effect to the global investing committee.

    He said the exit would improve the perception of the economy, especially by foreign investors as it would no longer be characterised as an economy in recession.

    “What ultimately matters to business is the impact on the cost of doing business, the productivity of the economic players, competitiveness of firms and the sustainability of investment. At the level of the individual citizens, what matters is the welfare effect of the GDP numbers. The impact on food prices cost of healthcare, transportation cost, power supply and the purchasing power. These are some of the ultimate outcomes that would determine whether or not the exit from recession will be celebrated.”

     

  • Buhari, Nigerien President meet in Daura 

    Buhari, Nigerien President meet in Daura 

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday met behind closed doors with the Nigerien President, Muhammadu Issoufou.

    The meeting started few minutes past 12 noon at Buhari ‘s residence in Daura, Katsina State.

    Issoufou, was received at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport in Katsina by the Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari.

    He was airlifted in a chopper to Daura before the meeting with President Buhari.

  • Buhari is concerned about gale of strikes, says aide

    Buhari is concerned about gale of strikes, says aide

    President Muhammadu Buhari is concerned about the gale of strikes in the country and will do the needful to ensure industrial harmony, his Media Adviser Femi Adesina, told Channels Television last night.

    He was responding to the strike by resident doctors and the ongoing strike by university lecturers.

    He told his interviewer: “Yes, the President is the captain of the team but, then, he has so many other people working with him, who we can say will be the first line of defence when it comes to things like this. For the doctors, it is the Minister of Health first, and that will be done in conjunction with the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, who fortunately also is a medical doctor.

    “Of course, for ASUU, you know there is a Minister of Education and that is being done along with the Minister of Labour. So that is the first line of engagement. I think the President is the very last line of engagement.

    “But knowing that the President is the captain of the ship, his interest will be that there is peace and tranquillity in every sector of the economy. So, the needful will be done.

    “Naturally, the President will be concerned because he is here to ensure that every sector of the polity, every Nigerian, gets the best from the polity.

    “Naturally, he should be concerned if there are gales of strikes all around and he will do the best through his aides, through the ministers and those that have been appointed to be the first point of contact on these things. The best will be done”

  • Deep love

    The reception President Muhammadu Buhari received in his home state, Katsina last week will definitely linger on in his memory for some time to come.

    Since his last visit to the state almost a year, the President in the past months has had some health challenges, necessitating his trip to the United Kingdom.

    During the period, Buhari’s kinsmen had severally been saddened by the numerous rumours and false news in the social media about their son and father.

    Apart from several reports claiming that the President was dead, others claimed that he was permanently incapacitated.

    Other reports also had it that the President was on life support and could not move round.

    But Buhari’s home coming for Eid-el-Kabir celebration instantly brought joy and happiness to his people.

    It brought to an end all the controversies and false reports about his health.

    Most Katsina State people, especially Daura residents, at the slightest opportunity, left whatever they were doing to have a glimpse of their son and father in flesh and blood.

    Some of them did something unusual by climbing trees in order to have unhindered view of the President as soon as they know his route and the time he was expected to pass through.

    One of the President’s kinsmen, who was among the crowd that came to welcome him at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport in Katsina State last Wednesday had to openly glorify God for the President’s health.

    Seeing the President coming down unaided from the plane that brought him from Abuja, he expressed surprised at all the false reports they have been hearing about Buhari.

    Speaking in Hausa language, he shouted “Lies, lies, lies, our Baba is not only alive, but very strong.”

    The President was again taken by surprise when the chopper that brought him from the airport in Katsina landed at the helipad in Daura.

    A massive crowd had gathered at the helipad and road leading to his residence in a bid to see and welcome him back home.

    On sighting the massive crowd comprising mainly youths, the President had to ignore his convoy of vehicles stationed at the helipad, which were meant to convey him to his house.

    He immediately started walking from the helipad to his residence waving to the crowd and acknowledging their greetings.

    The story was the same when the President left his residence last Friday to observed his Eid-el-Kabir prayer.

    A tumultuous crowd lined the two sides of the roads from the President’s house to the Eid praying ground, which was about ten minutes drive.

    While some of them were waving at the President’s convoy, others were struggling to capture the President and the convoy on their phones.

    It was also gathered that most of the Daura residents who lined up on the two sides of the roads had already observed their Eid-el-Kabir prayer in another neaby praying ground.

    Rather than go home to enjoy their Sallah ram and food around 9a.m when they concluded their prayers in the other praying grounds, they headed immediately to the routes the President was scheduled to pass to observe his Eid prayer.

    They all preferred to get a glimpse of the President.

    When the President got to the Eid praying ground, it was also almost filled beyond capacity.

    The President wearing light brown coloured Babanringa and cap to match observed the two rakaat prayer with the crowd.

    After the President had finished with the prayers, the crowd on the two sides of the road leading from the Eid praying ground to his residence appeared to have doubled more than when he passed earlier.

    Among those who thronged the President’s routes included members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), saluting and waving to the President as he drove past.

    While the President would not forget this trip to Daura in hurry, the residents’ joy has known no bounds because of God’s healing and protection upon their topmost son of the soil.

    This joy expressed by the Daura residents has also been replicated in various parts of the country in honour to God for the President’s health.

  • Buhari hails Super Eagles’ victory over Cameroon

    Buhari hails Super Eagles’ victory over Cameroon

    President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Nigeria’s Super Eagles over Friday’s impressive win over the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

    The President, in a statement by the Special Adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, joined millions of football-loving Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora in applauding the senior men’s football team for their disciplined, skilful and entertaining display against the defending African champions.

    While noting the exhilarating victory, he said that Nigeria is on the verge of qualification for the World Cup in Russia 2018.

    The President urged the players to sustain the momentum as they approach the crucial second leg of the tie in Yaounde, on Monday.

    Buhari also enjoined Nigerians who always see football as a unifying platform, to continue to pray and support the team to guarantee victory next week and make qualification doubly sure.

    He also commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for its continued support and provision of excellent hosting facilities.

     

     

  • NEMA complies with Buhari’s order, moves to Benue

    NEMA complies with Buhari’s order, moves to Benue

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has deployed a team to provide humanitarian services to victims of floods in Benue state, the Director-General of the agency, Mustapha Maihaja, announced Friday.

    The reaction is in compliance with the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Maihaja,in a statement through NEMA’s Head of Media and Public Relations, Sani Datti, said that the humanitarian team had been reinforced with another contingent headed by Air Commodore Paul Ohemu, Director, Search and Rescue.

    He said that this was in addition to the officers of the North-Central Zonal Office of NEMA in Jos.

    NEMA boss said they were to deliver immediate humanitarian assistance to the affected persons in the various locations and to assess the situation for further support.

    He said that seven 30-tonne trucks had been dispatched to the state and were due to arrive Makurdi on Friday.

    Maihaja sympathised with the affected people and assured that NEMA would work closely with the state government in providing them with the necessary assistance.

    On Thursday President Buhari directed NEMA to deploy personnel and resources to provide succour to victims of flooding in Benue.

    The flood displaced over 100,000 people in 12 local government areas of the state.

  • Nigeria can make rapid progress – Buhari in Eid-El-Kabir message

    Nigeria can make rapid progress – Buhari in Eid-El-Kabir message

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday reassured Nigerians that the country can make rapid progress on all fronts.

    The President gave this message in his Eid-El-Kabir message to Nigerians from his home in Daura, Katsina state.

    In the Sallah message, President Buhari thanked Nigerians who prayed for his recovery and have continued to extend their goodwill and support after his return to the country.

    The message reads: “Fellow Compatriots, I felicitate with you all, particularly the Muslim faithful, on the celebration of this year’s Eid-El-Kabir.

    “I congratulate our Muslim brothers and sisters who are currently in Saudi Arabia to participate in the rites of the Hajj.

    “From the outset, I want to use this opportunity to thank all Nigerians who prayed for my recovery and have continued to extend their goodwill and support after my return to the country. 

    “Indeed your fervent and sincere prayers, which cut across religion, political and ethnic divides, has energised me to re-dedicate myself and this administration to the task of building a great Nigeria.

    “On the joyous occasion of this year’s Eid-El-Kabir celebration, I appeal to all Nigerians to rise against the odds, keep our prejudices aside and strengthen the bonds of friendship and unity to keep our country together.

    “For Muslims all over the world, this celebration is to commemorate the trials and triumph of Prophet (Abraham) Ibrahim.

    “As we celebrate, I sincerely believe that our nation can make rapid progress on all fronts if we re-enact the exemplary virtues, typified by Prophet (Abraham) Ibrahim, through his sacrifice, patience, steadfastness, generosity and obedience to Allah’s command and constituted authority.

    “We must learn to see ourselves as brothers and sisters from the same heritage, who must come to terms with the African proverb that ‘a family tie is like a tree, it can bend but it cannot break’.

    “Once again, I assure you that this administration, which has made the security, economic well-being and prosperity of all Nigerians its priority, will not rest on its oars until we see the Nigeria of our dream.
    I wish everyone happy Sallah celebrations.”

  • ‘Buhari means well for Nigerians’

    ‘Buhari means well for Nigerians’

    The Vice Chancellor of Benson Idahosa University, Prof. Ernest Izevbigie has urged Nigerians to give the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration a chance, saying he means well for all Nigerians irrespective of our tribal differences.

    He disclosed this on Thursday at the Benson Idahosa University Annual Staff Orientation.

    He noted that the President is a disciplined man working towards creating a better Nigeria.

    He said: “To govern a country as big as Nigeria, you need a lot of vigour, support, and good people who will work with you to drive home your positive intentions.”

    “But I think he needs to revisit some of the people working for him, this is mid-term and people are beginning to give their own assessment.”

    “Let him look at deliverables, I am always particular about deliverables because that is what propels me to do certain things and attain milestones.” he said.

    Prof. Izevbigie urged the President to look at the novelty and not to settle for the status quo, adding that it is never wrong to sort new ways of getting things done.

    He further encouraged him to seek advice from elder statesmen who have demonstrated capacity in leadership and good governance.

    On the clamour for restructuring, he said political scientists know better. In my area, Biochemistry, Medicine, I am not afraid to speak my mind.

    “On the issue of Fanta and sprite, Benson Idahosa University has been on the forefront in bringing the scientific consensus to bear. So when it comes to politics, let the Political Scientists pontificate because I can’t claim to be an expert outside my field.”
    Speaking at the Staff Orientation programme, he charged all staff members of the University to renew their commitment to their respective duties as they resume for the 2017/2018 Academic Session.

    According to him, the essence of the Annual Staff Orientation exercise is to further gain employee’s commitment, reduce anxiety among staff members and place Benson Idahosa University as the preferred brand among tertiary schools in Nigeria.

    Prof. Ernest B. Izevbigie expressed his appreciation to God as well as to the University Council, Management and Staff for their commitment, hard work and dedication towards the successful completion and achievements recorded in the last academic year.

    He described the cooperation of his Principal Officers as unique and commended members of Staff for their unflinching loyalty and unswerving allegiance.

    Highlighting the achievements of the 2016/2017 Academic Session, he said the University has continued to demonstrate capacity in academic excellence.

    He said, “Recently we just came back from JAMB stakeholder’s summit where Benson Idahosa University ranked 10th most preferred private university in the country.  Our products are doing well. The 2015 best graduating student, Ibude Ben Ikem, just got a scholarship from University of Greenwich, southeast London to study forensics.”

    He announced to the staff members on the University, the University’s undying interest in grantmanship and research. He further reassured members of the public and the University’s Stakeholders that the institution will continue to strive towards the vision of its founding father in making Benson Idahosa University rank among the best Universities in the world.

    Prof. Izevbigie hinted that the entire academic programmes of the University would be reviewed while new programmes have been introduced to enhance the global competitiveness of the institution.

  • That Buhari’s speech

    When the presidency announced the return of President Muhammadu Buhari back to the country after 103 of medical vacation in the United Kingdom (UK), the social media moved into frenzy. Youths started to talk about the development, with some being mischievous while others hailed the presidency for sharing the information.

    Many a Nigerian wanted to hear what the president would say about his three-month absence and perhaps, why we needed not to worry about the state of his health. But, the president stunned every one of us. In the almost five minutes broadcast, President Buhari’s address focused on Nigeria’s unity!

    Just before the last paragraph of his speech was read, citizens started to analyse the import of the broadcast. Social media was agog with engaging and nasty commentaries. Some people’s expectations were met by the president, while others were disappointed.

    This prompted this writer to download the full speech and critically examined it in comparison with the Buhari’s inaugural speech in 2015. Some were probably expecting a lengthy speech last week. They were hoping the president would pick each of the segments of our national life and gave reassuring commitment to make up for his absence.

    I have observed that Nigerians had expectations too high on the president’s broadcast, thereby allowing sentiments to override their sense of reasoning in interpreting the messages embedded in it. The issue threatening the national unity of a country of over 170 million people with diverse ethnic groups is the most urgent matter that should stoke the interest of a progressive leader, irrespective of other things on the table. We can only talk about economic prosperity in a united society. If the people are not united, such nation is doomed.

    While the president was away, the country was run by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in acting capacity. We needed not to expect the president to quickly dabble into affairs he had scanty knowledge about, because his deputy was yet to brief him about happenings in the country while he was away. But, Nigerians reacted too fast and submitted that the president missed the opportunity to set all things aright because he didn’t talk about issues, such as university teachers’ strike, renewed Boko Haram threat, cabinet reshuffle and other security related challenges.

    What President Buhari achieved with his speech was to reassure Nigerians about his promises in the 2015 inaugural speech. In a way, his famous quote “I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody” reflected in another form as he sounded a note of warning to warmongers.

    Buhari hails from a region where a “quit notice” was recently issued to people from a section of the country and where herdsmen are increasingly becoming a threat to other people’s existence. President Buhari simply told his kinsmen that, although he is at the helm of affairs, no one has freedom to say inflammatory statements.

    And, for the Igbo groups that are clamouring for secession, the president sent s strong message that Nigeria remains indivisible entity. He recalled his meeting with the late Chief Emeka Ojukwu, in whom the Biafran agitators seems to have found their strength.

    Buhari said: “In 2003 after I joined partisan politics, the late Chief Emeka Ojukwu came and stayed as my guest in my hometown, Daura. Over two days we discussed in great depth till late into the night and analysed the problems of Nigeria. We both came to the conclusion that the country must remain one and united. Nigeria’s unity is settled and not negotiable. We shall not allow irresponsible elements to start trouble and when things get bad they run away and saddle others with the responsibility of bringing back order, if necessary with their blood. Every Nigerian has the right to live and pursue his business anywhere in Nigeria without let or hindrance. I believe the very vast majority of Nigerians share this view.”

    This statement did not only show a clear warning to those toying with Nigeria’s unity, it rekindles the spirit of our federation that Nigerians can live anywhere within the boundary regardless of their ethnicity or religion. We have responsibility as a people to key into this idea and stop drumming the beat of war.

    It is not sensible to criticise the president for not mentioning all that happened during his absence. Mentioning those things won’t fix the problems quickly, because governance is a process. The critics forgot there was an Acting President while Buhari was away. Prof Osinbajo, in response to renewed attacks by insurgents, ordered redeployment of the Defence Staff to the epicentre to lead the onslaught against Boko Haram. It was needless to expecting President Buhari’s comment on this.

    As the president resumes fully, we should expect him to speak on cabinet reshuffle, lecturers’ strike and other pressing issues and hear his solution. We can only question or applaud him for his actions and inaction at the end of his tenure.

    There was a moral lesson learnt from the president’s broadcast. Speaking is not the same as taking actions. Talk is cheap but it takes courage to implement spoken words. The country needs action leaders, not skilled orators who may not achieve anything at the end of their speeches.

     

    Gabriel is a graduating student of Social Studies, OAU Ile-Ife