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The Challenges Before Buhari

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9 years ago

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President Muhammadu Buhari and Senate President, Bukola Saraki

President Muhammadu Buhari and Senate President, Bukola Saraki

Only a few people will
disagree that President Muhammadu Buhari, is on the path of history.
Never in the history of Nigeria had an opposition party defeated the ruling party at the centre, as Buhari’s All Progressives Congress (APC) did to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on March 28, this year.
May 29, which was the handover date, therefore presented a unique opportunity for President Buhari to assert himself as the agent of change that his party promised Nigerians.
In his inaugural speech, the president said the change that has already taken place, is going to positively affect the psyche of the Nigerian populace as the new government settles down to unleash its developmental agenda.
“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,” he said.
This is one statement Nigerians would certainly not forget in a hurry. To think that after donkey’s years of the winner of an election taking all, even if it meant putting square pegs in round holes, or asserting superiority at the least presumed provocation, everybody, no matter affiliations, would be carried along, is one change Nigerians would eagerly look forward to.
Many have already given various interpretations to the statement, which is naturally expected. But,in recognition of the aspirations of the founding fathers of the Nigerian state, and how the leadership had hitherto deviated to the detriment of the country, the President confirmed thus:
“They might have differed in their methods or tactics or details, but they were united in establishing a viable and progressive country. Some of their successors behaved like spoilt children breaking everything and bringing disorder to the house”.
Since a house in disorder implies various forms of filth infestation, that Buhari has recognized this as fact is indicative of his resolve to embark on a thorough clean-up. How he will achieve such order that has eluded the country for over half a century is one big task most Nigerians would want to know, even as they look forward to it coming to fruition.
A pointer to where the President is headed in this wise seems to have been what manifested in the 8th Assembly during the election of key officials that produced a Senate President from the ruling party (APC), and his deputy from the opposition (PDP). It also saw the minority party producing the Majority Leader.
The President also knows how daunting the task may be, but he is also determined to realise that it is not insurmountable because, as he sees it,”there is now a national consensus that our chosen route to national development is democracy. To achieve our objectives we must consciously work the democratic system.
“The Federal Executive under my watch will not seek to encroach on the duties and functions of the Legislative and Judicial arms of government. The law enforcing authorities will be charged to operate within the Constitution. We shall rebuild and reform the public service to become more effective and more serviceable. We shall charge them to apply themselves with integrity to stabilize the system”, he said.
If it is true that Buhari was sort, as the Commander-In-Chief, to prevail on the happenings at the 8th National Assembly to ensure that his party had its way, yet he decided to allow nature to take its natural course, it can only mean that he is determined to let democracy be.
Contrary to the expectations of the APC, and the orthodox populace, Buhari said although he would have preferred that he would have wished that the process initiated and concluded by APC had been followed, he had no option than to accept the outcome because due constitutional process was followed.This is another way of saying that he backsNigerians’ determination to have a truly democratic government, which was set in motion when they decided tovote for the opposition against all odds.
Having been able to instil this level of democracy thus far, and if the Federal Executive under Buhari’s watch will indeed observe Separation of Powers to the letter, and law enforcement will be according to the constitution, not minding whose ox is gored, Nigeria would be on its path to contending with notably established democracies like the United State of America.
Rebuilding and reforming the public service to become more effective and more serviceable, among other things, imply that it will not be politicised as it is today. That, as it was in the days of yore, Permanent Secretaries will not come and go with the government of the day, they will naturally ascend the position through service and hard work in the given Ministry.
In other words, the Chief Executive will not have the sole power to sack, transfer, or carry out any disciplinary measure against a Permanent Secretary. The reason being that having grown through the ranks in the Ministry, the Permanent Secretary, as the Head of Administration, has become a custodian of rules and regulations, as well as the administration of the Ministry. A quality which a neophyte politician could hardly have.
This also means that measures taken in the good old days to make the Civil Service an epitome of discipline and encouraged education and hard work will be taken seriously. Such measures include ensuring that public servants are encouraged to take education seriously knowing that there is a limit to which level long service can get them.
Ultimately, he noted rightly that “It is only when the three arms act constitutionally that government will be enabled to serve the country optimally and avoid the confusion all too often bedevilling governance today”.
No doubt this has been one aspect of governance that had always been given lip service by past governments, even after they had sworn by the “holy book”. But the new President was not done. The same thing, he said, will trickle down to all sphere of governance.
“Constitutionally there are limits to powers of each of the three tiers of government but that should not mean the Federal Government should fold its arms and close its eyes to what is going on in the states and local governments. Not least the operations of the Local Government Joint Account.
“While the Federal Government cannot interfere in the details of its operations, it will ensure that the gross corruption at the local level is checked. As far as the constitution allows me I will try to ensure that there is responsible and accountable governance at all levels of government in the country.
“For I will not have kept my own trust with the Nigerian people if I allow others abuse theirs under my watch”.
Towards achieving what the new party in power aims at, he recognises that it can only be achieved with the cooperation of key stakeholders in the country’s development.
“No matter how well organized the governments of the federation are, they cannot succeed without the support, understanding and cooperation of labour unions, organized private sector, the press and civil society organizations. I appeal to employers and workers alike to unite in raising productivity so that everybody will have the opportunity to share in increased prosperity.
“The Nigerian press is the most vibrant in Africa. My appeal to the media today – and this includes the social media – is to exercise its considerable powers with responsibility and patriotism”.
With the tonic for expected change having been swallowed following President Buhari’s declarations in his inaugural speech, and the hitherto impossible having taken place in the National Assembly, expectations are fever-pitch high. By the end of thePresident’s first 100 days in office, the horizon may be clearer.

 

Soibi Max-Alalibo

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Fubara Tasks Rivers Stakeholders On Political, Economic Emancipation …Commissions NAVAL Training Command Headquarters At Ebubu

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5 days ago

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April 29, 2024

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Rivers State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that the task of emancipating Rivers State and taking it to its desired height of development among the comity of Nigerian states depends on the concerted efforts of all stakeholders in the state.
Governor Fubara said this at Ubima, on Saturday, when he attended the burial ceremony of late Madam Cecelia Omehia, mother of Sir Celestine Omehia.
Addressing the leaders of the state who attended the burial ceremony in their numbers, the governor urged them to demonstrate their love for the state by living up to their patriotic responsibilities and make meaningful contributions that will move the state forward.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to the service of the state and cautioned against politics of bitterness and animosity, stating that he will not govern the state as an underdog, nor compromise  the interest of Rivers people, no matter the challenges facing his administration.
“Anybody who claims to love this State should not be party to anything, directly or indirectly, that will bring us backwards. We will continue to support every course that will advance the interest of our dear Rivers State.
“And I am happy to say, and I’ve said it over and again, it doesn’t matter the number of people that are standing with me, I will stand on the side of truth.
”I will not, I repeat, I will not govern our dear State on my knees. If that was the purpose, I will not do that. I will stand to govern our dear state and stand continually on the side of right”, he said.
The governor commiserated with the Omehia family over the transition of their beloved matriarch and urged  them to take solace in the good legacies she left behind.
Sir Celestine Omehia, the chief mourner, in his response  thanked  the Rivers State governor  and his entourage for honoring the memory of his beloved mother, whom he described as a role model, teacher and great disciplinarian.
Earlier on Saturday, Governor Fubara visited the scene of the Friday night inferno occasioned by a tanker explosion that occurred at the Indorama axis of East West Road, causing untold disaster with over 60 vehicles razed and about four lives lost.
Governor Fubara who was accompanied by the  Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olatunji Disu, and the state Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Mr Uchechukwu Nwafor, during the visit, expressed deep concern over the unfortunate incident and condoled with the families of the victims, assuring that the state government will provide needed assistance to cushion the effects of the tragedy.
“We are here to see for ourselves and get a first hand information of what happened yesterday night.
“I was told that it was caused by a tanker that was conveying premium motor spirit. In fact, I got the information through the MD of Indorama, and I immediately alerted the security agencies to make sure they take control of the security situation in the area.
Governor Fubara, on Friday, commissioned the new Naval Training Command Headquarters at Ebubu, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Speaking at the event, Governor Fubara said he was delighted with the transformation recorded in the abandoned facility after it was ceded by the Rivers State Government to the Nigerian Navy on request in 2023.
He pointed out that the relocation of the Naval Training Command headquarters to Rivers State underscores the proficiency of the Nigerian Navy in managing the maritime sector, especially in safeguarding the waterways and  fighting against economic sabotage such as crude oil theft and its associated menace.
Governor Fubara commended the Navy for investing in the training of its personnel to evolve a highly skilled workforce to secure the Nigerian waterways, stating that the new development is a manifestation of President Bola Tinibu’s commitment to building a strong security architecture for Nigeria.
The Governor who assured the support of his administration to the Navy and other security outfits, announced a donation of N350m to the Navy, and urged synergy between the Navy and the host communities in terms of development support and security of lives and property.
“As you go on to put this training command into full service, my charge to you is to ensure that this sprawling facility is effectively maintained and utilized to expand your operations and activities for national security development.
“I further implore you to provide effective security and development support to the host communities, and live in peace and harmony with the civilian population in the local government area,” the Governor added.
In his remark,  the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral, Emmanuel Ogalla, expressed gratitude to the Governor for the continuous support and partnership of the Rivers State Government with the Navy.
Taneh Beemene
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Constitution Amendment: Senator Barau Urges Stakeholders’ Collaboration

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5 days ago

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April 29, 2024

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Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution, Senator Barau Jibrin, has called for robust collaboration among all stakeholders to drive the ongoing constitution amendment process to a successful conclusion.
Senator Barau stated this on Saturday at the joint retreat of the secretariat and consultants to the Senate and House of Representatives committees on the review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, in Abuja.
He commended the synergy between the constitution review secretariat and consultants to the Senate and House of Representatives committees, saying this will create harmony in the workings of both committees.
Senator Barau assured that the National Assembly will carry out the review of the constitution by a thorough aggregation of the yearnings of Nigerians from all walks of life through public hearings and collection of memoranda from various interests throughout the country, as well as embarking on a progressive engagement with state governments and legislatures and the federal government to achieve consensus on all issues.
“We must work together. Our country is facing a lot of challenges and this is the right time to fashion out a constitution that will go in line with the wishes and aspirations of the people of this country.
“The world is dynamic and this compels all serious countries to go with modernity and fashion their laws in accordance with contemporary happenings within their peculiarities.
“We have started on a progressive note of collaboration and let us add momentum to this very important collaboration within our ranks in order to achieve a result that will help in driving the process of making prospective peace, justice and fair play in the way we run our affairs as a nation,” he said.
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Makinde Hails Electorate, OYSIEC Over LG Poll Conduct 

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5 days ago

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April 29, 2024

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Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has applauded the residents of the state for turning out to vote in the ongoing local government election across the state.
The governor also rated the conduct of the election high, stating it compared favourably with elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The governor stated this on Saturday after casting his vote at Unit 1, Ward 011, Abayomi Open Space, Iwo Road, Ibadan North East LGA of Oyo State.
Addressing journalists after exercising his civic responsibility, Gov Makinde said, “For us in Oyo State, it is almost like a given that democracy at the grassroots is what we practise. This is almost our fifth year in office and we are holding local government election for the second time.
“Before we came in, it had always been caretaker administration at the grassroots without the people having a say in who should govern them.
“You can see around also that the people are going about, performing the exercise peacefully and the traffic restriction is being obeyed by the people. So, I will commend our people for coming out to take seriously democracy at that level.”
The governor, who noted that security report about the election had been excellent, also charged those who observed any untoward development to report same to the security agencies.
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