Achievements of Osinbajo in 103 days as Acting President of Nigeria
President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration came into office on a vision that covered 3 key areas:
Security, Economy and the fight against Corruption.
The 3 issues are closely linked, without guaranteeing security, we will all struggle to attract the kind of investments, domestic or foreign, needed to create jobs and prosperity for our people.
While Buhari was away Professor Osinbajo acted in the capacity of President of Federal Republic of Nigeria; he performed well in the under listed areas:
SECURITY:
Conflict resolution: Osinbajo should be given kudos in the area of conflict resolution, he stood well for Mr President in a diplomatic way that is quite different from what we used to have since the tenure of Yaradua who introduced the amnesty programme, until Jonathan regime where emmisaries were sent to the creeks and disturbed areas.
Osinbajo displayed a high sense of empathy by introducing the ‘face-me-i-face you approach, he personally visited places like the Niger Delta creeks, Ogoni chief and dialogued with them,
Hitherto, emmisaries were sent to these regions by the government, unfortunately these government officials pocket the money without resolving the disputes they are been sent.
Osinbajo also visited other places in the north like the Emir of Gusau, Birnin Kebbi
Hate speech: Osinbajo drew the line on hate speech while President Buhari was away, Hate speech is a specie of terrorism. Terrorism as it is defined popularly is the unlawful use of violence or intimidation against individuals or groups especially for political ends. The law, that is the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 (as amended), defines terrorism as inter Alia, an act which deliberately done with malice which may seriously harm or damage a country or seriously intimidate a population.
Reduction in bombing and kidnapping: There was a sharp decline in bombing and kidnapping in Nigeria while President Buhari was away.
Community policing Programme: Osinbajo took an important step in incorporating our society into the fight against insecurity in our country. Pursuant to our Constitution;he issued a directive to the Inspector General of Police to constitute the Community Policing Programme. As you know the Community Policing Programme is one that the Police itself had developed over the years.
Alternative narrative to counter terrorism: Osinbajo believes that there is a need for the development and dissemination of alternative and counter narratives to challenge terrorism and violent extremism.
ECONOMY:
Salaries: workers salaries were paid promptly while President Buhari was away.
Stability in currency: While President Buhari was away there was stability in our currency.
FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION:
Osinbajo publicly urged state governors elected on the platform of the APC to make extra efforts to deliver on the promises made to Nigerians in 2015.
He stated that “we are committed to an economic policy that has at its core the welfare and happiness of Nigerians. The people have not lost faith in us, they understand that the task of clearing decades of debris will take time but we must also jointly keep faith with them.
The people expect us to deliver on all of what we have promised. They expect a better life, we have assured them of a better life”
The only ways the Governors can do this is to shun corruption.
There is need for a stronger collaboration between the Federal and States governments. Ultimately, the success of efforts to bring about synergy in Federal and State Government policies would depend on both sides meeting their commitments.
Just as the FG is committed and has taken visible steps in meeting its obligations and make refunds on debts owed to states, it’s imperative for states to play its own parts.
