P.D.P Government and Nigeria @ 49 –by Adamu Muh’d Usman
It was on October 1st 1960 that, Nigeria got its independence from the colonial masters. Also it was on the 29th of May 1999 that the handing over from the military to a democratic government took place, with the swearing in of chief Olusegun Obasanjo as the president who ruled from (1999-2007) where by Obasanjo handed over to Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'adua on May-29th-2007 as the president and commander – in –chief of the Armed forces of the federal republic of Nigeria all under the platform of People Democratic party (P.D.P) which it is ruling this country for over ten (10) years now.
Democracy is defined as the government of the people, by the people and for the people. As the definition goes, can we say Nigerians have enjoyed the fruits of PDP ten years in government? In which we expect free and fair elections, peaceful co-existence, mutual understanding, good agricultural productions, natural resources control, freedom of speech, societal changes, national development, good leadership among others that will take Nigeria to a greater heights and redeem its image from the international communities also to be an egalitarian society. Alas! That is on the contrary. Now, look at inflation, shortage of food, pensioners issue, corruption, and abject poverty, poor roads which leads to lost of many lives and properties on daily basis. Potable water, total absence of electricity which led to collapse of business activities and closure of many industries and factories across the country. Good shelter, which many live in demonizing environments.
Education is deteriorating, there is security palaver, lack of employment, Niger Delta crisis (militancy), the nightmare of transportation, Boko Haram, the problem of girl child education and the Almajiri issue, especially in the north; Hospitals, health centres have become mere consulting buildings, the teachers' salary issues, the political and religious uprisings and the so- called seven point agenda and alarming issues at hand now, the Uwais electoral reform report and ASUU strike. Haba!!!
The previous regimes flagged of some campaigns to attack or tackle the problem of erosion and desertification, which are great threats to Nigeria especially in the north, and there were the green revolution, tree planting campaigns etc but the federal government and precisely the northern states governors are not doing anything in this respect. Also agricultural sector was neglected which common food substances has to be imported from abroad. To this respect seconded comrade Isaa Aremu on the points he raised in a programme with A.I.T on Independence Day (Kaakaki)
Nigeria is not politically stable, no peaceful living, the electoral system is bad because of lack of free and fair elections, there is decay of moral altitudes and Nigeria image has never been redeemed among the international communities in the tenure of over ten years of PDP government which made Nigeria to won a colourful trophy, a trophy of corruption which made Nigeria number one nation in the world. So, to be candid and precise, what dividends a Nigerian can say he has derived from this type democracy PDP government is practicing in our contemporary society? But all the above wahala are attributed to lack of good leadership.
At this juncture, I am appealing to President Yar'adua, the state governors, NASS etc that, the aim must be total and direct towards reforming the system, uniting the country, raising the integrity of the nation, reviving our cultural heritage, boost the reputation of the ethical back ground, sought and utilize the natural resources for future generation not for self aggrandizement and redeem the image of Nigeria as the previous leaders did.
My wish, hope and prayer are, may our present political rulers reflect on the history of the past and emulate the attributes of our past leaders (Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir. Ahmadu Bello Sardauna and Malam Aminu Kano etc) in order to save our beloved country Nigeria from its present mess, suffering and total collapse. The previous leaders exhibited good leadership qualities which will linger in the minds of well meaning Nigerians and they remain heroes, useful, helpful, messiahs and examplenary leaders. These people of blessed memories, were selfless, patriotic, nationalistic, visionaries, dedicated, honest, transparent, compassionates and God fearing. They were also accountable for their responsibilities; they lived, worked and sacrificed their lives, time, resources and ideologies for the lives, survival, happiness, progress and will being of their people and the country at large History will always remember them today and always. How I wish one or few of them are live to witness the present mess this our blessed country is encountering because government that is, the present political rulers are solely responsible for almost all the suffering in the country. May God come to our aid to rescue this country also to guide our rulers aright Amen. Happy 49 Independence. Please less reflects. Adamu Muh'd Usman
Kafin- Hausa- Jigawa State
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