By Kemi Olokode-Ayelabola
Within the prism of objectivity, I sincerely found it convenient to quickly conclude that, it is no longer business as usual in Nigeria, the new kid in the bloc has offered the country the much-desired renewed hope, direction, sense of purpose and vision.
In just three months, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s whisk broom of reform has swept away the notoriously parasitical subsidy regime, apparently those of us who stood with him during the campaigns thoughtfully and patriotically made justifiable decisions, and today we feel fulfilled to be part of history in witnessing Tinubu’s outstanding performance in just three months in office as president.
Tinubu has made those of us that recognised and appreciated his value and potential, had faith in him, risked all, stood with him and fought for him proud and most importantly we have been vindicated.
Today, is an unusually momentous day in Nigeria. Its build-up lasted for several weeks, while its anticipation stretches back as far as May 29, 2023. It’s a day when several state governors in the country also mark their 100thday in office. More importantly though, it’s also the day that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, attains 100 days milestone in office.
However, in spite of many difficulties, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been able to record some successes in his first hundred days in office. Below are 7 of the key achievements of President Tinubu in his maiden 100 days in office:
- Renewed commitment in the War against insecurity
One of the key achievements of the President Bola Tinubu thus far is the overhaul of the dysfunctional topmost hierarchy of the Nigerian security architecture across-the-board. New service chiefs have been brought in, the military command centres has been rejigged, proper funding has been introduced and the troops’ morale and confidence are on an upswing.
- Waging a “Fierce” War against Corruption
President Bola Tinubu, in his first 16 days in office, ordered the suspension of the chairperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, in a sweep that earlier saw the suspension of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele. Apart from these two individuals many high profile arrest have also been made so as to nip the tide of corruption in the bud. Be that as it may, the present government must learn to go about its probe of the past administrations with more hush and decorum, so that it looks less like a persecution and more like an actual prosecution.
- Introduction of palliatives to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal
President Tinubu whose administration has respect for human dignity and compassion for the poor unveiled measures to cushion the effects of the economic downturn, caused by fuel subsidy removal, in the country, telling Nigerians he understood the hardship and came to help, not to hurt them.
The President in his wisdom approved N100 billion for the procurement of 3000 20-seater buses fueled by Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, to ease the high cost of transportation caused by fuel subsidy removal. The President also said his administration would energise micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and the informal sector as drivers of growth with N125 billion.
He said of the sum, N50 billion would be spent on conditional grants to one million nano businesses between now and March 2024, explaining that the government’s target was to give N50,000 each to 1,300 nano business owners in each of the 774 local governments across the country
- Introduction of Discipline, Transparency and accountability in NNPCL
President Bola Tinubu few weeks after his emergence set up an inter-agency committee to resolve the lingering row between the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC). As the “juiciest” fragment of the national economy, NNPC has, for decades, been the nexus of unchecked, gargantuan corruption. Administration after administration either abated the wild ‘high-handedness’ going on in this organization or simply failed to properly keep it in check. This, it seems, will no longer be the case as concerted efforts are now being made to declutter the cesspit. The administration has also promised to rehabilitate one of the country’s refineries before the end of 2023.
- Cementing of the Fractured Relationships with the World Powers and Nigeria
Nigeria’s relationship with the global powers, especially the West, has not been so sweet and a number of us in diaspora can attest to this. This astute President has changed the narrative.
On President Tinubu’s first foreign trip, June 20th, 2023 – June 24th, 2023, to attend the Summit on New Global Financing Pact in Paris, France, the two master strokes of removing the age-long fuel subsidy and streamlining the dual foreign exchange rates, paved way for new friendships, partnership deals and an inspirational presence on global stage. The President was attending his first international conference.
The historic decision on May 29th, 2023, to re-align the economy in his inaugural speech, completely altered the trajectory of Nigeria’s financial fortune, redefined trade and diplomatic relations, and showcased the President’s image as a reformist and a listener.
Other actions on security, financial regulations, signing of bills, that directly impacted lives, also projected President Tinubu to the world for being a people-first leader.
The two decisions taken on the nation’s economy made President Tinubu a toast of world leaders and financial institutions at the Summit. The ovation by economic and financial experts for the courageous steps revealed more for the future, with the World Bank projecting, after the meeting in Paris, that Nigeria will save about $3.9 trillion in 2023, and N21 trillion between 2023 to 2025.
The seriousness and quick engagement of critical stakeholders in the economy, like trade unions, oil marketers, depot dealers, the NNPC Ltd by the administration was also taken by the foreign institutions as a deliberate attempt, and not political convenience, to take the country to a new height, as well as various initiatives and measures being out on the drawing board to alleviate the impacts.
- Accentuating and prioritizing Regional Cooperation
This President has made regional integration within the West African subregion one of the priorities of his administration. This policy direction is not only economically vital it has attracted global commendation, his tactical and diplomatic approach to the whirlwind coup in the subregion has also been remarkably ranked.
- Returning Dignity to the Body Politic
Due to the president’s ‘no-nonsense’ personality, some level of discipline has been restored to various sectors of the country, especially the public sector. A laissez-faire approach may work in more civilized countries, but in an unruly country such as ours, an uncompromising approach is the only thing that can bring us back to sanity.
However, inspite of various distractions including the ongoing election litigation, President Tinubu has remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy to Nigerians and we can all attest to that. Yes, the process isn’t 100 percent perfect but the citizenry could have a feel and look of better days ahead especially with a leader whose word is his bond.
On the threats by the organized labour to embark on strike, the president isn’t resting on his oars as he is consistently engaging with the leadership of the Labour unions, creating windows of negotiations and directly interfacing with them in most instances. He also set up labour-friendly committees toward finding lasting solution to the demands of the unions in order to foster industrial harmony.
Without sounding ‘politically correct’, it is very modest to say our dear country is progressing on the right track under President Tinubu and I once again assure the citizenry that the step to the much anticipated Eldorado has been made, just as the novel policies of this administration will soon start to yield positive results just at the nick of time. May God bless and prosper Nigeria.
Olokode-Ayelabola, a resident of Ireland, is the Chairperson/Convener of Asiwaju 4 Renewed Hope ’23. She writes via kemiayelabola@gmail.com
