The Muhammadu Buhari administration was inaugurated on the 29th of May 2015, a period when global economy experienced challenges of considerable magnitude. Then, the price of crude oil was at its lowest ebb, insecurity at alarmingly high pedestal while national political tension was feverish.
It is unarguable that in the past one year, Buhari’s government has been surrounded by grim challenges that needs immediate attention, whereas, the resources to address them are not available. Nevertheless, the government took the bull by the horn and continued to forge ahead in the business of politics and economic development.
Predictably, but not surprisingly, the first prompt move he took that still generates tension, controversy and criticism is the fight against corruption. Nigerians perceived it differently: some argue that it is one sided, some Nigerians applaud it, the opposition sees it as witch-hunt - discordant voices.
Everyone is free to hold to a position but it is clear that since Buhari assumed office, corruption has been attacked from different perspectives. For instance, the audacity and impunity for corruption has been bruised, its eyes have become blurred, and it is presently limping and having constant stomach ache and back pain. It is believed that if Nigerians support the anti-corruption crusade, government will be able to lay a solid structure for a corrupt-free Nigeria.
The EFCC has recovered several billion U.S dollars in stolen funds, seizure of assets derived from criminal proceeds and pursuing other looters. While complementing the EFCC, government introduced various transparent mechanisms in attempts to block leakages: the Treasury Single Account, efficient E-Unit which monitors the expenditure of all Ministries Departments and Agencies MDA’s, etc.
However, to underscore his commitment towards eradicating the malaise of corruption, President Buhari has reinforced public trust in government through transparency and leadership by example: he demonstrated a more robust response to terrorists threats and improved government ability to improved revenue by blocking leakages.
President Buhari attended the Anti–Corruption Summit in London to galvanize global support against corruption, a clear path to recovering stolen funds and repatriation of monies hidden in safe havens and tied to properties abroad. With all these commitment and political will, his resolve to restore a new order is on course.
On security, government has decimated the Boko Haram elements within the last 12 months. The good news is that today the military has the upper hand. The wanton destruction by the insurgents on the economy, education, health sectors including the corresponding impact on humanitarian activity in the North East region was really incalculable. Within 12 months, the dreaded terrorists have lost top commanders (Amirs) to the superior fire power of the Nigerian Army; a result which led to the freedom of some of the Chibok abductees which signals a ray of hope in securing the remaining 218 students.
The first policy statement of the President a year ago was the deployment of the military command to the theatre of war, followed by a holistic reset of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) headed by Nigeria. With a new Sheriff, comes tremendously improved economic diplomacy which have resulted in bilateral and multilateral agreements with industrial powers.
Another incontrovertible benefit of the goodwill that Nigeria currently enjoy, is the offer of collaboration to tackle insecurity, grow the economy and fight corruption. Nigeria owes a great deal of gratitude to President Buhari for achieving these through his travels.
President Buhari has been able to bring in collaboration and cooperation from key international partners as a measure of his acceptance, integrity and credibility. These are personal qualities that are being put to serve the needs of the country.
Critics of President Buhari’s foreign policy have failed to recognize the great opportunities provided for Nigerian businesses to partner with foreign expertise. During his trips, he is often accompanied by businessmen and women, who take advantage of the visits, to build new network. Visits to the United States in July 2015, France in September 2015, India in October 2015, Qatar in 2016, and recently, China, had these elements.
One is yet to see any acknowledgement or admission by the critics that a united, strong, vibrant and confident country, will project the same qualities abroad. That is what Buhari has brought to Nigeria in 12 months.
*Akanji, wrote in from Abuja.
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