GOOD READ: ‘Is Buhari the One Who is to Come?’ by Simon Kolawole.

Recently, a lady went to buy fuel at her neighbour’s station. She was allowed to jump the horrendous queue. Other motorists began to protest. One of them said: “All this nonsense will stop on May 29 when Baba becomes president. You people should continue to do whatever you like for now.” In seconds, the motorcyclists were chanting: “Sai Baba! Sai Baba! Sai Baba!” Buhari is, thankfully, not unaware of these huge expectations. Many see him as the messiah, the one who will liberate the country from decades of maladministration, corruption and indiscipline. He has been trying to cage these expectations in view of the enormous challenges ahead.

We need to understand this concept of “messiah” more tactically. The Jews, before the coming of Jesus Christ, were under the iron grip of Roman rule. They were expecting a messiah to come and set them free by launching an insurrection against the Roman empire, overthrowing Pilate and taking over power. They wanted a “political messiah”. But Jesus disappointed them by redefining messiahship as a spiritual assignment. He talked more about renewing their minds and preparing them for the kingdom of God — which he said, to their dismay, was not an earthly one. Needless to say they soon fell out with him and persecuted him to death.

Nigerians, likewise, have been waiting for a messiah since civil rule started in 1999. It is not as if our past presidents achieved absolutely nothing. President Olusegun Obasanjo, for all his faults and failings, oversaw the expansion of the economy, especially in oil and gas, telecoms, finance and agriculture. President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, hurt by ill health, still initiated the Niger Delta amnesty. President Goodluck Jonathan, with all his inadequacies, presided over the expansion of rail, air, water and road infrastructure, agriculture and local content in the oil industry. But we know we are still very far from the promised land. We’ve only managed to cross the Red Sea in 16 years!

Going forward, I am tempted to ask: is Buhari the one who is to come or shall we wait for another? He has become president at a time of inescapable economic crunch.  Crude oil price down. Revenue down. Naira down. Industrial production down. Debts up. We borrowed to pay for fuel subsidy. We borrowed to pay salaries. A prominent Nigerian economist told me recently that ongoing federal projects have a financing gap of about $54 billion. Where on earth will Buhari find the funds to complete them, much less initiate his own projects? Can we really borrow our way out of this fiscal crisis? Can we restructure the deformed economy without suffering more pains?

It would seem to me that many Nigerians are interested in a “political messiah” — a populist who will pay more attention to cleaning the political mess. Indeed, they would want him to fly economy class, shun Apple watch, ban siren, ensure we stay on queues and fire corrupt public officials. These, I would say, are the easiest part of the job. Public office has become synonymous with wasteful perks, obscenity and flamboyance. Any president who will stop travelling abroad with battalions of aides in a convoy of jets would certainly be well received by Nigerians. I can bet that Buhari would be much loved for his simple lifestyle. No doubt about that.

But the more difficult job would be reviving the economy. If Buhari is ever going to be an “economic messiah”, he is unlikely to be as popular as he is now. To start with, Buhari badly needs money to resolve the crises at hand. He may have to raise taxes like VAT, cut or stop subsidies as well as shrink public service overheads. He needs to raise resources to embark on programmes that will better the lives of Nigerians — particularly in infrastructure, security, education and healthcare. To put the economy in good shape, he will have to adopt measures that could bring more pains. Unfortunately, when Nigerians voted for him, they said they wanted “change” — not pains. Typically, Nigerians want “change without pains”.

As good Nigerians, we like the best of both worlds — we like to make “konko” without killing a frog. When Jonathan sought to deregulate fuel pricing in 2012, we brought the country to a halt. Even APC chieftains who campaigned for subsidy removal all their lives started playing politics. Jonathan’s political fortunes went into a spiral from then on. He never recovered from the damage. He was named “shoeless and clueless”. He had to reverse the decision. But who lost in the end? We have spent over N2 trillion on subsidy since then. Who gained? Go to our airports and count the private jets owned by oil merchants. Imagine what N2 trillion could have done for Nigeria!

There is nothing like painless change. There is always a price to pay. There is always sacrifice to be made. How many Nigerians are willing to live within their means henceforth? How many lawmakers, both state and federal, are ready to forgo some comfort? How many governors are willing to give up chartered flights? How many government contractors are ready to cut their insane profit margins? Are we willing to pay 10% VAT to help tackle the fiscal crisis? Are we willing to pay N130 per litre for petrol if pricing is deregulated? It is not enough to expect “change”: we should also be ready to give up something for “change”. But this is not what suffering Nigerians want to hear.

Ultimately, it is left to Buhari to decide the direction he wants to go. Strait is the gate and narrow is the way that leads to change. Only a few leaders find it and take it. It is a rough road. Wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to stagnation and regression. Most Nigerian leaders prefer this cosy way. It is business as usual; it hardly hurts politically. But shall we continue in “cosy politics” and expect change to abound? Can we continue to do things the same way and expect a different result? We have to change our ways. Buhari has come with gigantic goodwill and if he does not utilise it to change the way things are done, then we are done for.

While goodwill is exhaustible, it is also replenishable. If he messes up with his goodwill through poor decisions, recovery will be difficult. Good and purposeful leadership, on the other hand, can replenish goodwill. Like I noted last week, Nigerians, to be fair, are not impossible to lead: all they desire is a sincere and committed leader who will lead from the front. Lagosians started celebrating Babatunde Fashola long before they saw any results. There was just something about Fashola that inspired the people, something that showed purposeful leadership even when he was taking tough decisions that hurt bus drivers and market women.

I should also add that austerity measures need not lead to political damage. A most recent example would be the UK. The Conservative Party narrowly won the 2010 election and could only form government in coalition with the Liberal Democrats. The economy was in ruins. The government embarked on fiscal tightening, making incredible cuts to spending on welfare and security. This move was very unpopular, but the UK economy was soon back on its feet and Britons were happy again. The reward came in May 2015 when the Conservatives were re-elected in a most convincing manner, trouncing the Labour Party.

The good news is that Buhari is not a novice in government. Although his experience was at a different era, leadership principles are essentially the same. Therefore, I will, in conclusion, invoke Tai Solarin’s ‘prayer’ on him: “May your road be rough! I am not cursing you… Our successes are conditioned by the amount of risk we are ready to take… You cannot make omelettes without breaking eggs. Throughout the world, there is no paean without pain… We do not achieve much in this country because we are all so scared of taking risks. We all want the smooth and well-paved roads… May your road be rough!”

======QUOTE=====

“It is left to Buhari to decide the direction he wants to go. Strait is the gate and narrow is the way that leads to change. Only a few leaders find it and take it. Wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to stagnation and regression. Most Nigerian leaders prefer this cosy way”

=================

AND FOUR OTHER THINGS…

DOUBLE DOSE

President Muhammadu Buhari is only the second person to rule Nigeria twice — after, who else, Olusegun Obasanjo. When Obasanjo won the 1999 presidential election, he became the first to rule Nigeria both as a soldier and as a civilian. His first stint was as military head of state from 1976 to 1979. He returned, via democracy, 20 years later. Buhari has now matched the feat. He was military head of state from 1983 to 1985 and returned 30 years later to win a presidential election. Generals Yakubu Gowon and Ibrahim Babangida made futile attempts to return as democratic leaders. Militicians.

SOUL MATES

When Buhari was military head of state, he was a major-general. His deputy was a brigadier — a certain Babatunde Idiagbon. However, when Idiagbon was promoted major-general, Buhari, interestingly, remained on his rank. At no other time in Nigeria’s history were the No. 1 and No. 2 on the same rank. Also, among all Nigeria’s military heads of state, only Buhari and JTU Aguiyi-Ironsi did not promote themselves to the rank of full-star general. Sani Abacha was already a general when he came to power in 1993, while Obasanjo only became a four-star general shortly before his retirement in 1979. Spartan.

I SWEAR!

Buhari was sworn in by Justice Mahmoud Mohammed on Friday, but there was a mild drama when he became head of state on December 31, 1983. Justice George Sodeinde Sowemimo, then the chief justice of the federation (a title now known as chief justice of Nigeria), politely declined to swear in Buhari — apparently because of possible legitimacy issues following the overthrow of a democratic government. Sowemimo, I understand, asked Buhari to simply raise his right hand, recite the oaths of office and that would be it! Buhari nonetheless retained Sowemimo till his statutory retirement as chief justice in 1985. Large-hearted.

SNAKE AND LEADER

Buhari revealed a rare fact about himself in an interview I had with him at his Jabi residence, Kaduna, over 14 years ago. I asked him to tell me the pranks he played as a kid. He and his friends, he revealed, were fascinated by snakes. They used to sneak into the bush to play with the deadly reptile! Snake charmers are very common in northern Nigeria, but it is never a kid’s game. As Nigeria’s new leader, Buhari will have to charm or crush a lot of snakes around power. There are plenty of them in human skin. Courage.

Simon Kolawole Live! By Simon Kolawole.

AfDB Presidency: Akinwumi Adesina singles out ‘tireless’ Okonjo-Iweala for praise..

Dr Akinwumi Adesina, president-elect, Africa Development Bank (AfDB) has credited his success at the poll to the tireless work of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s Finance Minister.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Adesina thanked outgoing president, Goodluck Jonathan and the newly sworn in president, Muhammadu Buhari but showered special encomium on Okonjo-Iweala.

“I would like to specially thank Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for her vital role and tremendous effort in delivering this successful outcome. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, as Nigeria’s Finance Minister, worked passionately for our campaign, and our success would have been impossible without her tireless work shepherding support among many of the esteemed Finance Ministers and Governors at the AfDB.

He then thanked all those involved in the process for electing him. “I am deeply humbled and honoured to have been entrusted with the great responsibility of leading the African Development Bank (AfDB) at a time that presents such great opportunities and also profound challenges for our continent.

“The AfDB campaign and election has been an incredible experience, and I am grateful to all those who supported me along the way and to each and every person with whom I’ve met and exchanged ideas and hopes for inclusive economic growth on our continent throughout this process.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s Finance Minister
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s Finance Minister

“I am thankful to have been given the chance to travel to so many parts of the continent – small states, fragile states, and large states across Africa – to feel the pulse of African leaders and peoples. I met with young people and women – Africa’s greatest assets, with small- and medium-sized enterprises, and with Africa’s business leaders. From rural areas to burgeoning cities, I saw vast opportunities for a greater and more inclusive Africa. I am hopeful and excited about the prospect of building on the great work of President Donald Kaberuka at the AfDB,” he said.

Adding that: “Together, we can build a stronger and more prosperous Africa, with smart infrastructure, energy for all, a strong private sector, new economic opportunities that will deliver quality jobs and hope for millions of youths and women, revival of Africa’s rural economies to lift many out of poverty, and regional integration for shared prosperity.

“The shareholders of the AfDB from African and non-African countries gave strong support, for which I am deeply grateful. Together, we will build a new Africa with inclusive and green growth.

“I commend all my colleagues who contested for the position, their countries, and supporters. They conducted great campaigns. They are all great assets to Africa. I am truly humbled by the support of many Presidents across every region of Africa. Africa is my home.”

“I would like to give my special thanks to a few people in particular without whom this success would not have been possible: former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for his nominating me, his confidence, and his steadfast, enthusiastic support; President Muhammadu Buhari for his strong endorsement and rallying support for us.”

“Our leaders rallied behind us in a historic display of unity of purpose and common commitment. I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, former Vice President Namadi Sambo, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who worked determinedly to build support behind my candidacy among African leaders.”

“I would especially like to thank all the people of Africa for your prayers, your well-wishes, and your belief in me. I am truly humbled by the outpouring of support I have received from all across the continent. I promise to work hard with all African governments to deliver more inclusive economic growth across our beautiful continent,” the statement read. THE SCOOP

TITILOPE SONUGA INSPIRATIONAL INAUGURAL POEM TEXT – ‘We Are Ready’.

We Are Ready

By Titilope Sonuga(@deartitilope)

They said they heard a war
growling in our bellies
said we had a taste for blood
they imagined us clawing apart
our country
hungry and greedy

They said the Giant of Africa
had nursed her growing pains too long
bones creaking and stretching to hold still
the tremble of fault lines
across land mass
across tribe
across religion
across language

They said our voices were too small to be heard
over the noise of bombs
over the noise of pundits and prophets
with predictions about chaos and carnage
oil gushing from our open wounds

They said we were not ready

But maybe
it was something in the wind
maybe we caught the scent of an old promise
and remembered something
something familiar as freedom
an unrelenting, irrational hope
demanding answers for generations waiting
bodies hunched like question marks
beneath an angry sun

On that day
we dared even lightening to touch us
dared the rain to wash away our resolve
as we bloomed defiant
across the country
purple thumbs sprung up
to affirm something greater than our differences
something too urgent to wait

From the cobwebs of every forgotten place
we came
said we are here
count us
remember our names

Bruised and broken
though we may be
but we know how to heal
then heal again
how to reinvent in times of nothing
how to dance beneath
the weight of what threatens to break our backs
how to pull laughter from our throats
when wailing was expected

Children of Niger River current running
of salt water swamp and swelling plateau
of rock might and iron will

We have not forgotten who we are
what was birthed between the push
of waterfall and savannah
what dreams were spoken
with 500 tongues
from hilltops and ocean belly
what tireless hands built this place
from soil and sweat

Baba, now that you are there
perched on the promise of tomorrow
propelled forward
by the hope of generations

Remember the forgotten
the left behind
the left in the dark
the ones who carry the hope of this country
like a prayer

each individual pulse
of the heartbeat of this land
yearning for someone to believe in

Remember every square kilometer
pulsing with the bloodlines of millions
and millions more before us
bracing up the earth beneath our feet
so that we can walk in this moment

This moment
when the whole world will remember
how the multitudes became one
to say:

Yes,
this country belongs to us,
complex and flawed
pushed to the brink then back again
but we are not ashamed
we are not afraid of the difficult journey
change is here and

We are ready

Buhari and Osinbajo declare assets….

President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo have declared their assets as required by the constitution ofNigeria.

The head of Buhari’s media team, Malam Garba Shehu, disclosed this in a statement made available to State House journalists Saturday.

Shehu said the Code of Conduct Bureau had on Friday acknowledged the submission of Buhari and Osinbajo’s assets declaration form submitted separately on May 28 and signed for by the agency’s chairman, Sam Saba.

He said President Buhari’s Declarant ID was given as: “President: 000001/2015″.

Shehu said by declaring their assets, Buhari and Osinbajo had fulfilled the requirements of the constitution and the first of their many campaign promises.

He recalled that during the electioneering campaign, Buhari had promised Nigerians that he would publicly declare his assets as soon as he took over government.

The constitution stipulates in Chapter VI, Section 140 that a person elected to the office of president shall not begin to perform the functions of that office until he has declared his assets and liabilities as prescribed in the constitution.

One day as President Buhari, suicide bomber kills 16 in Maiduguri market mosque attack….

A suicide bomber has hit a mosque in the Maiduguri Monday Market killing 16 people, according to witnesses.

The bomber, a young man who disguised as a wheelbarrow pusher loaded with fruits attacked the mosques when worshippers had gathered for their afternoon prayers on Saturday.

About 30 people were reported to have been wounded in the blast.

The blast which vibrated across the city occurred at about 3:30pm.

The NATION reports that Abubakar Adamu, a trader at the market gave his account the attack that “the young man was pushing a wheelbarrow and when he came near the mosque, he pretended he wanted to join us in observing the late afternoon prayers; as he parked the wheelbarrow, and went to the entrance of the already filled mosque the bomb went off.”

Adamu said he escaped because he was yet to finish his ablution before joining the prayers when the incident occurred.

“I was still performing my ablution when that incident happened. I had to take to my heels even though the sound of the blast had almost rendered me deaf,” he said.

A Civilian Joint Task Force source informed that the blast occurred when the prayer session was about to commence at about 3.25pm with over five dozen of people in the mosque.

“We were shocked and terrified with the loud explosion that rocked through the market and other shops when the prayer session was cut off short; for people to flee for safety. But many were injured in the stampedes for safety, as there was no deaths recorded in the mosque, as the injured ones were taken to hospital for treatment,” he said.

Another eyewitness Hamisu Babayo a shop owner near the mosque, also told our correspondent that the Improvised Explosive Device (IEDs) was hidden in an obscure corner of the mosque in the morning before the suicide bomber came to the mosque to detonate the explosive at about 3.30pm.

Governor of Borno state, Kashim Shettima was quick to visit the scene of the incident to assess the damage himself, just as market officials told him that 16 people were killed on the spot of the attack.

Shettima condemned the act, and commiserated with the families of those affected by the blast.

MUST READ: Read how Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell), Fox News contributor incensed Nigerians on Social media….

Richard Grenell, a former spokesman for four United States Ambassadors to the United Nations and most recently Ambassador Zal Khalilzad in an articled dated March 29th in Washington Times wrote ‘Nigeria on the brink‘. He is a Fox TV news contributor and judging by his views, despite Muhammadu Buhari’s rebuttal on many of the issues raised, Richard still maintains Nigeria’s President is an Islamic fundamentalist, a sympathiser of Boko Haram. Look at the tweet below that has incensed Nigerians.

In the write up, which got international coverage, the acclaimed foreign policy expert warned the Obama administration to “wake up” to the growing threat of Nigeria turning into an Islamic state, leading to other African nations also capitulating to Muslim extremists. He continued; “Buhari has spoken defensively about Boko Haram, even though the evil group has kidnapped and enslaved hundreds of young girls. And he has been personally been selected by the terrorists to lead its negotiations with the government.”

“Buhari’s election as head of state would be a disaster for Africa, according to Richard. It would also signal trouble for the West’s fight against the Islamic State (ISIS) and terrorism throughout the Middle East, he continued. The decision by the 73 million registered Nigerian voters could have a profound impact on the future of Africa”, he suggested.

With this write-up, this acclaimed foreign policy expert has held on to statements Buhari may not or may have said in the PAST.

Nigerians are always in a haste to defend the President and the country. You will expect the patriotic ones to, anyway. Some decided to take on Richard Grenell on social media. Fair to Richard, he responded in kind and not in abuse and threats which a majority of Nigerians on Social Media are accustomed to. 

The few times I had taken on fellow Nigerians in what I had hoped would be a debate, I always at the onset make it clear that I would not entertain personal attacks. Like Richard, I share  his view of stating opinions and having a good debate. Nigerians, in taking on Richard should have stated facts instead of naming calling.

Back to Richard, I don’t see a Fox TV News contributor suddenly change views. That is not their make-up. An experienced spokesman for four United States Ambassadors to the United Nations he may, it should not surprise anyone when the American government take certain decisions which may appear absurd. It’s the likes of Richard that feed Ambassadors with stale information.

Richard is adamant Nigeria’s President Buhari is a supporter of Sharia Law. My question to him would have been what becomes of his view when Buhari has insisted he isn’t anything like he has portrayed him. Would he still hold on to his statements?

I would have been honest if I told Richard am’ not sure I quite follow his assertion which has the potential of misinforming millions of Fox viewers and numerous readers of his articles..

I am an avid reader of writers with a diverse range of views. I like to be informed. However, I find Richard’s views on President Buhari very disturbing. This commentator is in a position to inform millions of Americans that depend on Fox TV News and his write-ups on Buhari’s current political position. He is not doing just that. He is busy  spreading disseminating is false  instead is incorrect. To suggest that a majority of Nigerians have voted in an Islamic fundamentalist in the person of President Muhammadu Buhari is wrong. I will leave it at that.

Below are tweets on the issue.

SMARTPHONE VIRAL JOKES – “I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody.”

FUUNY WISE QUOTES….

1).  He who refuses to mix Agege bread and akara as a type of sandwich is a racist – Martin Luther King jnr (1788)

2).  He who completely unwraps moimoi and gala before eating cannot keep a secret – Abraham Lincoln (1864)

3).  Only a courageous woman can fry a bunch of plantain without tasting any – Albert Macauley (1872)

4).  Drinking Garri doesn’t mean u’re poor, but allowing the Garri to swell before drinking is poverty – Queen Elizabeth (1893)

5).  Any man who drinks yoyo bitters without squeezing his face, is capable of murder – Michael Faraday (1899)

6).  Any man that uses his teeth to cut shaki from pepper soup, with his eyes wide open, is not afraid of anything – Williams Shakespeare (1900)

7).  Anyone who graduates from a conventional school without experiencing a strike, has never been to Nigeria – Lord Lugard (1904)

8).  He who runs around looking for scissors to cut indomine seasoning sachet is not hungry – Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe (1947)

9).  He who says nothing lasts forever has never tried Hausa perfume – Nelson Mandela (1973)

10).  No matter how hot your temper is, it cannot cook yam – Prof Jega (2015)

11).  Anyone who reads this without laughing, is either looking for job or needs money badly – Barack Obama (2014).

 

PHOTOS: ….and NBA LEGEND, HAKEEM ‘THE DREAM’ OLAJUWON attended Buhari’s Inauguration…

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, right, introduces newly inaugurated Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, second from right, to Hakeem Olajuwon, left, NBA Legend and Olympic Gold Medalist, before the start of a formal meeting near Eagle Square in Abuja, Nigeria, Friday, May 29, 2015. Nigerians celebrated their newly reinforced democracy Friday, dancing, singing at the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari, the first candidate to beat a sitting president at the polls. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, Pool)

VIDEO – Hakeem Olajuwon Highlights

PRESS RELEASE: ‘Why We Withdrew From Buruji Kashamu’s House’ – NDLEA

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said that it pulled out its operatives from the house of senator-elect, Mr. Buruji Kashamu in compliance with court order. The Agency withdrew from his house when it officially received a copy of the order from the court on Thursday May 28, 2015. Kashamu’s attorney also signed an undertaking to produce him in court for hearing.

This is not the end of the case as the NDLEA has filed a formal extradition process at the Federal High Court. The Agency is following the due process of law and will ensure that national interest is balanced against the constitutional rights of Mr. Kashamu. The mission of the NDLEA is not and has never been to abduct him, but to engage the extradition process. The Agency is taking necessary steps to ensure that Mr. Kashamu will be available to stand trial on extradition charges as required by law.

To this end, the NDLEA has a provisional warrant of arrest on him as well as a formal request for his extradition. The honourable thing for him to do is to submit to the due process of the law as pledged. The NDLEA wishes to reiterate that it would comply with all court orders and not forcefully abduct and take him to the United States for trial.

It is pertinent to state that the court did not prevent the Agency from embarking on extradition process against Mr. Kashamu. The court held that the respondents cannot be restrained perpetually from arresting the applicant and that they were only restrained from arresting him without a warrant of arrest and for forcibly abducting and taking him from Nigeria without recourse to the due process of law as enshrined in the Extradition Act.

Ofoyeju Mitchell

Head, Public Affairs

Official portrait of Mrs Aisha Buhari, First Lady of Nigeria…

Here is the official portrait of First Lady, Aisha Buhari, wife of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The portrait by photographer George Okoro was reported to have been shot after the inauguration activities in Abuja today.

Makeup was courtesy of Mamza Beauty.

 

FULL TEXT – PRESIDENT BUHARI’S INAUGURAL SPEECH…

Inaugural speech by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, following his swearing-in as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on 29^th May, 2015

I am immensely grateful to God Who Has preserved us to witness this day and this occasion. Today marks a triumph for Nigeria and an occasion to celebrate her freedom and cherish her democracy. Nigerians have shown their commitment to democracy and are determined to entrench its culture. Our journey has not been easy but thanks to the determination of our people and strong support from friends abroad we have today a truly democratically elected government in place.

I would like to thank President Goodluck Jonathan for his display of statesmanship in setting a precedent for us that has now made our people proud to be Nigerians wherever they are. With the support and cooperation he has given to the transition process, he has made it possible for us to show the world that despite the perceived tension in the land we can be a united people capable of doing what is right for our nation. Together we co-operated to surprise the world that had come to expect only the worst from Nigeria. I hope this act of graciously accepting defeat by the outgoing President will become the standard of political conduct in the country.

I would like to thank the millions of our supporters who believed in us even when the cause seemed hopeless. I salute their resolve in waiting long hours in rain and hot sunshine to register and cast their votes and stay all night if necessary to protect and ensure their votes count and were counted.  I thank those who tirelessly carried the campaign on the social media. At the same time, I thank our other countrymen and women who did not vote for us but contributed to make our democratic culture truly competitive, strong and definitive. 

 

I thank all of you.

Having just a few minutes ago sworn on the Holy Book, I intend to keep my oath and serve as President to all Nigerians.

I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody.

A few people have privately voiced fears that on coming back to office I shall go after them. These fears are groundless. There will be no paying off old scores. The past is prologue.

Our neighbours in the Sub-region and our African brethenen should rest assured that Nigeria under our administration will be ready to play any leadership role that Africa expects of it. Here I would like to thank the governments and people of Cameroon, Chad and Niger for committing their armed forces to fight Boko Haram in Nigeria.

I also wish to assure the wider international community of our readiness to cooperate and help to combat threats of cross-border terrorism, sea piracy, refugees and boat people, financial crime, cyber crime, climate change, the spread of communicable diseases and other challenges of the 21^st century.

At home we face enormous challenges. Insecurity, pervasive corruption, the hitherto unending and seemingly impossible fuel and power shortages are the immediate concerns. We are going to tackle them head on. Nigerians will not regret that they have entrusted national responsibility to us. We must not succumb to hopelessness and defeatism. We can fix our problems.

In recent times Nigerian leaders appear to have misread our mission. Our founding fathers, Mr Herbert Macauley, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Malam Aminu Kano, Chief J.S. Tarka, Mr Eyo Ita, Chief Denis Osadeby, Chief Ladoke Akintola and their colleagues worked to establish certain standards of governance. They might have differed in their methods or tactics or details, but they were united in establishing a viable and progressive country. Some of their successors behaved like spoilt children breaking everything and bringing disorder to the house.

Furthermore, we as Nigerians must remind ourselves that we are heirs to great civilizations: Shehu Othman Dan fodio’s caliphate, the Kanem Borno Empire, the Oyo Empire, the Benin Empire and King Jaja’s formidable domain. The blood of those great ancestors flow in our veins. What is now required is to build on these legacies, to modernize and uplift Nigeria.

Daunting as the task may be it is by no means insurmountable. There is now a national consensus that our chosen route to national development is democracy. To achieve our objectives we must consciously work the democratic system. The Federal Executive under my watch will not seek to encroach on the duties and functions of the Legislative and Judicial arms of government. The law enforcing authorities will be charged to operate within the Constitution. We shall rebuild and reform the public service to become more effective and more serviceable. We shall charge them to apply themselves with integrity to stabilize the system.

For their part the legislative arm must keep to their brief of making laws, carrying out over-sight functions and doing so expeditiously. The judicial system needs reform to cleanse itself from its immediate past. The country now expects the judiciary to act with dispatch on all cases especially on corruption, serious financial crimes or abuse of office. It is only when the three arms act constitutionally that government will be enabled to serve the country optimally and avoid the confusion all too often bedeviling governance today.

Elsewhere relations between Abuja and the States have to be clarified if we are to serve the country better. Constitutionally there are limits to powers of each of the three tiers of government but that should not mean the Federal Government should fold its arms and close its eyes to what is going on in the states and local governments. Not least the operations of the Local Government Joint Account. While the Federal Government can not interfere in the details of its operations it will ensure that the gross corruption at the local level is checked. As far as the constitution allows me I will try to ensure that there is responsible and accountable governance at all levels of government in the country. For I will not have kept my own trust with the Nigerian people if I allow others abuse theirs under my watch.

However, no matter how well organized the governments of the federation are they can not succeed without the support, understanding and cooperation of labour unions, organized private sector, the press and civil society organizations. I appeal to employers and workers alike to unite in raising productivity so that everybody will have the opportunity to share in increased prosperity. The Nigerian press is the most vibrant in Africa. My appeal to the media today – and this includes the social media – is to exercise its considerable powers with responsibility and patriotism.

My appeal for unity is predicated on the seriousness of the legacy we are getting into. With depleted foreign reserves, falling oil prices, leakages and debts the Nigerian economy is in deep trouble and will require careful management to bring it round and to tackle the immediate challenges confronting us, namely; Boko Haram, the Niger Delta situation, the power shortages and unemployment especially among young people. For the longer term we have to improve the standards of our education. We have to look at the whole field of medicare. We have to upgrade our dilapidated physical infrastructure.

The most immediate is Boko Haram’s insurgency. Progress has been made in recent weeks by our security forces but victory can not be achieved by basing the Command and Control Centre in Abuja. The command centre will be relocated to Maiduguri and remain until Boko Haram is completely subdued. But we can not claim to have defeated Boko Haram without rescuing the Chibok girls and all other innocent persons held hostage by insurgents.

This government will do all it can to rescue them alive. Boko Haram is a typical example of small fires causing large fires. An eccentric and unorthodox preacher with a tiny following was given posthumous fame and following by his extra judicial murder at the hands of the police. Since then through official bungling, negligence, complacency or collusion Boko Haram became a terrifying force taking tens of thousands of lives and capturing several towns and villages covering swathes of Nigerian sovereign territory.

Boko Haram is a mindless, godless group who are as far away from Islam as one can think of. At the end of the hostilities when the group is subdued the Government intends to commission a sociological study to determine its origins, remote and immediate causes of the movement, its sponsors, the international connexions to ensure that measures are taken to prevent a reccurrence of this evil. For now the Armed Forces will be fully charged with prosecuting the fight against Boko haram. We shall overhaul the rules of engagement to avoid human rights violations in operations. We shall improve operational and legal mechanisms so that disciplinary steps are taken against proven human right violations by the Armed Forces.

Boko Haram is not only the security issue bedeviling our country. The spate of kidnappings, armed robberies, herdsmen/farmers clashes, cattle rustlings all help to add to the general air of insecurity in our land. We are going to erect and maintain an efficient, disciplined people – friendly and well – compensated security forces within an over – all security architecture.

The amnesty programme in the Niger Delta is due to end in December, but the Government intends to invest heavily in the projects, and programmes currently in place. I call on the leadership and people in these areas to cooperate with the State and Federal Government in the rehabilitation programmes which will be streamlined and made more effective. As ever, I am ready to listen to grievances of my fellow Nigerians. I extend my hand of fellowship to them so that we can bring peace and build prosperity for our people.

No single cause can be identified to explain Nigerian’s poor economic performance over the years than the power situation. It is a national shame that an economy of 180 million generates only 4,000MW, and distributes even less. Continuous tinkering with the structures of power supply and distribution and close on $20b expanded since 1999 have only brought darkness, frustration, misery, and resignation among Nigerians. We will not allow this to go on. Careful studies are under way during this transition to identify the quickest, safest and most cost-effective way to bring light and relief to Nigerians.

Unemployment, notably youth un-employment features strongly in our Party’s Manifesto. We intend to attack the problem frontally through revival of agriculture, solid minerals mining as well as credits to small and medium size businesses to kick – start these enterprises. We shall quickly examine the best way to revive major industries and accelerate the revival and development of our railways, roads and general infrastructure.

Your Excellencies, My fellow Nigerians I can not recall when Nigeria enjoyed so much goodwill abroad as now. The messages I received from East and West, from powerful and small countries are indicative of international expectations on us. At home the newly elected government is basking in a reservoir of goodwill and high expectations. Nigeria therefore has a window of opportunity to fulfill our long – standing potential of pulling ourselves together and realizing our mission as a great nation.

Our situation somehow reminds one of a passage in Shakespeare’s Julius Ceasar

There is a tide in the affairs of men which,

            taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; 

            Omitted, all the voyage of their life,

            Is bound in shallows and miseries.

We have an opportunity. Let us take it.

Thank you

Muhammadu Buhari 

President Federal Republic of NIGERIA and Commander in-chief-of the Armed forces

PHOTOS: NIGERIA HAS A NEW PRESIDENT. BUHARI SWORN IN…

Photos courtesy of ChannelsTV Youtube

A RAY OF HOPE FOR NIGERIA AS BUHARI AND OSINBAJO TAKE OVER……

Muhammadu Buhari, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria!

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

D-Day is here. May 29th is here at last.

In Abuja, at Eagle Square, history will be made and recorded. The 8th republic will officially commence and Nigerians are grateful for another intervention by the hands of God, this time through the outgoing President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan who gracefully and I must stress, out of character of a Nigerian politician conceded defeat. This could be the turning point in the political life of Nigeria. There is a ray of hope for Nigeria. I remain hopeful Buhari will make a life changing difference in the manner and attitude governance is administered. Long Live Nigeria. Happy Democracy Day!

PHOTOS: Akinwunmi Ambode Receives Hand-Over Notes from Gov. Babatunde Fashola…

Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, as he would like to be officially addressed, the incoming governor of Lagos state received hand-over notes from out going Governor, Babatunde Fashola leading up to the inauguration ceremony tomorrow, 29th May 2015. Wishing Mr Akinwunmi Ambode the very best in his endeavours.

See photos below. 

Photos courtesy of Akinwunmi Ambode FB page

WOMEN ON TOP: 7 INSPIRING FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS….

 

Success

WOMEN ON TOP: 7 INSPIRING FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS

Mandy Arthur

Female entrepreneurs are proving they have what it takes to go head-to-head with their male counterparts, and, in general, kicking-ass along the way.

“Anything you can do, I can do in heels.

— Rebecca Woodcock

These 7 inspiring women are building and running some of the world’s greatest companies. Not only are they handling multi-million dollar businesses with great finesse, they’re doing so across a variety of industries– proving that men have no special advantage when it comes to creating astronomical wealth and success. In a world where women account for 50% of the population but only 14.6 percent hold an executive officer position in Fortune 500 companies, these women have reached a rare level of accomplishment. Check out the list below to see how they’re doing it.

1. MICHELLE MONE, OBE @MICHELLEMONE
FOUNDER, ULTIMO; CEO, UTAN

Michelle Mone/ Twitter

““I knew nothing about the way bras were made”

— Michelle Mone

Mone founded her first company, Ultimo, out of necessity. In fact, she first got the idea for the award winning lingerie company when she became frustrated with how uncomfortable her bra was– and thought she could develop a better design. Mone then invented a silicone underwire which she incorporated into her brands design for increased comfort. Ultimo is now estimated to be worth upwards of 60 million dollars. She also recently bought U-Tan,  a fake tan company, in which she now owns a 100% stake. Considering that Mone’s school teachers told her she would never amount to anything, she’s living proof that success is possible for anyone willing to put in the work and persevere.

2. MIMI IKONN @MIMIIKONN
CO-FOUNDER, LUXY HAIR

Mimi Ikonn/ Twitter

“It’s all in your mind: If you think you can, so you can. If you think you can’t, you obviously can’t.

— Mimi Ikonn

Ikonn co-founded Luxy Hair in 2010, when she noticed how difficult it was to find and obtain quality, reasonably priced hair extensions. But Ikonn didn’t just create an online hair extension store, she created a HUGE following with Youtube. Since the beginning, Luxy Hair’s sales have been driven, almost exclusively, by tutorial-style YouTube videos done by Mimi and her sister Leyla. The YouTube channel, created in 2010,  has since amassed over 1.5 million subscribers and more than 173 million total video views. Those views translate to what’s now a multi-million dollar business. Luxy’s business model is evidence that, the more value you offer, through your content, products, and services, the likelier you are to find success.

3. JENNIFER HYMAN @JENN_RTR
CEO & CO-FOUNDER, RENT THE RUNWAY

Jennifer Hyman/ Twitter

“Be humble, be curious, and listen to the people who have come before you.

— Jennifer Hyman

Hyman co-founded Rent The Runway when she and Harvard pal Jennifer Fleiss witnessed their friend’s frustration at trying to find a designer dress for a special event that also fit within her modest budget. They immediately decided to create a business that could cater to women like their friends– women who want to look glamorous for all their occasions and experiment with new brands without the anxiety of making a huge investment in each piece. Their online service, which provides designer dress and accessory rentals, has grown to more than 4 million members and over 250 employees. As of 2014, Hyman and Fleiss have also raised approximately $114 million in venture capital funding for their company. Today, the team is looking toward the future with plans to break into new industries where they can incorporate their highly successful business format.

4. SARA BLAKELY @SPANX
FOUNDER, SPANX

Fortune Live Media, Flickr.com

“Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else.

— Sara Blakely

Sara Blakely invented Spanx to solve an age-old problem. The problem, bunching pantyhose that refused to to lie smoothly under pants, ended up being the greatest opportunity of her life. At 29 Blakely invested her entire life savings of $5,000, into creating a new line of shaping underwear which she sold from her Atlanta apartment. Incredibly, just six  short months after launching Spanx, the invention was announced as one of Oprah Winfrey’s Favorite Things– launching her company into the spotlight. Since Oprah’s endorsement in 2000, Blakely’s company has grown into a powerhouse with more that 200 products and about $250 million in annual revenues.

5. TORY BURCH @TORYBURCH
FOUNDER, CHAIRMAN, CEO, & DESIGNER, TORY BURCH

David Shankbone, Flickr.com

“I think you can have it all. You just have to know it’s going to work.

— Tory Burch

Tory Burch has always had a flair for fashion and after college went straight to New York, working for fashion icons Vera Wang and Polo Ralph Lauren.  She soon developed a distinct style which some have referred to as “preppy-boho”,  and looked to make her own mark on the fashion industry. So, in 2004, she created a fashion label, “TRB by Tory Burch”, later known as “Tory Burch” and launched her first retail location in Manhattan’s Nolita district. It was a hit, as nearly all of the merchandise sold out on the first day. She got a second boost when, in 2005, Oprah Winfrey called Burch “the next big thing in fashion”. The next day her website received 8 million hits. Today, the company is comprised of 140 Tory Burch stores worldwide and has a market cap of $3.5 billion.

6. OPRAH WINFREY @OPRAH 
CHAIRWOMAN, CEO, & CCO, OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK (OWN)

Lwp Kommunikáció, Flickr.com

“Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another steppingstone to greatness.

— Oprah Winfrey

America’s favorite female entrepreneur, the “Queen of all media”, was once just the co-anchor at a local news station. There, she began to develop her signature emotional ad-lib delivery, earning her place in the world of daytime-talk-shows. In 1986, she made the decision to launch her own production company (Harpo Productions) and became internationally syndicated. Winfrey is widely credited with creating a more intimate and confessional form of interview and re-imagining the talk show genre on her hit television show titles “The Oprah Winfrey Show”. Winfrey’s success has earned her a net worth is approaching $3 billion, supported by the many massively successful brands, products, and services she’s created. However, she hasn’t let her success get to her head, and she continues to give more and more of her fortune to charities and other causes.

7. CHER WANG @CHERWANG
CO-FOUNDER & CHAIRPERSON, HTC CORPORATION

Cher Wang/ Twitter

“I always have this imagination, something I want to use. I don’t understand the idea of leisure time.

— Cher Wang

One of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world, Wang is one of very few female tech pioneers. Wang got the idea for HTC when she was hauling cases of computer parts she was hoping to sell. While struggling to carry the cases, she says “I began to ponder what it would be like if the devices could be smaller and not so heavy to carry around”(Holson, 2008). She co-founded  HTC in 1997, and immediately took to places like Silicon Valley, where she secured major deals and built relationships with top companies like T-Mobile. The company, which designed and manufactured devices such as mobile phones, touchscreen phones, and PDA’s,  is also credited with creating the first Android smartphone.  HTC smartphones have proven extremely popular and, at one point,  accounted for one of every six smartphones sold in the United States. With an estimated net worth of $8.8 billion, Wang now focuses on philanthropy.

The one thing that each of these highly successful women have in common is that each was able to see an opportunity where others saw only a problem. They also prove that there are no industries off-limits to female entrepreneurs, though, sometimes entering those industries can mean a lot of hard work and developing an unusual perseverance. So take their failures, successes, and experiences and create a vision for your own business– then get to work; because if there’s one thing these women know how to do, it’s hustle!

Mandy Arthur is Editor in Chief at SuccessFastlane.com. She enjoys helping others and has a passion for self development, customer service, and all things art! In her free time she reads philosophy, particularly Nietzsche. Follow her on twitter @Molly_Dagger

Culled from SUCCESS FAST LANE.

25 PHOTOS: Jonathan presents ‘Hand Over Notes’ to President-elect Muhammadu Buhari…

Below are photographs of a tour of the State House as well as the presentation of ‘hand over notes’ to President-elect Muhammadu Buhari.

Photos courtesy of Reuben Abati’s twitter Handle.

AfDB Presidency: Akinwumi Adesina of Nigeria WINS…

Dr Akinwumi Adesina, #Nigeria‘s outgoing Minister of Agriculture becomes the next President of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

In his first remark, he tweeted “I am humbled by this remarkable vote of confidence in me by @AfDB_Group . I will not let Africa down”

…more to follow

PHOTOS: JONATHAN GIVES BUHARI ASO ROCK VILLA TOUR…

Its a day to inauguration. Tomorrow, May 29th 2015 is D-day. President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s 5 years, 23 days reign as the President of Nigeria officially comes to an end.

Today, the outgoing President invited over incoming President Muhammadu Buhari to Aso Rock Villa, his official residence for the next 4 years. Below are photographs courtesy of Nigerian Reviews.

PHOTO: Introducing Yusuf Buhari, President-Elect Buhari’s son….

His name is Yusuf Buhari and he is Muhammadu Buhari’s son. Yusuf who was photographed with sister, Zahra and his Dad, Nigeria’s President-elect Muhammadu Buhari has caused a storm on social media.Yusuf was caught on camera as he emerged  this morning at the Abuja International Airport this morning. 

As to be expected from Nigerians, his introduction on social media has been greeted with a variety of remarks. Some were down right hilarious, others were ridiculous, while many were just plain silly. I believe Yusuf knows the score, but would never have experienced this level of social media attention. I am certain he would take these comments tongue-in-cheek. My advice is to him is to take it in his stride and enjoy the many good, bad and ugly moments to come. He would be scrutinised and be reported in the media. There would be many rumours that would circulate on his private life. 

Below are some interesting tweets;

 

 

Obama Nominates Basketball Legend Hakeem Olajuwon Others for Buhari’s Inauguration…..

President Barack Obama of the United States of America (USA) on Wednesday released the final list of the White House delegation to grace the inauguration of the President elect, Maj General Muhammadu Buhari, which holds this Friday at the Eagles Square, Abuja.

The statement from the White House shows that  Hon John Kerry, Secretary of State, will lead the delegation which includes. Nigerian, basket ball guru, Mr Hakeem Olajuwon.

Other members of the presidential delegation include;
Hon  James F. Entwistle, U.S. Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Department of State

Hon Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Department of State, and General David M. Rodriguez, Commander, U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM).

Others are Hon Grant T. Harris, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for African Affairs, National Security Council, as well as Mr. Hakeem Olajuwon, NBA Legend and Olympic gold medalist.