Japheth Omojuwa

In just over two months, we’d have had one year of the administration that was voted in on the strength of its claim to make change happen in Nigeria. Is it too early to judge? Compared with the five disastrous years of the last administration, you could say that nine months is too small to judge a wholly new administration.

Against its promise to hit the ground running and against the ruling party’s claim of understanding what needed to be done to fix Nigeria, nine months is certainly enough time to see traction or, at least, the possibility of same. At the moment, it is either that I need better glasses or I see no signs of traction.

Save me the story on the fight against corruption. There is time for everything. There was a time to tell the previous administration the truth about its failures and a time came to make it pay. That administration did not only refuse to listen; it demonised the critics of its actions by describing them as tools of the opposition.



The time has come for the ruling All Progressives Congress to read some hard truths. You can take it as the ranting of one who knows not what he is saying, or you can take it as the reality of your last nine months in office.

Ours is a country where survival, even for the so-called big men and women, is often dependent on being connected to power. This essentially means that many would rather say to power what would keep them connected to power than they would what power needs to hear. I am not about that life. Those who can’t handle the truth can leave it hanging in the air. This government needs to know a few things or it can choose to ignore them and wait for the consequences in what is now just about three years from now.

Vice President Yemi Osinbanjo is an essential part of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. This is not just because he is the Vice-President. Namadi Sambo was VP, but I doubt if anyone expected him to be useful beyond just making cosmetic appearances that added zero to the country. On the contrary, it is because the President was voted in based on his avowed commitment to clean the Augean stable, not on account of his economic know-how or acumen.

Whether or not it has been clearly stated to the general public, the direction and state of the Nigerian economy depends and will continue to depend on Mr. Vice President. I have the utmost respect for him. He was the one that finally convinced me to support the APC during the 2015 elections. Even I appeared in a one-episode reality show with him in a last ditch attempt to rack up votes from the undecided.

Osinbanjo embodies passion, competence, character and capacity in more than enough dose to last several lifetimes. On top of that, he is hard working in a classic sense of the word. He is used to working tirelessly without consideration for time or space.

Prof. Osinbajo’s work as Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Lagos State continues to define the reality of the judiciary in Lagos to this day. He changed the process of recruitment, training, discipline and made sure to automate the court process. Today, the judiciary in Lagos is miles apart from the rest of the country, including Abuja.

The Vice President is the same man, whose work and pedigree cuts across our continent and the entire global community. Something seems to have changed this time. As an observer from outside, I’d think he does not have the same team that he probably had going for him.

It has been stated over and again that the most defining secret of a great leader is a great team. The same goes for performing companies and organisations. This is not to take anything away from the current individuals attached to the Vice President. You can have a team of stars but just not have the right manager to make them work in the most efficient and effective way possible.

Where is Babatunde Irukera? He organized the VP’s team during the campaign and few will argue against the value ‘Act Now’ brought to the APC then. He lost out in his bid to become Governor of Kogi State. But a man like that, who obviously understands the VP’s ideas and vision, should be organizing his present team.

I have probably exchanged less than 30 words with Mr. Irukera, but anyone who understands the workings of the Vice President pre-Aso Rock would see how much of a space his absence has left in the VP’s team. In his absence, can the Vice President get his current team to understand the vision and the mandate? What is the team busy with? If they spend a year preparing to deploy policies to fix the economy, how many years do they think they have before the elections?

Joe Biden and Barack Obama complement one another in a sense that one brings something to the table that the other does not readily have. That is what I see when I look at the Buhari-Osinbajo team.

The fact that this piece has not focused on the President’s team should not be assumed that his team is working. The less said about that end, the better for me. Better to deal with these things one after the other because there are consequences to articles like this. But what needs to be said has to be said and all of us cannot keep quiet, especially as I know that many feel the same way but they are constrained by different factors from speaking out.

Where is the economic team? The current Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, has received knocks from different quarters. Instead of defending herself, she should look within. She needs help. The Nigerian economy needs help. Aso Rock needs help.

Our country boasts some of Africa’s best economists. How can we make their expertise count? When are we going to relegate politics and let necessity decide for us? I believe that we need an advisory team on the economy. They need not be paid. Nigeria has been great to some of these world class citizens of ours and some of them will feel privileged to be called to serve, even if in advisory capacity. We can have a roving/non domiciled economic advisory team composed of the likes of Chukwuma Soludo, Emir Mohammed Sanusi II, Oby Ezekwesilib and Shehu Yahaya. We already have them and we can make their expertise count for our country at this time.

The world’s greatest institutions have backroom think-tanks that are able to assist those at the helms of the affairs of this country to make the right decisions. This writer is not an expert. So, don’t invite me to the table.

I had to make that clear. In our country one is always guilty of speaking the truth to power because he is often suspected of wanting something from those in the corridors of power. Let us even say that one wants something, at least take a critical look at these issues and make amends before it is too late. And the clock is ticking so fast that the long run will be here soon enough and we will all be gone. Should we then say that we did the very best we could for Nigeria? You have the power that you always craved, so tone down on the ceremonies and deliver the change you promised Nigerians. This is not a note of impatience; it is a reminder of the ticking clock.

Source:
http://www.punchng.com/team-change-before-it-is-too-late/

Ekpa japhet.
Wailer japhet.
ipob japhet.



Nigeria on the brinks. Seun , lalasticlala , mynd44 abeg una see Cramjonees?

Is it this omojuwa that lacks home training or another that will call a president a PIG.

I still wonder why that Lagos born throwey cant advise this government without making reference to other administration when they claim we are in change.

When he was criticising and insulting the last administration he never made comparison with other govts so when talking about this govt he should never mention the last administration.
Ewu gambia

Because of this guy, I became a Twitter Warlord? Is he now a Wailer? Mission accomplished!

#Rep commend .com - Talk to your Reps.

Oh Ooh!
Is Omojuwa now a wailer cum iPod yoot cum Ekpa?!

Adon'tBelieveIt

Well, Thank God I preordered my wailing form last year

thank you Mr Omojuwa we know you are sincere .....but wait until after 4 years . gbam!

Waka waka baba QATAR TODAY SAUDI TOMORROW naija don suffer

Babacele:
thank you Mr Omojuwa we know you are sincere .....but wait until after 4 years . gbam!

Evil thrive when good people decid to keep quiet.
4 years is way too long to just keep quiet hoping things will get better. Too bad that simple minded Nigerians term those that criticize the government as 'haters' 'enemies of Nigeria' or 'ipods'. Common sense dictates that you should never tell your enemies when they are making mistakes, you only criticize and advice the people you love because you want them to become better and not because you hate them.

Ola17:

Evil thrive when good people decid to keep quiet.
4 years is way too long to just keep quiet hoping things will get better. Too bad that simple minded Nigerians term those that criticize the government as 'haters' 'enemies of Nigeria' or 'ipods'. Common sense dictates that you should never tell your enemies when they are making mistakes, you only criticize and advice the people you love because you want them to become better and not because you hate them.

oh really? we know when a sincere concern is being expressed and when paid hate filled persons just wanna criticize in order to demonize and make a sincere administration look bad. You tell me , what my perception should be when youths n some persons open fake online sources daily spreading countless lies and promoting hatred just because their candidate was defeated n the president isn't their ' bloda'? The truth is that this administration is busy clearing the mess of the last regime ,and any wailing from yesterthieves and their cronies or agents can't b sincere n won't b taken seriuos cos the motive is evil.
Is this admin working? Yes it is.
1. Boko haram is becoming extinct.
2. without any budget the country is running.
3. stealing is now corruption and public officers are being held accountable for their roles in certain national issues.
4. our soldiers are better n performing to satisfaction in ensuring security of lives n investments.
5. increased IGR due to PMB body language e.g customs has made n remitted about N900billion to d nation's coffer within 6 months.
6. independence of the judiciary and Inec
7. Transparency in government dealings
etc
so we shall only listen to sincere critisicms and not bad wishes.
istandwithbuhari#

I agree with Omojuwa, thou the country is making progress and on a better path even with the weight of resistance it faces and all the circumstances it has to navigate.

The FG team has failed to include some Nigerians who actually have indept knowledge of the history of Nigeria and how go get us out. The likes of Lamido Sanusi, Soludo, Ruwane , and many expert economist should be advising the FG.

I think we need to rid ourselves bof that silky CBN governor, he has no clue and we can bring back Charles Soludo

Buhari better act with urgency. Ipod are waiting to devour whatever they can, even those they shouldn't.
Sane Nigerian understand the financial and procedural challenges.

Babacele:
oh really? we know when a sincere concern is being expressed and when paid hate filled persons just wanna criticize in order to demonize and make a sincere administration look bad. You tell me , what my perception should be when youths n some persons open fake online sources daily spreading countless lies and promoting hatred just because their candidate was defeated n the president isn't their ' bloda'? The truth is that this administration is busy clearing the mess of the last regime ,and any wailing from yesterthieves and their cronies or agents can't b sincere n won't b taken seriuos cos the motive is evil.
Is this admin working? Yes it is.
1. Boko haram is becoming extinct.
2. without any budget the country is running.
3. stealing is now corruption and public officers are being held accountable for their roles in certain national issues.
4. our soldiers are better n performing to satisfaction in ensuring security of lives n investments.
5. increased IGR due to PMB body language e.g customs has made n remitted about N900billion to d nation's coffer within 6 months.
6. independence of the judiciary and Inec
7. Transparency in government dealings
etc
so we shall only listen to sincere critisicms and not bad wishes.
istandwithbuhari#

I pity your type. Ahn ahn... even a blind man knws things are getting worse in the counrty. Get sense na.

The reality beckons .......

Omojuwa must be feeling the economic crunch. It's not surprising that we are witnessing so many zombies changing their stance. This is only the beginning, by the time PMB fully destroys the economy so many brains go reset by force.

Ola17:

Evil thrive when good people decid to keep quiet.
4 years is way too long to just keep quiet hoping things will get better. Too bad that simple minded Nigerians term those that criticize the government as 'haters' 'enemies of Nigeria' or 'ipods'. Common sense dictates that you should never tell your enemies when they are making mistakes, you only criticize and advice the people you love because you want them to become better and not because you hate them.

What you described is the opposite of today's wailers. Wailers have only one agenda: destroy PMB's govt. If they were more constructive and positive in their criticisms, they would have a listening ear in Mr President and a counter-balance for govt policies for the prosperity and progress of Nigerians.

But alas, all they provide is negativity, hate and insults. Most have refused to accept the reality that the elections are far over

Olarajee:


I pity your type. Ahn ahn... even a blind man knws things are getting worse in the counrty. Get sense na.

Its only in your house tins are getting worse. Any honest person can see the sincerity of this administration. Mistakes may be made, but we see that Buhari truely means well for Nigeria. Its not about blind support, its about being honest and supporting the development of our country

I think the combined factors of huge expectations from the govt, numerous promises by APC and the woeful performance of PDP and especially GEJ, are responsible for a rise in agitation from even many informed supporters.

What I am convinced of is that, without mindless corruption that was a common denominator in the past governments, this regime will eventually get us out of the woods.

I have totally lost confidence in Buhari.

Zoharariel:
I have totally lost confidence in Buhari.

It's too early for that.

PassingShot:
I think the combined factors of huge expectations from the govt, numerous promises by APC and the woeful performance of PDP and especially GEJ, are responsible for a rise in agitation from even many informed erstwhile supporters.

What I am convinced of is that, without mindless corruption that was a common denominator in the past governments, this regime will eventually get us out of the woods.

The child that was born since GEJ handed over to Buhari & APC has stopped sucking breast, has grown some teeth, is now walking & about to enroll into nursery school & you are still here blaming GEJ.

Passingshot wake up, you wan piss for body !

blackpanda:


Its only in your house tins are getting worse. Any honest person can see the sincerity of this administration. Mistakes may be made, but we see that Buhari truely means well for Nigeria. Its not about blind support, its about being honest and supporting the development of our country

Ebi labe agbada.

I feel the President is not carrying his party members along. He's a loner! PMB has proved to be a very ineffective team player; hence the reason why he's a tough sell. His anti corruption fight is laudable , but we need more than that.
I was just getting to know yesterday from our Chief Technical Officer that the delay in passing the budget is really affecting our operations. Activities have been very low because there's no direction. In all the JVs, the government (NNPC) holds about 60%. The white man (CTO) described all our leaders as very unserious.

It is getting tougher day by day to defend this government

porka:


Does this make any sense to you?

I don't always make sense to nitwits.

This is the opinion of a myopic person in nature.We don't need cosmetic change.We need the real change that will last.We know what we want and we will get there.Omojuwa!I respect you to death and have the right to your opinion.We understand what you mean but we gat to make this country moves forward systematically.To my fellow progressives,Don't give up and keep praying for this country.Our canaan land is not far from us.Good day guys.

Olarajee:


I pity your type. Ahn ahn... even a blind man knws things are getting worse in the counrty. Get sense na.

I pity your miseducation that blinded your senses of recognizing your real enemy and putting things in their respective perspectives. when Soludo was shouting that Gej looting spree will create so much problem for the country if crude oil crashes further in the international market ,where were u? You even thank God say no be indisciplined GEJ na him dey power, maybe u for carry gun. u just got to b patient ni or u can shout all u can cos PDP won't rule this country ,NEVER again!

porka:


Does this make any sense to you?

Such comment won't makes sense to brainless people.What you people want is to keep doing things the ways we have been doing and we didn't make headway.This style of govt is strange to you people to understand.I hope you still have your PVC,Come 2019.You can do whatever with your PVC.I believe in this country and trust this govt.

Babacele:
I pity your miseducation that blinded your senses of recognizing your real enemy and putting things in their respective perspectives. when Soludo was shouting that Gej looting spree will create so much problem for the country if crude oil crashes further in the international market ,where were u? You even thank God say no be indisciplined GEJ na him dey power, maybe u for carry gain. u just got to b patient ni or u can shout all u can cos PDP won't rule this country ,NEVER again!

God bless you bro.What I'm seeing the likes of omojuwa doing is we are the one that make this govt to work due to our criticism but this govt know what they are doing.The only thing I can accuse this govt is not passing out enough information and the handle of communication.

Babacele:
oh really? we know when a sincere concern is being expressed and when paid hate filled persons just wanna criticize in order to demonize and make a sincere administration look bad. You tell me , what my perception should be when youths n some persons open fake online sources daily spreading countless lies and promoting hatred just because their candidate was defeated n the president isn't their ' bloda'? The truth is that this administration is busy clearing the mess of the last regime ,and any wailing from yesterthieves and their cronies or agents can't b sincere n won't b taken seriuos cos the motive is evil.
Is this admin working? Yes it is.
1. Boko haram is becoming extinct.
2. without any budget the country is running.
3. stealing is now corruption and public officers are being held accountable for their roles in certain national issues.
4. our soldiers are better n performing to satisfaction in ensuring security of lives n investments.
5. increased IGR due to PMB body language e.g customs has made n remitted about N900billion to d nation's coffer within 6 months.
6. independence of the judiciary and Inec
7. Transparency in government dealings
etc
so we shall only listen to sincere critisicms and not bad wishes.
istandwithbuhari#

Really??
1. Extinct? Guess you need to check up the meaning of that word though I agree their activities have been subdued to a large extent
2. What exactly is the meaning of this statement? This was exactly how you guys supported Buhari running d country for months alone without ministers, see where we found ourselves. You say without budget, wasn't there a 2015 budget to be implemented?
3. That's what they have told us.. Corrupt practices are currently happening in different sectors in naija today.. The banks being a gud example. What has this administration done bout it?
The budget brouhaha is another unresolved corruption case at the highest level. If I may ask, who has been jailed for corrupt practice from last administration?? It's almost a year nw.. Chasing thieves, and stealing s still going on. Meanwhile, you said you have retrieved money but can't mention the amount retrieved.
4. What is this one saying? Investors that ran away due to lack of security, are they back? Fulani men are on rampage and no security force has really given a detailed press statement to show how these issues will be addressed.. Smh
5. So that "body language" thing is still being used? You increased IGR as they told you in the media, but they are still telling you we are broke and need to borrow heavily? Oga, wake up.
6. Now this is the most silly point that just gave you away as a Zombie.... It was very obvious that the tribunal judgments were influenced when you see Lagos tribunal giving contradicting judgment to that of ph, akwa ibom on similar issue..
7. Finally, what was transparent about the budget? A govt that couldn't even withdraw a budget it submitted rightly.. They had to steal it and sneak in another...

We are ready to give this administration a chance to succeed, but so far, no difference from PDP they claimed wrecked Nigeria