“…..many problems confronting us, but don’t pity me. I applied for the job, I campaigned for it, no excuses, I will live up to the bid, I promise you….”- Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Inauguration Dinner, May 28, 2023.
It is interesting to note that the concept of democracy in Africa has been experiencing a resurgence lately. However, it is also true that many African countries are struggling to fully embrace the values of democracy. While they have the necessary institutions in place, such as political parties, judiciary, and legislature, they still fall short of the true essence of democracy despite elections. This is indeed a major challenge that needs to be addressed.
Looking specifically at Nigeria, it is worth noting that the country has been practicing democracy for the past 24 years, since 1999. During this time, politicians have made numerous promises to the Nigerian people, assuring them of a prosperous future. Unfortunately, some of these promises have yet to be fulfilled. It is clear that there is still much work to be done in order to fully realize the potential of democracy in Nigeria and across the African continent.
It is difficult to pinpoint a single reason for the loss of confidence in Nigerian leaders, as there are likely many factors at play. However, some possible contributing factors could include corruption, lack of transparency, and a history of political instability. Additionally, the complex nature of Nigeria’s political system, which includes multiple levels of government and a diverse population with varying interests, may make it challenging for leaders to effectively govern and address the needs of all citizens. But our leaders must display the capacity to manage our diversity for development.
It is clear that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu cannot achieve success in government alone. He needs a team of competent individuals who are willing and able to work with him
Yes, it is true that Nigeria is facing a number of challenges at the moment. The country has a large population, and many people are living in poverty. Inflation, particularly food inflation, has been a problem, and the purchasing power of many Nigerians has declined. Security is also a concern, with many parts of the country experiencing violence and unrest. Unemployment is high, and the country’s debt is a significant issue. While the Naira is constantly devalued. Despite these challenges, there are also many opportunities for growth and development in Nigeria, and it will be important for the government to work closely with the private sector and civil society to address these issues and build a more prosperous and stable future for the country.
It is true that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the 16th President of Nigeria, has been sworn in as the leader of the country. Mr President’s eyes must be on the economy of the country. No one will pity him in office, but he must do the job that he claimed is his turn to do. While he applied for the job willingly, Nigerians have high expectations from his leadership. They are hoping for a fair and equitable society that is prosperous for all. However, it is important to note that without building a bridge between various parts of the country, there may be no unity among the people. With respect to industrialization, reliable electricity is key as no industry can function effectively without electricity. Therefore, addressing the issue of power supply will be crucial for achieving the industrialization goals of the country.
The task of reforming the civil service and selecting competent individuals to work with the 16th President of Nigeria is a crucial challenge. The cost of governance must be reduced. The current political climate is characterized by a bandwagon-effect, which may lead to the appointment of unqualified individuals. It is imperative that the President has the courage to choose individuals based on their merit and expertise, rather than their political affiliations. The President must develop coherent strategies to create a new economy that will foster prosperity for all Nigerians.
As of now, the fuel subsidy in Nigeria has been removed, causing a divide among the population. While some are unhappy with the decision, others understand that the government must make tough choices to prevent fuel subsidies from destroying the nation. The organized labour talks with the Federal Government (FG) on fuel subsidy removal has met a deadlock at the time of writing.
Apparently, no communication with stakeholders before policy implementation on fuel subsidy removal. Subsidy removal, according to a financial expert, is like visiting the iniquities of successive government failures on hapless Nigerians. As long as we don’t refine our crude oil locally and the Naira continues its free fall against the US Dollar, we may get entangled in a “FG – Fuel Pump Price Gangsterism.”
It is clear that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu cannot achieve success in government alone. He needs a team of competent individuals who are willing and able to work with him. This includes state governors, federal and state legislators, and local government chairmen who share his vision for a better Nigeria. While this may seem like a lofty goal, it is essential for effective public governance and the rapid improvement of the nation in the next four years.
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President Tinubu’s success in achieving his vision for Nigeria will depend greatly on his ability to find and surround himself with competent and dedicated individuals who share his goals. It is crucial that he selects strong leaders now for various ministries, departments, and agencies in order to ensure effective governance and prosperity for the Nigerian people. However, if he were to surround himself with charlatans, he would risk losing focus and potentially damaging consequences for the country.
To ensure success in his leadership, President Tinubu is advised to broaden his search for talented individuals beyond political affiliations. He should seek out young, skilled Nigerians both at home and abroad who possess strong interpersonal skills and good judgment. Additionally, he should prioritize appointment of individuals with proven track records of success in their respective fields, who are willing to serve with integrity and a commitment to action.
There are undoubtedly individuals in Nigeria with the necessary integrity and competence to serve in key positions of government. It is crucial that these individuals are appointed to positions that will benefit the nation as a whole. In these challenging times, it is our duty to ensure that Nigeria is led by capable and honest leaders, rather than those who lack the necessary skills and dedication. All said, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must deliver. Thank you.
