By Nnamdi Nwigwe
All those scheming now to replace President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023 should be able to think of what this country would look like if there are no radical changes, positive changes, by the time he bows out.
There’s no quibbling that Nigeria today is in dire straits and would require a Hercules to clear the stable. The economy is in shambles with economists and apologists of the President debating whether the rate of inflation is 18-plus per cent or 17 per cent!
The bureaucracy is convoluted with top appointments – both military and civilian – blatantly and impudently overloaded on one side, in defiance of the sacred parity among the composite units of the Federation.
Projects, both completed and ongoing, follow the same direction of egregious disregard of the “Federal Character.” Of course concerned citizens have shouted and howled against the incandescent injustice in the land. Some activist lawyers had even sought the intervention of the courts but only to be frustrated in the process. There is a palpable state of ennui in the polity.
Insecurity is virtually accepted as the norm as government appears utterly hapless, hopeless and clueless. Criminals do their thing as if there’s no formal State Authority to checkmate them. Violent acts against citizens and property are so rampant and pervasive that even the media appear to have given up reporting them.
The above picture is painted to enable any serious aspirant gunning to mount the saddle in Aso Villa from June 2023 to appreciate what lies ahead.
Such aspirants should be able and ready to explain to Nigerians their formula for rescuing the situation.
To start with, beneficiaries of the present injustice will shout ‘Blue Murder’ if, and when the next person begins to attempt to repair the socio-economic damages already done.
There’s no way a new President will continue on the Buhari path without inviting instant revolt from the long suffering Nigerians who had persevered and prayed that 2023 come to pass quickly.
Any aspirant to the office of the President in 2023 must prove to Nigerians that he has what it takes to look injustice in the face and say “Nope, we can’t continue this way.” And, in doing this, some oxen have to be gored and let go to heal and rest.
As is commonly said, the next President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, must hit the ground galloping!
Corruption has been deliberately left out of this discourse because it has become a Cliche.
When the right and righteous Messiah comes onto the Throne, the good Lord who made it possible for him – or even her – to be there, will surely direct them aright.