By Rita Okoye
It has been one year of mixed feelings from Nigerians, as President Muhammadu Buhari celebrated his first anniversary in office on May 29, 2016.Celebrities too are not left out. Here they share their pains and gains from the new government.
Excerpts:
No gains, just pains -Yul Edochie, actor
No gains, just pains. Things are getting worse by the day. Some Nigerians are beginning to lose hope in the new government. But I strongly believe that things will get better. No money, no fuel, no tomatoes, high cost of living and even to feed is difficult. Only God can help us survive all these.
A year of mixed fortunes -Gbenga Adeyinka, comedian
So far, it’s been a year of mixed fortunes. Some high but most times very low, but I’m comforted knowing that things will get better since we are building a future that will be more rewarding. I support (President) Buhari and I know how passionate he is about fighting the ills that plague our nation.
So much pain and hunger -African China, singer
The country is going through so much pain and hunger; no light, no money and no good basic education. Just like my song of years back, ‘food no dey, water no dey, fuel no dey, work no dey, our government bad, how we wan take survive?’ In all, I pray God to see us through.
There is light at the end of the tunnel -Funnybone, comedian
First, I believe he (Buhari) can’t do it alone and he needs all of us to support and make it happen. I also think the economy should be stable, so that the common man can afford the basic things of life. The country is generally slow now, but with God, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Nigerians should support Buhari -Arinze Okonkwo, actor
As far as God is still on the throne, there will be light at the end of the tunnel. We may not see the wind or the rain, but our valleys shall be filled with water. Let’s join hands and give the President our full support.
Better days ahead -Okey Uzoeshi, actor
As an actor, and more importantly as a Nigerian, I believe that we are headed somewhere good. Sometimes when a good thing wants to happen, it seems like everything becomes difficult. After carrying a pregnancy for nine months, there’s no discomfort during the pregnancy period that can be worse than labour pains and the actual birthing of the child. But a child is a thing of joy and celebration. Every businessman, after making a huge investment, complains about being broke and all; but when the returns on investment come, the same businessman is full of joy and celebration. So, I believe we are in the sowing period, and I look forward to better days ahead. I am not complaining about how this regime has affected me, I’m just trying to focus on the bigger picture, which is a better Nigeria for us all, God willing.
Nigerians are tired of excuses Chigozie Atuanya, actor
Nigerians are tired of excuses. I know we have to fight corruption, but obviously that seems to be the major target while other needs of the masses are neglected. Everybody is crying of the same thing, Naira is depreciating, prices foodstuffs are going higher, fuel pump rice has been tripled, and foreign investors are gradually pulling off. How long will this continue? Everybody wants corruption to be eradicated, but not on the expenses of our wellbeing. Let the President find a solution to all these.
I cry all the time Biodun Okeowo, actor
No gains but only pains and suffering. I cry all the time, most especially, over the increment of fuel pump price. I spend over N50,000 in a week on fuel. No light, no cash flow, business is not booming, foodstuffs are outrageously expensive, a whole lot is wrong. Which way forward?
Buhari is building a better nation -Omowunmi Dada, actor
I won’t talk as a movie star but rather as a citizen of this country. I am extremely happy that there is a sanitization of corruption, which has eaten really deep into every sector of the economy of this nation. It’s a gradual process; I mean Nigeria didn’t get this bad in a day. So, I’m excited that there is a movement to a better nation. Now do we have to go through some hurdles before it becomes a reality? Yes! And that’s exactly what’s happening right now. However, I know that at the long run, we will smile and overcome.