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The
Nuclear Security Summit And Nigeria’s Agenda By
Prince
Nwaokugha Ikeokwu
“Nigeria
is critical to the rest of the continent and if Nigeria does not get it
right,
Africa will really not make progress”.
The above summation of
America’s President, Barrack Obama, shows the prominent position of
Nigeria in the comity of nations. In Africa, the rest of the world regards Nigeria as a giant, capable of setting the pace for others. The goodwill, rejuvenated by the country’s foreign policies, had earned her enormous respect in the past. However, this hard- earned reputation built over the years has gradually eroded due to weak values and institutions.
Nigeria’s official
invitation to the Nuclear Security Summit in America at this point,
rekindles hope as many are curious of what the future holds in stock for
the nation.
The ill-health of
President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua has no doubt, provided alibi for
unimaginable intrigues and myriads of political activities in a couple of
months, plummeting into controversies that engaged the three arms of the
government, where villains and actors emerged. These resulted to the
enforcement of “doctrine of necessity”, enthroning, as it were, Dr
Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as the Acting President of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria.
It’s quite impressive to
note that the emergence of Nigeria’s
acting President has doused tension and stabilized the polity, as business
of governance is on course. According to Ima Nibro, Senior Special
Assistant (Media) to Acting President, the recent cabinet dissolution was
to inject fresh blood and bring greater vigour to governance. This is
justified by the zeal in which national affairs are been conducted at the
moment by the Acting president. Nigerians have moved a step away from arguments and debates of whether there is lacuna in the Presidency, to ensuring that major reforms critical to the development of the nation are achieved. The Acting president has equally affirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to intensify its reform programmes to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy. According to him; “without credible reforms, we cannot phase out bad leadership and without that process; we cannot have a strong nation” (Daily Trust 15/4/2010).
The 2011
election is a reminder to the present Administration that time is of
essence as distractions at this point will be unacceptable. Achieving
lasting peace in the Niger Delta is a critical issue that cannot be toyed
with at this moment. The amnesty programme is a commendable effort that
needs to be reshaped to avoid the drama of the past.
Political analysts are of the opinion that previous elections in Nigeria
have not reflected the wishes of the people. Conducting a credible
election is what Nigerians need at this time. Critical sectors of the
economy should be put on track. The Acting President’s decision to
directly oversee the Power Ministry is a welcome development, as it would
afford him the opportunity to get first hand information. Nigerians are at it again, Africa as well as the whole world is on the verge of ascertaining whether Nigeria is a failed state or not. Our Vision 20:20:20 project depends on absolute commitment of all. Nigerians cannot afford to fail as a nation. Countries like Ghana, Botswana and Malaysia are building robust economies and it is only instructive that Nigeria should lead as the leader-nation in Africa. The Acting President’s position to seek for international assistance from the American Government and World Bank in infrastructure, by implication, means it’s no more time for pretence.
This is
another opportunity to rebuild institutions capable of moderating human
excesses in Nigeria. A resilient one indeed that curbs corruption, secure
lives and properties and allow citizens choose their leaders – that should
be the country’s National aspiration. It is either now or never!
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