Buhari, Nigerians And The Future
He couldn’t do it in 2003, 2007 and 2011. But on March 28, 2015, the man fondly called mai gaskiya by millions of his admirers conquered the highest office in Nigeria.
Muhammadu Buhari is new Nigerian leader. He will preside over the affairs of the most Populous black nation for the next four years. There is no arguing the fact that the road to Aso rock was rough for him. But like a true General he soldiered on and got the crown.
Expectedly, expectations are high, for a man that promised so much on the campaign trail, it is not surprising. To many, President Buhari has the magic wand to turn around the country immediately he gets power. They can’t wait for the Much talked about CHANGE in the run up to the Presidential election.
Truth be told, Nigeria in its current dire straits needs CHANGE. In these early days of his administration, he needs to build the confidence of Nigerians in the Nigerian Project. His body language and his appointments will either signal to Nigerians that change is truly here or it is just a mere slogan.
Buhari’ s ability to tackle corruption, comatose power sector, burgeoning poverty rate, insecurity of lives and property in the next four years will define the success or otherwise of his government. This is why Mr President has to hit the ground running . Sadly, many Nigerian political office holders fail to realize that the campaign for another election starts from the first day in office. When 2019 comes, the APC and Buhhari are not going to be judged by attractive economic indices that do not reflect on the lives of the masses. One major yardstick to the measure his achievements will be how well he has touched the lives of the common man.
Brazil’s ‘’ lula’’ Inacio da silva is one leader that understood that the pivot of governance is the welfare of the people.
In his 8 year stint as the president of Brazil, the former Brazilian leader initiated social programs that catapulted 30 million Brazilians to the middle class and dragged 20 million Brazillians out of the poverty line on completing his second term, ‘’ lula’’ as he is fondly called still had over 80% approval rating. And over a decade since he left power, he remains very popular among his people. Worthy of note is the fact that his little known successor, Dilma Roussef , rode on his popularity to become the first female president of the South American country. Being a country abundantly blessed with human and natural resources , Nigeria has no business being ranked among the poorest of nations . Buhari can borrow a leaf from the charismatic Brazilian leader and he will sure be the darling of misruled, oppressed and cheated Nigerians.
Over the years, successive governments have come up with the blueprints for development. It underscores the fact that Nigeria is not in short supply of bright minds that can turn around the fortunes of Nigeria. The biggest threat to our development as a nation is corruption. As a president popular for his trough anti-corruption stance, a great number of Nigerians expect a total war on the hydra-headed monster. A good way to stand is to without delay initiate the process of building strong institutions that will punish the crime of corruption no matter whose ox is gored. This is not the time to start setting up probe panels if it is not necessary for there’s so much work to do. Looking at the abandoned probe reports that have gathered dust over the years with a view to getting indicted persons punished and returning whatever they have looted will announce the arrival of a No-nonsense anti-corruption Czar.
Many have expressed fears about the corrupt elements in Mr. President’s party. But the fact that political parties are made of the good, the bad and the ugly must not be lost on us. Prebendalists and rent-seekers will make attempts to do business as usual. It is for Buhari to decide his place in history. In the run-up to the elections, Buhari said, “Give me a chance to prove to you that Nigeria can work in your lifetime.” Now that he has the yam and the knife, Nigerians are waiting with bated breath to see a Nigeria that works.
Will buhari disappoint Nigerians? Will he rescue Nigeria from the firm grip of economic vampires? Will Nigeria be great again? The answers lie in the womb of time.
Ladesope Ladelokun, Mowe, Ogun State.