Politics 15 Things That Happened When Good Luck Left Nigeria

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May 29, is Nigeria's Democracy day. It is a day that signifies when the nation returned to civilian rule. President Mohammadu Buhari took over from Bayelsa-born President Goodluck Jonathan on May 29, 2015. The ex-military general clinched unto power after 4 trials. But, one year down the lane, has Buhari's adminstration done well? Below are what have changed since the Otueke-born leader left office as the President.

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1. Removal of Fuel Subsidy: The deregulation of the down stream sector led to the removal of subsidy on fuel, and change in pump price from N86.50 to N145. It would be recalled that Good luck Jonathan removed the subsidy on petrol but was greeted with mass protests and criticisms – and was reversed to the initial price.

2. The Frivolous Petitions Bill: Barely four years after the Freedom of Information Act became law in Nigeria under the Goodluck Jonathan administration; a member of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the Nigerian Senate, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, from Kebbi South has proposed a bill which will constrict public opinion via all mediums of communication. But the Senate on Tuesday, May , 2016 withdrew the Frivolous Petitions (Prohibition, etc) Bill 2015 and suspended further consideration on it.

3. Fuel Hike: The removal of the subsidy on petrol has led to the increase in fuel price from N86.50 to N145.

4. Increase in Electricity tariffs: The new electricity tariff introduced by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) under the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) 2015, became effective on the 1st of February, 2016. Under the new tariff, residential customer category (R2) in the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa and Kogi states, served by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) franchise, who previously paid N14 per kilowatt/hour, will now pay N23.60 per kilowatt/hour. Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola is Nigeria's Minister of Power, Works, and Housing.

5. Numerous Foreign trips: Ever since President Buhari's assumption in office, he has embarked on over 29 foreign trips in less than one year, amid the terrible economic condition in the country.

6. Herdsmen Attacks: The spate of attcaks by suspected fulani herdsmen in the country have left thousands dead. The way and manner these people were killed was barbaric as some were slaughtered and others sprayed with chemical weapons, causing them to vomit and pass on slowly.

7. Tomato Ebola: The Federal Government on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 disclosed that the pest, Tuta absoluta, popularly known as ‘Tomato Ebola’, which is responsible for the massive destruction of tomato in farmlands, had invaded six states in Nigeria.

8. Steven Johnson Syndrome (SJS): The Federal Minister of Health, Issac Adewole, revealed few weeks ago that there is a new disease in Nigeria which has killed a Nigerian while another is currently undergoing treatment at the National Hospital Abuja.

9. Lassa Fever: A growing Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria has killed 101 people, as West Africa battles to contain a flare up of the virus, according to data from the nation’s health authorities recently released. Nigeria Centre for Disease (NCDC) statistics show that reported cases of the haemorrhagic disease — both confirmed and suspected — stood at 175 with a total of 101 deaths since August.

10. Business Crash: The currency crisis has been responsible for increase in the prices of goods, crash of businesses, with investors jetting out of the country.

11. The rise of Niger Delta Militants: There seem to be another wave of terrorism in the country with the rise of Niger Delta Militants under the aegis of Niger Delta Avengers. They have been responsible for blowing up Chevron, NNPC pipelines, among other oil facilities in the country.

12. Senate purchased cars: The Nigerian Senate under the leadership of Dr. Bukola Saraki has just purchased Toyota LXR V8 Land Cruisers for 36 of its 109 members. The vehicle cost N36.5 million for each.

13. States' Inability to pay workers: Despite the bailout funds from the Federal government, currently 13 States in Nigeria are unable to pay their workers due to the economic crisis.

14. Delayed 2016 'Padded' Budget: President Buhari's 'Budget of Change' presented to the Senate on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 is said to be 'padded' – with different versions, and controversial figures. The Nigeria’s 2016 Budget is based on a crude oil benchmark price of $38 per barrel and a production estimate of 2.2 million barrels per day for 2016. However, the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, yesterday, said that due to the paucity of funds, agencies should not expect to get completely what was appropriated in the 2016 budget, as the government would only release funds based on necessity.

15. Currency Crisis: Since may 29th, 2015, the Nigerian currency has been fluctuating at the parallel market. Investors, analysts, including the IMF have advised President Buhari to devalue the naira, all not no avail. This week, the Central Bank of Nigeria's Monetary Policy Committee met and announced the flexibility in the Foreign Exchange of the currency almost a year coming late into the foreign exchange market.
 
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