Anthony Chukwu, writing from Owerri Imo State, addresses Muhammadu Buhari, the president-elect.
The presidential and National Assembly elections has come and gone. Nigerian electorate has decided.
It is not a very significant figure that writes, but allow me to crave you indulgence, Mr Buhari. You must agree with me that there is so much work to be done in the various sectors of Nigerian politics, economy and society. I don’t
Security
Unemployment
Current and foreign affairs
Economy
Education
Delivering our healthcare.
Security: Military as a point of focus. Mr Buhari, you were a military man and you retired from active service as a general. I commend you on that. Therefore, I assume you know a lot more about the military and security more than I do. There was a time when it was reported that the Nigerian army were fleeing from the onslaught of the terrorist group Boko Haram because of their substandard arms and ammunition (compared with those of the terrorists). As a former military man you know what this implies. Now that you are going to be the head of state and government, as well as the Commander-in-chief of the armed forces, we are hoping that the issue of Boko Haram will become history. What the electorate desire is nothing other than a government that can guarantee the safety of their lives and properties. Mr Buhari ,you have no reason to fail them.
Unemployment: Many have argued that the majority of crimes perpetrated by our youths is as a result of unemployment. I agree with this, because an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. Not a few ,but the majority of our youths, the so-called leaders of tomorrow, pass through hell in the name of higher institution only to end up in the labour market. As long as the number of our youths pounding the pavement is on the increase, crime rate cannot reduce. We are trust you, Mr Buhari, to do something.
Currently and international affairs: Today, the exchange rate of our naira to dollar is quite appalling and calls for attention. On the other hand, the place Nigeria holds in the international community considering its position as the giant of Africa is not very encouraging. We hope in you to ratify and find a lasting solution to this, Mr Buhari.
Economy and agriculture: Allow me to treat these two as one because somehow they are related in Nigeria. Before the oil boom in Nigeria, this nation’s economy was solely dependent on agriculture, and the standard of living for every average Nigerian was favourable. But today, with the advent of the oil and gas sector and the over-dependence on it, the agricultural sector has been totally abandoned, hence, the economic hardship experienced by the majority of Nigerians. Until we revive our agricultural sector and diversify our economy it can never be well with our naira.
Education: The standard of education in Nigeria is too low, to the extent that every aspiring youth wants to travel abroad for further and proper studies. Not that they are not offered here in Nigeria, but because of low standards. I suppose that you, Mr Buhari, know what must be done and that you will do it.
Delivering our healthcare system: In this aspect, Nigeria has recorded commendable success but we are not yet at the apex where mortality rate is reduced to the barest minimum. Nigeria till now is still battling with minor health problems like polio, measles,etc. These ailments still claims the lives, youth and vigour of our future leaders. Mr Buhari our hopes are vested in your ability.
Every aspect or sector of the Nigerian variety needs serious, specialized and urgent attention. This means that your appointments should not be based on party or ethnic favoritism. Rather, it should be on merit and ability to perform. Remember, the failure of any sector regardless of who is heading that department or sector, is your failure and that of your administration. And you would be held responsible.
If I am not mistaken, the major trait that endeared you to the electorate and warranted them to offer you their thumbprint over all other contestants is your disciplined personality and corruption non-tolerant government when you were a military head of state. Now as you can see this giant of Africa Nigeria stinks with corruption and indiscipline. Can you rid us of it? We are hoping in you.
As we congratulate you, Mr Buhari, on your victory, I want to use this medium and appeal to the sense of reasoning of every Nigerian. Let us not in a haste forget the noble hero of what we are celebrating. A person whose act of gallantry revived and brought back our long lost hope in the government of our time. President Goodluck Jonathan, I want to commend your personality and sense of reason. As you would always say, “No politician’s ambition is worth sacrificing the desires and decision of the masses”. You have demonstrated this by gallantly conceding to defeat, its not an easy decision to make. Nigeria and its democracy will be forever indebted to you. You have left your footprints in the sands of time. Thank you, Mr President. And do not be dismayed, as sometimes, the best form of victory is to accept defeat.
Thank you once again.
Mr President, I have a request to ask of you. The just-concluded elections was violence-free, fair and free to all and sundry. Even the international community can attest to it. But we still have the gubernatorial and state assembly elections. These elections would be conducted under your watch. Please, Mr President, ensure that it was equally free and fair to all. Grant this last wish for the Nigerian populace, and we will forever be indebted to you. We cannot avert and overcome a major civil war only to be engulfed in a minor local conflict. It would be a disgrace to everything that we stand for. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. God bless Africa.
