In his recent article titled “Buhari: A Promise Kept!”, Olusegun Adeniyi reflects on the presidency of Muhammadu Buhari and the campaign promises he made in 2015. Adeniyi argues that despite the challenges and criticism, Buhari has kept some of his promises and made significant strides in areas such as security, anti-corruption, and agriculture.
One of the key promises Buhari made during his campaign was to tackle corruption in Nigeria. Adeniyi notes that while some critics argue that Buhari’s anti-corruption efforts have been selective, his administration has successfully recovered billions of naira in stolen funds and prosecuted high-profile cases. Adeniyi acknowledges that corruption remains a pervasive issue in Nigeria, but he credits Buhari with making progress towards reducing it.
Another major promise Buhari made was to address Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast. Adeniyi argues that while the security situation in Nigeria remains fragile, Buhari’s administration has made significant gains in the fight against Boko Haram and other criminal groups. He cites the release of some of the Chibok girls who were kidnapped by Boko Haram as an example of the government’s success.
Adeniyi also discusses Buhari’s efforts to diversify Nigeria’s economy and promote agriculture. Buhari’s administration launched the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, which provides loans to small-scale farmers, and has invested in infrastructure to support agriculture. Adeniyi notes that while these efforts have not yet resulted in a full-scale economic turnaround, they represent a step in the right direction.
However, Adeniyi also acknowledges that Buhari’s presidency has been marked by challenges, including a sluggish economy and criticism of his handling of the #EndSARS protests. He notes that Buhari’s popularity has declined since he first took office, and that many Nigerians are frustrated with the slow pace of change.
The article highlights the bitter inter-agency rivalry that has emerged in Nigeria’s security agencies and how it has affected their ability to tackle corruption and insecurity in the country. It also sheds light on how these frictions have become a serious threat to the country’s stability and why there is a need for urgent action to address them.
Overall, Adeniyi’s article presents a nuanced perspective on Buhari’s presidency, acknowledging both his successes and shortcomings. While some of Buhari’s promises remain unfulfilled, Adeniyi argues that he has made progress in key areas and that his efforts should be recognized.
