SEVEN POINTS AGENDA

RECENTLY, I read that the President granted an interview to a foreign newspaper saying that we have many reasons to celebrate, as we have kept faith with the Nigerian project".

"Really? And did he give examples of such reasons?

"Not really, but I guess a major part of it is summed up in his seven-point agenda and the rule of law."

"I've been hearing that phrase and the talk about the rule of law for a long time now. What does it really mean"?

"It means several things to different people. Essentially, there are buzzwords that will characterise this government. The more you look, the less you see until you get to a point where you stop seeing anything at all".

"But really, we should at least have an idea of what the seven-point agenda refers to".

"I truly am not sure. I think it refers to seven key areas, the President would want to concentrate on, some of which include power, security, education and healthcare".

"And did he explain how we have kept faith with PHCN? What has he done about power since he assumed office"?

"My dear, for sure PHCN has moved out of Nigeria. They are giving neighbouring countries light because the whole nation is in darkness".

"What is all this talk about the probe in the sector? I was told Obasanjo used about N16 billion to purchase darkness and more darkness".

"It's all part of the seven-point agenda. A committee will be set up to receive and recover the stolen loot and ensure respect for the rule of law. Another committee would thereafter be set up to investigate why PHCN has failed".

"Don't forget also that the Kainji Dam would be overhauled to improve the services of PHCN".

"Were you in town when Baba go-slow went to Germany for medical check-up"?

"Where would I have gone to"?

"His special adviser on communications said there was nothing wrong with that as even Presidents from developed countries visit other countries for medical treatment. However, he did add that he understood that there was an urgent need to improve the health sector".

"My dear, what did you want him to say? That the President does not have faith in the hospitals and by extension the doctors in Abuja? That the hospitals have gone from consulting clinics to referral clinics where they either refer you to a foreign hospital or onward transmission to the grave? If I was his special adviser, I would say the same thing. In fact, I would claim my mother is a man, while my father is a woman. Who no like better thing"?

"Even visiting Germany is part of the seven point agenda. He will meet with foreign specialists to discuss the way forward with regards to the healthcare system in Nigeria. He has to plan slowly and purposefully. He met all these problems on ground and he has no magic wand to wish them away. It needs the collective efforts of all Nigerians".

"In fact, in the spirit of the seven point agenda, he will constitute a panel to investigate to show that no one is above the law".

Is that why Iyabo Obasanjo is the subject of the EFCC now? The senators say that she is not alone and that they will stand by her".

"What do they mean"?

"It means that no stone will be left in the ground to ensure that she is above the law since she is a senator".

"This country is never short of theatrics. Government is a circus with lots of comedians who entertain the public".

"Still on the seven-point agenda, recently the Education Minister told Nigerians to look for the speech he made in a university recently. According to him, the speech contained his plans and policy for the educational sector as well as his own seven point agenda for the sector".

"Really? Just the speech? Nigerians need more than a speech to improve the educational system".

"It is in line with the vision behind the seven-point agenda. Government must plan slowly, purposefully and take measured steps towards the actualisation of its objectives. To do otherwise, is to scuttle the seven-point agenda. The agenda envisions more speech, more rhetoric and less action. It is an agenda of consolidation".

"In fact the minister said categorically that he is not interested in running his ministry on the pages of newspapers. Whether Nigerians are entitled to ask questions and get answers with regards to the educational system is another matter entirely. So many children do not have access to good schools and are all over the streets, while those whose can go to some schools are faced with little or no infrastructure or learning materials. It is saddening".

"Let me make you happy. The President through the Federal Capital Territory minister said on Children's Day that the future of the Nigerian child is so bright that we all need sunglasses to protect our eyes from the intense brightness. He said the government is committed to improving the welfare of the Nigerian child through its seven-point agenda".

"I have tears of joy running down my cheeks. In fact, I can't wait to rush home to my kids who haven't seen light in over one month and let them know the future is bright and colourful and they must get there".

"While you're at it, let them know the government is committed to safeguarding lives and property of its citizens. This is of course irrespective of the fact that armed robbers, kidnappers and hoodlums are holding the country to ransom".

"It is all part of the big picture. The seven-point agenda is poised for a show down with these unscrupulous elements and will use everything within its power to fight them to a standstill".

"Just as an aside, have you been following the El-Rufai and Sodangi saga"?

"Not really. Where I can read newspapers for free, I read about it, other than that I'm too busy trying to get diesel for my generator and avoiding traffic for three hours in one spot. You do not need to go to school to learn how to waste valuable time and resources. One encounter with traffic in Lagos and you become a worthy alumnus of unproductivity and time mismanagement".

"My dear, I hear that Sodangi who incidentally is the Chairman of the Committee investigating El-Rufai has over fifteen houses in Abuja. It appears it is more of a personal vendetta than a commitment to follow the rule of law and due process. If it is really true, what moral justification does he have to chair the panel? It is against the rule of law the President is preaching about".

"Who told you? I told you earlier on that these buzzwords mean different things to different people. There are three types of rule of law and due process. One is for the common man with no connections. He must be made to face the full wrath of the law. The other one is for big men with power and connections. Once the matter has been decided by the courts, due process has been followed and the law is then interpreted by the Attorney-General in their favour. The third one is for big men with connections who have offended someone in government. Due process is used to strip them of all their wealth and the lifestyle they are used to. In all these instances, due process and the rule of law are always upheld".

"You are confusing me...