The mantra “Change Begins With Me” is not the problem of Nigeria and Nigerians deserves the right to vent their dissatisfaction with the current status of the economy of Nigeria.
Sometime in 2015, I submitted an article on Witicles.com titled: “The Folly Of Electioneering in Nigeria: We Either Change or Perish“; the article was later published on Fridayposts.com. I submitted very strongly on the possible consequence of the choice Nigerians were to make; and their attitude. At that time, Naira was hardly used to compel people to vote; many politicians changed their minds on who to support based on the quantum of dollars promised by either groups. Dollar was so much in circulation at the expense of our dear Naira that most people even began to save their monies in dollars or pounds. The situation that persisted till after the elections.
Since most people that never wanted the APC in government were in possession of such hard currency; they made themselves lords over the foreign currencies. Actually, President Buhari came on when the dollars he would need to cause any serious change was already drained out of the public space into private accounts (underground holes, houses, vehicles, etc.). Having inherited such a pitiable governing situation; Mr President began to chase some of these people (and politicians) for the foreign currencies their custody through his – Fight Against Corruption (FAC) policy.
Remember, President Buhari campaigned largely on three legs – Security, Fight Against Corruption and Economy; and just as he arranged them, he intended to pursue! If I may say, that was his first and his major mistake! The decision to Fight Corruption and provide Security was and is indispensable due to the time we are as a people; however, thinking that the ECONOMY could wait while he fixes the SECURITY and bring Corruption to its kneels, was a mistake no government should make.
What then was he supposed to do? In my own opinion (which am entitled to), Mr President ought to have perfected the skill of juggling his 3 STRATEGIC BALLS before taking the oath of office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The point is, he ought to have juggled the three-balls together.
He was supposed to name his Federal Cabinet for strategic direction of the country to be known, but he delayed for around 5-6 months (the decision the new PM of UK took in less than 24 hours after taking oath of office).
The economy of nations thrive on the favourable policies of government, which Nigeria never produced. He was very prompt on the fight against insurgency; he moved the Military control centre to the Theatre of war; he was seen leading the fight against insurgency – mobilizing foreign support. But then, he did little or nothing stop the economy from grounding.
In fact, when confronted about the slowness of his administration; he jokingly said; he was not just going to be slow, but steady! The question is, “Can a country’s economy be driven slowly without grounding it?” Mr President was seen and is still seen as been sincere; however, he was and is still slow in his decision-making (a luxury Nigeria cannot afford at such a time as this).
Some Fulani-Herdsmen was said to be invading farming communities, destroy houses and sacking communities; yet, he never spoke publicly against the act. How then did he expect the agriculture to contribute to the GDP when farming is not very attractive because of herdsmen invasions?
I think the economy of this nation deserve more attention, tact and leadership than it receives under the administration of our President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR). I rest my case for now!
