God will not change the condition of a people unless they change what is their heart – Holy Qur’an
In the run up to the 2015 election, Nigeria found itself at a boiling point. Not only were prophets of doom waiting to see the outcome of their prediction on Nigeria’s disintegration, following that election but also the massive humanitarian crisis that would follow such impending doom. The 2015 election gave rise to a number of contentious issues which sadly have not been looked into today. As one of the most politically charged election in the history of this country, it is quite surprising that INEC and the government are yet to mount a massive enlightenment and campaign against all forms of electoral malfeasance that characterised that election. This is a period Nigerians need serious orientation on what constitutes a viable electoral process. The recent elections in Kogi, Bayelsa and Rivers states are a sad commentary in electioneering in Nigeria. If elections are becoming inconclusive today, then INEC and the Nigerian state have not gotten it right as it concerns election in the country. It in fact, leaves a sour taste in the mouth.
Truly, the Buhari government have really not started on a good footing. A lot of things seem to have gone wrong. While it is true that politicians promised to build castles in space but in Nigeria, we do not expect any less. The current government once said it would give 5000 Naira to millions of jobless youths if voted into power. We are yet to see this campaign promise become a reality. The APC had promised us change, yet our economy has gone from bad to worse today. But have we really seen the effect of change as promised by this government? With the current realities in Nigeria, is it glaring that we have been double-crossed by the very change-agents who promised us a good life after 4 years of ineptitude? Questions have emerged since the emergence of the Buhari government, many of which we are yet to find viable answers to.
It is true that President Buhari’s first year in office have looked bad but not gloomy. Why we assume so is because no government is judged in one year! While we hope to see a silver lining soon, what we have seen in the last couple of months has not been encouraging. At a time the economy remains downbeat with further pressures stemming from the fall and instability in crude oil prices, nothing can be more depressing than this. While we are trying to recover from an economy strangulated by fiscal indiscipline of the past, we cannot be hit by fuel and power shortages at the same time. Nigerians have suffered enough not to have fuel and power which are two basic needs of the poor. It is unacceptable! Not many Nigerians want to earn a fat salary like those in the National Assembly or Pension Office but a life where basic human needs are available. It is therefore, understandable why many Nigerians today, most of whom voted for change, seem disappointed.
Despite the challenges we face today, we must give kudos to them for two major feats. While the economy remains troubled and the battle to restore power and fuel rages, it is exciting to note the success recorded in the fight against Boko Haram and corruption. Indeed, the fight against Boko Haram has been technically won and less troubled by the various tactical manoeuvres made by our gallant soldiers in the past. The once timid Nigerian army have today gotten their confidence back and without doubt, reduced insurgency in that part of Nigeria to the barest minimum. We no longer hear of massive bomb attacks in private and public spaces. The victory recorded in the last few months cannot be quantified. It is certain with the pace at which the army is going that Boko Haram will surely become a thing of the past in the intervening months. This, for keen observers, is Change as exemplified by President Buhari in his campaign. It was a cardinal point raised at the time which today has seen the light of the day. Never in our history have we had it so bad where a few misguided elements would hold us to ransom. Never in our history should such occur again!
The fight against corruption today appears contentious, yet it is worthy to note that we are on the verge of a new era in Nigeria as far as fighting corruption is concerned. Truly, we are yet to prosecute anyone but in a long term, no leader has shown total repugnance to corruption as President Buhari has done. With the pace at which corruption cases come up daily, it is evident we will get to a time when corruption will be killed before it kills us. At no time have we heard those who misappropriated funds willingly coming out to return such. The revelations coming out from the massive looting of funds meant for security is enough to say change is here.
Those who claim change is the only constant thing in life didn’t mince words. But change itself does not occur in a day. The Chinese did not come this far in one day; neither did Botswana achieve greatness in one night. Nigeria is a complex nation and it will take years before we achieve uhuru. No matter the divide we fall into, we must give kudos to the government on these two notable achievements despite its imperfections. Nigeria is in critical times. The political class must learn to live humbly and show restraint. They must begin to account to the people because times have changed. Nigerians too must change themselves. It is not enough to blame the political class when we too promote impunity and support subversion. Change is here!
Raheem Oluwafunminiyi
