Efio-Ita Nyok|4 March 2017
19th January 2017 President Muhammadu Buhari took am official exit out of Nigeria for the UK for medical reasons. Since then Vice President Yemi Osibanjo has acted as President. In almost two months the acting President has acted considerably well endearing Nigerians to himself so much so that some have said the ailing President Buhari should remain in the UK. Alas, fate seem to be comfortable with this wish of some Nigerians —Buhari has remained in the UK unable to return (but the present author is wishing Mr President godspeed recovery!).
The Acting President has done about eight things since assuming the reigns of power. However, political pundit, in a sarcastic notes have observed that should Osinbajo take three designated decisions the ailing president will find himself in the country the next day.
The eight things Osinbajo has done are in the following areas of our national life:
*Food Programme
In a February 1 FEC meeting on February 1 the Presidential Task Force on Food Security was mandated to reduce prices of food items in the country.
*Chief Justice Onnoghen
On February 7, Acting President Osinbajo sent the name of the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, to the Senate for confirmation. He has been confirmed by the Senate.
*Road contracts
Between 8 – 15 February N134 billion worth of contracts has been awarded for the road construction to spread across Kano, Bauchi, Adamawa, Kwara, Gombe, Enugu, Ilorin and Kaduna states.
*Visiting the Niger Delta
Osinbajo has visited Bayelsa, Port Harcourt and Akwa Ibom. He has even directed oil companies to site their headquarters in the Niger Delta region.
*CBN and Forex
In a 16 February National Economic Council meeting of the year presided over by Osinbajo, the CBN was directed to review the foreign exchange policy.
It was here that it was resolved that fresh $250 million be injected into the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF). The CBN subsequently released about $500 million through the interbank market, where the 23 banks bought $371m.
*Signed 7 bills into law
Osinbajo signed 7 bills into law: The bills were: Oaths (Amendment) Act 2017; Defence Space Administration Act 2017; Veterinary Surgeons (Amendment) Act 2017; and others.
*Lagos airport visit
Osinbajo has paid an unscheduled visit to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
Accordingly, the sack of 10 directors of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) was announced as three new directors and a general manager were also appointed for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
*Infrastructure
In a 22 February NEC meeting chaired by Osinbajo approved N32 billion and $39.9 million for infrastructural development at Kaduna eastern bypass highway and
Cameroon-Nigeria border link bridge at Ikot Efiem respectively.
Despite Osinbajo's achievement thus far, one Edet Iyamba General has observed that, 'These are three (3) lawful decisions Ag. President Osinbajo can take that would force President Buhari to arrive Nigeria the next day (if he is indeed hale & hearty):
1. Obey court order granting bail to Col. Sambo Dasuki.
2. Obey court order releasing the leader of Shiites, El-Zakzaky and the wife from detention.
3: Reach a deal with Nnamdi Kanu & discontinue the treason trial against him.
Do you agree with Mr General? Can Osinbajo broach this matters in the absence of President Buhari? Or, could Buhari give a go ahead in this direction to the Acting President while still resident in London?
Efio-Ita Nyok
Is a Blogger, the Editor & Publisher of NegroidHaven.org
