By Chukwudi Nweje, Lagos
Former National Chairman of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) Chief Chekwas Okorie has scored President Bola Tinubu with a pass mark in his 100 days in office.
Okorie said Tinubu has been able to initiate a national healing process, even as he commended Tinubu for his promptness in decision-making, and noted that it is a denature from former President Muhammadu Buhari, who he said was indecisive on matters of national urgency.
He said, “It is important to acknowledge that the process of national healing has started. There is a reasonable sense of equal citizenship by a cross-section of Nigerians. The healing of the wide division and alienation some Nigerians have suffered is a precursor to national unity, which Nigeria urgently needs.
“There are many positives that can be credited to President Tinubu in his first 100 days in office relative to his predecessor, who was even nicknamed Baba-go-slow as a result of his lethargic tendencies and indecisiveness on matters of national urgency.
“Most of President Tinubu’s bold initiatives will mature into fruition and impact positively on the majority of the people over time. His ministers who have recently been sworn into office have been equipped with the President’s 8-point template for rapid development of Nigeria and the creation of jobs. Practically, all the ministers have hit the ground running and have been raising the hopes of the people. It will appear that the president listened to genuine advice by well-meaning Nigerians that public office holders must be subjected to periodic appraisals based on realisable targets.”
Okorie said the present hardship experienced by Nigerians will fade away with the present difficult decisions the Tinubu-led administration is undertaking.
He further said, “Obviously, there is heightened suffering of the citizens at this initial stage of the young administration of President Tinubu, but most of his difficult decisions are unavoidable if we are to come out of the woods and embark on a sustainable recovery process.”
He commended the administration for its commitment not to borrow to fund national projects, noting that the decision holds prospects for a brighter future for Nigeria.
He said, “It is reassuring that President Tinubu has committed to not borrowing any more to fund national projects. The welcome policy statement is a result of the measures taken to block leakages and raise national revenues. He has publicly rejected the practice of servicing our huge loan portfolio with 90 percent of our revenue receipts. There are some indications of the prospects for a brighter future. I disagree with the picture of a gloomy future, which some members of the opposition are painting.”
He noted that it is too early to judge the administration objectively based on its 100 days performance.
“In view of where we are coming from, I would rather make an objective appraisal of the Tinubu administration after his first one year in office. He has effectively used his first 100 days in office to lay a solid foundation, set the stage, and point to the direction of what is to be expected. Such clarity of direction is what has been lacking in the past. This will help the private sector to plan their investment strategies without the fear of sudden and unexpected dislocations,” he said.