by Usman Alabi

Leaders are called to solve problems and give hope to their followers in times of uncertainties; however some leaders have specific qualities for unusual or peculiar times. The Nigerian economy was in a bad shape in 1983 when President Buhari became the head of state after a military coup. Being the leader, he took stringent measures and fought corruption to a standstill. These deeds and abilities became engrained in the minds of Nigerians, boost his credentials and qualified him for the position of the president when the time came to chose a leader who could give the country a breeze of freshness. Nigerians are well aware of the problems in the country and were disenchanted with the Goodluck Jonathan administration thus leading to the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The economic realities faced in the country is no more news, President Buhari prior to his election campaigned based on this issue and was eventually given the mandate to rule. Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown they say, but the last time I checked, Buhari was not forced to wear this crown, It was his choice, Nigerians never begged him to contest for the post of the president, he made that choice, hence he should take charge of the economy and the responsibility and challenge that comes with leadership at a time like this irrespective of the deeds of his predecessor. He should also realize that he was elected to solve problems not to inundate the electorate with clichés and the same factors that led to the choice of him. As a matter of fact, the very problems and failures of the past administration that the president, his party and team are complaining about were the same issues that they pitched their campaign upon and the reasons why they solicited for votes. They should know that none of the issues they are constantly complaining about is new to Nigerians, Nigerians are well aware that the last administration mismanaged the economy and set the ground for this present recession, yet this very factor and challenge best explains his emergence as the president, he was elected because majority of the electorates have lost hope in the then president Jonathan’s administration with his unprecedented high level of corruption, impunity, maladministration and economic mismanagement.

It is either the president is fixing the economy or blaming the last administration because he cannot be doing both. If he is facing governance and fixing the economy, he is taking charge and not giving excuses. But if he is still blaming the last administration now that he is a year and almost four months in power, the implication is that he is confused and does not have any clue on how to salvage and resuscitate the ailing economy. It also means that he is already giving us excuses on why he might not be able to deliver on his election promises. He and his team should however stop making the people relive the pains of the past because the people have had enough, he should face governance. The President has only been able to do two things right which are fighting corruption in the same conventional way and blaming the last administration. It has not had any meaningful impact on the lives of Nigerians, a factor it should worry about. If the President would not stop complaining and face governance squarely, it risks losing the trust Nigerians have in him; it might also end in the way of the last administration. President Mohamodu Buhari should note that the parameter for evaluating his success or failure still remains the GEJ administration which he has not equal nor surpass in terms of impact of governance on human condition. The economic conditions are biting hard on the people under his administration compared to GEJ’s administration. Hence for the President’s sake, it is better he faces governance and fix the country.

His is a government the time is racing against, a year and four months is almost gone without any of his promises been delivered, if it continues this way, trust in him would wane and his support base would shrink, this is definitely not good for an administration that so much is expected from.

Isime Esene