THE WEEK IN REVIEW: Are Better Days Here?

Things seem to be looking up for Nigerians and Nigeria as there have been visible changes and appreciable improvements in the economy.

After much delays, Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen 66, a Justice of the Supreme Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been confirmed by the Senate as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria.

Justice Walter Onnoghen, an indigene of Cross Rivers State, is the first ever Chief Justice of the Federation from that region in the last three decades.

It will be recalled that Onnoghen’s confirmation is coming up after several unexplained delays by the President and few days before the constitutionally stipulated 90 day expiration period for his nomination for confirmation.

Justice Walter Onnoghen had been in an acting capacity since November 10, last year.

For Babatunde Gbadamosi, politician and member of the opposition People's Democratic Party, PDP is a vocal critic of the federal government.

Following criticisms by the general public via the print, electronic and social media, Gbadamosi has gained his release from the Department of Security Services.

He was arrested, ferried by flight from Lagos to Abuja on the same day of his arrest and detained with no reasons given by the DSS, contrary to human rights and constitutional arrest/bail conditions.

He was not charged to court(s).

The Acting President undertook a visit to two restive regions of the country: South-South (militancy in the oil creeks and then, the Southeast where agitations are high (Biafra agitations), to soothe the frayed nerves through building bridges and a fresh strategy to jaw-jaw instead of the no-win military option of war-war.

The nation's currency; the Naira strengthened significantly on foreign currencies, zipping from over N500/$1 to some N300/$1 during the week. The Central Bank finally dumped its much criticized preferential and much varied foreign exchange rates policy which exacerbated distortions and stifled competition.

It has also eased access to foreign exchange, selling almost $500 million to banks and dealers during the week with funds made available for PTA, BTA, medical needs and school fees.

Speculators were startled and caught pants down by the new turn of policy. The Naira is expected to settle at N250/$1. It is hoped that the new approach will be sustained.

Overall, it was a great week. It offered a  glimmer of hope away from the gloom of recession and uncertainty in the past two years. Is this indicative of light at the end of the tunnel?

We watch with hope.

Ken Tadaferua is a respected journalist par excellence