TheCable

By Adam Idris

President Muhammadu Buhari may go down in history books as one of few leaders who enjoys nearly the same amount of goodwill when his administration seems to be disappointing a large section of Nigerians as during the heady pre-election and early post-election periods (when people remind their compatriots to respect the order in queues for it is Buhari that is in power). Some of these disappointed citizens are those who feel that they have played one role or another in marketing “a repackaged Buhari” whether through the social media, opinion pieces, national dailies, rallies and so on. I contend that President Buhari enjoys about the same goodwill, as enjoyed sometimes only by religious, ethnic and other champions within their little communities.

We cannot ignore the fact that some people allegedly wished him dead and went to the rumour mill to that effect. Nor the fact that some people rain curses on him daily because of the state of the economy. Yet the flagging-resistant nature of Buhari’s popularity was yet again revealed to us through some events that played out from his recently reported illness and medical treatment abroad. This range from the barrage of prayers offered for him by supporters and well-wishers from Maiduguri to Lagos, to the number of high profile Nigerians who visited him in London. Nigerians of all hues called for people to pray for him and expressed their desire for his return to continue with his work. The last group includes political opponents and people who might have felt marginalized, repressed or ignored at one point or the other so far in his presidency. Sincere or not we cannot judge anyone.

Looking back at some events of the past, protests and major strikes go without taking place altogether, or not gaining any traction in spite of the economic agony that many Nigerians are languishing in. This is a government during who’s time the pump price of petrol was hiked by an excess of hundred percent at one fell swoop, yet many Nigerians would still be ready to excuse Buhari or ascribe the spiraling cost of living to a host of other different causes.

Now, will Buhari and his advisers harness what remains of this extraordinary asset that they have, or they will keep squandering it until there is none left? Here are some areas where Nigerians complain the most about the way the country’s affairs are run by the current administration. The war against corruption, although largely succeeding, is still perceived by many as selective. The country’s economic management seems to be rudderless. Despite having an array of media aides, there still seems to be gaps in information dissemination about how the country is run and the general state of affairs. Finally, leadership by example that was expected of a government that rode to victory on a populist tide is perhaps lacking when its officials travel abroad to attend to their health, schooling and so on. Again most administration officials have failed to declare their assets when promises have been made to that regard before the election.

The president received commendations from different quarters for leaving behind a country with clear leadership and less palpable political tension, as was the case in a slightly similar scenario about half-a-dozen years ago. Also, even the staunchest critic of the government will concede about the major gains being recorded in the area of security in the North-East. But there needs to be complete and true change in the problem areas highlighted above. War against corruption should be more vigorous, with the net cast wider, uniform and party blind. President Buhari and his advisers should try to bring in Nigerians who can roll up sleeves and do some real work on the economy regardless of party or any other affiliation. Buhari and APC must think outside the box to help pull Nigerians away from hunger to prosperity. Government spokes-persons must do their work objectively and desist from hiding from Nigerians, information they ought to know and this can only boost sympathy and confidence not the other way round. Bigwigs in government can start by patronizing at least the multi-billion naira State House clinic before our teaching hospitals and general hospitals become better equipped and manned (yes it can be done!). As for assets declaration by all senior government officials, let’s face it we may never see that happen.

After all the prayers and the visits and the good wishes for the president, could it be that apart from recuperating and collecting the test results the president deliberately stepped back for a month, in order to examine everything from some distance with the intention to retool, re-energize and restrategize so as to begin the second segment of his four year term with new pep, urgency and sense of direction. Every well meaning Nigerian will pray for that in addition to the widely offered prayers across the country.

Idris wrote this from Kano. Email: [email protected]