I am thinking about Aisha Buhari statements with the BBC Hausa Radio Service. During the interview, she said that she was unhappy with the people who run Nigeria. First, I would like a applaud Mrs Buhari for her quiet support during the elections campaign. The saying is true that behind every successful man there is a strong woman. Also, only a smart man allows a strong woman to lead him onto success.
According to the BBC, Mrs Aisha Buhari said that her husband, the president of Nigeria, Mohammadu Buhari appointed several people that he does not know. That's weird. Furthermore, she claims that despite being his wife of 27 years she herself does not know these people. (Stranger than fiction). But, is she meant to know them? Considering the fact that there are over 180 million Nigerians). In total 50 people were appointed and the president only knows 45.
My worry is whether we, the humble pubic needed to know this... Well, to clarify what could be going on in the Buhari household and I am sure you too will like to know, here are 5 important questions for Madam Buhari so that we can all get a better picture of what is really going on.
Question 1: Who are these people (people in high places who have been given presidential appointments) that you and the President do not know?
Question 2: Are these people a threat to you and the president? Or are they a threat to the nation? Is that why you are concerned? Question 3: Did you discuss your concerns with your husband before 'spilling the beans' at BBC interview? Did you realise that BBC Hausa Radio is the same as BBC Global - that it's like a global media monster with tentacles? Question 4: Are you trying to 'break away from the mold' - you know, the general African/male idea that a woman and wife's place is in the kitchen and of course in the bedroom...and that women should be seen not heard? Would you be standing up for the Nigerian woman whose husbands, fathers, uncles, brothers etc believe she is inferior?
Question 5: Does your husband see you first as an intelligent human being who has smart ideas for the development of the country? For example, is there anything you are doing in your own capacity as the President's wife to develop the nation? Nigeria has numerous challenges which ones have you chosen to tackle? These are my 5 questions for you Madam Aisha. I hope you get them and I look forward to hearing from you madam maybe not directly but through the next bold steps you will take to show us that you are truly a Nigerian woman.
Disagreement: Nigerian President Buhari and his wife, Aisha
NIGERIA - In a recent interview, Aisha Buhari, the wife of the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari announced she might not back her husband at the next election unless he got a grip on his government. During the interview with the BBC's Hausa language service, Mrs Buhari, a
businesswoman and activist, suggested that "a few" people had snatch power from her husband and were in control of political appointments. On hearing his wife's discontent, President Buhari who is in Germany is reported to have said: "I don't know which party my wife belongs to, but she belongs to my kitchen and my living room and the other room." This statement has caused outrage on Facebook, Twitter and on WhatsApp. Nigerians cannot believe that President Buhari will refer to his wife as belonging to the kitchen and to the 'other room.' Is he demeaning his wife or has he used it as an endearment that his wife wife belongs to him. But what he said afterwards makes what he means clear. The Nigerian President went on the say that having run for
president three times and having succeeded at the fourth attempt, he
could "claim superior knowledge over her".
So, it is about superiority, then? Watch what you say President because the 'Clinton Syndrome may invade your home!
If you still thinking about what to do today to celebrate the Nigerian independence day here is a round-up of what's on in the capital this weekend:
Before we go further, let's get a clear picture of where Nigeria is coming from.
It has been 56 years since
it gained independence from Britain. The history of Nigeria ias linked to the "Scramble for Africa." This was the invasion, occupation, division, colonization and annexation of African territory by European powers during the period of New Imperialism, between 1881 and 1914. British colonisers invaded the area now known as Nigeria and on 1 January 1901, Nigeria became a British protectorate, part of the British Empire. It was during the scramble for Africa, that the map of Nigeria was sketched.
The British took over the territory, occupied and controlled it. The British colonisers then divided the occupied
lands between the Southern Protectorate and the Northern Protectorate. The
north and the south were later amalgamated by Frederick John Dealtry
Lugard, the then governor of the two protectorates, in 1914. The country
became independent in 1960.
This is enough reason for us to celebrate our freedom! So here is how and where to celebrate:
Friday 30 September Meridian Grand - North London - nearest train station: Angel Road Viva Hall Party will be hosted in London at the Meridian Grand in North London.
Price: £21.43 – £31.85
Time: 5.30pm – 2am
For tickets and more information click here .
The
Official 56th Nigerian Independence Party - CLUB 701 : 516 Old Kent Rd -
nearest tube station: Queens Road Peckham/South Bermodsey Price: £10-£15
Time: 10pm-4am
Music genres: Afrobeats, bashment, r'n'b.
For tickets and more information click here.
Saturday 1 October Nigeria Independence Fashion Show UK 2016 - Britannia Village Hall 65 Evelyn Rd, E16 1 - nearest tube: West Silverton (DLR) The
organisers say: "Not only are we hosting the most exciting fashion show
of the year, we are paying special recognition to some very important
Nigerians, taking a look back at the achievements of the country and
we'll also make time to discuss improvements."
Time: Sat 1 Oct 2016 6pm-10pm
For tickets and more information click here.
Nigeria's 56th Independence Day's Anniversary - 75-79 Norwood Rd, London SE24 9AA - nearest train station is Herne Hill Event features music, game and raffle draw and comedy shows by Nigerian comedians
Music genres: African, funk, hip hop, pop, UK garage
Price: free
Time: 7pm-12am
For tickets and more information click here.
Celebratin Nigeria's National Independence - Splendore Unique - nearest tube station: Angel Organisers said: "Saturday we celebrate with the whole of #Nigeria
on their 56th National Independence Day courtesy of @luxafrique at the
world's most exclusive and renowned locations in the world, The House of
Commons."
For tickets, more information and to contact the organisers, click here.
Fashion Show
The organisers say they are celebrating Nigeria's 56th Independence Day's Anniversary; 'it marks
the end of British colonial rule in territories that form modern-day
Nigeria. It's a free event, however we really on generous donations of
the attendees for funding/ forthcoming events. It will be an evening of Fun & entertainment
The event would feature a bunch of UK artistes/ DJ.
Today – 1st October is a day of celebration for us Nigerians. On this
day, 56 years ago our people achieved the most important of all human
desires – freedom and independence. We should all therefore give thanks
and pray for our founding fathers without whose efforts and toil we
would not reap the bounties of today.
2. I know that uppermost in your minds today is the economic crisis.
The recession for many individuals and families is real. For some It
means not being able to pay school fees, for others it’s not being able
to afford the high cost of food (rice and millet) or the high cost of
local or international travel, and for many of our young people the
recession means joblessness, sometimes after graduating from university
or polytechnic.
3. I know how difficult things are, and how rough business is. All my
adult life I have always earned a salary and I know what it is like
when your salary simply is not enough. In every part of our nation
people are making incredible sacrifices.
4. But let me say to all Nigerians today, I ran for office four times
to make the point that we can rule this nation with honesty and
transparency, that we can stop the stealing of Nigeria’s resources so
that the resources could be used to provide jobs for our young people,
security, infrastructure for commerce, education and healthcare.
5. I ran for office because I know that good government is the only
way to ensure prosperity and abundance for all. I remain resolutely
committed to this objective.
6. I believe that this recession will not last.
7. Temporary problems should not blind or divert us from the
corrective course this government has charted for our nation. We have
identified the country’s salient problems and we are working hard at
lasting solutions.
8. To re-cap what I have been saying since the inception of this
administration, our problems are security, corruption and the economy,
especially unemployment and the alarming level of poverty.
9. On Security, we have made progress. Boko Haram was defeated by
last December – only resorting to cowardly attacks on soft targets,
killing innocent men, women and children.
10. Nigerians should thank our gallant men of the Armed Forces and
Police for rescuing large areas of the country captured by insurgents.
Now, residents in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States, as well as several
neighbouring states go about their daily business in relative safety.
People can go to mosques, churches, market places in reasonable safety.
11. Commuters can travel between cities, towns and villages without
fear. Credit for this remarkable turn-round should go to our Armed
Forces, the Police, various sponsored and private vigilante groups, the
local traditional leaders. Security is a top to bottom concern and
responsibility.
12. Besides Boko Haram, we are confronting other long-running
security issues, namely herdsmen vs farmers, cattle rustling,
kidnappings. This Administration is firmly resolved to tackle these
challenges and to defeat them.
13. A new insurgency has reared up its head in the shape of blowing
up gas and oil pipelines by groups of Niger Delta Militants. This
Administration will not allow these mindless groups to hold the country
to ransom.
14. What sense is there to damage a gas line as a result of which
many towns in the country including their own town or village is put in
darkness as a result? What logic is there in blowing up an export
pipeline and as a result income to your state and local governments and
consequently their ability to provide services to your own people is
reduced?
15. No group can unlawfully challenge the authority of the Federal
Government and succeed. Our Administration is fully sympathetic to the
plight of the good people of Niger Delta and we are in touch with the
State Governments and leaderships of the region. It is known that the
clean-up of the Ogoniland has started. Infrastructural projects financed
by the Federal Government and post amnesty programme financing will
continue.
16. We have however, continued to dialogue with all groups and leaders of thought in the region to bring lasting peace.
17. Corruption is a cancer which must be fought with all the weapons
at our disposal. It corrodes the very fabric of government and destroys
society. Fighting corruption is Key, not only to restoring the moral
health of the nation, but also to freeing our enormous resources for
urgent socio-economic development.
18. In fighting corruption, however, the government would adhere
strictly by the rule of law. Not for the first time I am appealing to
the judiciary to join the fight against corruption.
19. The Third Plank in this Administration’s drive to CHANGE Nigeria
is re-structuring the economy. Economies behaviour is cyclical. All
countries face ups and downs. Our own recession has been brought about
by a critical shortage of foreign exchange. Oil price dropped from an
average of hundred USD per barrel over the last decade to an average of
forty USD per barrel this year and last.
20. Worse still, the damage perpetrated by Niger Delta thugs on
pipelines sometimes reduced Nigeria’s production to below One million
barrels per day against the normal two point two million barrels per
day. Consequently, the naira is at its weakest, but the situation will
stabilize.
21. But this is only temporary. Historically about half our dollar
export earnings go to importation of petroleum and food products!
Nothing was saved for the rainy days during the periods of prosperity.
We are now reaping the whirlwinds of corruption, recklessness and
impunity.
22. There are no easy solutions, but there are solutions nonetheless
and Government is pursuing them in earnest. We are to repair our four
refineries so that Nigeria can produce most of our petrol requirements
locally, pending the coming on stream of new refineries. That way we
will save ten billion USD yearly in importing fuel.
23. At the same time, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the
Central Bank have been mobilized to encourage local production of rice,
maize, sorghum, millet and soya beans. Our target is to achieve domestic
self-sufficiency in these staples by 2018.
24. Already farmers in thirteen out of thirty six states are
receiving credit support through the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Anchor
Borrowers Programme. Kebbi state alone this year is expected to produce
one million tonnes of locally grown rice, thanks to a favourable harvest
this year. As part of the 13 states, Lagos and Ogun are also starting
this programme. Rice alone for example costs Nigeria two billion USD to
import.
25. The country should be self-sufficient in basic staples by 2019.
Foreign exchange thus saved can go to industrial revival requirements
for retooling, essential raw materials and spare parts. It is in
recognition of the need to re-invigorate agriculture in our rural
communities that we are introducing the LIFE programme.
26. Government recognises that irrigation is key to modern
agriculture: that is why the Ministries of Agriculture and Water
Resources are embarking on a huge programme of development of lakes,
earth dams and water harvesting schemes throughout the country to ensure
that we are no longer dependent on rain-fed agriculture for our food
requirements.
27. In addition, government is introducing Water Resources Bill
encompassing the National Water Resources Policy and National Irrigation
and Drainage Policy to improve management of water and irrigation
development in the country. We are reviving all the twelve River Basin
Authorities, namely;
I. Anambra – Imo
II. Benin – Owena
III. Chad Basin
IV. Cross River
V. Hadejia – Jama’are
VI. Lower Benue
VII. Lower Niger
VIII. Niger Delta
IX. Ogun – Osun
X. Sokoto – Rima
XI. Upper Benue
XII. Upper Niger
28. The intention is eventually to fully commercialise them to better
support crop production, aqua –culture and accelerated rural
development.
29. This Administration is committed to the revival of Lake Chad and
improvement of the hydrology and ecology of the basin. This will tune in
with efforts to rehabilitate the thirty million people affected by the
Boko Haram insurgency in the Lake Chad basin countries.
30. The second plank in our economic revival strategy is centred on
the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing. The Ministry will lead and
oversee the provision of critical infrastructure of power, road
transport network and housing development.
31. Power generation has steadily risen since our Administration came
on board from three thousand three hundred and twenty four megawatts in
June 2015, rising to a peak of five thousand and seventy four megawatts
in February 2016.
32. For the first time in our history the country was producing five
thousand megawatts. However, renewed militancy and destruction of gas
pipelines caused acute shortage of gas and constant drop in electricity
output available on the grid.
33. There has been during the period June 2015 to September 2016 big
improvement in transmission capacity from five thousand five hundred
megawatts to the present seven thousand three hundred megawatts.
34. There were only two system collapses between June and December
2015, but due to vandalism by Niger Delta militants the over-all system
suffered 16 system collapses between March and July 2016 alone. As I
have said earlier, we are engaging with responsible leadership in the
region to find lasting solutions to genuine grievances of the area but
we will not allow a tiny minority of thugs to cripple the country’s
economy.
35. In the meantime, government is going ahead with projects
utilizing alternate technologies such as hydro, wind, and solar to
contribute to our energy mix. In this respect, the Mambilla Hydro
project, after many years of delay is taking off this year. Contract
negotiations are nearing completion with Chinese firms for technical and
financial commitments.
36. The project is to be jointly financed by Nigeria and the
Chinese-Export-Import Bank. In addition, fourteen Solar Power Projects
have had their power purchase agreements concluded. Hence the plan to
produce one thousand two hundred megawatts of solar electricity for the
country would be realized on schedule.
37. And in line with the objective of government to complete all
abandoned projects across the country, the Rural Electrification
Agency’s projects needing completion are provided for in the 2016
Budget. Bringing electricity to rural areas will help farmers, small
scale and cottage industries to integrate with the national economy.
38. Roads Construction and Rehabilitation has taken off. The sum of
twelve billion naira was allocated to this sector in the 2015 Budget,
not enough even to pay interest on outstanding unpaid claims.
39. Notwithstanding the budgetary constraints, the current budget
allocated two hundred and forty billion naira for highway projects
against twelve billion naira in 2015. Many contractors who have not been
paid for three years have now remobilized to sites. Seven hundred and
twenty point five billion naira has so far been released this budget
year to capital projects.
40. The Ministry of Power, Works and Housing has received one hundred
and ninety seven point five billion naira. Work on the following
highways has now resumed.
1. Dualization of Calabar – Itu Road in Cross River/Akwa Ibom States.
2. Dualization of Lokoja – Benin Road, Ehor – Benin city, Edo State.
3. Re-construction of outstanding sections of Benin – Shagamu Express way, Edo/Ogun States.
4. Expansion works on Lagos – Ibadan Dual carriageway, Ogun/Oyo States
5. Rehabilitation of Onitsha – Enugu Expressway, Anambra/Enugu States.
6. Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Enugu – Port Harcourt Dual carriageway, Abia/Rivers States.
7. Rehabilitation of Hadejia – Nguru Road, Jigawa State.
8. Dualization of Kano – Katsina Road, Kano State.
9. Dualization of Kano – Maiduguri Road, Borno State.
10. Dualization of Azare – Potiskum Road, Azare – Sharuri Road, Bauchi State.
11. Rehabilitation of Ilorin – Jebba – Mokwa – Birnin Gwari Road, Kwara State.
12. Construction of Oju/Lokoja – Oweto Bridge over River Benue, Benue State.
41. Other major highways are in the queue for rehabilitation or new construction.
42. Already contractors have recalled about nine thousand workers
laid off and Government expects that several hundreds of thousands of
workers will be reengaged in the next few months as our public works
programme gains momentum.
43. On railways, we have provided our counterpart funding to China
for the building of our standard gauge Lagos -Kano railway. Meanwhile,
General Electric is investing two point two billion USD in a concession
to revamp, provide rolling stock, and manage the existing lines,
including the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Line. The Lagos-Calabar railway
will also be on stream soon.
44. We have initiated the National Housing Programme. In 2014 four
hundred million naira was voted for Housing. In 2015 nothing. Our first
budget this year is devoting thirty five point six billion naira. Much
of the house building will be private – sector led but Government is
initiating a pilot housing scheme of two thousand eight hundred and
thirty eight units uniformly spread across the 36 states and FCT.
45. We expect these units to be completed within 4 – 6 months. These
experimental Nigeria House model Units will be constructed using only
made in Nigeria building materials and components. This initiative is
expected to reactivate the building materials manufacturing sector,
generate massive employment opportunities and develop sector capacity
and expertise.
46. The programmes I have outlined will revive the economy, restore the value of the naira and drive hunger from our land.
47. Abroad, Nigeria’s standing has changed beyond belief in the last
18 months. We are no longer a pariah state. Wherever I go, I have been
received with un-accustomed hospitality. Investors from all over the
world are falling over themselves to come and do business in Nigeria.
This government intends to make business environment more friendly
because we can not develop ourselves alone.
48. All countries, no matter how advanced, welcome foreign
investments to their economy. This is the essence of globalization and
no country in the 21st century can be an island. Our reforms are
therefore designed to prepare Nigeria for the 21st century.
49. Finally, let me commend Nigerians for your patience,
steadfastness and perseverance. You know that I am trying to do the
right things for our country.
50. Thank you and may God bless our country.
Do you think these statements are true, that these projects and promises are possible? Leave a comment...
Today marks the 56th year after Nigeria gained her independence. You may think that should be a great milestone for a developed country but it is not. Nigeria still languishes in underdevelopment, poverty, chaotic power supply, bad infrastructure, medieval transport system and bad education. On a day when the country should be celebrating peaceful, students in the commercial capital of Nigeria are staging a protest. Why? The students have had enough of the lack of funding across national departments especially in the education sector. Education in Nigeria cannot even be rated internationally. The government places more emphasis on changing peoples attitudes without a solid educational structure. How do you change the minds of 180 million people if not through education? I was in Nigeria a few weeks ago and I visited some schools in Ajah, Lagos. What I saw was beyond belief. A brand new school building yet to be opened had be used as a toilet!!! Five classes had been vandalised and fouled. You can just image the sight and smell. The pictures are too disgusting to be posted.
According to
reports, the leader of the Alliance of Nigerian Students Against Neo-Liberal
Attacks, ANSA Wole Olubanji would lead a protest by Nigerian students against
the attacks waged on Nigerian students and parents.
WHAT THE STUDENTS
ARE DEMANDING:
Education is
underfunded in Nigeria so the federal government should give 26 % of its budget
to education as requested by The United Nations Education, Scientific and
Cultural Organisation UNESCO.
The government
should reduce the salaries of political office holders immediately and slash
them to the average wage and allowances of skilled workers.
The difference
should be diverted to funding education in order to increase the creativity and
productivity of the country.
Students across the
country, under the aegis of Alliance of Nigerian Students Against
Neo-Liberal Attacks, ANSA, will today, stage a mass protest in Lagos in
commemoration of the 56th Independence Day in Nigeria.
Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/10/independence-day-nigerian-students-set-protest-attacks-lagos/
Students across the
country, under the aegis of Alliance of Nigerian Students Against
Neo-Liberal Attacks, ANSA, will today, stage a mass protest in Lagos in
commemoration of the 56th Independence Day in Nigeria.
At a press briefing which took place Thursday, at the International
Press Centre, Lagos, the students said they are protesting against the
myriads of attacks waged on Nigerian students and parents.
The convener, Comrade Wole Olubanji said the protest would take off by
8am, at Ikeja Under-bridge where students from various institutions of
learning are expected to converge.
PROTEST—University of Lagos students protesting the re-naming of the
institution after late MKO Abiola yesterday in Lagos.
According to him, the attacks on Nigerian students are induced by failed
successive governments that obstinately refused to depart from the
neo-liberal, pro-rich and elitist policies of previous regimes.
The convener who said education was underfunded in Nigeria called on the
federal government, to give 26 % of its budget to education as
requested by The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural
Organisation UNESCO,
Also, he said it was time the government reduced the salaries of
political office holders and stand against extravagant life styles of
politicians. He said, “ the government continues to condone the
extravagant lifestyles of political office holders with a bulk of the
national budget. Change must start with cutting the jumbo salaries of
these politicians. We demand this must be immediately slashed to the
average wage and allowances of skilled workers.
The difference, we demand, should be diverted to funding education in
order to increase the creativity and productivity of this country during
this period of government-induced recession.”
In attendance was Secretary, Joint Action Front JAF, Comrade Abiodun
Aremu who also called on government to look into the plight of Nigerian
students.
Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/10/independence-day-nigerian-students-set-protest-attacks-lagos/
