BRACING UP FOR NEW CHALLENGES

After the inauguration ceremony of the new administration, the new president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stated that he would hit the ground running. In less than 24 hours, the whole country began to feel the heat with the instant and unplanned removal of the fuel subsidy. We may not judge the new government with the latest development but Nigerians have prepared themselves for greater and new challenges in the coming years. The reason for this is not far-fetched.

The outgone government did not make life any easier for Nigerians. And because of the state of the economy and institutions of governance, it was projected that the incoming administration will face a lot of hurdles. This is not to say that things will never get better but the facts, analysis and structure of governance will always make things difficult for the common man. Rather than lose hope, faith and strength, citizens have encouraged themselves to face whatever the future holds for them. During the campaigns for the February 25 Presidential Elections, the ruling party proved that they must win the election despite all odds with their body language.

Former promises made were not kept nor fulfilled and they did not bother making fresh promises to Nigerians. It will not be wise for the new government to chase shadows by clamping down on various agitations or other protests bordering on hardship and suffering. It will be a grave injustice for the new administration to stir up unnecessary provocation or poison the minds of Nigerians against anybody. Nigerians are united in suffering and pain; they have braced up for the future. There is a song of ‘great escape’. Everyone thinks of how to escape further eventualities, searching for an escape route. Many are wishing for a survival strategy. There are sighs everywhere amongst the low-income earners.

The whole world is filled with heartaches, troubles, war, and economic meltdown. Apart from whatever the world has to offer, victory is assured. The trials and tribulations may be far too many but there is an assurance of winning if we suffer well. Nigerians no longer place their hope on what the future holds or what the government can do for them or the educational system or plans or organization. So many Nigerians are beginning to ‘japa’. Nigerians are prepared and have changed their focus, hope and trust.

Every worthwhile venture follows a pattern in order to achieve set goals. The ruling party – APC, already has a pattern which every Nigerian knows and understands. The building of a great nation might not come as it is often said. Political leaders must have the mindset and willingness to build a nation. Our leaders, even politicians should learn to show compassion, care and concern to the poor masses. Nigerians should not allow murmurings, and grumbling to dry up their lives and resources. We all have been kept alive to witness these stages in our journey to nationhood. Nigerians must hold every elected official accountable for their actions. Nigerians must join or support advocacy groups that align with their values and work towards responsible governance. Even as INEC and some agencies of the government have refused to give access to public information (especially in the ongoing presidential election petition tribunal), financial disclosures, it will be hard for Nigerians to achieve transparency or fight corruption. Nigerians must remember that responsible government is a shared responsibility between citizens and elected officials. By actively engaging in the political process, advocating for transparency and accountability, and staying informed, citizens can help create an environment that encourages responsible governance.

Obiotika Wilfred Toochukwu,

Trade Fair Complex, ASPAMDA, Lagos