₦airaland Forum

BOC was first used to describe PMB by an unapologetic GEJ supporter and one is naturally inclined to regard it as a manifestation of "bad belle" syndrome of some political supporters. Recall that One Change refers to the relatively common robbery inside usually danfo buses in Lagos. The idea is that Nigeria may be for a One chance ride with PMB in the saddle. Whether there is any truth in the assertion is for prosperity to decide as we wait with belated breath. However let us go through the initial actions.

Firstly is the fact that the PMB presidency has not hit the ground running. The fact that there are no support staff appointment in place as at today is not helpful. The SFG, COS and other presidency staff do not require Senate clearance. The impression we got was that the government was going to hit the ground running and the excuse of balancing of political appointments (Senate president, Speaker etc) does not appear to be a tenable one.

The trip to our neighbours (where 2 days was spent rather than 1 day) is suprising following the criticism that greeted a similar move by GEJ.

The role of the opposition party in the Senate Presidency election reminds one of that of Tambulu in 2011. It was rightl averred that GEJ started the loss of the presidency from that day. The then opposition deriled him only to be the victim this time. The reaction of APC as a party to the development is simply laughable as they described the same action as victory for democracy in 2011.

The role of Special Adviser/SS Assistant to the President on Media is a delicate one. I believe that our political office holders regard it as condescending to speak frequently to the press/Nigerians hence their long list of officials to do the job. My response of the justified criticism of Reuben Abati ( P hD) is that virtually any other Nigerian would behave similarly in that position. Adesina's goof on PMB's statement on his age and governance would imply that he may be threading the path of Abati.

PMB statement on the need to study what is to be done on power situation appears to show that he needs to raise the gear of governance. He is one of the few people who sought and fought hard for the position and the impression should not be that of 'minimum gogrrnment' as a columnist one described a regime - visiting places, receiving foreign and local visitors etc.

The upcoming political appointments will indicate how much " change" we would witness. Some commentators have attributed the action of EFCC in the trial of CBN/ Commercial bank fraudsters to PMB but this has nothing to do with him. Some critics have also erroneously attributed the temporary withdrawal is some charges of Slyvia as party politics. The reinstatement of other charges by EFCC similarly shows that PMB is not involved.

Have we entered One Chance? Only time will tell.

chai African China...go use B.O.C rise again