I have every reason to be appreciative of the journey of my life. There are many reasons for me to be thankful. I’m grateful for the past years, despite the many life-threatening challenges. Looking forward, a glaring manifestation is the rare leadership opportunity that came my way to lead the most populous nation on three different occasions, though under different circumstances.
Before I proceed further, I need to ask myself this critical question; have I touched the lives of the generality of the people positively with this plethora of elevations? In other words, have I been a source of blessing to my countrymen, women, and humanity in general? How would I be remembered when I complete my final tenure as a servant-leader? Or, even on the Last Day? Would I be known as a change agent, promoter of national unity, or a sectional leader? I’m pondering over these questions because many people have accused me of being tribalistic, fanatical, and draconian.
Anyway, I think I should soft-pedal because of the discordant tunes trailing my actions and the persistent accusation of nepotism. Let me strictly go the way of Federal Character. I hope I’ll not regret this intention to accommodate all and sundry in this government? Maybe I should consult a few people that I know from other parts of the country that can recommend people that I can work with rather than throwing public appointments open?
On the issue of not respecting court rulings, it would be addressed. My problem with this whole set-up is that democracy is just too slow for my liking. Under democracy, you need to get the nod of almost everyone before you can take any firm and concrete decision in the best interest of the nation. There is too much bureaucracy in the so-called democracy. During my first term in office, I recall that things were a lot faster and prompt when it comes to making decisions and riding the society of graft. Anyway, I have now decided to follow their crawling democracy. I’ll not kill myself.
For me to realise all the above promises and turn a new leaf, I would have to put less emphasis on doing the bidding of the cabals for me to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people. I’ll need to act fast. My second tenure is gradually entering into another year. Time is running out. I need to do something about this power-drunk man leading a kitchen cabinet. I better tame the monster and wounded lion before he does further damage to my administration. I doubt it whether the people honestly believe that I can make independent decisions without input from this powerful fellow and other fellows lurking in, and around the villa.
This power-hungry man simply fights everyone. My spouse is not spared. It is becoming messier by the day. My wife is my wife and my vice is my vice. I better learn to start listening to her and stop the derogatory statement often churned at her. I have come to realise that she meant well for me and our country. The New Year would be a turning point for me by listening more to the wise counseling of my wife, and my vice, and pay little or no attention to the litany of sycophants beclouding surrounding my sense of judgment.
Leaving the cabals matter or ‘kitchen cabinet’ for now, the much-talked-about high poverty in the land would be looked into. More people-friendly policies would be unfolded to reduce the burden and plight of the people. We’ll look into the possibility of reopening our borders. Certainly, there’ll be no going back on the fight against graft, which is the main cornerstone of our government. I think we need to pause and take stocks of how far have we faired. I am not sure how sincere and objective is the criticism that our anti-corruption programme is selective.
What has heavily dominated the media space is the hues and cry that people are being unnecessarily detained despite subsisting court rulings. My headache with these so-called critics is that they don’t know what it means to be living with wicked people that are always ready to destabilise what we are doing without minding the security implications of their actions. I’m almost sure that if they were in my shoes, they’ll put their enemies in perpetual incarceration. Anyway, we could set them free and drop charges against then in the spirit of reconciliation in a brand New Year.
More importantly, I’ll communicate better with people. I’ll be involved in active engagement with the citizens, to feel their pulse and hear directly from the horse’s mouth. This is no time for propaganda. I’ll lay the cards before the populace amid speculations of a third term agenda and other sundry issues. I’ll be empathic with the people. As the New Year kicks off, I’ll put genuine smiles on the faces of the people and make the nation a better place to live in. This is my renewed pledge, vow and resolution!
