In a recently conducted interview on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), former President Muhammadu Buhari offered a retrospective analysis of his eight-year tenure.
He shed light on various aspects of governance and the challenges faced. The analysis revealed the cruciality of scrutinising Buhari’s statements against the promises encapsulated in his manifesto during the 2015 election campaign.
He acknowledged the economic challenges inherited, emphasising a seemingly depleted treasury. This admission, however, resonates with criticisms of his administration’s fiscal management. Contrary to his promises of prudent financial governance, Nigeria’s debt profile escalated significantly under his watch, prompting questions about the actualisation of his commitment to reducing the country’s debt burden.
Buhari’s dissatisfaction with the state of the economy, coupled with attributions to a lack of foreign investments, echoes sentiments prevalent during his tenure. High inflation rates, a soaring debt profile, and persistent unemployment challenged the promises made regarding economic revitalisation and attracting foreign investments. This gap between rhetoric and reality raises concerns about the effectiveness of his economic policies.
According to BudgIT, President Buhari moved Nigeria’s debt profile from N42tn to N77tn. This has had attendant effects on debt servicing, which rose from N1.06tn in 2015 to N5.24tn as of 2022. In fact, under Buhari’s administration, the debt-service-to-revenue ratio grew from 29 per cent to 96 per cent.
While discussing the security challenges, particularly in the Northeast and South-South regions, Buhari underscored the complexities faced during his tenure. Critics argue that these challenges were inadequately addressed, pointing to the escalation of insurgency and banditry. This presents a stark contrast to his promise to restore peace and stability. It also raised concerns about the efficacy of his approach to national security.
Buhari’s defence of the robust response to civil unrest, such as the #EndSARS protests, adds another layer to the evaluation. While he expressed dismay at the destruction of public property, critics contend that his administration’s approach contradicted the democratic principles he pledged to uphold. The heavy-handed response during the ENDSARS protests raises questions about the administration’s commitment to respecting the rights of citizens within the democratic framework.
During the interview, Buhari emphasized his adherence to the constitutional two-term limit and his commitment to serving Nigeria diligently. However, this assertion prompts a reflection on the legacy of his administration. Despite some acknowledged achievements, the persistent economic, security, and social challenges during his tenure question his governance’s overall impact and effectiveness.
One of the most striking aspects of the interview was Buhari’s statement regarding Nigerians fighting corruption themselves. This assertion raises eyebrows in light of his promise to spearhead a comprehensive anti-corruption campaign.
During his tenure, Nigeria ranked among the most corrupt countries in the world, according to Transparency International’s 2022 Corruption Perception Index. Additionally, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission reported that ministries, departments, and agencies padded the 2021 and 2022 budgets by duplicating projects, amounting to billions of naira.
Cases of alleged corruption within his administration and the perception of selective anti-corruption efforts have been subjects of criticism. Buhari’s statement about Nigerians fighting corruption themselves deflects from the accountability expected from his administration.
The interview serves as a window into the complexities of governance and the intricacies of translating campaign promise into tangible realities. While Buhari’s administration achieved some milestones, the unmet promises and persistent challenges underscore the multifaceted nature of national development. The interview, therefore, becomes a crucial part of the ongoing narrative shaping Nigeria’s political landscape and provides an opportunity for constructive dialogue on the lessons learned and the path forward.
Watch the interview here:
