I am no longer sure of what should anger me anymore when it comes to governance in Nigeria. The action and inaction of former President Jonathan’s government that almost brought Nigeria to her knees, promoted corruption and made everywhere very uncondusive given his inability to exert effective and transformational leadership strength. Or the fact that the exact same move, the mistakes of the past, are now presently being made by this new administration despite the daily warnings and callings by good governance advocates like myself. It clearly seem that this government, this political party, stepped into the top most leadership home of Nigeria without having a clue whatsoever, what to do with the power they were gunning for. All the things we fought against in the time of Jonathan are now gradually repeating itself again.
It though seem a short time since the government of Buhari stepped in, but many errors has been made and it just keep coming. At the moment am confused on where to start pointing them out. First, the nation’s economic arrow continue to point downwards with no master-plan on what to do in order to reactivate it and turn the bearing around. Boko Haram still strikes like they just started, with a rejuvenated agility. Insecurity still threatens the entire country etc. About five months ago, the leadership of the Bring Back Our Girls movement met with President Muhammadu Buhari, precisely on July 8, where they presented to him, hard knock solutions, result targeted operational methodologies, and their demands. A follow up letter was also sent and Dr Oby Ezekwesili utilized an open window of opportunity that presented itself, to remind the Vice President of the July 8 meeting and the need for an urgent action. No word has been heard, either from the President, his vice or anyone from the Presidency, even as I write this piece.
Few days ago, a village (Bam) in Borno State was grievously attacked by members of the deadly Islamic group widely known as Boko Haram. A large number of Girls were abducted and alarms were raised by the BBOG group as well as some individuals from the state. The attention of the government was called upon but the question is, what has the government done since then? Let me tell you what they have done, they have constituted a ‘Fact Finding Committee’ on the news of the Girls’ abduction, exactly the same thing the previous administration did that have today resulted to the prolonged stay of the Chibok Girls in the hands of Boko Haram.
The inefficiency and all the disturbing drama that has been going on in this administration is disappointing. This is rather unfortunate; and I expect much more from this government that came on the platform of CHANGE. If nothing, the approach to communication has been very disappointing to say the least. The Jonathan administration already showed the worst case scenario, the best would be to act far better. It will be a cold day in hell if this administration return back to the old ways the people voted out. Nigerians are expecting more and they definitely deserve to get more. They have thrown the entire weight on this government and Buhari have no reason to fail them.
A leader that doesn’t communicate properly, his vision and mission to his people, runs the risk of having them misinterpret him and his goals. A leader that fails to be responsive, especially on critical circumstances, often lose the support of his people. President Buhari, Nigerians actually believe that you are the very person who can turn things around, don’t be so relaxed to forget what their demands are and to think they can’t flip the switch when the time comes.
You have the gun now Buhari, use it to transform Nigeria.
Written by Jeff Okoroafor, a Good Governance Advocate and Civil Right Activist.
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