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| Image Source: Sahara Reporters |
Could there be change in Nigeria? When would things really
start getting better for the majority? What indices should be used to assess
change when it occurs? I wondered as the 2011 elections appeared. My thoughts
were ripened by the happenings that lingered around me in the vicinity of Aare
Avenue in Bodija Estate. My eyes sensed for information and assessment. My ears
sought for encouragement and opinions. My body followed the flow of traffic
towards the ballot box.
I was
very eager to arrive at the polling booth. I felt very concerned about the
issues of leadership, politics and development. I had schooled in a university
of Technology. My days as an undergraduate included moments of receiving
tutelage in unfavourable circumstances marked by strike actions and the Akala-Oyinlola
power tussle. Reflection upon what could be done to solve the problems of
erratic power supply, relatively expensive internet service, underemployment
and unemployment, and the everlasting issue of fund misappropriation (or
stealing, as defined by Mr President) was constant. So, I wanted to see change.
Positive difference. Real betterment.
Mr
President had floated the transformation agenda as the heartbeat of his tenure
manifesto. He had been patient in experiencing the transition of political
power and headship incumbency from the loyalists and beneficiaries propping the
status of his former boss. The loss of
his former boss had asked for a transfer of baton. Except for the presence of
the beneficiaries in the corridors of power, the presidential stage seemed
vacant to those outside Abuja and Nigeria. Pressure for a prime leader based on
Nigeria’s constitution gradually sank in from outside. But, it was regularly met
by the thickness of unconfirmed assurances from inner Asokoro proponents. When
the pressure finally arrived at its striking point, it kissed away the lies and
shouldered the reality for all to see. Then, the truth was revealed. The dead
was buried and Mr President’s promotion was effected. Hence, during his own
campaign for electoral favour, he flagged the transformation agenda and later
became the President-elect.
Power was given priority. The
euphoria was much. The noise of the agenda loomed everywhere. Former cabinet
members mixed with the new and good work began. Okonjo Iweala, Olusegun Aganga,
Omobola Johnson, Chinedu Nebo, Alison Madukwe, Reuben Abati, Lamido Sanusi and
others began to reappear or appear on the scene.
This year, the euphoria of
political interest shifted from power to change. The masses joined the train of
change and #GMB received preference over #GEJ. Many of the areas where the idea
of transformation once sold greeted transformation with the chime of change.
The results of the 2015 elections primarily tilted towards the pro-Buhari team.
Rice or no rice. Ankara or no Ankara. Ghana-must-go or no Ghana-must-go, votes
were counted and the accounts were broadcasted. #GMB tweets emerged as the
winning chirps.
It would be recalled that General
Mohammadu Buhari (rtd) had been attempting to reach the position of democratic
presidency since the ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo era. However, this is his
first time of becoming the candidate of the majority and assuming the position
of president-elect. Therefore, he must be careful of the manner with which he
would manage the realisation of his own agenda. Otherwise, the euphoria of
change would diffuse with underlying issues and the outcome of his tenure would
overcome nothing more than what the incumbent president has already recorded as
achievement. To whom much is given, much is also expected. Truly, there is much
work to be done.
Though many thanks to the
entrepreneurs that supported him, in actual words, it appears that the
deceivers of Mr President have now abandoned him. The more honest ones may have
decamped. His true loyalists are probably still in touch. Many others are
apparently off-radar. News has it that his old friends have now abandoned him.
Yet, it is known that Mr President wants his incoming successor to marry
transformation with change. Eyes are watching to see how this would happen.
The lesson here for team #GMB is
to look out for wolves amidst the sheep, clogs in the wheel of progress and stealthy
corporate bandits lest
CHANGE = or < TRASNFORMATION eventually.
In the world over, there have
been great leaders. In Africa, there are emerging change makers. In Nigeria,
there would still be dynamic youthful leaders. But now, is change really
coming? Is this really it? Are we about to see it commence? The world is
watching and, the young ones are waiting to move in.
