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Wind Of Change, The Emergence Of New Order And The Expectation Of Nigerians Under President Musa Yar’adua New PDP Government By Benjamin Ogbebulu
Although the general election of April 14 and 21 have come and gone with its irregularities and imperfections being challenged by politicians of notable parties like AC, ANPP, PPA, and the ruling PDP party who felt they have being rigged and robbed of victories and have decided to take their cases to the Electoral Tribunals to address these anomalies. Nigeria is developing because the recent activities of the Nigerian judiciary attest to this fact and the present administration under the out going president Olusegun Obasanjo should be commended for allowing the rule of law to prevail and this development should give every Nigerian the confidence that at last justice which eludes Nigerians before 1999 is now being address, unlike in previous cases where judgements were pronounced three to four years after election. Patriotic, fair-minded Nigerians expects this process should be speedy, fair , consistent and objective.
Nigeria under the outgoing president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo PDP led government may not have achieved all her set objectives in the first eight years of the democratic rule, there is no doubt in the minds of most Nigerians who are patriotic and forward looking both at home and in diasporas that Nigeria is gradually developing but at what rate is subject to individuals opinions and judgements. When an election is conducted to promote democracy from civilian to civilian , that itself is a big achievement and president olusegun Obasanjo and the Board of Trustee of the ruling PDP party has not only redefined and restructured the party but has also, with the entire team put in place requisite structures and mechanisms to jump start Nigeria’s economy for the incoming PDP government under the president in waiting , Alhaji Musa Yar’Adua waiting to be sworn in on May 29, 2007 as commander –in –chief , Federal Republic of Nigeria together with just elected legislators both at the Federal and state levels.
HOW WOULD POSTERITY JUDGE THE OUTGOING PDP LEADER AND PRESIDENT?
There is a school of thought that sees the outgoing president as a nationalist , visionary , prudent, courageous and forward looking leader who since 1999 have turn Nigeria around for good and president Obasanjo laudable achievements from 1999 till date speak for itself as Nigerian economy before 1999 was in tatters as a result of infrastructure and poor economic management linked to prolonged military rule which made Nigeria a Pariah nation. But today, Nigeria’s economy is not only vibrant , her role in committee of nation can not be underestimated. The elderstateman have restructured and redirect the polio-socio-economic landscape of Nigeria and pave ways for the Younger generation both in Nigeria and diaspora to contribute their quotas to nation building. Progressive agenda is now in place as Public-Private Partnership has been devised as a policy to relinquish government control of some sectors of the economy which in turn increase efficiency, productivity, and curb corruption but vast majority of Nigerians are yet to feel the impact of these reforms which we all hope the incoming government will address to improve the standard of living of the people.
Also, president obasanjo will go down in history as leader who is detribalised and believe in the unity of the nation as his administration assembly some of the best brains both in Nigeria and diasporas the likes of Akinyuli’s of NAFDAC, El-Rufais of FCT, Ribadu’s of EFCC, Saludo’s of Central Bank, Ekwesilesi’s, Fanikayode’s Oshuntokun’s, Donald Duke’s, Daniel’s the Elderstateman- Anenihs, Ali’s, Madueke’s, and the Yar’ Aduas just to mention a few who have worked assiduously both at the state and federal levels in their various capacities to move the nation forward.
To continue building on our nascent democracy, the new PDP led government under President Musa Yar’Adua after inauguration of the new assembly and the 36 Houses of Assembly early next month should douse the apprehension of Nigerians by pursuing people-oriented policy and all inclusive government to reduce tension and address the issue of marginalisation in the country. As the next set of legislators prepare to assume their responsibilities as outlined constitutionally, the new PDP leader with his cabinet are urged to put a human face on governance as the expectations of Nigerians are high and the only way they can be met is for the legislators to promptly address the aspects of national life by making and enacting laws that are relevant to the well being of Nigerians people.
The legislators should ensure that only credible progressive laws are enacted as at when due example review of constitutional amendment scuttled myopically by the outgoing legislators should be revisited. Also, the role of local government within the constitution should be examined and explicitly spelt out as local government role as it stands is being taking over by the state depriving the local people living in rural areas the funds and basic necessities that should have being provided by local governments. As separation of power is a key ingredient of the presidential system Nigeria practises, the checks and balances gives this system credence and our newly legislators should do away with unnecessary act of impeachment which slow down progress as witnessed in the last national Assembly.
Nigerians look forward to a better tomorrow under our new senators, House of Representatives members and our prudent, enigmatic, pragmatic and progressive once a governor but now president. The new crops of Assembly men and women are experienced , courageous, men and women of honour and Nigerians hope they would build positively on what has been achieved so far by the outgoing president, chief Olusegun Obasanjo . We the citizens should be tolerant as we only have one nation and we should continue to pray for our leaders and work with our leaders towards making valuable positive contributions to move the nation forward.
Benjamin Ogbebulu is a political analyst and administrator based in London, England.
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