Nigeria @56: Let's Reflect Soberly While We Celebrate!

SOBER REFLECTION AMIDST THE INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION

       The last time I checked, Nigeria was still filled with ecstasy which isn’t unconnected with the country’s 56^th Independence Day anniversary. It’s pertinent to acknowledge that, at such a time like this, every well meaning individual is required to be equally occupied with sober reflection. Every commemoration calls for thorough analysis and reexamination with a view to addressing some anomalies, if need be, and that of Nigeria’s Independence wouldn’t be an exception.

       It’s not anymore news that this very anniversary is taking place under the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, thus everyone beckons to the said leader towards doing the needful. Many would want to know the distance the country had been able to cover ab initio, and the way forward concerning the awaited change. Whilst, some others would be interested in telling Nigerians that the administration hasn’t lived up to the expectations as they presume. The fact is that, whichever way we look at it, a moment of this kind calls for a holistic crosscheck. 

       After several futile attempts to become the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria – the acclaimed giant of Africa, in April 2015, that lofty ambition of General Mohammadu Buhari saw the light of the day to everyone’s greatest amazement. Consequently, on 29^th May 2015, the man in question who was seen as the ‘awaited messiah’ by his numerous fans and friends was sworn in as the fourth democratically elected President in the Fourth Republic.

       Prior to his assumption of office, he stated that his priority agenda, which was centered on ‘Change’, was standing on a tripod comprising anti-corruption, security, and economy. Suffice it to say that, his administration would fight corruption, eradicate various ongoing security threats, particularly the Boko-Haram terrorism, as well as resuscitate the nation’s dying economy.

      So far, President Buhari’s terrorism war has obviously recorded a success. The moment he assumed duty, he ordered the relocation of Army Headquarters from Abuja, the nation’s Capital Territory to Maiduguri, Bornu State – where the Boko-Haram terrorism was on the rampage. This singular measure among others has helped greatly to tackle the said menace. At the moment, the Nigerian Army has recaptured virtually all the territories that were held hostage by the terrorists, including the famous Sambisa Forest which was reckoned to be the terrorists’ den.

       Though the fight against the Boko-Haram sect has recorded tremendous success, it’s pertinent to note that other forms of insecurity have lately emanated in other parts of the country such as the renewed Niger Delta militancy, Biafran agitation, and the Fulani herdsmen scourge. These newly emerged security threats have really succeeded in creating a state of unrest among the entire citizens.

       Regarding corruption, the administration has equally made frantic effort towards ensuring that corruption is reduced to the barest minimum. First, the President initiated the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to curtail leakages witnessed in most quarters, especially in federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). He also succeeded in streamlining the number of federal ministries, with the aim of cutting down bureaucracy which has been the bane of the nation’s democracy, thereby reducing excesses.

       In addition, Mr. President has reawaken the various anti-graft agencies in the country that were almost moribund including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), among others. In view of this, various politicians who served in the immediate past administration had been thoroughly investigated, arrested, as well as arraigned, over one alleged corrupt offence or the other. Presently, several prosecutions are taking place in this regard. This step has made most serving public officers across the federation to detest any form of corrupt attitude in order not to fall prey.

       As regards the proposed quest to resuscitate the nation’s economy, the administration has suffered a great setback. Currently, the country is faced with recession, which was apparently occasioned by the various recently implemented inappropriate policies of the administration, although the crisis has been blamed on the past administration led by Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. The ongoing threat to human life as a result of the deteriorating economy has made several critics and commentators to see the ‘change’ mantra as something that needs to be changed in earnest.

       With a view to letting the teeming Nigerians understand their individual roles in the change mantra, recently, on Thursday 8^th September 2016 to be precise, the president launched a reorientation campaign tagged ‘Change begins with me’. The campaign is aimed at making the citizenry comprehend that they must change their respective uncalled attitudes if they truly anticipate positive change in the country. Against this backdrop, many have begged to disagree that change must begin with the electorate; rather, they were of the view that the change is expected to begin from the top, or the leaders.

       One major setback the present administration has suffered from is the various rent-seekers scattered all over the nooks and crannies. It’s very important to acknowledge that many look forward to seeing the downfall of this administration that seemingly means well for the citizens, by intending to reap without sowing. To this end, President Buhari must caution himself very well towards ensuring that he wouldn’t fall victim of betrayal, sabotage, and other related ungodly acts.

       He must ensure that all those in his cabinet, are genuinely ready to bring the desired change. In order words, the president needs to go back to the drawing board toward fishing out the bad eggs within the Presidency. Indeed, there bad eggs, and they must be separated from those who truly mean business; the chaffs must be separated from the grains for us to get it right. He must fish out the rots from the head, if he truly intends to make the overall body/system function appropriately.

       It’s saddening to realize that some so-called stakeholders or statesmen are in support of the quest to sell the national assets. Anyone who supports such intent of insensitivity does not in any way mean well for Nigeria, thus needs to be shown the way out, or be seen as an enemy to the country, as the case may be. We can’t continue to indulge in retrogressive or frivolous issues when we are expected to face the reality squarely. We need to be practical in all our approaches at a critical time like this.

       I beg to disagree that we need the foreigners in order to excel. It’s high time we began to realize that everything required of this country towards the anticipated growth lies within us. All we need to do is to look inwards and know who to work with. This isn’t a time to draw a bold line between political parties. I’m earnestly looking at a situation where anyone could be given the opportunity to serve regardless of his/her political or social affiliations.

       Let’s stop this brain drain that is ravaging the country, and channel the manpower aptly. We have all it takes, so let’s use it. We can’t wait till thy kingdom comes before we start utilizing our available resources. A lot has been said; let a lot be done. Think about it!

      

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

(TheMediaAmbassador)

-Researcher, Blogger, Public Affairs analyst & Civil Rights activist-

Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research

& Career Development - Owerri

_____________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador