The euphoria of Change seems to have died down. Nigerians are now faced with stark realities. We made our choice and now have to live with them. PMB, the 'chosen one' has to hit the ground running. It's been almost one week and we are keen to see some action. Key appointments will be announced soon and elections for leadership positions in the Legislature will be held soon.
This may hold no importance for some people. However, considering the existing structure and our glaring ethno-religious dichotomy, nothing can be taken for granted. PDP ultimately paid the price for relegating the South West in the Legislature and in 'key appointments'. If feelers from the grapevine are anything to go by, Lightening may be about to strike twice. Zoning of appointments presents huge banana peels that APC and PMB must be careful to avoid.
PMB must avoid engaging in politics of exclusion. The South East and South South voted massively for PDP. That was a clear exercise of franchise. It isn't a crime to vote for a preferred candidate anywhere in the world. Nigeria can't be an exception. Marginalising these two zones in the area of appointments will do the new ruling party no good. Everybody should be carried along. Those advocating for reduced slots for perceived enemy geopolitical zones should extend their argument to the practice of Federal Character in the Federal Civil service. What's good for one is good for all. Nigerians are no longer naive.
Religion also plays a crucial role in Nigerian politics. Having a majority of one religious group in key appointments or Legislative appointments may send the wrong message. Deliberate efforts must be made to ensure equity and fairness. We may chose to ignore these facts but the reality is that they are important for political stability. PDP learnt the hard way. The battle for 2019 may be decided in the next few months if selective decisions are taken now. A stitch in time saves nine.
Most importantly, electoral promises have to be kept. We really don't care what the present state of the economy is or the level of corruption. All we want is results. Excuses simply don't work anymore. Four years is long enough to judge if progress has been made. Promises to curb the Boko Haram and unemployment tides should be fulfilled urgently. Delay in these instances may be dangerous. The war on corruption should yield tangible results and government profligacy minimised. APC promised us the world, so we've become Oliver Twist.
We want this country to progress irrespective of who's in charge. Every Nigerian should feel safe to live in any corner of this country. Our brothers in the diaspora should be proud to identify as Nigerians. The South and the North should be able to speak with one voice on national issues. Citizens have to be made to feel more important in the larger scheme of things. Political Offices should be service oriented and no longer be avenues to questionable wealth. Power should be fixed and entrepreneurs encouraged to thrive. Our refineries have to work and subsidy has to go. Let's make Nigeria a better place, one day at a time.
This may hold no importance for some people. However, considering the existing structure and our glaring ethno-religious dichotomy, nothing can be taken for granted. PDP ultimately paid the price for relegating the South West in the Legislature and in 'key appointments'. If feelers from the grapevine are anything to go by, Lightening may be about to strike twice. Zoning of appointments presents huge banana peels that APC and PMB must be careful to avoid.
PMB must avoid engaging in politics of exclusion. The South East and South South voted massively for PDP. That was a clear exercise of franchise. It isn't a crime to vote for a preferred candidate anywhere in the world. Nigeria can't be an exception. Marginalising these two zones in the area of appointments will do the new ruling party no good. Everybody should be carried along. Those advocating for reduced slots for perceived enemy geopolitical zones should extend their argument to the practice of Federal Character in the Federal Civil service. What's good for one is good for all. Nigerians are no longer naive.
Religion also plays a crucial role in Nigerian politics. Having a majority of one religious group in key appointments or Legislative appointments may send the wrong message. Deliberate efforts must be made to ensure equity and fairness. We may chose to ignore these facts but the reality is that they are important for political stability. PDP learnt the hard way. The battle for 2019 may be decided in the next few months if selective decisions are taken now. A stitch in time saves nine.
Most importantly, electoral promises have to be kept. We really don't care what the present state of the economy is or the level of corruption. All we want is results. Excuses simply don't work anymore. Four years is long enough to judge if progress has been made. Promises to curb the Boko Haram and unemployment tides should be fulfilled urgently. Delay in these instances may be dangerous. The war on corruption should yield tangible results and government profligacy minimised. APC promised us the world, so we've become Oliver Twist.
We want this country to progress irrespective of who's in charge. Every Nigerian should feel safe to live in any corner of this country. Our brothers in the diaspora should be proud to identify as Nigerians. The South and the North should be able to speak with one voice on national issues. Citizens have to be made to feel more important in the larger scheme of things. Political Offices should be service oriented and no longer be avenues to questionable wealth. Power should be fixed and entrepreneurs encouraged to thrive. Our refineries have to work and subsidy has to go. Let's make Nigeria a better place, one day at a time.
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