Not since the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates of Nigeria, has Nigerians witnessed such precarious administrative style that shuts out one side of the country than now—in this 21st century. What you probably have heard but cannot say publicly is the thirst of impending war by “some people” from certain minority tribe to overrun the rest of the country under this very administration.
This is the palpable fear and anxiety being expressed inwardly without any rebuttal from the hierarchy. It’s amazing that instead of technological advancement and construction of roads and bridges, new railway lines, improvement in education and welfare of Nigerians, the talk is not how—but when the so-called nonsensical war to –did they something about the sea– would start. To worsen matters the circulation of videos showing some strange people wielding AK-47 and hiding in the forest chanting war songs is another matter entirely.
This government was elected to bring change; far be it that this is the kind of change Nigerians bargained for. According to a broad section of Nigerians interviewed, the widespread appointment of people from his part of the country into key government positions has not helped matters. Now, Nigerians remember with nostalgia the contributions of past leaders especially in the mould of Sir Ahmadu Bello, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, late General Murtala Muhammed, Abdusalam Abubakar and Shehu Musa Yar ‘Adua of blessed memory. The late Shehu Musa Yar-Adua was from Katsina State—the same place as the current president. He was visibly transparent and accountable.
He held the forte and were it not for his untimely death, Nigeria would have gone far in unity, equity and justice. There would have been no thought of bandits and kidnappers. But now, see the abysmal level Nigeria has descended. So much for a government that mouths credibility to the absurd extent that the only talk now is all about restructuring! Nigeria never had it this bad! The surprise is that the current administrators swore to an oath of office. But the way and manner they are going about it spell lawlessness.
No thought is given to the Constitution which says that professionalism should be upheld; officials who are due for retirement are shielded and their service year extended. This is not what Nigerians bargained for when they voted for the All Progressive Congress Party. The paradox is that the more you look the more you see instead of the reverse. It is so unfortunate that president Buhari who rode on the crest of massive popularity and dethroned for the first time a sitting president has allowed that credibility to wane.
The staggering levels of indiscipline displayed within official circles is so alarming that the PDP administration which received so much bashing has suddenly become the saints. Nigerians now wish they should have known. 6 years into the life of this administration, depression has not only set in, but optimism has gone through the window. There is severe retardation in every stratum of life. The business of governance appears to have come to a standstill! Nigeria is not a pariah state, yet that appears to be where the nation is heading. There will surely be an implosion.
They are borrowing huge sums of money and leaving vital state infrastructures to deteriorate. Ministerial appointees have become indolent lacking in vision. Coupled with the onslaught of Covid-19 Nigerians are this time actually in quandary. It is only as a result of their strong-willed nature that has kept frustration at bay. But not so poverty and starvation that now appears to cripple them. This is not to mention the high cost of electricity and fuel that has escalated.
As of the moment Nigerians pay triple for these critical means of survival. One Nigerian interviewed disclosed that he spends 30-40,000 for electricity monthly as against 5,000-10,000; on fuel, he admitted spending 4,000 every other 3 days! Unlike before, there would be an assurance from the president; but this time it is a deafening silence from the seat of power! No one knows, but president Buhari’s actions are seemingly sending the wrong message and frankly, a strange phenomenon.
Stranger still, is the ridiculous plan by the government to distribute palliatives of 5,000 cash to around 2.4 million people! Yet, this is a government that prides itself in fighting corruption. So much double standards! Arguably, no pretence is made about building on the legacies of former leaders. This is the mystery of this administration. Last week the photo of a wailing mother showed up on the internet lamenting the kidnap of her children. She did so because there was no help anywhere! Is this the type of country we want to bequeath to our children? The future looks bleak—and worrisome.
