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Congratulations to fellow Nigerians on yét another anniversary of our Nation’s independence. The Preidential Address is not just a ritual but has over the years served as a guiding light or benchmark on which the activities of the federal government would be judged for the next year. While the President mentions promises and pledges, there is a lack of specificity and clarity on how these promises will be fulfilled. Here’s an analysis of the excerpts provided:
- Ambiguity and Lack of Specifics:
The speech begins with a promise to reshape and modernize the economy but fails to provide any specific plans or reforms.
The decision to end the fuel subsidy is mentioned, but there’s no explanation of how this will benefit the economy or the people.
The speech speaks of “bold reforms” but doesn’t outline what these reforms entail, leaving the audience in the dark about the government’s actual intentions.
- Half-Truths:
While acknowledging hardships, the President doesn’t take full responsibility for the consequences of ending the fuel subsidy. This omission obscures the government’s role in causing economic difficulties.
The comparison of those who support the fuel subsidy to people building their “family mansion in the middle of a swamp” is a vague and misleading metaphor that doesn’t offer a substantive argument for ending the subsidy.
The promise of a “future Nigeria where the abundance and fruits of the nation are fairly shared among all” lacks concrete steps or policies to achieve this goal, making it a vague assurance.
- Lack of Accountability:
The speech downplays the difficulties faced by the people, attributing them to necessary reforms without acknowledging any government responsibility for these hardships.
While mentioning relief measures, the speech does not outline a comprehensive plan to address the economic challenges faced by the citizens.
- Lack of Clarity on Key Issues:
The mention of “provisional wage increment” without specifying the source of funding or the long-term sustainability of this measure raises questions about its feasibility.
The introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses is presented as a groundbreaking solution without addressing the practical challenges and timelines for implementation.
The promise to clean up the Central Bank and make monetary policy benefit all lacks details on how this will be achieved or what specific changes will occur.
- Empty Promises:
Promising to extend the social safety net to 15 million vulnerable households without a clear plan or funding mechanism raises doubts about the feasibility of this commitment. - Lack of Transparency:
The speech mentions the President’s commitment to fairness in key appointments but doesn’t provide any specifics or evidence of transparent and merit-based selections. - Rhetoric Over Substance:
The speech contains many grand statements and expressions of good intentions but lacks the substance needed to make these promises credible or actionable.
In conclusion, this speech appears to be more about rhetoric and vague promises than a concrete plan of action. It leaves the audience wanting for specifics, accountability, and a clear roadmap for addressing the economic challenges facing the nation. For better governance, there is a need for transparency, clear policy direction, and concrete steps to address the issues at hand. The citizens deserve more than empty words and grand gestures; they deserve tangible actions and results.
Chidi Ekeh writes from Abuja Nigeria
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