Why Buhari Inauguration Speech Is Disappointing For Me
Editor's note: The historic inaugural May 29 speech by President Buhari remains the subject of heated discussion. It touched the hearts of many, while others remain skeptical. Surely it is too late to make conclusions. The global practice is to give politicians 100 days in the office and then compare the promises and the reality.
The critics can be useful, thinks Idris Usman, the director general of Believe Nigeria Initiative, as he gives points why Buhari's speech was below expectations.
This article expresses the author’s opinion only. The views and opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent those of Legit.ng or its editors.
Story highlights:
- The speech was vague, not direct.
- The President’s speech could not have covered every conceivable issue.
- The new president sounded like he was still wooing the electorate for votes.
(Leadership) - Having read and listened to the inaugural speech of President Muhammadu Buhari even with high expectations, one can deduce that Mr President conspicuously refused to dwell on burning issues like unpaid salaries of Nigerian workers who are groaning in pains with no respite in sight.
He equally failed to clarify, in simple terms, how corruption will be tackled, despite directing the Army Command to relocate to Maidiguri to overrun the outlawed religious sect, Boko-Haram, a decision which is quite commendable.
Buhari’s speech was vague, not direct and very disappointing in my view; yes he mentioned that he would tackle the rot in the power sector, but he never said how.
Another intrigue that his speech has triggered off was the fact that nothing was mentioned on foreign policy or bilateral relations as the case may be, despite having over 40 foreign leaders among his audience.
READ ALSO: Obama, Annan React To Buhari's Inauguration
I thought the focus of his speech would have been on strengthening existing law-enforcement capabilities, constitutional crisis, improving socio-economic conditions and redeeming (all or few) of the promises made during the electioneering campaigns and giving us the workable models through which these could be achieved. Honestly, Nigeria is expectant!
Agreed, the President’s speech could not have covered every conceivable issue. However, the Commander-in-Chief cannot brush these issues aside because all key stakeholders want to hear from him; it is from him that they take their cue respectively.
There cannot be sustainable growth, high productivity, job creation or economic development in a crime-infested environment, where businesses cannot operate around the clock; or where labour cannot move freely around or get rewarded.
The crime situation is symptomatic of a deeper social issue; we need to pay keen attention and do all we can at the highest level to tame and correct the causation.
READ ALSO: Fani-Kayode, Gov Ayo Fayose React To Buhari’s Speech
President Buhari also needs to be reminded that election campaigns are over as he still sounded as though he’s still wooing the electorate for votes.
In a nutshell, the speech utterly lacks direction and is, therefore, a disappointment.
Source: Legit.ng
