To Develop Nigeria, is the Current Pain Worthwhile?

Despite assurances by the current ruling administration, an over-whelming majority of Nigerians are suffering untold hardship in the areas of expensive power supply, prohibitive cost of foodstuffs, higher costs of fuel, and rising unemployment. Although some argue that government is on the right development track in the corruption fight and ensuring security, others believe the current pain is due to failed promises. To you, is this pain worthwhile? Will long-suffering citizens still get to enjoy the promised positive development?

ABIMBOLA AKOSILE

* Government needs to invest massively in solar energy and also partner the citizens to key into government plans in developing Nigeria.
– Mr. Feyisetan Akeeb Kareem, Coordinator, NAVC & CDHR, Ogwashi-Ukwu, Delta State

* It is, and we have all forgotten that nothing good comes easy. Majority of Nigerians have been living in deception. The thieves are daily regretting their evil deeds. With prayers, we shall overcome the current pain.
– Hon. Babale Maiungwa, U/Romi, Kaduna

* I think the present afflictions Nigerians are passing through will only be worth its weight in gold if it yields utopia. Is this guaranteed? I’m 60-40 on it. I am only concerned not every Nigerian appears to be experiencing the pain. Some peoples’ lives appear not to show belt-tightening.
– Mr. Ekwenjo Iheanyi Chukwudi, B.A.R., Apo Estate, Abuja

* It would have been worthwhile if it wasn’t needless. If plea bargaining had been allowed we would have recovered much more than we have now and the bombings of oil installations would have been avoided. If Buhari had heeded the message given to postpone the fight against corruption against Niger Deltans earlier, which he has now agreed to, we would have avoided the needless pain we have all had to bear and will continue to bear for months.
– Mr. Buga Dunj, Jos, Plateau State

* No, the current pains are not worthwhile, as the sharp deviations from all the campaign manifestos are disappointing. Lack of power, food, employment, succour and cruel insecurity are driving the masses hopeless. When will we get to the promised land? Government must find urgent but charitable solutions to rescue the masses from these pains to avoid recession or depression. The time to act is now.
– Ms. Saiki Ometere Tina, Gboko, Benue State

* Most advanced nations today had traversed this treacherous path to be in enviable positions today. It is time for Nigeria to tread this path with all hardship and discomfort for a better tomorrow. Postponing the evil day will do nobody any good. Now that we have a president that is ready to sacrifice his life for this nation, let us cooperate with him.
– Mr. Mamudu Monday Dickson, Ikeja, Lagos

* As long as the desired development is achieved and visible to all, every pain being suffered now is worthwhile. Ironically, Nigerians are used to pain and are long-suffering, but they deserve a break under President Buhari. That is why he was voted into power.
– Mr. Olumuyiwa Olorunsomo, Lagos State

* Why are we in a hurry for PMB to turn things overnight when we all know that he met nothing on ground? PMB is trying to put things in order for everyone to enjoy, we know Rome was not built in a day. Everything was jeopardised by the past governments and this government is trying their best to fix it for the betterment of Nigerians.
– Mr. Gordon Chika Nnorom, Public Commentator, Umukabia, Abia State

* As long as our so-called leaders continue to live the kind of lifestyles deep in corruption, Nigerians will continue to suffer.
– Mr. Adum Ijale, Civil Servant, Lagos

* The current administration is not sincere with application of economic and social pains it’s inflicting on Nigerians. Electoral promises have been dumped or massively modified; that is what makes the pain not worthwhile because the people will not be better for it come 2019.
– Mr. Utibe Uko, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
* There should be a referendum nationwide for many sections of the constitution for either amendment or removal e.g. section 308. The situation of the country right now is beyond political parties per se. Okonjo Iweala attested to it that the last regime lacked culture of savings despite overflowing oil revenue windfall. Also, it has only one product (oil) and absolutely nothing else. Let everybody clean the front of his/her house in terms of attitude and discipline to everything including religion and give rebuilding of this nation a chance again. God bless Nigeria.
– Mr. Oyekanmi Oladele, civil servant, Lagos State

* We can only pray to survive this period as we did 1984-85. It will soon be 18 months and I bet it will be pains and more pains.
– Mr. Tunde Adejuwon, Ibadan, Oyo State

* We have to suffer some hardship/pain for our profligacy, incompetence and corruption of the past years. That said, the incumbent administration made certain promises that they cannot fulfill due to the economic realities of today. The current hardship will ease away in due course if this administration gets the conception and implementation of their economic policies right. This state of affairs was predicted long ago by discerning economists. Our failure to heed the warnings is the reality we are facing now.
– Mr. Biodun Aiyegbusi, Water Engineer, Lagos

* Nigerians need to be alive first to enjoy the gains of the current multifarious suffering.
– Miss Nkeiruka Abanna, Lagos State

* One major undoing in the pursuit of one Nigeria to clamp down and strangulate the Eastern region was the abolishing of regions in place of States creation. Before this abolishment, East was great with palm produce, the West had cocoa, and North with agriculture. If Nigeria will still remain one, let us return to regions.
– Mr. Okechukwu Ikonne, Ogbor, Oke-Ovoro Mbaise, Imo State

* It is a matter of time, everything will be okay. Nigerians should exercise patience with this government with this government because they will take us to the promised land despite some challenges in our economy and other issues. Everyone will have cause to smile from PMB’s government. When a good thing is about to happen, it takes time. Let us believe in positive thinking and everything will be alright.
– Mrs. Ijeoma Nnorom, Lagos State

* Yes, the pains are worthwhile because achieving sustainable foodstuffs, fuel or energy, employment require some patience, endurance, unity, patriotism e.t.c as Rome was not built in a day, so to speak. No pain, no gain; all advanced nations passed through variously torturous routes to invent all the great amenities we all enjoy today. We must not lose focus as the best opportunities and solutions reside in heinous challenges in history. God bless Nigeria.
– Mr. Apeji Onesi, Lagos

THE FEEDBACK

Yes, pain is worthwhile: 6
No, present pain is not: 1
Others: 10
Radical tip: Let pain go round!
Total no of respondents: 17
Male: 14
Female: 3
Highest location: Lagos (8)

Next Week: In Fighting Corruption, is the EFCC Abusing its Powers?

Although the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is reported to have secured 140 convictions against accused persons in 6 months, there is no ex-governor or major personality among the convicts. Some analysts also believe the anti-corruption agency is lopsided in its prosecution, with no respect for rule of law. To you, is the EFCC abusing its powers in fighting corruption in Nigeria, or is it following due process in achieving the government’s desired goal?

Please make your response direct, short and simple, and state your full name, title, organisation, and location. Responses should be sent between today (June 30 & Monday, July 4) to abimbolayi@yahoo.com, greatbimbo@gmail.com, AND abimbola.akosile@thisdaylive.com. Respondents can also send a short text message to 08023117639 and/or 08188361766 and/or 08114495306. Collated responses will be published on Thursday, July 7