To say that the fragile peace in Nigeria is threatened is an understatement, for many peace has ceased to exist and the unity of Nigeria is in question.
When President Buhari and the All Progressives Congress campaigned to take over from the Peoples Democratic Party, one doubts that they envisaged what they are currently experiencing. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter President Buhari has a very important task, which is to ensure that Nigeria remains united. The war against Boko Haram was an obvious war that needed to be fought, however, since taking over from Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, President Buhari has practically fought each day to see that Nigeria as a nation remains united. The threat posed by Boko Haram seem not properly calculated or perhaps like it is said the military did not have the right ammunition to execute the task, whichever it is, the war has lingered too long that some believe that in the end it will be deemed a Pyrrhic victory. Agitation for Biafra has continued to grow intense by the day, and the continued incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has not in any way helped the issue. Analyst argue that the Radio Biafra director’s fame continues to grow by each day he remains in custody. For some he has become some kind of messiah for whom they will lay their lives. The quest for the actualization of Biafra Republic has been further fueled lately by the emergence of militant groups in the Niger Delta which have pledged allegiance to the course. These militant groups have returned to vandalism and other acts of violence to drive their points home, their demands remaining ever so outrageous. The Nigerian government is under serious pressure and fears are that if proper care is not taken, the pressure mounted on this government will break it. Already the popularity of President Buhari is said to be taking a nose dive as many are no more grumbling but voicing out their doubts about the present government. Some critics argue that President Buhari’s cabinet is made up of people who lack the experience to walk in the shoes which they have been given. READ ALSO: Niger Delta militants dare Buhari government, issue ultimatum on Biafra Nigeria is faced with some many difficulties and there seem to be no headway. The economy is dwindling drastically and many cannot fend for themselves anymore because there are no jobs. The power sector has been a plague for ages and the people have practically given up on a miracle for that sector even when manned by one of Nigeria’s most brilliant, Babatunde Raji Fashola. Only recently, Lai Mohammed, minister of information and culture, said the federal government had commenced the creation of jobs across the country in fulfillment of its campaign promises. The minister went on to inform at a town-hall meeting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state that work on the second Niger Bridge will commence soon. He said contractors have been mobilised back to the various road construction projects across the country, construction and ancillary workers are returning to work in droves. The quest for a link bridge There is more to Lai Mohammed’s statement regarding the second Niger Bridge. For some, it has become a move to find a link to win back the hearts of the Igbos. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter BRIDGE 2
So much has been said regarding the construction of 2nd Niger bridge that has been ongoing for quite a while. Some people were in doubt regarding the existence of the 11.9km length bridge. There bridge has really stirred controversy, especially because it was endorsed by the previous administration, led by Goodluck Jonathan, and had to be inherited by President Buhari. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter 2Nd BRIDGE
Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo state, had in 2015 alleged that $700 million (N140 billion) released for Second Niger bridge project was missing. According to Oshiomhole, the fund, which was generated from the sovereign wealth funds, could not be accounted for by the ministry of works. However, Mike Onolememen, the former mister of works, debunked the claims by Oshiomhole, saying that the governor was misleading Nigerians.
In August 2015, the Ohaneze Youth Council (OYC) lashed out at President Buhari, saying that the president had reneged on his statement that he would be unbiased in his leadership. The accusation came with regards to the president’s appointments and the seem-like abandonment of the Second Niger bridge project. According to the OYC, the second Niger bridge is a project that touches on the economic life of the entire South East, one that the federal government must attach utmost priority.
Without a doubt, a link is needed to reach the hearts of the teeming millions of Igbos who have lost faith in the existence of Nigeria. There is so much to be done and the question then is, would finishing the second Niger Bridge really avail opportunities to reach out to those who want to breakaway from Nigeria. Many of the Igbos are of the belief that they for too long have been cheated regarding their place in Nigeria. They argue that breaking away is the best for them and many wait patiently for the actualization of this dream. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Niger Bridge 7 President Muhammadu Buhari has flagged-off the clean-up of Ogoni as a means to reach the South-south people who have for quite a while fought to see that repairs are made to their lands which have been rendered useless due to oil exploration processes. The Nigerian president will have more projects of restoring the peace to do. For the Igbos, the construction of the second Niger Bridge might seem a good start but there is more that must be put in place. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Niger Bridge 6 Lai Mohammed has said that the Buhari-led administration was on track in redeeming its promises to Nigerians, particularly in the three broad campaign areas: tackling insecurity, fighting corruption and revamping the economy. However, many Nigerians say they are yet to see any signs that the government is ready to fulfill its promise to the people. Buhari has scored some very high points with regards to tackling insecurity, especially in the northeast where Boko Haram has been severely dealt with. Fighting corruption is battle Buhari has been fighting with both hands, however, there are claims that it is all noise and more witch-hunting. This is informed by the fact that many have been arrested for various corrupt practices, but there has been little or no convictions in the last one year. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Niger Bridge 5 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Niger Bridge 3 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Niger Bridge 2 Revamping the economy seem at this moment a lost cause, as critics argue that there are no clear-cut directives as to how the economy can be re-positioned. Some Nigerians still very loyal to the Buhari-led government have continued to say that it is too early for anyone to say that the ‘change’ promised will not be delivered. President Muhammadu Buhari’s stay in the UK has been extended, the 10-day medical trip is supposed to have ended yesterday, June 15. The president was expected back in Nigeria today, June 16, but his itinerary was changed for some reason. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has announced that President Buhari will return to Nigeria on Sunday, June 19. Osinbajo stated that the Nigerian president is in good health but there was no need for him to start rushing back to Nigeria today. The race to the first four years of Buhari’s tenure has just started and the president will have to prove all his critics wrong. It must be said that Buhari’s shoes is not one to be envied at the moment, thus, Nigerians can only hope that the leader which they chose for themselves would be able to deliver on the promises for which they voted. A line in the Nigerian anthem reads: “The labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain,” if this prayer will work, then President Buhari must be ready to keep Nigeria at peace and in unity. It surely will take more than a second Niger Bridge.
