Ekiti state government has reacted to the incessant cases of kidnapping in the state by preparing a legal framework under which kidnappers would be sentenced to life imprisonment. A statement in Ado-Ekiti today by Idowu Adelusi, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Peter Ayodele Feyose, said that the decision was part of the resolutions arrived at yesterday at the State Executive Council meeting presided over by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kolapo Olusola. Commenting, the Commissioner for Justice, Owoseni Ajayi, said that the proposed law would help stem the tide of abductions and kidnappings that rocked the state few months ago. It was also agreed that all moveable properties used by the abductors would be confiscated by the state government. [myad]
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is planning to auction N814.78 billion in Treasury bills between September 17 and December 3 this year. According to the bank’s data released today, CBN said that it will auction N215.14 billion worth of the 3-month paper, N193.64 billion in the 6-month debt and N406 billion worth of 1-year paper. It said that the total debt proposed for the fourth quarter would be 6.66 per cent short of the N872.96 billion raised earlier in the year. [myad]
The security officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has claimed to have prevented a suspect from smuggling out the sum of 271.14 Million Dollars (about N54.35 billion) through the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos. The FAAN Deputy General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Onyekwere , in a statement in Lagos said that the money was found on a cleaner which the suspect, whose name he did not mention, attached to one of the cleaning contractors at the airport. The statement said that the FAAN official apprehended the suspect during a pat down at one of the screening points at ‘D’ Finger of the international terminal. According to it, some of the foreign currency was found on the suspect while the remaining amount was found in the sanitary bucket which he was trying to pass through screening. The statement said that the cleaner was trying to convey the foreign currency to an accomplice at the sterile area of the terminal. It said that the suspect was immediately handed over to the appropriate security agencies at the airport for further investigation.
About Forty-eight hours after a 40-foot container truck fell off the Ojuelegba Bridge along Funsho Williams Avenue in Lagos, killing three persons, another truck with a Lagos licence number plate , JJJ-933 XA, has fell today on the Ikorodu-Sagamu Expressway, at Winners Bus Stop, located between Lagos State Polytechnic and Jubilee Estate in Ikorodu. Reports say that there was no life lost in today’s accident which occurred when the truck was said to be ascending a hill en-route Lagos road, Ikorodu and the driver lost control and fell on its side. It fell across the entire breadth of the dual carriage way and prevented both motorists and other vehicles from using the major road. An eyewitness, simply identified as Kabiru, who lives few meters away from the scene, said “the accident happened at about 2.30 a.m. “We heard a loud noise and when we came to the scene, we saw that it was a container truck that had fallen. “We didn’t see the driver of the truck by the time we arrived.” A resident of the area, Mrs. Chioma Amadi said that such accidents are regular in that area, saying that a similar fatal accident happened there about four years ago which claimed the life of a polytechnic lecturer’s pregnant wife. “Incidents of fallen containerised -trucks and petrol tankers are a regular occurrence here, especially because of the many companies and industries that are sited between Lagos and Sagamu in Ogun. “The trucks are either owned by some of the companies or their contractors. “Imagine if such a loaded truck falls on someone’s car, it will take the grace of God for the occupants to survive it and be alive. “On Wednesday, it was at Ojuelegba, today it is here in Ikorodu. Imagine the thousands of people who ply this road daily and each time an accident occurs, the entire road becomes impassable. “Think of the ripple economic effect of the delays this will cause, people are stranded, businesses suffer and money is lost. “The Lagos State Government should find a lasting solution as well as penalise owners of such trucks.” An official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency,(LASTMA) who did not want to be named, said the authorities are doing do everything to ensure that impatient and indiscipline motorists don’t cause further chaos. [myad]
No fewer than 12 wives of Boko Haram militants have been reportedly surrendered to members of Civilian JTF in Borno state as a result hunger and deprivation from their husbands who abandoned them in the bush.
according to the leader of vigilante in Mussa District of Askira-Uba local government area of Borno state, Mr. Apagu Istifanus, among the wives of Boko Haram members who have surrendered are two pregnant women who complained that their husbands left as a result of lack of food and fuel supply.
“On Monday, four of them came to Askira after thorough investigation, they told us that their husbands could no longer feed them and that they are many in the bush but more were still coming. The women have been taken to Biu town for more information.
”Yesterday at about 4 pm another eight surfaced again, two of them several months pregnant. Their husbands had left them and their children at Ngude village in Damboa local government area. But we have handed them over to the military. They have moved them to Mubi,” Apagu said.
Apagu commended Nigerian troops for cutting the supply of foods and fuel to the militants which he said has weakened the militants in the recent months. [myad]
There was no doubt that the much touted breath of fresh air under the immediate past government of former President Goodluck Jonathan was a farce. Very few people around the globe were therefore, not surprised at the passion and commitment With which Nigerians mobilized to get rid of a government that was mostly useless in its dealing with those they were elected to serve. Impunity and corruption sat side by side as co-heirs of the kingdom of Nigeria, battling for the souls and minds of Nigeria and Nigerians. Still, some expressed pessimism, concern and even doubt that Nigeria would ever see the sun rise ever again. The thought of “change” from what has set Nigeria decades back, propelled many Nigerians to join the party, “Anything But Jonathan” ABJ. These joined forces with the then opposition party, All Progressives Congress, APC to wrestle political power and for many, freedom, from a government and a political cult that has punished Nigerians for sixteen years and had progressively got removed from the reality that suffering and hardship were now solidly enthroned in the lives of ordinary Nigerians. Today, Nigerians now have cause to smile and why not! It’s only 100 days since Muhammadu Buhari and Yemi Osinbajo took the oath of office as President and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, respectively, and things are looking up. While the news that many Nigerians were owed salaries, in some cases up to eight months made the rounds, former Pres. Jonathan was more concerned about moving stolen loot across the nation aimed at buying his way to continue to lord it over us. But in came President Buhari who has a heart. He sprung into action and mobilized funds to support relevant states to pay owed salaries so the affected workers can resume their normal lives of providing for their suffering families. Straight away, many Nigerians began to report an improvement in the electric power supply to their homes and businesses. Generating sets are resting, there is less noise pollution and longer food life in our refrigerators! Heaven is here. There was no evidence that the President nor his Vice, had any meeting until recently with the energy brokers in our nation. Even the legal Eagle and advocate, Chief Femi Falana was impressed at the wonders of the body language of our President, a man of integrity known for his hard work and anti corruption stance. President Buhari’s body language continues to work wonders for Nigerians. Abandoned projects ranging from traffic lights to refineries that had been fully or partially paid for and abandon, suddenly had workmen, toiling night and day to deliver. That’s how two of our refineries came back from the dead. Although not in full capacity refining, it has made a great difference in the lives of ordinary Nigerians contributing greatly to the disappearance of long queues at our Petrol stations. Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command Spokesperson, Thelma Williams, said that it earned over N5.209 billion in July 2015. She added that it’s the highest revenue ever collected by the unit since inception. Still on body language of President Buhari, the moribund EFCC suddenly sprang to live. Cashing in on their new found liberty, they courageously went after alleged looters, their sons and even the wife of a sacred cow. These are not new cases but cases that had been buried under impunity and lawlessness for years in the corruption-laden administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. Corruption is seen by many Nigerians as the main reason why they remain poor in a country that has earned nation-transforming amount of dollars over the last few years. How delighted were Nigerians when President Buhari ordered the probing of both obvious and hidden looting spree that was the hallmark of the immediate past government. The outrage that followed the suggestion by a Peace Committee member, Bishop Matthew Kukah that the probe was unnecessary was all that President Buhari needed to confirm that Nigerians are in love with his actions so far. He deserves such outpouring of love and support as he daily proves to Nigerians that all his actions are in their interests. But by and large, the support for the leadership of President Buhari, continues to grow even in the most unusual sections of Nigeria. The South South of Nigeria, the hitherto stronghold of former President Joanathan and his PDP, has fallen in love with the responsible leadership that President Buhari has shown towards them. The ordered cleaning of Ogoniland, an area deemed barely habitable, due to years of environmental pollution abuse and degradation, is a ready clincher. For this singular act, not only are the people of the South South delighted, Nigerians and the international community have hailed the order. Again, the late Ogoni hero, Ken Saro Wiwa would smile on Nigeria while wondering why Goodluck Jonathan and Ken Saro Wiwa (Jnr.) his son, betrayed his ideals for as long as they did. Continuing on the South South, the ex militants who are undergoing different courses and trainings under the rehabilitation agreement the Yar Adua led federal government signed, have been stranded as a result of non payment of their fees and allowances. President Buhari is dealing with this issue inherited from a President of south south origin. The lesson here, is that its not about where the President comes from, but about responsible and conscientious leadership, willing and able to act in the interests of all Nigerians. The people of the South South and many other Nigerians have learned this valuable lesson, a positive gain under the exemplary leadership of President Buhari. The issues that the president has given priorities are those that are at the heart of the needs of the ordinary Nigerians – Security and Corruption. The Nigerian elites could afford to hire security guards and in the recent past, rent the Nigerian Police and even the army. So it’s the ordinary Nigerian that bears the brunt of the insecurity in our nation. They are the ones who use public transportation and oftentimes, the targets of insurgents. Is there any wonder the President is leaving no stones unturned to bring the insurgencies and other security issues that have bedevilled the nation to a quick end? He sought sub regional and international collaboration. The DSS has a new committed leader while the High Military Command has relocated to the North East in line with the instruction of the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Mohammadu Buhari. The elites, political elites sat on and looted the commonwealth of Nigerians. Any wonder the ordinary Nigerian is clamouring for and applauding the anti corruption war President Buhari is waging in our nation! The mess of yesteryears is being cleaned. Looting holes are being plugged and new and solid foundation is being constructed on which solid and viable structure for sustainable development will be built. Nigerians have never had it so slow. But they have never had it so good either. Job creation especially for our teaming jobless youth has also taken centre stage. 10,000 jobs are imminent in the Police. The relationship between President Buhari and the Nigerian people is that of mutual love and respect. He is not only working in the best interest of Nigerians, he is supporting them, in their clamour for the reduction of the obscene amount the Nigerian Legislators take home In the last 100 days, we have seen how President Buhari began to extricate religion from the affairs of state as the federal government under made it clear it will not be sponsoring Nigerian pilgrims to Mecca, Jerusalem, Rome or anywhere else. We have seen this example of positive leadership by Buhari, emulated by state executives, some of who are not even APC governors. Following on Pres. Buhari’s example, the governor of Anambra state Gov. Obiano, among others, told his state’s Pilgrims Board that the state government will not be sponsoring pilgrims to fulfill their personal religious obligations. But the greatest gain of these 100 days of President Buhari is the restored confidence in governance, pride of being Nigerians and renewed hope. Again, many Nigerians now understand what Good Governance really is. They care more about its delivery than the tribe of who is appointed to deliver it. This is informed by the knowledge that under a Buhari presidency, all public and political appointees, will serve all Nigerians and not the section of Nigeria they represent. With many more positions to be filled, it’s still early days, in my myopic and biased opinion, to conclude that the appointments under this administration is skewed to favour any section of the country. As we are not clones of each other, there are bound to be some dissenting voices. What is certain is that early indications suggest that President Buhari is serious about fixing the problems that have kept Nigerians on their knees. Caring and supporting Nigerians is at the heart of the agenda of this administration. We have seen plans to project our nation positively to the outside world. We are seeing signs that Nigerians will be lifted out of extreme poverty. There are early indications that minority ethnic groups will be given a sense of belonging in their nation. We must all support the efforts of this well-meaning government. That’s how we can build a nation we all can be proud of.
Lauretta Onochie can be reached on @Laurestar and www.laurestar.com. [myad]
President Muhammadu Buhari, for all the services he had rendered to Nigeria, spanning military, ministerial position and others, prior to being sworn in on May 29 this year, had less than N30 million in his name with only one account in the Union Bank. President Buhari had no foreign account, no factory, no enterprises, no registered company and no oil wells. In the asset declaration documents submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), which the senior special assistant to the President on media and publicity, Garba Shehu made available to newsmen, showed that the retired General has been living an austere and Spartan lifestyle, “contrary to what many might expect of a former Head of State of Nigeria and one who has held a number of top government positions, such as governor, Minister of petroleum and the head of the Petroleum Development Trust Fund (PTDF).” According to Garba Shehu, the documents submitted to the CCB, which are still being vetted and will soon be made public, indicated that Buhari declared that he had shares in Berger Paints, Union Bank and Skye Bank. “This is entirely unlike what one might expect from a former head of state of a country like Nigeria,” a source who was given the document to handle said. “The documents also revealed that President Buhari had a total of five homes, and two mud houses in Daura. “He had two homes in Kaduna, one each in Kano, Daura and in Abuja. One of the mud houses in Daura was inherited from his late older sister, another from his late father. He borrowed money from the old Barclays Bank to build two of his homes. “President Buhari also has two undeveloped plots of land, one in Kano and the other in Port Harcourt. He is still trying to trace the location of the Port Harcourt land. “In addition to the homes in Daura, he has farms, an orchard and a ranch. The total number of his holdings in the farm include 270 heads of cattle, 25 sheep, five horses, a variety of birds and a number of economic trees. “The documents also showed that the retired General uses a number of cars, two of which he bought from his savings and the others supplied to him by the federal government in his capacity as former Head of State. The rest were donated to him by well-wishers after his jeep was damaged in a Boko Haram bomb attack on his convoy in July 2014.” The statement also said that the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) also submitted similar documents which showed that he has been a successful lawyer before his foray into politics even as he declared a bank balance of about N94 million and 900,000 United States Dollars in his bank accounts. “As revealed by the same forms, highlights of the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo’s asset declaration include his 4-bedroom residence at Victoria Garden City, Lagos and a 3-bedroom flat at 2 Mosley Road, Ikoyi. The Vice President also has a 2-bedroom flat at the popular Redemption Camp along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and a 2-bedroom mortgaged property in Bedford, England. Aside from these, the Vice President has no other landed properties on the form. “Apart from his law firm, known as SimmonsCooper, the Vice-President also declared shareholding in six private companies based in Lagos, including Octogenerium Ltd., Windsor Grant Ltd., Tarapolsa, Vistorion Ltd., Aviva Ltd. and MTN Nigeria. “According to details shown on the form, the Vice-President has about ninety four million naira, nine hundred thousand US dollars and nineteen thousand pounds in Nigerian Banks with the foreign currencies kept in local domiciliary accounts. His personal vehicles are one Infinity 4-Wheel Drive SUV, one Mercedes Benz and a Prado Jeep.” Garba Shehu assured that as soon as the CCB is through with the process, the documents will be released to the Nigerian public and people can see for themselves. [myad]
Former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has described the Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka as ignorant and mischievous. He was reacting to the Soyinka’s verbal attack against him over the status of the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, Osogbo..
Oyinlola said that he was surprised that Soyinka was fighting over a centre, whose creation he opposed in 2008, adding: “there is a sense in which one can excuse his outburst because it seems he does not understand the mechanism that established the institute.
“He is simply ignorant. He is talking as if the centre is just an Osun thing, whereas its status is that of a trust in which Osun State is a major stakeholder just as the Federal Republic of Nigeria and UNESCO are.
“That is why, on the board, each of these stakeholders has a representative. The Federal Ministry of Culture is representing the Federal Government. Osun is represented by the state’s Ministry of Culture. Prof. Peter Okebukola is on the board, representing the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta while the late Uli Beier family is also represented. So, how can an individual or a party claim ownership of such a centre?
“But we know that beyond ignorance, Soyinka is also being mischievous. Someone of his status should know the facts. He also ought to know that all he is doing is medicine after death and it ought to be a matter of shame because he opposed the establishment of the CIBU when we were struggling to get UNESCO approval.” [myad]
A lady who has been practicing as medical doctor with alleged forged Degree certificate, Angela Nwosu Njide, has been picked up and handed to police by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
Angela was picked up from Rauz Hospital located in Apo, Abuja where she was practicing the medical profession after she was said to have earlier worked as a doctor for years in many public and private health centres with forged documents
According to reports, Angela, who is in her 30’s, was said to have confessed to have worked in the British American Tobacco (BAT) clinic, Ibadan, the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) before joining Rauz Hospital, Apo, where she was finally arrested.
She claimed to have graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) Medical College in 2005 and that she had her houseman-ship programme at the teaching hospital in Nsukka.
The Head of Department of the Inspectorate Unit of the MDCN, Dr. Henry Okwuokenye, who carried out the arrest, said that the self-acclaimed doctor was asked series of questions but failed the very simple questions any medical student is expected to know.
“The fake doctor’s ordeal began more than a year ago when she went to Oyo State to register for her license to practice at the Ministry of Health under the Oyo State Director, Medical Services.
“Following the refusal of the Oyo State Ministry of Health to register her, she was said to have relocated to Abuja, and audaciously went on her own to the MDCN to register for her license,” Okwuokenye said.
“She came to the council to apply for a new folio number, unique to every practicing doctor in Nigeria, in attempt to get full registration.
“We checked and she was not on the list. She claimed to have graduated from UNN, but we went to verify and we discovered she lied. As at this time, she was on the run.”
Okwuokenye said that the impostor had been dodging arrest for more than one year now and the council had been on her tail.
Angela was reportedly arrested on the first day of her new job, which reports say was worth N280, 000 monthly, at a newly opened private hospital in Bwari Area Council in Abuja after her new employees demanded MDCN to verify its new staff doctors. The Ministry officials, however, became suspicious of her qualifications and undoubtedly verified the authenticity of her claims.
Okwuokenye disclosed that the Council, until a few days before her arrest, didn’t have the faintest idea she was working with Rauz Hospital, adding that it was a phantom interview the Council used as a quest to decoy her.
“She eventually fell victim to the bait at Dutse Alhaji in Bwari Municipal Council in FCT.”
Okwuokenye said that she has been handed over to the police. [myad]
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Buhari’s Presidency, The Signs Of Good Things To Come, By Lauretta Onochie
There was no doubt that the much touted breath of fresh air under the immediate past government of former President Goodluck Jonathan was a farce. Very few people around the globe were therefore, not surprised at the passion and commitment With which Nigerians mobilized to get rid of a government that was mostly useless in its dealing with those they were elected to serve. Impunity and corruption sat side by side as co-heirs of the kingdom of Nigeria, battling for the souls and minds of Nigeria and Nigerians.
Still, some expressed pessimism, concern and even doubt that Nigeria would ever see the sun rise ever again. The thought of “change” from what has set Nigeria decades back, propelled many Nigerians to join the party, “Anything But Jonathan” ABJ. These joined forces with the then opposition party, All Progressives Congress, APC to wrestle political power and for many, freedom, from a government and a political cult that has punished Nigerians for sixteen years and had progressively got removed from the reality that suffering and hardship were now solidly enthroned in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
Today, Nigerians now have cause to smile and why not! It’s only 100 days since Muhammadu Buhari and Yemi Osinbajo took the oath of office as President and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, respectively, and things are looking up.
While the news that many Nigerians were owed salaries, in some cases up to eight months made the rounds, former Pres. Jonathan was more concerned about moving stolen loot across the nation aimed at buying his way to continue to lord it over us. But in came President Buhari who has a heart. He sprung into action and mobilized funds to support relevant states to pay owed salaries so the affected workers can resume their normal lives of providing for their suffering families.
Straight away, many Nigerians began to report an improvement in the electric power supply to their homes and businesses. Generating sets are resting, there is less noise pollution and longer food life in our refrigerators! Heaven is here. There was no evidence that the President nor his Vice, had any meeting until recently with the energy brokers in our nation. Even the legal Eagle and advocate, Chief Femi Falana was impressed at the wonders of the body language of our President, a man of integrity known for his hard work and anti corruption stance.
President Buhari’s body language continues to work wonders for Nigerians. Abandoned projects ranging from traffic lights to refineries that had been fully or partially paid for and abandon, suddenly had workmen, toiling night and day to deliver. That’s how two of our refineries came back from the dead. Although not in full capacity refining, it has made a great difference in the lives of ordinary Nigerians contributing greatly to the disappearance of long queues at our Petrol stations.
Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command Spokesperson, Thelma Williams, said that it earned over N5.209 billion in July 2015. She added that it’s the highest revenue ever collected by the unit since inception.
Still on body language of President Buhari, the moribund EFCC suddenly sprang to live. Cashing in on their new found liberty, they courageously went after alleged looters, their sons and even the wife of a sacred cow. These are not new cases but cases that had been buried under impunity and lawlessness for years in the corruption-laden administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Corruption is seen by many Nigerians as the main reason why they remain poor in a country that has earned nation-transforming amount of dollars over the last few years. How delighted were Nigerians when President Buhari ordered the probing of both obvious and hidden looting spree that was the hallmark of the immediate past government. The outrage that followed the suggestion by a Peace Committee member, Bishop Matthew Kukah that the probe was unnecessary was all that President Buhari needed to confirm that Nigerians are in love with his actions so far. He deserves such outpouring of love and support as he daily proves to Nigerians that all his actions are in their interests.
But by and large, the support for the leadership of President Buhari, continues to grow even in the most unusual sections of Nigeria. The South South of Nigeria, the hitherto stronghold of former President Joanathan and his PDP, has fallen in love with the responsible leadership that President Buhari has shown towards them. The ordered cleaning of Ogoniland, an area deemed barely habitable, due to years of environmental pollution abuse and degradation, is a ready clincher. For this singular act, not only are the people of the South South delighted, Nigerians and the international community have hailed the order. Again, the late Ogoni hero, Ken Saro Wiwa would smile on Nigeria while wondering why Goodluck Jonathan and Ken Saro Wiwa (Jnr.) his son, betrayed his ideals for as long as they did.
Continuing on the South South, the ex militants who are undergoing different courses and trainings under the rehabilitation agreement the Yar Adua led federal government signed, have been stranded as a result of non payment of their fees and allowances. President Buhari is dealing with this issue inherited from a President of south south origin. The lesson here, is that its not about where the President comes from, but about responsible and conscientious leadership, willing and able to act in the interests of all Nigerians. The people of the South South and many other Nigerians have learned this valuable lesson, a positive gain under the exemplary leadership of President Buhari.
The issues that the president has given priorities are those that are at the heart of the needs of the ordinary Nigerians – Security and Corruption. The Nigerian elites could afford to hire security guards and in the recent past, rent the Nigerian Police and even the army. So it’s the ordinary Nigerian that bears the brunt of the insecurity in our nation. They are the ones who use public transportation and oftentimes, the targets of insurgents. Is there any wonder the President is leaving no stones unturned to bring the insurgencies and other security issues that have bedevilled the nation to a quick end? He sought sub regional and international collaboration. The DSS has a new committed leader while the High Military Command has relocated to the North East in line with the instruction of the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Mohammadu Buhari.
The elites, political elites sat on and looted the commonwealth of Nigerians. Any wonder the ordinary Nigerian is clamouring for and applauding the anti corruption war President Buhari is waging in our nation! The mess of yesteryears is being cleaned. Looting holes are being plugged and new and solid foundation is being constructed on which solid and viable structure for sustainable development will be built. Nigerians have never had it so slow. But they have never had it so good either.
Job creation especially for our teaming jobless youth has also taken centre stage. 10,000 jobs are imminent in the Police. The relationship between President Buhari and the Nigerian people is that of mutual love and respect. He is not only working in the best interest of Nigerians, he is supporting them, in their clamour for the reduction of the obscene amount the Nigerian Legislators take home
In the last 100 days, we have seen how President Buhari began to extricate religion from the affairs of state as the federal government under made it clear it will not be sponsoring Nigerian pilgrims to Mecca, Jerusalem, Rome or anywhere else. We have seen this example of positive leadership by Buhari, emulated by state executives, some of who are not even APC governors. Following on Pres. Buhari’s example, the governor of Anambra state Gov. Obiano, among others, told his state’s Pilgrims Board that the state government will not be sponsoring pilgrims to fulfill their personal religious obligations.
But the greatest gain of these 100 days of President Buhari is the restored confidence in governance, pride of being Nigerians and renewed hope. Again, many Nigerians now understand what Good Governance really is. They care more about its delivery than the tribe of who is appointed to deliver it. This is informed by the knowledge that under a Buhari presidency, all public and political appointees, will serve all Nigerians and not the section of Nigeria they represent. With many more positions to be filled, it’s still early days, in my myopic and biased opinion, to conclude that the appointments under this administration is skewed to favour any section of the country. As we are not clones of each other, there are bound to be some dissenting voices.
What is certain is that early indications suggest that President Buhari is serious about fixing the problems that have kept Nigerians on their knees. Caring and supporting Nigerians is at the heart of the agenda of this administration. We have seen plans to project our nation positively to the outside world. We are seeing signs that Nigerians will be lifted out of extreme poverty. There are early indications that minority ethnic groups will be given a sense of belonging in their nation. We must all support the efforts of this well-meaning government. That’s how we can build a nation we all can be proud of.
Lauretta Onochie can be reached on @Laurestar and www.laurestar.com. [myad]