Looking at the war against terrorism and the anti-corruption posture of the current administration, how would you say President Muhammadu Buhari has fared in just one year in office?
Buhari is a man of God. I would say for Buhari that his one year in office so far, so good, I say this is on the grounds of visible changes that are being noticed. These changes might not be as a character can bring to bear on a nation as big as Nigeria for just being in a position of power. In the past 11 months he has spent in office, Buhari has made a lot of accomplishments.
As such, Buhari and his government received Kudos from Nigerians. Insecurity has reached scaring and alarming proportion in Nigeria. We are losing our lives every day. Terrorism has become an obstacle to our entire progress. Our properties are plundered and looted by the hideous elements.
Hostile raids are launched on our cities and villages by the notorious lots. Our highways became dangerous for motorists and travelers. Kidnapping has become rampant and in full sway. Robbery is everywhere in the country, states like Borno, Yobe and Adamawa have become war zones.
Book Haram has become a real menace to the whole nation. All these scoundrel activities were in top gear during the previous years, but they are now drastically reduced. We the people of North-East know this healthy development very well.
This utmost achievement is made by the Almighty Allah through our dauntless and dignified army. Our troops became laughing stock during the previous administration; they were centre of mockery worldwide, they were cowardly and easily intimidated, fleeing away from their enemies and leaving their weapons behind.
They could not surmount these handful destructive lots. They were always overpowered and defeated, as if they were just paper tigers or robots. Indeed it was very disgraceful and lamentable situation. It embarrassed Nigerians seriously. But now our soldiers have regained their lost glory.
Now, they are demonstrating and exhibiting courageous endurance. Today they are power to reckon with. Their audacity and braveness are clear. Everybody is happy with them. We are very proud to associate ourselves with them.
We are kept abreast of their achievements during the World War, Biafra, and in peacekeeping missions in Africa and elsewhere. Let me tell you one thing, the miscreant Boko Haram insurgents are on the run.
They are no more offensive like before, they are now defensive. They ceased to take over towns and villages at will. They have stopped crossing our highways to kill hundreds of motorists and travelers. The hazardous and dangerous roads that were not motorable for years are now opened for travelers.
The people of Maiduguri city are no more in fear of possible attack at any time. Damaturu, Gombe, Yola and Bauchi are now secured, safe for the explosions here and there, and that too will end soon Insha Allah.
Big towns like Gwoza, Bama, Dambua, Gamboru and the rest are liberated fully. Villagers have started going back to their villages. Hundreds of the gruesome and horrendous elements are surrendering to our gallant troops, for they are cornered to unescapable position.
Do you agree with those who say that foreign trips of Buhari are unnecessary?
The foreign trips are in the interest of our beloved country. In our world of today, no serious person can assume to work in isolation. We are a global village and we need one another. By his travelling, Buhari has achieved a lot for Nigeria.
Our neighbours have buckled down seriously to defeat Boko Haram, we got sophisticated weapons to deal with Boko Haram and other criminals and our police are well equipped. He undimmed the dimly name of our country.
During the previous administration the name of Nigeria was so tarnished, but now it is redeemed. America, Europe, Middle East and other parts of the world are now assisting Buhari to track down the malfeasants; the looters of our funds while securing financial assistance from the United Nations for the IDPs.
He has been canvassing to secure nuclear energy, a powerful form of energy and also Secured American grant of about 600 million dollars. Even, the president has made some turnaround repairs of some dormant refineries in the country, petroleum products are now available despite the effort of some saboteurs, the unpatriotic Nigerians who do not mean well for the country.
They are busy hoarding and diverting the product with a view to create artificial scarcity and hence undermine the government.
But some people have argued that Buhari, is not doing enough in tackling corruption, do you share that view?
While I always do not want people to penalise leadership, as a president, there are laws that were made by the National Assembly to counter corruption tendencies. There are agencies that handle this.
The question is, are they doing their own part to tackle corruption? It cannot be an individual thing, for instance, if someone is taken to court and the court processes are delayed, where is president’s fault? Secondly, let me tell you that Nigeria is one of the most corrupt countries in the world.
Bribery and stealing of public funds are the order of the day; they are our normal way of life. He who is not corrupt is deemed as unsophisticated and unwise. Public funds and property are regarded as booty or gratis.
If one is able to loot, he is free to do so as much as he wishes or desires with full impunity.
Malfeasance and embezzlement are hailed by our people mostly due to ignorance. The perpetrators become centre for attraction.
In Nigeria, it does not matter how one becomes rich, but what matters is how much one is rich.
The killer disease or morbid is what made Nigeria to remain among the third world underdeveloped countries up to date. It is what is retarding the progress of our country.
We heard that some Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs) have returned to liberated communities. How do you see the development?
For me, internal displaced people are now receiving solace from the government. If one compares their status quo to that of the last administration, the difference is crystal clear in terms of humanitarian assistance and feelings.
They have now started going back to their villages and towns. Construction of houses for the retainers is now underway. Buhari’s government has already embarked on his serious assignment.
I have no iota of doubt that any Nigerian who abdicates thievery and chooses to be honest and sincere like Buhari, can reposition this country positively, if he is given the opportunity and time.
Buhari could be a billionaire, if he chooses to be so vis a vis the positions he held. I will advise the president not to be stampeded or disheartened.
Source: Newtelegraphonline