Ever since the emergence of the All Progressive Congress (APC) as the ruling (governing) political party in Nigeria; one thing more that all else has become synonymous with the style and methodology of the political party – and it is “slowness”! It got so serious that many Nigerians started calling the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, “Baba-go-slow”. Mr President was aware of it; and even commented that he was not just going to be slow in his dealings; he will also be steady.
President Muhammadu Buhari became President in the month of May; but he did not announce his cabinet ministers until September. The ministers subsequently began to work around November. The Budget was presented around November/December to the National Assembly; and till date; that Budget has not been signed. As a result of the unavailability of the budget for the financial year of 2016; many projects that borders on the welfare, peaceful coexistence and economic emancipation of most of the citizenry have been on hold – all eyes and ears seems to be towards the Aso Rock now.
Queues at the Petrol stations are gradually reducing in Abuja and a few other places; while the supply of electricity in most places is still very erratic or poor. In the midst of all that, prices are up in the markets; salaries are delayed when payed and the people are trusting God for true change. One would have thought that the National Assembly, especially the Senate will be preoccupied with their work, towards relieving the pains of many Nigerians; but it seems that they are more preoccupied with securing their own seats (positions) than providing jobs, food, security and other things to their people that voted them into offices.
At such a time as this, many Nigerians expect so much from their lawmakers; but their lawmakers seems to be more concerned about amending laws that have no direct and indirect link with the people; than, making new ones. The economic environment of Nigeria is currently not conducive for private sector investment; the PIB is begging for their honest attention; and many other economic bills/laws; but our lawmakers prefer to tackle the “bottlenecks” in the Code of Conduct Bureau & Code of Conduct Tribunal acts. What will the amendments do to the people that sent them to Abuja is my own simple question. At such a time as this when the Senate President is being prosecuted at the Code of Conduct Tribunal; the Senators are in such hurry to amend the laws that set up the Tribunal – What on earth is happening in the country?
Should every thief be in a position to amend laws; will there ever be any convictions at the law court? I rest my case!
