Politics
New Nigeria Collective…A Movement for Good Governance COMMUNIQUÉ ON FIVE YEARS OF BUHARI: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY
The leadership of New Nigeria Collective (NNC), a non- government, non-profit making organisation, yesterday, at its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, reviewed the state of the nation, coming at a time the federal government marked its fifth year in office and the first of the second term of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.
The NNC noted without biases, the weight of the challenges that are currently besetting governments at all levels in the country and concluded that while the room for improvements and inexcusable delivery of promises palpably points to itself, it has not been a poor journey after all, especially, if the situations in other climes are factored into account side-by-side with the current global health challenge, the Covid-19 pandemic.
It was against this backdrop and the growing malcontents amongst a majority of Nigerians, that the NNC objectively dissected the Buhari administration and clearly pointed out THE GOOD, THE BAD and THE UGLY markers that have become the talking points in the last five years.
The NNC also noted without reservation that its resolve to look at the last five years of the administration in totality as against the last one year was borne out of the reality that countries have been challenged significantly by Covid-19 in the last few months, some dating back to late last year.To that extent, no genuine assessment could be based on the last one year of the administration, when evidently something else had taken attention away from the familiar good governance and the development of the nation. It’s therefore safe for both the government and the people to look at the administration holistically.
Thus, the NNC, at its NEC observed the following:
1. That the response of the Government to the Covid-19 pandemic has been commendable, particularly its successful handling of the same contrary to some of the predictions of doom and gloom by both the local and international observers/experts.
The NNC alo noted with a sense of appreciation and motivation, the dedication, commitment and honesty of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, who as the chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, has led the nation thus far and successfully so. Mr. Mustapha is a positive example of a public servant.
2. That the recent reductions in the pump prices of petroleum products by the administration three times in a row following the slump in the global price of crude oil was a good move, which spoke to the sensitivity of the government to the plight of the people.
The NNC equally commended the recent removal of subsidy from petroleum products as a result of the changing global indices, despite its dwindling fortunes.
4. That the NNC recalled that upon resumption of office of the administration, the economy was plunged into recession but that through conscious, critical and tough choices, as well as positive thinking, the administration survived and crawled out of recession and consequently, stabilised the economy.
5. That the NNC collectively stated that whilst the administration might not have achieved much in terms of economic gains, it sure has put the nation on a better pedestal as far as infrastructure development is concerned in spite of earning less compared to the previous administrations.
The NNC alluded to the nationwide railway construction, the 2nd Niger Bridge, repairs and conspicuous rehabilitation of major expressways in the six geopolitical zones as well as the evident developments in the aviation sector.
6. That the NNC commended the recent financial autonomy granted state Houses of Assemblies and the Judiciary. This, the NNC, contended would go a long way in charting a completely different path, not only for the present crop of office holders, but for democracy to thrive better.
7. That the NNC applauded the synergy amongst the three arms of government. Unlike what obtained in the past, the three arms of government not only work together now, they are consistently looking in the same directions in nation’s interest, notwithstanding some of the misgivings that have attended this rare camaraderie.
8. That the NNC further noted the recent financial autonomy granted local government administrations in the country, thus liberating them from the claws and undue interference from state governments.
9. That the NNC took judicial notice of the repeated bailouts of states in financial distress. That the Ministry of Budget and Planning, with the cooperation of the National Assembly, has successfully returned the budget to the January to December cycle is worthy of note, as it now allows for prompt response and planning by those whose activities are directly and indirectly affected by the budget.
10. That the NNC described the developments in the Agriculture sector as mind-blowing, noting also that the school feeding programme of the government is a plus that cannot be shoved aside. That for the first time in the history of the nation, people now consume locally produced goods, while local farmers now have gains through government initiatives in agriculture.
However, while pondering some of the downsides of the administration in the last five years, the NNC noted as follow:
1. That the government must address the allegation of lack of transparency in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. That it would be irresponsible to let it slide.
2. That the government should be wary of its constant borrowings for projects that do not have commercial values or that can adequately guarantee a smooth repayment plan, including the cost of servicing the loans.
3. That the NNC noted with disappointment, the constant rivalry amongst some of the inter-governmental agencies, citing the recent drama that attended a disagreement between the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami and the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa. The development, it said, was reprehensible.
4. That the NNC noted the unceasing insecurity, particularly, the unabated killings in the northern part of the country. While noting the efforts of the security agencies to stem the tide, NNC noted that the situation requires more deliberate actions to stamp the scourge out of the system.
5. That the NNC observed as a low point in the life of the administration, the seeming redundancy of Vice President Yemi Osibajo. The NNC is of the view that the vice-president has a lot to offer and should be deployed to better use. The group also alluded to the alleged nepotism of the administration and advised an appointment spread that typifies Nigeria’s differences as a social entity.
6. That the NNC recognised some of the frustrations and disappointments of the people on some of the actions and inactions of the administration. It, however, solicited support for the government since its failure or success is a brunt that all would bear at the end of the day.
Adeola Adewunmi
Chairman
Olutunbosun Osifowora
Secretary/Legal Officer
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, has flagged off the All Progressives Congress campaign in Agege Federal Constituency with a mega rally at Amoo Field, Orile Agege.
The rally, held on Wednesday, September 30, brought together APC leaders, party members, traditional and religious leaders, trade associations, artisans and representatives of different communities in the area.
Obasa, who is the APC candidate for the Agege Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, urged supporters to take the party’s campaign to homes, markets, artisan groups, places of worship and community associations ahead of the general election.
Addressing the gathering, he said the party should not be satisfied with a narrow victory but should seek to improve on its previous electoral performance.
“Let us join hands and make sure we deliver. It is not just about victory; we must surpass our previous votes. Sound it loud to everybody, all trade associations, artisans, tribes, religious and traditional leaders. We have the numbers, and we will pour it into the APC,” Obasa said.
He called on supporters to mobilise votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC governorship candidate in Lagos, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, the Lagos West senatorial candidate, Senator Idiat Oluranti Adebule, and himself in the Agege Federal Constituency.
Obasa said the campaign message should reach different sections of the constituency before election day, with supporters expected to engage residents and encourage them to participate in the electoral process.
He also described the turnout at the rally as an indication of support and cohesion within the party in Agege.
“Agege is always one. And we will continue to be one. There is nothing wrong with our party in Agege,” he said, while dismissing opposition voices and rumours about the party’s structure in the area.
The Speaker also urged party members and supporters to avoid conflict during the campaign, stressing that voters should be allowed to choose their preferred representatives.
“We must try to avoid conflict, because at the end of the day, the people will vote for their representatives, the people they truly want. Nobody can force anyone on the people,” he said.
Obasa’s remarks come as political parties intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the general election, with Agege remaining an important constituency in Lagos’s political landscape.
The Lagos State chapter of the City Boy Movement has felicitated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigerians and Lagos residents on the occasion of the country’s 66th Independence anniversary, praising the administration’s economic and youth-focused reforms.
In a goodwill message issued by the movement’s Lagos director, Barrister Moyosore Ogunlewe, the group said the Tinubu administration had recorded progress in infrastructure, economic diversification, youth empowerment and governance since assuming office.
Ogunlewe, who also serves as Zonal Director, Youth Mobilisation, South-West of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, acknowledged that the President was not perfect but argued that his administration had demonstrated the political will to tackle some of the country’s longstanding challenges.
“Like no one is perfect, President Tinubu is not perfect. Nevertheless, he has remained a kind-hearted leader with an exceptional eye for talents, putting round pegs in round holes,” he said.
He added that, in his view, the administration had demonstrated “vision and foresight” through the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The movement highlighted several youth-focused initiatives, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, 3 Million Technical Talent programme, Technical and Vocational Education and Training initiatives, NiYA, YouthCred, CrediCorp, the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund, iDICE and programmes implemented through SMEDAN.
Some of these initiatives have been publicly identified by the Federal Government as part of its efforts to expand access to education, digital skills, technical training, entrepreneurship and financing for young Nigerians. The government said in September that it was also targeting five million young Nigerians through skills acquisition and empowerment programmes under its National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy.
Ogunlewe also cited the administration’s electricity-sector reforms, data protection legislation, economic reforms and investments in healthcare and education as areas where he said the government had made progress.
He described the removal of petrol subsidy as a bold decision, arguing that it had reduced opportunities for corruption and freed government resources for development.
The subsidy removal, along with foreign exchange and other fiscal reforms, has remained one of the most significant and controversial parts of the Tinubu administration’s economic programme. While the government has argued that the measures were necessary to stabilise the economy, the reforms have also contributed to significant cost-of-living pressures, with the International Monetary Fund acknowledging improved macroeconomic outcomes while noting that conditions remain difficult for many Nigerians.
On the economy, Ogunlewe said the reforms were attracting investment, supporting job creation and laying the foundation for diversification.
The Presidency has similarly pointed to economic growth, improved external reserves, increased investment and reforms in the foreign exchange, fiscal and financial sectors as signs of progress. In the second quarter of 2026, Nigeria’s economy recorded 4.43 per cent year-on-year growth, according to figures cited by the President.
On security, the City Boy Movement said the administration had strengthened intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration while implementing social intervention programmes aimed at reducing hardship.
Ogunlewe also linked his assessment of Tinubu’s administration to his experience at the grassroots, saying he had learnt from the President’s approach to governance while bringing government closer to residents in Kosofe Local Government.
“I have learned a great deal from our President by bringing governance to our people in Kosofe Local Government – transparency, timely service delivery and cost-effectiveness,” he said.
The Lagos chapter of the movement was inaugurated in July with a stated focus on youth and grassroots mobilisation. At the inauguration, Ogunlewe said the organisation intended to promote youth participation, national unity and civic engagement beyond electoral campaigns.
The group has also openly positioned itself as a supporter of Tinubu’s administration and its 2027 re-election bid. The movement’s national leadership previously told the Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, that it was committed to mobilising support for the administration’s programmes and initiatives.
As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, Ogunlewe called for continuity of the administration’s policies, saying he believed Tinubu’s record warranted another term in office.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the best for a united Nigeria at this critical point in our 66-year history. He deserves our full support for a second term to secure a brighter future and the continuity of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
The statement was signed by Hon. Kanbi Owolabi, Assistant Director, Print Media, City Boy Movement, Lagos State Chapter.
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