I feel very proud to be a Nigerian. In the last few weeks, I wake up every morning with some confidence reposed in me. And this is because I now know full well that my country has ceased to be a jungle—a nation where anything goes without the simplest form of sanction. At the flag-off of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s presidential electioneering campaigns earlier this year in Lagos State, the then president and the party’s flag bearer had admitted that “Nigeria is a jungle….” Within 100 days, Nigeria has become a country where the right thing must be done at the right time, especially among public officials at every level of government—local, state or federal. Without mincing words, this is due to one single factor and that’s RIGHT LEADERSHIP.

President Buhari and vice president Osinbajo have been able to prove not only to Nigerians but to the international community that Nigeria can be great again by leading from the front and not otherwise. While some have stated that they are yet to see tangible achievements in 100 days, many others believe otherwise. It’s only quick fixes that can happen within such a short period of time. Such ‘achievements’ don’t last and with time, they would crumble like cubes of sugar that settle in a cup of warm water.

The Effects of Right Leadership So Far

Proper direction has been given to the way in which the war against insurgency is being fought. This started with the relocation of the military command centre to Maiduguri (the battlefield). The appointment of ‘flat-bellied’ competent service chiefs who lead from the front has led to a more organized heavy onslaught on the deadly Boko Haram insurgent group. Although a huge four hundred and fifty Nigerians were killed in the first 100 days of president Buhari’s government, one cannot deny the fact there is a renewed commitment to ending the insecurity issues in the country by his administration. It’s also commendable to note that the Nigerian military is working assiduously to meet the deadline that has been set by the president to defeat the insurgents by December.

The zero-tolerance of president Buhari for corruption has been sending jitters down the spine of those who have looted the commonwealth of Nigerians. The country is now seen as one which abhors corruption unlike the previous administration of Goodluck Jonathan which celebrated it. The reduction of salaries by 50%, rejection of new armored cars which amounted to the tune of #400 million and the recent assets declaration by the president and his vice is unprecedented, at least, since Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999. All these as well as the body language of the president have made the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) wake up from its deep slumber to pursue those who have allegedly looted the treasury.

There have been serious reforms in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)—the major source of Nigeria’s revenue—and this has been yielding results. As it stands, there are no more queues at filling stations across the country; petrol now sells for #87. The activities of downstream saboteurs have been cut down: many illegal refineries have been destroyed and oil bunkering has reduced drastically in the last 100 days. Without any visible intervention from the government of Mr Buhari, the Portharcourt and Warri refineries have started working, although their performances are not yet optimal. It’s also surprising that the ever-declining power supply has climbed to nearly 5000 megawatts and electricity is available in many parts of the country for an average of 18 hours per day.

The Foreign Reserves of Nigeria rose from $28.6 billion in May to $31.2 billion in July and this is due to the blockage of leakages in the different sectors. And the introduction of Treasury Single Account would help to sustain this and improve transparency. The economy is not in good shape though, as inflation, unemployment and under-employment has gone up in the second quarter (Q2). It would be difficult for investors to come in and do business at this time; they always strongly believe in certainty.

What to Expect

To be realistic, it would be a joke to expect that the huge problems facing Nigeria—a developing nation with no strong and working institutions—can be solved in just 100 days. By analysis, the president has fourteen 100 days to spend and he has just used one of them. In the coming days, I expect him to form his cabinet and deliver change to Nigerians. He can’t afford to do less.

Kofoworola Ayodeji is a writer and transformational speaker that’s passionately involved in nation-building. Follow him on twitter @Generalkopho and facebook: www.facebook.com/Kofoworolaak

Op-ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija

Mallam Yero