By the end of this month, President Muhammadu Buhari would have completed the first half of his first year as the president of the world’s most populous black nation. To watchers of his administration, this development is coming with mixed feelings and puzzles on what is the road map to the nation’s economic recovery.
It is obvious, things are not moving as expected. Statistical figures rolling out on a daily basis have shown that the economy has nosedived. The sustainability of Nigerians is becoming more difficult on a daily basis and no thanks to the economic policies of President Buhari. Of course, there is nothing wrong with these policies if they are adequately followed to the letter. Leadership is about taking responsibility, not making excuses.
The unprecedented rise in the poverty level within the country in the last six months could be ascribed to economic downturn resulting from the crash in the price of crude oil. It became more apparent due to our ever dependence on the commodity. Few billionaires continue to smile to the bank as the situation bites harder. If it continues this way, the patience of the masses will soon evaporate and they might end up turning against their “messiah”. Though not sure of what the government actually has in stock for the masses to usher in relief, whatever might be on the cards should be put on the table for us to know what the future holds for us. Though as Nigerians, we should know that when we get impatient because something is taking too long, we should remember that life itself waits on us a thousand times more than we wait on life
The signs and body languages of our leaders, most especially the state governors, have indicated that governance is no longer an easy task. Paying workers salaries is becoming challenging. Yet their commitment to the same people during electioneering was a futuristic one – a government that will provide jobs and ease off corruption. I am surprised to hear the same people now suggesting cutting down the meagre salaries they pay their workers. I have said it earlier: the indolent and non-innovative character of our governors are the reason for their poor output as well as the sad financial position of their states. Everyone believes in borrowing and waiting on Abuja. Borrowing itself is a good way of running the government, but if such will be too high at the detriment of growth, why engage in such an act?
Praising anyone today on the situation in the country is like calling for war. The hardship generated by the fuel scarcity is great. All over the country, petrol dealers hardly sell at recommended price. If Nigerians can buy fuel at the current prevalent rates, it seems we can equally do away with subsidies. Not very long from now, the excuses and boasts of President Buhari will be valueless and men who had praised him would begin to call for his exit. Unfortunately, the opposition would gladly add its voice. I believe this administration has big plans for the country. The new team should act fast so as to turn things around.
My dear countrymen and women, what good has impatience ever brought? It has only served as the mother of mistakes and the father of irritation. It might be very hard to make it plain. The major thing is for us to exercise refrain in our criticism and join hands with the administration to succeed, while the “Think Thank” is busy formulating strategies that will take us to the promise land. Patience is not developed by being forced to wait in long lines or for long periods of time. Patience is a decision: to sit back rather than lean forward, to shift your weight from the balls of your feet to your heels.