Fuel Scarcity And Failed Energy Policy

 By Cheta Nwanze

On January 18, 2015, Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, announced a fuel price reduction that took the retail cost from N97 to N87 and explained that the price drop was occasioned by the drop in crude oil prices in the international market. An incensed Nigerian public that had set high standards for itself insisted that N87 was high regardless, refused to be placated by the price reduction and made sure the Goodluck Jonathan government was voted out, which ushered in the regime of Major General Muhammadu Buhari(retd.).

Once sworn in, Buhari looked at the country’s vast array of accomplished energy industry professionals, somehow saw himself in their midst and named himself as petroleum minister with the excuse that he needed to personally be involved for things to get done properly. Well, he has been as great a petroleum minister as he has been president.

Liz Truss: Lessons For Nigeria’s Leadership

 By Ahanonu Kingsley

After steering the cause of a turbulent United Kingdom economy as Prime Minister, Liz Truss resigned from the exalted office she sought and fought very hard to occupy just some 44 days ago. It’s honourable that she saw the weight of the office, admitted her inability to deliver on the mandate, and resigned. Indeed, it reflected how she valued the nation above herself.

*Liz Truss

But then why did she become Prime Minister in the first instance when she knew she’d resign in just 44 days? Isn’t it a waste of time and resources, considering that the Conservative Party had to organise a long walk of campaigns and debates in the bid to shop for a replacement for Boris Johnson, who equally resigned just two months ago?

Does it not appear to be a calculated scheme to scuttle a candidate who appeared prepared and suited for the role? Erstwhile Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, has a more realistic plan that captures today’s UK economic reality. He appeared more prepared for the position he sought and aimed to assume. But what did the establishment do? They whittled his soaring influence, decapitated his chance of winning, and brought in Liz.