By James Orji
The present challenges facing the Buhari administration arose from the failure of past leaders to the tackle social, economic problems in the past, Mohammad Badaru, Jigawa state governor has said.
Governor Badaru spoke barely a week after President Muhammadu Buhari apologized to Nigerians on the collapse of the National Grid resulting in power failure in the country, with many business owners lamenting.
The president had also begged Nigerians to be patient with his administration as it tackled the fuel scarcity in the country which has lasted for more than a month.
In a statement issued last by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the president expressed regrets for the inconvenience caused to the citizens by the prolonged shortage of petroleum products in many parts of the country. He urged Nigerians to be patient as relief was coming their way soon.
Buhari said: “The administration knows the fuel shortage and power outage have placed a strain on Nigerian citizens and businesses, but relief is on the way. I especially apologize to all sections of society for this.
“The government is working round the clock to attend to this issue. An action plan agreed upon earlier this month is being implemented to address the scarcity.
“Working together with the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), this plan is now bearing fruit.
“Sufficient fuel supply has returned to a handful of states, with the queues at stations falling. In the coming days, we expect this to be the case across the rest of the country.
“Looking to the longer term, funds are being targeted toward keeping fuel availability affordable for the country. The international energy markets have surged drastically in recent months, the government will, however, ensure that consumers are protected against these price spikes.”
On the nationwide blackouts being experienced across the country, Buhari said, “the blackouts seen in the national grid are also being addressed. A dip in hydroelectric generation due to seasonal pressures has coincided with technical and supply problems at thermal stations.
“On this, the government is also working tirelessly to resolve the issues at the latter to guarantee sufficient power flows into the national grid.
“The government’s attention to these problems will bear fruit very soon.”
Before President Muhammadu Buhari swept tom power in 2015, those that had ruled the country included former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan.
Even though each leader has been applauded by leaving one or more legacies, Governor Bdaru said they did not perform enough, to the extent that the Buhari administration is now left to tackle the problems.
Many Nigerians have slammed the administration for performing below expectations, particularly in key areas where it promised to effect a turn around.
But the governor said things would have been easier for the administration if past leaders had done their parts, especially in the area of infrastructure.
Badaru who spoke on Sunday at the 60th anniversary of Radio Request Presenters Association of Nigeria in Dutse, implored Nigerians to be patient and prayerful to end the social and economic challenges bedeviling the nation.
According to him, “despite the numerous challenges facing the country, President Buhari has done a lot, especially in infrastructure.
“Many roads and projects abandoned by past governments were completed by this administration, while others are nearing completion.
“Nigeria is in a trying moment and it is God the Almighty that promises to try us. However, when we become patient and prayerful, then He (God), will bring the best for us.
“So, I urge you to be patient and pray fervently and soon Nigeria will be great again.
“And even though the country may not have fared well in some area, but it has made remarkable strides, especially in infrastructure. This is because even road from Kwanar Huguma – Shuwarin – Azare – Damaturu was completed by Buhari’s administration.
“And all these challenges, including that of security and what have you, were inherited by this administration, but we’re doing our best and would continue to do so until Nigeria becomes great and great again. But this needs patience and prayer,” Badaru said.
