There’s a thin line between confidence and arrogance, it’s called humility. It is a line we must stay mindful of… a delicate line President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration cannot afford to cross. Not at this time.

This is the time to be measured in speech and spending. A time to show flexibility, nimbleness of thought, coherent communication, and empathy as if the life of this administration depends on it. And indeed it does.

Nigerians cannot endure years of decay brought upon it by past leaders and continue to suffer from a promise late in coming from a government of change. It’s like a woman getting repeatedly raped by a man she loves – her body remains, but surely not her trust.

The government has, by fixing the fuel price at N145, told Nigerians to tighten their belts even harder and get ready for a super-bumpy ride. They expect the government to do the same.

All government agencies must watch its spending and every kobo must be properly accounted for. The Efficiency Unit of the Federal Government must live up to its responsibilities of plugging all holes with which the economy bleeds.

The government must ensure that criminals who have looted the nation’s treasury are arrested and prosecuted regardless of their party affiliation, and that all recovered monies are utilised judiciously.

We must deeply consider calls made by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) for an increase in minimum wage to serve as a palliative measure set up to cushion the hardship faced by ordinary Nigerians.

President Buhari must resist the urge to cling on to his principled stand on several economic issues when evidences against them are not only sound, but objective. At a time when crude oil prices are hovering around $40; when inflation is at an all time high; when unemployment is showing no signs of abating; when the exchange rate is hitting the roof at N370/$1 – the President’s principled stand counts for nothing.

All foreign travels need to stop now. Signs of ostentatious living within his household and from appointed officials must be frowned upon. We don’t need ministers heading to China with N13million which could be put to better use here. Nigerians need a feeling government – a feeling president – one that not only says we’re in this together, but also demonstrates it in its true sense.

The road before us as a nation is long and winding. President Buhari has shown that he can take the tough decisions. He has exhibited a strong strength of character in the face of criticisms and untold pressure.

Now is the time to display some emotional intelligence – a quality millions of Nigerians hope to God he possesses, because he’ll need it to wade through these murky economic waters.

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