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As Buhari Embarks on Another Private Visit to London
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By Eric Elezuo
Having spent a large chunk of October criss crossing foreign lands, President Muhammadu Buhari will again from today embark on another 15 days trip to London in what he described as ‘private trip’. The trip will see the President departing Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Saturday to England. The reason for the private visit, as usual, is not known.
Nigerians have read through the lines, captured the innuendos involved and analysed the irony of the situation. This is imagining a President who only recently read riot acts to his ministers and other public officers as regards foreign travels. Buhari had said while placing embargo on foreign travels that the reduction in the number and duration of foreign trips for ministers and other categories of government was a ‘cost-saving measure’ to achieve fiscal prudence. Does Buhari make separate laws for his officers, and a different kind of laws for himself. It is obvious we are dealing with a ‘King Don’t Tell Me’, who is well versed in the theory of ‘do as I say, not as I do’. Otherwise, is it not proper to lead by example. One may not begin to count numerous promises that hit the walls as the administration of Buhari took off in 2015. But one may not also forget to remember that the President questioned the rationale behind traveling out of the country at every given opportunity and beat his chest to do away with it; one may not also forget in a hurry that the President promised to convert all planes on the presidential fleet to national carriers, and within one year add more aircraft; or is it the promise that the office of the first lady will be abolished as it adds nothing to the economy.
Well, those were integrity-back promises, but which of them has been fulfilled till date. If you ask me, na who I go ask. Maybe, ‘the matter we you see so, e get as e bi’. We can only count our teeth with our tongiue to ascertain if the man at the helm of affairs is actually the much awaited Mr. Integrity. Buhari must understand that those that live in glass houses, don’t throw stones. In the same vein, it is not mature to talk the talk when you cannot walk the walk.
In April, Buhari was also on a 10 days private visit to London and has budgeted the sum of N1.75 billion for personal foreign trips for the year 2020 in the proposed 2020 appropriation bill. That appears like the image of one who is taking his countrymen for granted. And funnily enough, the people have become dumb and no longer responsive to external stimuli, so everyone is silently eating the bread of sorrow, waiting for the coming of 2023 when the President not a few has termed irresponsible to the plight of the masses leaves office. But nothing in the horizon shows that 2023 may ever come.
For 20 days and counting that Buhari will away, the government will practically shut down as the instrumentality of transferring power to the vice president was invoked. As a result, the vacuum will remain until his return on November 17 as Femi Adesina announced .
As the years are running into months, and to weeks and days for the president, it is imperative that he amends what is left of his ways. Stop speaking tongue in cheek – speak the truth somethings and regain the people’s confidence if he ever he had it; walk the talk and as Punch editorial will put it, stay at your duty post.
Jude Bellingham scored a dramatic extra-time winner as England overcame an unfortunate Norway to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
Bellingham slid home the winning goal in the first half of extra time after a second Norway goal was ruled out by the VAR for an Erling Haaland foul.
Andreas Schjelderup had given Norway the lead, but Bellingham equalised with a brilliant finish — although England were fortunate the goal stood after the ball struck the Spidercam during the build-up.
England rode their luck at times but will now face either Switzerland or old rivals Argentina as they seek to reach the World Cup final for the first time since 1966.
New York Times
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed relief and joy over the release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
“It is such a big relief for all of us. Right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much,” the governor told Channels Television.
President Bola Tinubu has also expressed delight over the successful rescue of abducted children and teachers, commending the military, the DSS, and the Nigeria Police Force for ending their 56-day captivity.
The President said the security operation led to the arrest of eight suspected abductors while several others were neutralised, describing the outcome as a major relief for the victims, their families and the nation.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised the security agencies for what he described as their tireless efforts in securing the victims’ release.
He also sympathised with the children, teachers and their families over the trauma they endured during the prolonged ordeal
The President further commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government throughout the rescue operation and urged the state to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents.
President Tinubu also directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued children and teachers with all necessary medical care and relief support as they recover from the ordeal.
The schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been rescued after about 56 days in captivity.
According to a statement by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the victims were freed through the efforts of security agencies.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga said.
He disclosed that eight members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the rescue operation and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Onanuga said the rescue operation did not involve any exchange or concession to the kidnappers, noting that a notorious gang leader whose release had been demanded by the abductors remains in custody and is being prosecuted for his alleged crimes.
He added that security agencies would provide a full account of the operation soon.
“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised. There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin whose release was demanded by the kidnappers, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give full account soon,” he added.
In a video shared alongside the statement, a woman believed to be one of the rescued teachers was seen thanking President Bola Tinubu for securing their release. The schoolchildren were also seen eating biscuits and joining the teacher in chanting, “Thank you, sir,” at the end of her remarks.
“Hello sir, our father, we are grateful. Mr President, sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see your hand in this. Thank you very much. Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive today. We are very grateful to you. Thank you very much,” the teacher said.
