Buhari: Another perspective

It will soon be one year since we witnessed a monumental change in Nigeria, following the election of Muhammadu Buhari as President. So far, he has recorded lots of accomplishments. However, typical of human beings, precisely Nigerians, some people are bitterly complaining that things are not moving! I strongly disagree with them because our President is working and has so far positively impacted in almost all the critical sectors that define a nation that hitherto lost its bearing.
Firstly, prior to the coming of President Muhammadu Buhari, insecurity had reached scaring and alarming proportion in Nigeria. We were losing lives every day and terrorism had become an obstacle to our entire progress. Our properties were plundered and looted by the hideous elements. Hostile raids were launched on our cities and villages by the notorious lots. Our highways became dangerous for motorists and travellers. Kidnapping became rampant and in full sway while robbers were going on in virtually all parts of the country. States like Borno, Yobe and Adamawa had become war zones. Indeed, the Boko Haram was a real menace to the whole nation. Criminal activities were in top gear during the previous years, but they have now drastically reduced.
We, the people of North-East, know this healthy development very well. This achievement is made possible by the Almighty Allah through our dauntless and dignified army. It’s therefore unfounded for some people to say things are not moving.
Secondly, during the previous administration, our troops had become a laughing stock. They were mocked worldwide. They were seen as cowards and easily intimidated, fleeing from their enemies at the slightest provocation, leaving their weapons behind. They could not surmount these destructive lots. They were always overpowered and defeated, as if they were just paper tigers or robots. Indeed it was a very disgraceful situation that embarrassed Nigerians seriously.
However, the trend has changed and our soldiers have regained their lost glory. Now, they are demonstrating and exhibiting courageous endurance. Today, they are a power to reckon with. Their audacity and braveness are clear. Everybody is happy with them, we are very proud to associate ourselves with them because we are kept abreast of their achievements. As a result of this, the miscreants Boko Haram are on the run. Evidently, they are now on the defensive because they’ve lost the stem to take over towns and villages at will. They have stopped crossing our highways to kill hundreds of motorists and travelers.
Before now, it was a great risk to pass through Maiduguri- Damaturu and other towns. But, this all important truck A’ road is now safe. Similarly, the most hazardous and dangerous Maiduguri – Damboa and Biu roads, which were closed for years as a result of Boko Haram atrocities, have been reopened for motorists. The people of Maiduguri city are no more living in fear. Damaturu, Gombe, Yola and Bauchi are secured and safe, no more sporadic explosions here and there. Big towns like Gwoza, Bama, Dambua, Gamboru and the rest have been fully liberated. Villagers have started going back to their homes after staying in camps for years. Most importantly, hundreds of the gruesome and horrendous Boko Haram elements are surrendering to our gallant troops. These are unparalleled achievements! What more do we need from our President and army?
Thirdly, I find complaints in on the President’s travels sickening. Why must he stay within the confines of the Aso Villa when the country is in ruins? I strongly believe that his journeys abroad are in the interest of our beloved country. In our world of today, no serious person can work in isolation. We are a global village and we need one another. Through e trips, he has achieved a lot for Nigeria: Our neighbours have buckled up to defeat Boko Haram; we now have sophisticated weapons to deal with Boko Haram and other criminals and our police are being equipped to restore civil order in our liberated communities.
America, Europe, Middle East and other parts of the world are now committed to assisting President Buhari to track down the malfeasants and looters of our funds, he is also securing financial assistance from the United Nations and other development partners for the IDPs. There are also indications that in the next couple of years, Nigeria would have nuclear power, a powerful form of energy that will enable economic diversification.
Of course, there are challenges confronting the oil sector, being perpetrated by a cabal of saboteurs  and unpatriotic Nigerians, who do not mean well for the country; who are busy hoarding and diverting the product with a view to create artificial scarcity. However, the President is confronting them well by fast tracking turnaround repairs of our refineries. And most importantly, the President has refused to bow to pressure by ensuring that official pump price of petroleum products are not altered.
Our internally displaced people are now getting attention from the government. If one compares their status during the last administration, the difference is clear in terms of humanitarian assistance. Construction of houses for the returnees is also now underway.
My message to President Buhari is that; you must not allow some people to stampede you and you must not be discouraged.
Prof Nguru is the Director/CEO, Nigeria Arabic Village Ngala, Borno State. +2348066163910