The 2nd Buharimeter Citizens’ Town Hall Meeting which was recently held at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Nigeria examined the administration since it came to power in 2015 and urged President Buhari to initiate visible concrete steps to grow the economy, as the administration battles corruption, insecurity cum terrorism in the country.
The panelists also said that the nation’s Rail Line Project should practically pave way for mass employment of jobless Nigerians.
Meanwhile, the general conversation segment of the Buharimeter Town Hall Meeting, in appraising the government noted that the issue of cattle rustlings or Fulani Herdsmen menace should be handled more effectively by the administration.
They advised that Social Investment Initiative (otherwise known as School Feeding Program) should include the rehabilitation of drop-outs and be handled with more vigor.
This segment equally lamented the collapse of roads across the country (economy without infrastructure) and non-appointment/constitution of many boards of parastatals within the country.
While the panelists applauded the introduction of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), Whistle Blower Policy, Anti-corruption Administrative Committee etc., set up by the Buhari administration, it critically evaluated the policy options of the government and urged President Buhari to, without delay, initiate concrete policy to grow the economy in Nigeria.
They described the nation’s economy as not too viable and called for a diversified economy that can survive on its own with adequate budgetary monitoring/evaluation by designated public officials of the federal government.
The panelists queried the ratio of the economy being operated by Nigeria and warned that the Anchor Borrowers Program, being operated by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture should no longer be hijacked by some political jobbers.
The key note address was delivered by Professor Nuhu Yaquk, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja & Sokoto State University, who harped on the need for the Nigerian nation and states to outgrow tribal/ethnic sentiments to ensure the survival of the country.
The meeting was organized by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), supported by the Department of International Development (DFID), Open Society of West Africa (OSIWA) and the United Kingdom Aid (UKaid).
CDD Director, Dr. Idahat Hassan, in her opening remarks regretted the inability of the representatives of the various federal ministries to make themselves available for the meeting despite the spirited efforts made by the organizers to carry them along while planning the town hall meeting.
Dr. Hassan said that in 881 days in office the Muhammadu Buhari administration has not effectively administered the country in spite of the administration’s current stance of fighting corruption and curtailing security challenges.
According to her, Buharimeter, like other meters are being used across West Africa to measure the performance of government in relation to their electoral campaign promises.
The 2nd Buharimeter Town Hall Meeting was attended by renowned development partners, many reputable civil society organizations across the country and outside the shores of Nigeria, including the Africa Network for Environment & Economic Justice (ANEEJ).
