Random Musings: Renewed Hope Agenda as an Anti climax

By Engr. Bello Gwarzo Abdullahi, FNSE

The ascension of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President and Commander In Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria promised to bring succor to Nigerians based on the much touted performance of the new President as the Executive Governor of Lagos State between 1999-2007. Like it or not he emerged as the indisputable leader of South West geopolitical zone. For someone to survive Babangida, Abacha, led NADECO, trounced Obasanjo and his party – the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in their desire to control the South West is no mean achievement. More importantly he led the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN in to consummating a merger with Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP and a faction of All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA to form All Progressive Congress, APC. His policies as Governor of Lagos State from the recruitment and placement of well tested bureaucrats and technocrats led to sterling performance of his government. He was able to successfully ward off the then ruling PDP’s shenanigans to the chagrin of his political traducers. This effectively prevented them from taking over the political control of South West geopolitical zone. His vice grip hold of the politics of South West is awesome. His government was generally adjudged successful at least by Nigerian standards. Even his forcing out Governor Akinwunmi Ambode from getting second term nomination (an action clearly indicative of his dictatorial bent), his alleged questionable academic, age, financial dealings and “Emilokan mantra” were not enough to prevent him from participating and winning the Presidential Primaries of the APC. With strategic planning, well-oiled political structure, financial muscle and an understanding on how to apply a combination of intimidation, brinkmanship, coercion to win a contest he was able to sustain the myth formed around him. These actions succeeded in presenting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as someone ready for the job.

From the day he was sworn in as President things started to nosedive. It started to look as if the new government is jinxed. With this initial faux pas, confusion, distrust, hopelessness and desolation set in. It appears to the discerning that Nigerians are saddled with rudderless and self-conceited leadership whose actions portray lack of focus and understanding of the way forward for this beleaguered country.
The first mistake made was the removal of fuel subsidy without taking in to consideration the the consequences. Then other blunders follow – costly diplomatic blunder in the case of Niger Republic by suspending the country from ECOWAS and severing of diplomatic ties with Nigeria due to military takeover in that country, allowing for the free fall of the Naira, the profligacy of leaders when the masses are facing excruciating poverty, unemployment, rising cost of living and discordant tunes coming from labor unions in respect of salary increase. Other avoidable distractions which show lack of concern are the actions of members of the national assembly where dissenting voices are muzzled by the leadership. The case of the suspension of Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi and the removal of Senator Ndume as Senate majority whip are cases in point. As if these infractions are not enough Kano and Rivers crises came up and were mismanaged. Nobody seem to understand where we are heading to. In Kano, a 2019 law establishing four emirates was repealed but lo and behold a dethroned Emir affected was brought back, placed in Nassarawa mini palace and protected by the security agents of Federal government. And the orders of Executive Governor as Chief security officer of the State was not obeyed – what a better way of creating anarchy?. Similar situation of not taking orders from a Governor was alleged by Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawan Dare. In Rivers State, under Governor Sim Fubara a supremacy battle with FCT Minister and former Governor Nyesom Wike is on. To allow these to happen under democracy is disgusting and counterproductive. As threatening these actions are, no deliberate effort is being made to stem the tide. And as if to add insult to injury the recent diversionary act of reverting to the old national anthem is for Nigerians akin to taking joke too far. The controversial signing of SAMOA agreement is another move to stir hornet’s nest thereby fueling feelings of insensitivity by the government amongst the people – this is avoidable especially in these trying times. Meanwhile Nigerians are apprehensive about the likely consequences of nationwide demonstration scheduled to hold in August. A storm is gathering and urgent steps need to be put in place to forstall ugly situation.There is an urgent need to do something about it.

As people let’s keep the hope alive and continue to tell those in position of leadership true position of things. Nations from time immemorial face challenges but with commitment, resolve and patriotism they are not insurmountable if leaders can muster courage to confront them with single minded devotion and commitment. There is no hard and fast rule of addressing complex issues such as ours but the starting point should always be from those saddled with leadership responsibilities. When viewed from many angles, problems can be situated using contextual approach. Leading by example is key towards mobilizing people to accept whatever leaders ask them to do. What is happening in Nigeria is direct opposite. There is no way government can ask people to make sacrifices in an environment where corruption is the norm. Let’s start from the salary and allowances of political office holders, the so-called constituency projects, the need for elected representatives to work on part time basis and rejigging the recruitment process where square pegs be placed in square holes. With the above things will begin to change for the better. Let the leadership walk the talk and Nigerians will fall in line.