Appraising APC’s first-half and way forward

The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has entered its second half of the four-year tenure. Indeed, Nigerians have mixed experiences. A few that superficially voted for the All Progressives Congress (APC), on account of the hardship occasioned by the economic recession, withdrew their allegiance. Incidentally, the deed; be it positive or negative is already done. Beyond doubt, it was tough, rough and hardhitting that having three square meals in some families became a feat. To others particularly matured minds, it is a worthy sacrifice, akin to the biblical Moses and his journey to the promised land; a land flowing with milk and honey. On the way, it became sturdy that some couldn’t sustain it and lost confidence in Moses and his promises. They called him names and requested reinstatement to former positions. In other words, support to the federal government at this critical period is vital vis-à-vis government’s rigorous efforts towards restructuring the economy. Reports across most states unveiling various strenuous blueprints towards becoming self-reliant on the same commodities hitherto imported, attest to the fact that the change is gradually working. Abia State governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, for instance recently affirmed that Aba traders now export N1bn worth of quality leathershoes overseas weekly. Verifiably, made-inNigeria shoes have indeed moved to the next level; on designs, quality and convenience comparable to foreign shoes. By implication, the ban placed on some imported goods by the federal government though negatively affected importers is overtly resuscitating our local industries, and extensively improving the economy in terms of job creation.

With the new mindset on improving our products, if adequate financial facilities can be accessible to genuine indigenous manufacturers towards boosting large scale production, in no distant time, that alone can boost the standard of living and the economy. Ditto on agriculture. Lagos, Ebonyi, Enugu and a host of other states for example are waxing very strong in rice production that if the tempo is progressively sustained, the prices may crash below expectations soon. In Anambra, Governor Willie Obiano has announced the state’s target to export one million tubers of yam and other vegetables this year. Suffice to say that successful diversification to agriculture is yielding results. The south-south, northern and other states are equally working assiduously not to be left out on various farm produce. Recently, Gov Nyesom Wike of Rivers presented to the acting president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, his action-plan towards boosting agriculture in the state and reiterated his willingness to collaborate with the federal government for enhanced productivity.

By implications, the economy could blossom exceedingly if Nigerians see each other as co-partners in the Nigeria-project. The adoption of Professor Yemi Osinbajo as the running mate to Buhari as well as his engagement to head the economic team is now evidently philosophical. It shows that with Buhari’s political will pooled with Osinbajo’s