Senseless outrage over Buhari’s appointments

There is no need for the outrage that has trailed the appointments so far made by President Muhammadu Buhari into some key positions in his administration. I am not trying to defend the president as he has competent hands to do that. But I am trying to bring things into proper perspective for the comprehension […]

There is no need for the outrage that has trailed the appointments so far made by President Muhammadu Buhari into some key positions in his administration. I am not trying to defend the president as he has competent hands to do that. But I am trying to bring things into proper perspective for the comprehension of those who have certain reservations about the appointments. The argument that Buhari has sidelined other regions of Nigeria; especially the South-east in his recent appointments is not quite tenable and does not hold water. This is for the fact that those appointed into some positions are people with impeccable character who had previously worked with the president like when he was the chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), and so he feels, that they can assist him to bring about the desired change that this country needs.  Buhari’s choice of Engr. Babachir David Lawal as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) was hinged on the president’s belief that he can deliver efficiently having worked as a consultant with the defunct PTF. He is a straight forward person and very naughty about anything he is doing, coupled with the fact that he is not tainted by corruption.   The Chief of Staff, Alhaji Abba Kyari, is a  quintessential banker, who rose to lofty positions in different banks. It is well documented that he is an incorruptible person with an excellent track record.
He can assist President Buhari by offering good suggestions towards good governance. The appintment of Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) as the chief executive of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is in the right direction, taking into account his pedigree as an incorruptible soldier, who despite holding political office as military administrator of Kaduna State, did not dip his hands into the public till. Even in his home state, what he has is only a three bedroom house. He will no doubt help rejuvenate the NCS and boost its revenue generating capacity.    
These personalities and others appointed by Buhari will propel the engine of his administration towards achieving his set goals. A lot of things had gone bad in the last 16 years and what is now needed from all Nigerians, irrespective of region, tribe or religion, is maximum support for the president to help him correct the wrongs done by previous administrations, so that the ordinary citizens can begin to enjoy life. We should not at the early stage of this administration whip up sentiments based on the appointments made by the president. I believe that Buhari is not beclouded by sentiments as he is looking for the best for this great country. It is imperative to do away with our primordial interests so that Nigeria can forge ahead. The country at this material time needs the collective support of all and sundry in order for the president to make a great difference, especially in his war against corruption that has distorted and disjointed a lot of things and hampered the Nigeria’s development.  Buhari is not sidelining other regions as being said by some pessimists and ethnic jingoists.
He believes in the oneness of this country and everybody from where ever he comes from has a stake. We should not distract him from what he intends to do for Nigeria. This writer believes that he made these appointments in good faith for the overall benefit of the country. The pessimists should tarry awhile and encourage Mr. President in his efforts to revamp Nigeria.
Usman Santuraki,  No 2 Santuraki Close, Demsawo, Jimeta-Yola, Adamawa State. 08032333546