Ethnic tension, rising insecurity – five issues Buhari should consider in his state address

President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Nigeria from the UK, where he had spent 103 days receiving medical treatment.

His return was at best epochal. His supporters formed human walls on the airport road in Abuja to welcome him. There was also fanfare in his native Daura and in other parts of the country.

A lot happened while the president was away. There were protests demanding that he either resume office or resign; the national assembly amended the constitution; the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) embarked on an indefinite strike; northern youth groups asked the Igbo to leave the region and Boko Haram “resurrected”.

The president is expected to speak to Nigerians on Monday in his first broadcast since May. Here are five issues that he should consider in his address.

POISONING RUMOUR

The president should consider addressing the rumours hedged around his health. One of such rumours is that he was poisoned by some forces from a section of the country, who want him out of the way. The rumour has already assumed a life of its own.

In May, some booklets containing how the president was allegedly poisoned were sold on the streets of Abuja. And in some parts of the north, the rumour is held as truth.

Surprisingly, the presidency has not made any attempt to dispel this caustic rumour. Nigeria is an ethnically-diverse and sensitive country; the president should do well to address this issue once and for all.

The presdient should also speak on his health, what exactly is wrong with him?

SGF-NIA PROBE REPORT

On April 19, Buhari suspended Babachir Lawal, secretary to the government of the federation, and Ayo Oke, director-general of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), pending the outcome of investigations into allegations of corruption against them.

According to a statement issued by Femi Adesina on the day, the president appointed Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo to head a three-man panel to probe the allegations.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had made a discovery of huge amounts of monies at a flat in a luxury Ikoyi building. The NIA claimed ownership of the funds prompting the investigation of its DG.

The three-man committee comprising the attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, and the national security adviser, headed by the vice president, conducted both investigations discretely.

The committee submitted its report to the president on May 7 – the same day he left the country for the UK.

However, it has been more than 90 days since the report was submitted, but no action has been taken on it.

Already there is the speculation that the president is selective in his fight against corruption; it will clear some doubt if he considers addressing this issue in the state broadcast.

IGBO QUIT NOTICE

On June 6, some northern youth groups led by Arewa youth asked the Igbo to leave the region by October 1.

The groups gave this “order” at the end of a meeting in Kaduna. Though some northern governors rejected the order vowing to protect Igbo citizens in their states, there has been an uneasy calm since the time.

It has been two months since this ultimatum was issued, but there is no attempt to withdraw it.

Despite peace meetings between Igbo leaders in the north and the youth, the groups are yet to shift ground. Though in the absence of Buhari, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo waded into the matter, it will calm nerves if he the president addresses this issue considering his popularity in the north and across the country.

BOKO HARAM ‘RESURRECTION’

Despite the military’s persistent claim that Boko Haram has been defeated, the sect keeps launching atrocious attacks.

The insurgents have carried out countless attacks on soft targets since the president left the country for the UK on May 7.

A recent incident was the ambush of oil experts and soldiers at Magumeri in Borno state on July 25. Reports say 58 people; including soldiers were killed in the attack.

It is believed the president, who is very much concerned about the nation’s security, will the address this resurgence of Boko Haram.

THE ECONOMY

Nigeria is “officially” still in recession though there are signs that things have improved since August 2016.

Osinbajo has managed the economy well in the absence of the president; Nigerians would like to know how he intends to consolidate on the gains made so far.

The president should be clear on his economic direction, does he intend to sustain the initiatives of his deputy or introduce reforms. Keeping investors in the dark would have a negative impact on the economy, so the president should make known his mind.

You can use the comment section to add to the issues you think Buhari should address in his broadcast which is less than 24 hours from now.