12 GROUND-BREAKING things that happened while Buhari was away for 51 days
After been away for more than 51 days in the United Kingdom, one thing President Muhammadu Buhari needs to do is catch up on happenings in the country.
President Buhari and Yemi Osinbajo
It has been reported that the President will officially resume work on Monday, March 13, and he will spend most of the day been appraised of what he has missed. Here are some of the major happenings in the country during his absence:
1. Economic Recovery and Growth Plan
On Tuesday, March 7, 2017, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo unveiled the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).
According to the recovery plan, focus would be put on key areas such as Science, Technology and Innovation to build a knowledge-based economy.
2. Eurobond
On February 10, 2017, Nigeria’s finance minister, Kemi Adeosun said the country’s $1 billion eurobond offered in the international market has been oversubscribed at an interest rate of 7.875%.
With 780 percent oversubscription of the $1billion Eurobond issued by the federal government, showing that the nation’s economy is still very attractive, despite the recession.
The bond, which has been listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange as the first FX- denominated bond to be so floated and has deepened the market that has rebounded and may maintain its winning streak.
3. Nigeria gains over dollar
On Monday, March 6, the dollar crashed against the naira, as the Nigerian currency gained 5 points at the parallel market.
The naira traded at N460 to a dollar, after speculators had forced it 3 points down amid liquidity boost on Friday.
The naira gained over N75 on the dollar on the parallel market, as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) improved funding for trade transactions, school fees, medicals and PTA/BTA, following increasing external reserves resulting from your savings.
READ ALSO: Despite heavy security, Southern Kaduna killings continue - CAN
4. Abuja airport closure
On March 8, 2017, the Nnamdi Azikiwe airport in Abuja was closed for maintenance works that will last up to 6 weeks.
This placed a bigger burden on Nigeria's already tottering aviation ministry.
5. Niger Delta visit
Acting President Yemi Osinbajo also continued a tour of some states in the Niger Delta to foster peace including Port Harcourt. With relative peace returning and oil and gas production growing, these have also resulted in an increase in power generation from what it was many weeks back.
6. New Chief Justice of Nigeria
On Tuesday, March 7, 2017, Osinbajo swore in Justice Walter Onnoghen as Chief Justice of Nigeria. The Senate confirmed him and he has been sworn-in. Acting President Yemi Osinbajo signed seven bills and rejected four, showing that there was no power vacuum: your transmission of power to Osinbajo actually worked, bringing down tension and ensuring continuity.
7. NNPC corruption uncovered
On February 3, 2017, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) discovered about $9.5 million was found stashed away by former NNPC GMD, Andrew Yakubu, who said it was accumulated gift he received over the years. The jury is still out on his case.
8. INEC 2019 election timetable
On March 10, 2017, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the timetable and set the dates for 2019 elections, which means primaries will be held in the third quarter of 2018
9. PDP Senators reject Ali Modu Sheriff's invite
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus in the Senate has rejected an invitation by the party chairman, Ali Modu Sherrif.
The caucus said it would instead support broad consultation to resolve the leadership crisis in the party.
Godswill Akpabio, the Senate Minority Leader, announced the decision after the opposition lawmakers met at the National Assembly on Wednesday, March 8.
READ ALSO: PDP Senators caucus reject Ali Modu Sheriff's invitation
10. Visit to Nnamdi Kanu
Chukwuma Soludo, Udenta Udenta and Pat Utomi, visited Nnamdi Kanu the pro-Biafra leader in prison and called for his release.
11. Southern Kaduna
The Southern Kaduna security crisis has continued to be a challenge and now deserving of your urgent attention.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has lamented the continuous killings in Southern Kaduna despite the heavy of presence of security in the place.
12. Xenophobic attacks
Several reported attacks by South Africans against Nigerians and others led to reprisal attacks in Nigeria against South African businesses including MTN and Shoprite.
Watch a video of Nigerians reacting to Buhari's return: