In 2011, the people of Nigeria voted in an unassuming man, a humble leader 'favoured by God' -Goodluck Jonathan. Some had reservations about his leadership experience but we looked up to the future with great expectations. The destiny of our great nation was placed in the hands of a well educated President amid goodwill from all and sundry.
Less than a year later, the romance had gone sour. The 'fuel subsidy removal' shock on New Year's Day of 2012 was a hard nut to swallow for the 'suspicious' citizenry. A well thought out government policy was vehemently rejected by Nigerians partly due to lack of adequate information, the expected hardship, insufficient palliative measures in place and the usual opposition politics. Government's poor timing, failure to carry the people along, and the social media explosion at the time didn't help matters. OCCUPY NIGERIA scuttled 'Total Subsidy Removal'. With the benefit of hindsight, we should have suffered then for
future gains. The idea simply failed to resonate with indignant Nigerians.
Then corruption or 'stealing' continued unabated and unemployment rates kept soaring. The Boko Haram menace continued to thrive and wax stronger, defying logic and efforts to curb the tide. Government's failure to act quickly enough is still adduced to be responsible for the spread. From parts of Borno, this cancer threatened to engulf the entire Nation. Nigeria was said to be at war with itself with little support from our foreign partners.
Predictions of imminent collapse and sabotage of anti-terrorism efforts became the order of the day. Thousands of lives have been lost to the BH scourge and millions have been displaced. Renewed Military Offensive only provided temporary reprieve. Then, all hell broke loose as children were murdered in their sleep at Buni yadi and over 200 Chibok school girls were kidnapped. This was one calamity too many. Nigeria wept and bled for days. These innocent girls have still not been found. That was the final blow.
An administration that fared well in the agricultural sector, trade/investments and youth empowerment became the 'people's enemy'. The loud opposition voices drowned whispers of Government's performance and efforts. The result was 'March 28' especially across the region most affected by Boko Haram. Nigerians vented their anger at the polls amid threats of war. That 'imperfect' election was touted to be the end of Nigeria as we know it.
Then, something unprecedented happened. GEJ conceded defeat. He was acclaimed an instant hero and 'snatched victory fr©m the jaws of defeat'. Democracy in Nigeria was reborn. The flames of war were extinguished by this singular act. GEJ has exited graciously and we expect President Buhari to consolidate on this and restore Nigeria's pride. Tomorrow is indeed pregnant. The next four years have a story to tell. SUCCESS is a must because incumbents can now be voted out. God Bless Nigeria.
Less than a year later, the romance had gone sour. The 'fuel subsidy removal' shock on New Year's Day of 2012 was a hard nut to swallow for the 'suspicious' citizenry. A well thought out government policy was vehemently rejected by Nigerians partly due to lack of adequate information, the expected hardship, insufficient palliative measures in place and the usual opposition politics. Government's poor timing, failure to carry the people along, and the social media explosion at the time didn't help matters. OCCUPY NIGERIA scuttled 'Total Subsidy Removal'. With the benefit of hindsight, we should have suffered then for
future gains. The idea simply failed to resonate with indignant Nigerians.
Then corruption or 'stealing' continued unabated and unemployment rates kept soaring. The Boko Haram menace continued to thrive and wax stronger, defying logic and efforts to curb the tide. Government's failure to act quickly enough is still adduced to be responsible for the spread. From parts of Borno, this cancer threatened to engulf the entire Nation. Nigeria was said to be at war with itself with little support from our foreign partners.
Predictions of imminent collapse and sabotage of anti-terrorism efforts became the order of the day. Thousands of lives have been lost to the BH scourge and millions have been displaced. Renewed Military Offensive only provided temporary reprieve. Then, all hell broke loose as children were murdered in their sleep at Buni yadi and over 200 Chibok school girls were kidnapped. This was one calamity too many. Nigeria wept and bled for days. These innocent girls have still not been found. That was the final blow.
An administration that fared well in the agricultural sector, trade/investments and youth empowerment became the 'people's enemy'. The loud opposition voices drowned whispers of Government's performance and efforts. The result was 'March 28' especially across the region most affected by Boko Haram. Nigerians vented their anger at the polls amid threats of war. That 'imperfect' election was touted to be the end of Nigeria as we know it.
Then, something unprecedented happened. GEJ conceded defeat. He was acclaimed an instant hero and 'snatched victory fr©m the jaws of defeat'. Democracy in Nigeria was reborn. The flames of war were extinguished by this singular act. GEJ has exited graciously and we expect President Buhari to consolidate on this and restore Nigeria's pride. Tomorrow is indeed pregnant. The next four years have a story to tell. SUCCESS is a must because incumbents can now be voted out. God Bless Nigeria.
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