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Published on 2024-02-12 21:23:38
Lauretta Onochie, a former aide to President Muhammadu Buhari and erstwhile chairperson of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), recently took to her social media page to express dissatisfaction with the current administration’s failure to sustain the legacies of her former boss and predecessor, President Bola Tinubu. Onochie’s comments were specifically directed at the lack of continuity in the production and distribution of rice brands that were established during Buhari’s tenure. She highlighted the absence of Lake Rice and Ebonyi rice, two popular rice brands that emerged as part of Buhari’s agricultural policy, and questioned why these initiatives have been neglected under Tinubu’s administration.
Onochie’s critique of Tinubu’s government is rooted in her belief that essential projects and programs that were initiated during Buhari’s presidency have been neglected or abandoned under the current leadership. She used the example of Lake Rice, a collaborative effort between the governments of Lagos and Kebbi state, which was established in 2016 during the administration of former Lagos governor Akinwunmi Ambode and his counterpart in Kebbi, Atiku Bagudu. This project, which was a vital component of Buhari’s agricultural policy, holds significant economic and agricultural value for Nigeria. However, it has seemingly disappeared from the market since the 2020 lockdown in Lagos, raising questions about its fate and the lack of attention it has received.
According to The Guardian, Lake Rice’s disappearance from the market was attributed to the signing of a memorandum of understanding for mass production and distribution, which occurred two years after its introduction and remained unresolved until Ambode left office. The absence of tangible efforts to sustain and expand the program suggests a lack of commitment to the continuity of important projects from the previous administration, as Onochie has pointed out in her criticism of Tinubu’s government.
The neglect of crucial initiatives like Lake Rice sends a troubling message about the priorities and policies of the current administration. By failing to uphold and build upon significant agricultural programs that were established under Buhari, the government risks undermining the progress and potential economic benefits that these initiatives offer. Onochie’s vocal condemnation of the lack of continuity in this regard is a reminder of the responsibilities and expectations associated with leadership transitions.
It is evident that Onochie is calling attention to the need for sustainable continuity in governance, especially concerning essential projects that contribute to economic development and food security. Her critique raises important questions about the government’s commitment to carrying forward initiatives that were designed to address critical issues and promote growth in sectors such as agriculture. As a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, her words hold weight and are likely to resonate with citizens who value the legacy of past administrations and seek assurance that important programs will be upheld in the future.
Ultimately, Onochie’s comments serve as a reminder that the development of a nation’s agricultural sector and the sustainability of vital programs require consistent attention and support from successive administrations. The issues she has highlighted draw attention to the inherent challenges of maintaining continuity in governance and the essential role of leadership in preserving and advancing initiatives that hold strategic importance for the country. As discussions surrounding these matters continue, the populace will look to policymakers and leaders to address these concerns and take the necessary steps to uphold and build upon the legacies of past administrations.
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