How is the journey so far?
Well, before analysing the 100 days, I will like to refresh our memories with what and where we were as at May 29th, 2015. President Buhari took over the mantle of leadership of Nigeria at a time when governance was reduced to its lowest ebb. The trust and responsibility vested with public office was abused to stupor and government treasury was emptied with impunity. In summary, the situation was in a complete mess. As a result of the decay in the system, it is only a competent mind with strong commitment that can articulate where to start to get it right. I am proud to say that within the first 100 days in office, Buhari meticulously studied the situation and identified methodology with which to approach it. At present, it is evident that there is a new life in governance and a growing confidence among the citizenry. The civil service has queued into the change mantra. The body language of Mr President has also sent the message that the era of ‘business as usual’ was over. Today, governance has been repositioned with high sense of responsibility. The principles of probity and accountability are being implanted in the system. If you look at the security situation, there is tremendous progress in the fight against terrorism in the North-east.
But we are still witnessing suicide bombings and other forms of attack on rural communities in the three states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa. What is your take on this?
As we all know, this is a six-year-old menace and what we have seen in the last 100 days is the decimation of the insurgency blocks in many places. The military had gallantly destroyed cells and a good number of bomb making factories. When you visit these states, you will appreciate the new zeal and strength in the security forces. You will also appreciate the growing peace and the thriving socio-economic activities in these areas. I think what is happening is that the leftover of the insurgents who are in disarray and fleeing are the ones who are carrying out suicide missions. But, above all, the end is definitely in sight.
There are allegations that the government is only favoured by the media and not much was achieved. What would you say on this?
It is no longer a secret that this administration has uncovered public funds running into hundreds of billions of naira allegedly stolen by people entrusted with public office. Government is working and making efforts to retrieve all monies that were unjustifiably taken away and would be used for infrastructural development. I also want you to look at the wonderful achievement recorded in Nigeria’s foreign relations. President Buhari has renewed relationships with the neighbouring countries of Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Benin Republic to enhance regional security as well as economic ties. The developed nations of the world invited Buhari to attend the G-7 summit in Germany just as president Obama specially invited Buhari to the White House for new and improved diplomatic ties. He was also made the Chairman of the African Union Security Council at the AU meeting in South Africa. This regional and international recognition have accorded Nigeria its rightful place in the comity of nations. Lest we forget, the moribund refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna have resumed refining of petroleum products. We have witnessed stability in supply and price of petrol.
We have also witnessed improvement in power supply.
