I was discussing the problem of power outage with a friend due to the strike by the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) on August 17, 2022. My friend was very worried on the condition of Nigeria. He told me that he was not happy as a Nigerian on the failed promises of President Muhammadu Buhari. He lamented about the unbearable hardship. Indeed, I listened to him with the feelings of empathy and nationalism and realised that they were words of truth and wisdom.
My worry about his remarks was that he has no love for the country and cannot make further sacrifices of voting any person into the position of leadership again. He even told me that leaders were only foxy to people to get voter card to elect them. Angrily, he said, “I burnt my voters card.”
Though, I tried to convince him to realise the importance of exercising his civic role as a citizen, he continued to nag. He told me that many Nigerians cannot waste their time again to queue to vote leaders because to him those that registered for the vote cards did so for other purposes.
I realised how hike in diesel, fuel and electricity keep fluctuating prices of goods and services. And, with one good example from him I became convinced that President Buhari has no excuse for all the hardship and insecurity bedevilling the country because he swore for the progress of Nigeria.
My friend, a truck-driver, that his business is crumbling because of the hike in diesel. He said many truck owners have parked their vehicles because passengers and customers are finding it difficult to pay for the charges.
He told me that President Buhari who promised to reduce the prices of diesel and petrol before his election, now, as the president and the minister of petroleum resources, approved the increase of their prices.
He said diesel was N120 before the Buhari administration but now under his watch, diesel is N1000 per litte, adding, “that is what will happen to fuel for privatising NNPC.”
I interjected, “God never invoked hardship on his people unless He wants to test them and indeed Nigerians are tested for their patience, and if you believe in this why not do the right thing.” I asked.
As if I asked him to tell me the history of 2015 general election celebration, he began to narrate the ordeal and asked me many questions that I will only lie to provide their answers.
I looked at him in the eyes motionless because I can categorically state that education is another quagmire of discussion but refused to open up my pains.
I needed no more clarifications as I was also mad with joy on the announcement of President Buhari’s victory because I thought the messiah had arrived to turn Nigeria to London.
I have already been convinced that many people that didn’t know the exact things happening at the bottom of Nigeria will have no excuse for their leaders. They will think they are deceived by political words, but on issues that deal with politics, I always want to be optimistic because I have a big dream for this country.
Though, I believe we are getting what we didn’t pray for, voted and agreed on, but sometimes destiny comes in different ways and people never tend to appreciate a destiny in the negative form, most especially Nigerians.
Sometimes, I due have the perception that our problems become cumulative from the contributions of “we” the masses and the leaders in another part. From the masses; we need to have trust on our leaders, pray for them, convince them, advise them and criticise them when they fail to do the right thing; for criticism is a fundamental pillar of a constructive governance. Constructive criticism makes the leaders to understand where they erred, take measures and provide solutions.
And from the side of the leaders, it is said there is no wicked leader but a bad adviser. Our African leaders are carried away by praise singers because of the coated sugar in their sweet words, they trust them to the extent that they allow everything to the them. Again, god-fatherism is another termite in Nigeria’s leadership, and many Nigerians blame the failure of the Buhari’s government on other people.
On this perception, my friend asked again, “if we can blame other officers for failure in their respective positions then who should we blame for fuel and diesel price crises?” Remember, Buhari promised to protect the lives of Nigerians, facilitate better lives for them and he should fulfill that even if it will cost him to cut size politicians’ salaries and bogus allowances.”
With that proposition, I came to realise that their is lacuna somewhere in Buhari administration because it is too late to cry when the head is off, at this time, Nigeria is not in the heart of many Nigerians and President Buhari is blamed for that. May be it is the reason there is high number of people leaving the country to others.j.
Before, Nigerians had a good dream for the country and hoped only on one person to put back the crumbling blocks of the country, but everything had spoilt because President Buhari has few months to go, still, there is room for amendment.
People can have the love of this country again if President Buhari looks into the case of education and proffers solutions. He should carry better reforms in NNPCL, power, security, economy and education. In few days, if all hands are on deck President Buhari can rekindle a new hope for Nigerians and he will ignite a new spirit of nationalism in the people .
Auwal Ahmed Ibrahim Goronyo,
Department of Mass Communication,
Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna
[email protected]
