May 29 is a very significant day in the history of Nigeria. It is a day set aside for the celebration of the restoration of democracy, and the end of the long military rule that began in 1966, but for a brief period of democracy from 1979 to 1983. A transition under Babangida also brought two years of pseudo democracy from 1991 to 1993 in the two lower tiers of government, local and state, which was truncated by the annulment of M. K. O. Abiola’s June 12 election.
This 2015 May 29 hand over ceremony, no doubt, is of a different mood from the previous four we have had since the advent of a stable democracy in 1999. It will be a day of distinction. A memorable day from which the opposition party, All Progressives Congress (APC) will form the government and take over the rule of the country. A day of mixed feelings, of sadness and joy. Saddening, when one reflects on the liabilities and the havoc wrecked on the country by the PDP federal government, as is currently being experienced.
Collapsed economy, high debt profile, fuel scarcity, insecurity, non-payment of salaries, nationwide blackout, high unemployment rate, corruption of different dimensions in all government MDAs and other indices synonymous with a failed state are the awaiting challenges. These woes and many more are the legacies the PDP government will bequeath to the brand new APC government. However, the joy the day will bring is the coming on board of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The relief brought by his presence is radiated from the hope and the implicit confidence Nigerians have in him as a tested and trusted, incorruptible, distinguishable and exceptional leader capable of turning things around for the better. On account of the respect Nigerians have for the duo of Buhari and Osibajo, there is also hope that the many challenges facing the country will be overcome by putting them at the helm of affairs. Our economy is in a worse state with a high debt of $60 billion and as much as 21% of the 2015 budget is proposed for debt servicing. Although the national debt is an accumulation from 1960, President Jonathan’s just six year period is responsible for more than $20 billion, about one third, without corresponding projects, a clear case of mismanagement of resources.
Crisis looms in most government establishments, federal and states in the country as a result of non-payment of many months’ salaries, amounting to several billions of naira. Fuel scarcity is biting hard as oil marketers and government failed to agree on 200 billion naira claim by the former. This put to shame the regular boast by the Oil Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, that Jonathan’s administration has succeeded in removing queues in our petrol stations.
It is disheartening that not only the scarcity has led to long queues, a litre of petrol now sells for as high as 400 naira. What an irony for Nigeria, the sixth largest producer of oil in the world! Unfortunately, this is of grave consequences on Nigerians as aviation, telecommunications and other private small, and medium businesses have been negatively affected. Of health concern, too, is the inability of homes and hospitals to get fuel to power their generators. It will be an over-flogged issue commenting on the poor electricity supply, as generation has fallen again to as low as 1,300 MW. A clear loss of control by the Jonathan administration.
Mercenaries are said to have been covertly hired from South Africa to strengthen our military force to combat the Boko Haram menace, a step Nigerians may not frown at , if the desired result is achieved. But in spite of this development, pockets of attacks by these insurgents are still recorded, putting the lives of our brothers and sisters in the North East in perpetual danger. Although some successes have been lately achieved by our military, will it not be correct to say that total elimination of Boko Haram still defies solution under Jonathan’s administration? Unemployment rate, according to National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), is about 23.9%.
The Okonjo-Iweala claim of Jonathan’s administration’s creation of 1.4 million jobs yearly appears unreal to me. And, if the number of our jobless youths is left to increase unattended, the future of this nation may be put in jeopardy. Mother of all challenges which continuously pulls this nation back is corruption, and this exists and manifests in all government quarters. The alleged $20 billion missing oil money is still unresolved . The forensic audit still requires further and thorough examination. Allegation of 30 trillion naira stolen under Okonjo-Iweala as Finance Minister according to Charles Soludo, is also one out of many that must not be swept under the carpet. The liability of President Jonathan’s administration far outweighs its assets.
Never in history has Nigeria been put in such a sorry state that everything is grounded. Even radio stations, the cheapest and most powerful means of mass communication, are shutting down. It is, indeed, bad and this confirms Alhaji Lai Mohammed’s lamentation that the nation is on auto pilot since the loss of election by the incumbent president. High debt profile, decayed infrastructure, systemic breakdown and many rots constitute the heavy burden Jonathan’s government is leaving behind for the incoming administration. I urge Nigerians to let us join hands, assist with prayers and co operate with Alhaji Muhammadu Buhari and Professor Yemi Osibajo for a successful tenure as a follow up to the March 28 expression. God guide Buhari and bless Nigeria.