The inauguration of Muhammadu Buhari as the 15th President of Nigeria, and 4th President in the fourth Nigerian Republic took place on Friday, 29 May 2015. It marked the beginning of the first term of Muhammadu Buhari as President following the 2015 general election. With so many high expectations, some rejoiced at mark of a new government, others started predicting the down fall of the President no doubt, while some waited in silence for time to unravel the true meaning of the change.
Now here we are, three years into the administration and we cannot particularly say we have made significant progress as a nation in the past three years under Buhari’s administration. To be frank, it feels we are actually moving backward as the cost of living for the ordinary masses has risen to a higher height. Majority of the promises that were relayed to the people during campaign are yet to be fulfilled for all to see and hardship is now the most used word in the country. Following the president’s inability to add value to the lives of the ordinary people it is easy to draw the conclusion that the administration has failed the good people of Nigeria who are so trusting and hopeful.
Note this article is not to criticize or write off the president, but rather to help draw us out of a dogmatic view as it is said, ‘the unexamined life is not worth living’, this is basically to help give us a clear view of what we are passing through as a people in other to make the right choices and avoid mistakes as we move ahead.
Now, many of Buhari’s supporters would argue it was under his watchful eyes that “Nigeria exited its worst recession in decades. After five quarters of negative growth, the economy bounced back into positive territory. Yes, theoretically the nation is out of recession but on a practical level, are we out of recession?
“Also, inflation fell for 10 consecutive months during 2017 (February to November). “The Naira stabilized against the dollar, after the Central Bank introduced a new Forex window for Investors and Exporters. The stability has attracted billions of dollars in portfolio investments since April 2017. “On the back of a stable Naira and increased investment inflows, Nigeria’s stock market emerged one of the best-performing in the world, delivering returns in excess of 40 per cent. This is a big success no doubt, but there is still an atom of failure in this as the president has failed to ensure this betterment reaches the poor.
The 2019 presidential election is here, even before its arrival, we have been hearing this same campaign promises everywhere like never before. So, who would it be the same old level or a new start entirely? Does the APC administration deserve a second shot or to hell with them and their fake promises? Whatever the decision is, two things readily register in mind:
A second chance for the administration would enable them carry out all their intended plans and continuity in this case might actually be better than a fresh start. You ask how?
Recall that the Federal Government had in 2017 raised N100 billion from Sukuk to fund 25 selected roads projects across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
Due to the weaknesses of the transmission network in Nigeria, a number of projects were initiated by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to fortify the grid, but are yet to be completed. These projects include the construction of new Abeokuta-Igboora double transmission line and 132kv double-circuit Tee-off at Igboora-Igangan; construction of 2x60MVA, 132/33kV substation at Odogunyan and construction of 2x60MVA, 132/33kV substation at Auobo. There are also the Ikeja West Ayobo 132kV D/C transmission lines and 2x132kv line bays extension at Ikeja west; and construction of Benin North-Osogbo 330KV DC line with turning in and out to new Akure substation. Others are construction of Kaduna-Jos 330KV DC line in Plateau and Kaduna states; installation of 1x60MVA & 132/33kv power transformers, auxiliary equipment and devices at GCM transmission substation in Onitsha; and construction of 330KV and the D/C Kaduna Power Plant-Mando Substation Transmission Line. All this project may be abandoned or delayed if there is a change in government.
Moving ahead, we must be careful in choosing the way forward, as our rigid ideas actually make it difficult for us to have a clear view of what we really want as a nation. Moving forward, a collective change of ideology and believe accompanied with critical thinking will create a better Nigeria for us rather than a dogmatic believe in government promises.
