A review of the government of Buhari in the last 4 years and
expectations of the president in the next 4 years.
President Buhari entered office in May 2015 promising to tackle corruption, improve on security,
bring about economic growth and improve governance through transparency and accountability
across the board. The President accomplished many great things in his first term especially on
corruption, and governance. However, more could have been done in regards to security,
transparency and general public engagement.
Here are my top 3 accomplishments of the Buhari Administration.
1. CORRUPTION AND MISUSE OF EXECUTIVE, LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC
RESOURCES
The Buhari Administration has obviously done a lot in the areas of anti-corruption as
monies recovered were often reported in the media by the anti-graft agency, the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The fact that the EFCC under this
government was able to get back a lot of money that people had gotten from the public
purse for personal use or gains in the past is commendable. However, it would have
been good if the recovered monies were used to fund infrastructural development such
as roads, education, health and create employment opportunities in a transparent
manner to allow for accountability and public awareness.
2. NATIONAL SECURITY AND DEFENCE
This government addressed capacity building mechanisms of law enforcement agents
by empowering our security agencies and personnel with a view to getting the security of
people and property under control. The Nigerian Police Force, I understand were
recruiting 10,000 personnel yearly. The recent increase of the Police remuneration, are
also steps taken by Buhari in the right direction. The armed forces were procuring more
modern equipment and recruiting personnel in the effort to enhance national security.
Current news reports show that the administration is entering into smart partnership with
advanced countries in the areas of defense training and development, and the results
can only be for the benefit of the Nigerian population sooner or later.
3. FINANCE AND THE ECONOMY
The ‘Trader Moni’ Scheme is a policy that in my observation has done some of the
masses good and beneficiaries directly feeling the impact of the administration.
Schemes like this makes the people see that the government is helping individuals with
ideas to fund small to medium scale businesses, creating a lot of new jobs. However, I
feel that the scheme has not been well publicised. The N30K minimum wage agreed
with the labour union and approved recently by President Buhari is also an achievement
in the right direction.
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Going forward into the next term, I will submit that there is scope for improvement in someareas. I will enumerate a few for the benefit of the citizens in particular and the country at large.1. TRANSPARENCYNigerians yearn for information and also need to know, and in most cases want to beable to see what the administration is doing in areas that concerns the public, especiallyat some very crucial times. I will expect that there is frequent information disseminationabout the schemes that the government puts in place for the public. It will be a great ideafor President Buhari and/or the Vice President to use the broadcasting media to speakout, and be listened to by the population directly via Television channels on importantinitiatives and at any unfortunate times when tragic events occur in any part of thecountry.2. CABINET AND CIVIL SERVICE REVIEWI would be expecting the new cabinet to include more young people, women, and men ofproven integrity. I also think that it is prudent for the President to match people withportfolios that match the cabinet member’s experience, knowledge and skills.Something like a round peg in a round hole.3. JOB CREATION / ENERGY SUPPLYIn view of the large number of youths unemployed and underemployed I expect theadministration to implement job creation schemes. Finally, more should be done toimprove the erratic power supply. With good power supply, businesses can thriveleading directly to employment opportunities within the private sector and ultimately thedesired economic growth to lift the masses out of poverty.By Tokunbo Olusola FajuyitanLegal Practitioner and Public Affairs Analyst.Tel: +234 (0) 810 579 6080Email: toksconsult@yahoo.co.ukMay 2019