Since Tuesday, January 23, 2018, when former President Olusegun Obasanjo released to the Press, his 20-page Open Letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, where he advised Mr. President to jettison the temptations of contesting the 2019 Presidential Elections, mixed feelings have continued to trail that letter.
In Obasanjo’s Special Press Statement, purportedly the 7th in series to Nigerian Presidents, he advised that President Buhari, in 2019, shouldn’t recontest but “join the stock of Nigerian leaders whose experience, influence, wisdom and outreach can be deployed on the side line for the good of the country.”
OBASANJO’S MAJOR REASONS
Obasanjo cited the following reasons for President Buhari not to recontest the Presidential Elections in 2019:
1. Buhari’s Failing Health
2. Insecurity/Herdsmen Menace
3. Poverty and Unbearable Socio-economic Situation
4. Poor Economic Management
5. Passing of Buck
6. Nepotism
7. Condoning Misdeeds and Corruption of close allies etc.
OBASANJO’S LETTER WRITING SKILLS SINCE 1983
Recall that Obasanjo in September 1983 wrote Civilian President Shehu Shagari and in December 1983, Shagari was ousted in a military coup.
Sometime in June 1985, he wrote Military Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and in August 1985, Buhari was ousted in a military putsch.
Obasanjo also wrote Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babaginda (IBB) and in 1993, IBB was forced to resign back to his Minna countryhome.
Obasanjo was critical of the General Sanni Abacha military regime and also wrote him, Abacha jailed him, and in 1998, Abacha was called to eternal glory.
Obasanjo was critical of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2009, and Yar’Adua was called to eternal glory.
Obasanjo wrote an 18-page Open Letter to President Goodluck Jonathan in December 2013 entitled, “BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE,” and in May 2015, Jonathan handed-over to an opposition party’s candidate, the first of its kind in Nigeria, and worthy of emulation.
Recently, on Tuesday, January 23, 2018, Obasanjo had written President Muhammadu Buhari in another 20-page letter entitled, “THE WAY OUT: A CLARION CALL FOR COALITION FOR NIGERIA MOVEMENT.”
LAI MOHAMMED’S DIPLOMATIC BUT DODGY RESPONSE
Following Obasanjo’s Letter, the Minister of Information, our own Alhaji Lai Mohammed, had responded on behalf of the Presidency, on Wednesday, January 24, 2018.
He listed the Achievements of the Buhari administration among which he said are:
1. Foreign Reserves peaked at $40b in about four years
2. Inflation fallen for 11 consecutive months, standing at 15.37% as at Dec. 2017.
3. Some N108 billion saved through Treasury Single Account, TSA, with N24.7 billion saved monthly.
4. N120billion saved through elimination of Ghost Workers.
5. Nigeria rose 24 places on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business ranking.
6. JAMB remitted N7.8 billion to the coffers of the federal government in 2016.
7. Rice farmers increased from 6 million to 12 million farmers through Anchor Borrowers’ programme making rice import from Thailand drop from 644 metric tonnes to 22,000 MT.
8. Nigeria accounts for 70% of the world’s yam production.
9. 5.2 million primary school children in 28,249 schools in 19 states are being fed daily.
10. 200,000 unemployed graduates have enlisted into the N-power Job Scheme.
11. Power Generation at 7,000mw.
MY TAKE-HOME
Without mincing words, it can’t be said that the Buhari’s administration is a TOTAL FAILURE. It’s an academic discourse to say any leadership of the country since 1960 till date, is a TOTAL FAILURE, not even the Jonathan administration which was the most criticised in this nation’s history.
As one who has covered press conferences addressed by Alhaji Lai Mohammed in the past, I must say that the press statement read by him on Wednesday, in Abuja, had a diplomatic tone, but was dodgy and nicodemusly a sneer at the messenger (Obasanjo).
Throughout the reading out of the press statement, unlike the Alhaji Lai Mohammed I know and have covered in the past, he was so Ashamed to look into the tv and still cameras or the faces of the Pressmen he was addressing. Rather, he stayed eyes glued at his paper. Perhaps he must have been soliloquizing that he was lying to himself.
The indices and statistics reeled out by Alhaji Lai Mohammed don’t show in the current Socio-economic realities across the country.
The statement was dodgy. The more it tried to tackle the seven major issues raised by Obasanjo, the dodgy it sounded.
Saying Obasanjo may be too busy to notice the economic achievements of the Buhari administration is nicodemusly sneering at the former President, as if he (Obasanjo) was a globetrotter who do not live in Nigeria or have poor relations who buy from the Nigerian markets.
1. Buhari’s Failing Health: Alhaji Lai Mohammed failed to tackle this issue in his press statement. He failed to tell Nigerians if Buhari’s old age and failing health can carry him or allow him tackle the enormous challenges of governance confronting Nigeria. 2015 till date tells us more. Needless over flogging the dead horse.
2. Insecurity/Herdsmen Menace: Alhaji Lai Mohammed also failed to convince us on what the Buhari administration is doing to tackle this issue of armed Fulani Herdsmen menace who have been running over, burning down and killing innocent men, women and children in sleepy villages, particularly in Southern Kaduna, Benue, Taraba, Plateau, Kogi, Nasarawa, Enugu etc.
3. Poverty and Unbearable Socio-economic Situation: All the indices reeled out by Alhaji Lai Mohammed you would all agree don’t show in the lives and standards of living of average Nigerians since 2015. The prices of essential goods and services have skyrocketed steeply. A bag of rice which sold for N7,500 in 2014 now sells for N14,500 as I write.
Petrol pump price which in 2015 officially sold for N87/litre and N100 at the Black Market, now officially sells for N145/litre and N200/litre at the Black Market as I write.
When former President Jonathan reduced petrol pump price from N97/litre to N87/litre in 2014, Alhaji Lai Mohammed told the world it was “MERE TOKENISM,” as oil price had globally crashed to $50/barrel.
Laughable as it was, reacting on behalf of the then opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed had said in a statement that the new price of petrol was “mere tokenism at a time the price of crude oil has crashed by about 60 percent.”
The APC had urged the Jonathan government to immediately cut the price of petrol to N70/litre.
Recall that Buhari’s man-Friday and former Minister of Petroleum under Buhari 1983-1985, Prof. Tam David-West, had during the campaign era in 2015 vowed that under Buhari’s Presidency, petrol would sell for N40/litre.
What’s happening today? Nigerians are paying through their noses just to get Petrol. Even with their money, they still can’t get the essential product with ease. I weep for Nigerians.
What of the Exchange Rate? In 2015, the U.S. Dollar officially exchanged for N197/$1. Now it exchanges at N305/$1 and N364/$1 at the Black Market as I write. President Buhari during campaign had purportedly promised to make $1 to exchange at N1. Where are we today, despite claims of an increased Foreign Reserves. I weep for Nigeria.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, over 16million Nigerians have lost their jobs since 2015. Banks and many companies have continued to downsize their staff strength. Many a companies and Media Organisations can no longer pay staff salaries, allowances, pensions and gratuities. As I write, most Media Organisations are owing their staff for over 7 months. A lot of businesses have closed shops.
What this means is that the claim by Alhaji Lai Mohammed that Nigeria under Buhari moved 24 places up the ladder in Ease of Doing Business is only on paper.
These are the Top 10 Indicators used in rating the Ease of Doing Business in Sub-Saharan Africa and Globally:
1. Starting a Business
2. Dealing with Construction Permits
3. Getting Electricity
4. Registering Property
5. Getting Credit
6. Protecting Minority Investors
7. Paying Taxes
8. Trading across Borders
9. Enforcing Contracts
10. Resolving Insolvency.
Quite unfortunately, Nigeria is no where among the top 10 in Sub-Saharan Africa, despite having the largest market. The so-called giant of Africa is no where found in the comity of over 46 Sub-Saharan African nations in the Ease of Doing Business (2015-2016).
Smaller nations like Mauritius, Rwanda, Kenya, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, Seychelles, Lesotho, Namibia, Malawi, Swaziland, Ghana, Uganda, Cape Verde, Tanzania, Mozambique, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Mali, Niger and 13 others outpace Nigeria in the Ease of Doing Business in Sub-Saharan Africa.
That smaller African nations as captured above have outpaced Nigeria in the Ease of Doing Business should really throw us all into sober reflections, particularly, ahead of 2019. I weep for this nation.
Even the rich have also been crying over the current socio-economic realities. Need I over-flog this issue?
4. Poor Economic Management: Look, not only did Nigeria get into Recession in 2016, we also got into Depression. Why did it take Buhari over six months to form a cabinet and economic team? President George Weah of Liberia just recently sworn-in, hit the ground running within 24 hours by forming his cabinet. This is purposeful leadership.
When concerned Nigerians asked Buhari in 2015 to form his cabinet as soon as possible as the future is bleak, they were called Wailing Wailers. At a point, Buhari said Ministers were Noise Makers that the actual jobs in Ministries are done by Permanent Secretaries. Even when he finally formed his cabinet six months after, he surrounded himself with self-serving politicians and poster boys for corruption. Needless mentioning names. But how far today? I weep for Nigeria.
5. Passing of Buck: President Buhari has never taken charge of his gaffes, flip-flops and misgovernance. He has always blamed past administrations, anybody but not him. No true leader does that. President Buhari, after two years recently appointed over 9 dead persons into boards of parastatals and agencies. As usual, he blamed it on others not him. This is Rudderlessness of the highest order. I weep for Nigeria.
6. Nepotism: In 2015, President Buhari formed his kitchen cabinet with Northernerns- his kinsmen occupying almost all positions. He appointed Service Chiefs, same lane of Nepotism was trailed. He made other appointments tilted towards a Northernisation Agenda. The entire security aparati of a secular country like Nigeria is all North, yet Buhari never budged despite the outcry by many a concerned Nigerians. I weep for Nigeria. Little wonder the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB can be tagged a Terrorist Group, but the Murderous Fulani Herdsmen under the umbrella of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, are not Terrorists and are untouchable. NEPOTISM is the cause of this tragedy. I weep for Nigeria.
7. Condoning Misdeeds and Corruption of close allies: Obasanjo, like many of us had done in the past, even dating back 2015, raised the issue of Buhari condoning the misdeeds and corruption of his allies.
By and large, Alhaji Lai Mohammed unfortunately dodged all these pertinent issues raised by Obasanjo in his Open Letter. I now ask, who is deceiving who?
Well, for time constraint here is the link of my views about these issues as I shared on TVC News at 10.00am on Thursday, January 25, 2018.
Emotions ran high as the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, was laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, on Friday.
The ceremony brought together family, colleagues, and dignitaries to bid a final farewell to the late army chief.
The grief-stricken family members and colleagues struggled to contain their tears.
Even the nose mask worn by his widow, Mariya, couldn’t conceal the steady stream of tears that dropped from her eyes.
The procession began at precisely 3:00 p.m. when Lagbaja’s remains arrived at the cemetery.
President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, each took turns laying wreaths at the grave.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Defence Staff, Musa, assured Nigerians that Lagbaja’s death would inspire the military to defeat the nation’s enemies wherever they may be.
Musa stated that the military took solace in the fact that the late army chief lived a purposeful life, urging the troops to honour his memory by committing themselves to the ideals he stood for.
Musa said, “We will not leave you alone. We know your loss is immeasurable, but please take solace in knowing that he lived a life of purpose and left behind a legacy that will never fade. To my fellow officers and men, let us use this moment to recommit ourselves to the ideas for which General Labaja stood for.
“Let us ensure that his sacrifice and service continue to guide our steps as we defend this great nation. We are going to use his passing away to resolve further to defeat all enemies of the state, wherever they are, whether within or outside. As we lower him today into the embrace of the earth, let us raise our voices in prayer and gratitude for a life well lived. “
Reflecting on Lagbaja’s tenure, Musa noted that he took bold and decisive actions against terrorists, bandits, and other threats.
He said, “His tenure was marked by decisive actions against insurgency, banditry, and other threats to our nation’s peace. His efforts significantly enhanced the operational readiness and the morale of the Nigerian Army. But beyond his professional achievement, General Labaja was a man of profound faith, kindness, and humility.
“His commitment to safeguarding our nation’s sovereignty and ensuring the security of our citizens was unwavering. From his early days as a young officer to his ascension to the esteemed office of the Chief of Army Staff, General Lagbaja consistently demonstrated a rare blend of intellect, bravery, and humanity. He understood the complexities of modern warfare and the need for innovation in our strategies.
“Yet, he never lost sight of the human element, the men and women who serve under the flag and the citizens whose freedom they defend.
In his remarks, the Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, said Lagbaja embodied the core values of soldiering and served Nigeria without reservation for over 30 years.
Badaru said the late army chief was not only courageous but also an inspiring leader who lived from the front, exemplifying his tedious dedication to the service of the nation.
At the event, Tinubu conferred a posthumous national honour, Commander of the Federal Republic, on Lagbaja.
Tinubu said the conferment was to appreciate Lagbaja’s service to the nation.
The President described Lagbaja as one of his best appointees.
He said, “Lagabaja was a true soldier, a general and officer who symbolised the best of his profession and whose commitment to the nation he loved was singular and undiluted.
“He was more than I could have hoped for. He was one of my best appointments. Lieutenant General Lagbaja embodied the finest ideas of a patriot and a soldier. He had an abiding faith in the capability and readiness of our armed forces to save and keep us”.
Tinubu described Lagbaja as a trusted advisor, adding that he was a man of prudent action who cared about the nation and the men who served under him.
“He displayed uncommon valor in the charge of his duty and the administration of the rank and file for he cared about their welfare and that of their families.
“For me, he was a trusted advisor whose formidable intellect and breadth of knowledge served this nation well,” he added.
How My South African Partner Duped Me Of $3.5 Million— Murray-Bruce
The founder of the Silverbird Group, Ben Murray-Bruce, has narrated how his South African partner defrauded him of $3.5 million on the purchase of a cinema complex in Kenya.
Though he did not mention his partner’s name, he recalled that by making a bank transfer of the said sum, the South African registered the business in his name.
The former Senator representing Bayelsa East Senatorial District stated this during the fourth edition of the Peace Anyiam-Osigwe Nigeria Digital Content Regulation Conference, held in Victoria Island, Lagos State, on Thursday.
He said, “I was called to buy a cinema complex in Kenya for $3.5 million. I transferred the money and my South African partner registered it in his name. That was how I lost that huge investment.
“I have a studio in Los Angeles and I am battling with litigation with one of the most prominent actors in Hollywood.”
The media business mogul expressed his interest in movie production, adding that while he’s currently working on a movie script, the movie would address fundamental issues in society.
He stressed the significance of promoting creativity as he recalled that some time ago, while he went to the Ajegunle part of Lagos, he saw some kids fighting.
Murray-Bruce noted that the kids — “future leaders” were “learning how to be tough. But some people see them as crooks. Leaders of entertainment in the US today were born in their Ajegunle.
“The entertainment industry is a very successful one. In all the things I have done, I have never made one move about movie making but now, I will. I am working on a script and I know we will get it right. We will deal with fundamental issues.”
The death of Anyiam-Osigwe, a prominent Nigerian filmmaker and founder of the African Movie Academy Awards, was announced on January 10, 2023.
The former lawmaker also paid tribute to the late Anyiam-Osigwe, recalling how she used to visit him in his house on her bicycle.
“Peace came to my house one day and asked me why I abandoned entertainment and became a politician. I have known her since she was six years old. She used to come to our house on her bicycle. Her brothers also used to come riding theirs,” he said.
“If You Don’t Like the Life You’re Living, Change It” By Prudent Ludidi
Let’s talk about a simple yet powerful truth, if you don’t like the life you’re living, change it.
These five words hold the key to unlocking a happy and fulfilled life.
But how often do we forget that we have the power to create the life we want?
We get stuck in routines, relationships, and careers that drain our energy and dull our spark. We convince ourselves that this is just the way life is supposed to be. That we’re supposed to struggle, stress, and settle. But I’m here to tell you that’s not true. You have the power to change your life.
Think about it. You wake up every morning with a choice. A choice to stay in bed or get up and start anew. A choice to complain about your circumstances or take action to change them. A choice to let fear hold you back or push past it and take a leap of faith.
But change can be scary. It’s uncomfortable. It’s uncertain. And that’s exactly why most people don’t do it. They’d rather stick with what they know, even if it’s not working, than risk the unknown. But I ask you, what’s the cost of staying stuck? What’s the cost of living a life that doesn’t align with your values, passions, and dreams?
The truth is, you have the power to create the life you want. You have the power to pursue your passions, nurture meaningful relationships, and live a life that truly reflects who you are. So, what’s holding you back? Is it fear? Doubt? Comfort? Whatever it is, let me tell you, it’s not worth it.
You deserve to live a life that makes you feel alive. A life that makes you feel proud. A life that makes you feel fulfilled. So, take the first step today. Take a deep breath, let go of your fears, and start creating the life you want.
Start small. Make one change. Take one risk. Have one conversation. And watch how your life begins to shift. Watch how your confidence grows. Watch how your happiness increases.
Remember, if you don’t like the life you’re living, change it. You have the power. You have the strength. And you have the resilience. So, go out there and create the life you deserve!
Business6 months ago
society6 months ago
society6 months ago
Politics6 months ago
You must be logged in to post a comment Login