As we congratulate ourselves. As well as celebrate the 56th independence anniversary of Nigeria together today. We may be compelled by constant and revealing truths in the country to ask ourselves a pertinent question.
Is President Buhari in possession of power but uncovered with authority?
Following the political, economic and security trends in the country. One may begin to ask Nigerians and the occupants of Aso Rock some important questions. Nigerians have been listening to Independence speeches; in epistle format, resonating hopes, since independence in 1960 and/or since the country became a Republic in 1963. What has been done to actualize the hopes embedded in those speeches till date?
Dr. Buhari, if some Nigerians are too far from realities. I am not. If many are spellbound by a mere body language. I am not. If others are enchanted by the words: "Integrity", "Good Intention", inter alias. To be frank with you sir. I am not swayed.
Where is integrity when the president of a country going through economic recession continue to spend more than #300 mln per month to maintain president airfleets under NSA in the 2016 budget?
Where is the body language when principal officers of the House of Representatives stuffed the budget signed by the president with"senseless insertions" as alleged by Hon. Jubrin?
Why do we have corruption in the kitchen cabinet of the president who is believed by many to be a corruption revealer? A man with a body built with a scanner that detects corruption everywhere he visits! A man whose shadow smells corruption anywhere, anytime!
Dr. Buhari, sir, are you with power but not with authority? Nigerians, your staunch supporters mostly, could be of help. Judges and lawyers no longer smell and feel the aura of anti-corruption war. Allegations on bribery is becoming rampant in the judiciary. If justice is subjected to bazaar. How do we keep justice alive? If the lawmakers are embroiled in massive corruption and suddenly became outlaws. How can meaningful laws be made for the nation and the people?
The president has enormous power as enshrined in the 1999 constitution but still canvassed for powers to abridge certain legislations or acts of the extant law guiding the nation. It is worrisome that we always need to keep hoping for the sent Messiah to Nigeria every four years. The following questions may help us understand why the president may be lacking authority to enforce power:
1. What authority do you need to confront pervasive piracy ravaging the Nigerian entertainment industry as you did on Boko Haram? I wish to remind you that piracy is economic terrorism in Nigeria and it has grave consequences on the practitioners, investors, employers, marketers, Nigerian youths, employment, economy etc.akin to that of BH.
2. What authority is needed to streamline export and import bureaucracies at the nation's ports? It is clear that you have the power. That you have the authority to effect the desired change is misty.
3. How can Nigerians help you gain the required authority to cut down cost of running the government? Government itself consumes larger chunk of the nation's revenue in terms of recurrent expenditure. Should we chalk it up to opportunity cost of democracy?
4. The 67,757 police strength(officers and men) allocated to Lagos and Ogun states of zone 2 police command in the South-Western geo-political zone of the country barely visible. The larger part of the police strength in the two states above is allotted to politicians, their families and businesses.Same for other states in the country. What kind of help do you need from Nigerians for you to gain the authority to have the police securing every street in Nigeria, thereby fulfilling the core obligation of government which is security of life and property?
5. What authority are you lacking in order to reform the institutions, or democratise the institutions? There are mountains of applications to be completed on business registration. Different desks to be visited in order to get locally produced goods transported abroad. Passport issuance is decorated with unnecessary bureaucracy.
6. Management of data in Nigeria is almost not available. Border management and control is superficial. The country is yet to have operational (i mean genuine 21st century) citizen identification card to enable the citizens function well in the society and helps the government in the process of security enhancement. Mr.president, do you lack authority?
It is not impossible to possess power and not possess authority to exert power. Seemingly, president Buhari has the power but lacks authority needed to wield the already acquired power.
Therefore, i ween, the president needs some help.
Nigeria will be great again!
Happy Independence!
BY S.A ODUNUGA
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