The much anticipated May 29, 2023 has finally come as a day that will usher in a new administration at the centre to run the affairs of Nigeria for the next four years.
Indeed, it marks another year in the annals of Nigerian political history, a British colony which attained independence status, October 1, 1960.
In the next couple of hours, power will shift hands from President Muhammadu Buhari who has steered the ship of the country, from May 29, 2015 to May 29, 2019, winning his second term which spanned May 29, 2019 to this day Monday, May 29, 2023,
President Buhari will in few hours from now, hand over to Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu, a former Governor of Lagos State who will steer the ship of the country for another four years and might seek re–election, a practice that has become synonymous with Nigerian politicians.
It is no longer news that Bola Tinubu, together with his Vice, Kashim Shettima, a former Governor of Borno State, who emerged winners of the much disputed and controversial February 25, 2023 presidential election, will inherit a whole lot of problems ranging from litigations, insecurity, banditry, corruption, high debt profile, unemployment, disunity, among others.
Going forward, it is pertinent to state that the incoming Tinubu’s administration must, as a matter of the unity of Nigeria, avoid mistakes made by his predecessor. He must run an all inclusive government vis-a-vis involving capable hands from all the geo-political zones of the country so as to appease those who have some misgivings ab initio about his emergence.
President-elect Ahmed Tinubu having experienced and read all the allegations about his predecessor in the area of appointments into public offices, the military and paramilitary outfits, must as a matter of the continued unity of Nigeria, spread his appointments across board.
To be more specific, he must not engage in witch-hunt by saying after all a certain geopolitical zone did not want his emergence.
Tinubu must understand that towing such line, will further establish and justify the reason why those who resisted him at all costs insisted on their own convictions. Like he averred in his acceptance speech after receiving his certificate of return, “I am very much aware that many Nigerians did not vote for him”, he should, however be ready to work with everybody and clear all doubts.
The federal character principle which advocates that in appointments, all the geopolitical zones must be considered, should be strictly and sacrosanctly adhered to in appointments. After all, no single individual is more Nigerian than others.
Furthermore, Ahmed Tinubu must listen to those issues fuelling agitations in the country and draft a more robust way of handling such.
For the fact that he does not have any military experience, places him above others who at some point, took decisions without recourse to what the end product will be. He must heed advises that have been dished out by some past African Leaders like Uhuru Kenyatta, Nigerian clerics among others.
The incoming administration must look inwards, over reliance on oil, has not helped the country to grow economically. He must device a means to make Nigeria move away from being a mono-economy. Nigeria must look for ways to stabilise its dying economy.
The country must move from consumption to production and this is achievable through sound economic policies which will be run by experts who understand the magic developing countries are making towards economic sustainability.
President-elect Tinubu, must also do away with, “cabals” in his administration, words such as “Hyenas and Jackals”, ” cabals”, among others, used during President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, must not find it’s way back in the Tinubu-led administration.
Nigerians expect the new President to stand on his feet, and not a President whose actions will be determined and influenced by few individuals who parade themselves as lords.
Nigerians deserve better treatment in all ramifications. Ahmed Bola Tinubu should give Nigerians the needed succour having passed through hell during the last administration.
All eyes are indeed on President-elect, Bola Tinubu to reset Nigeria, having clinched power with the mantra, “Emi lo kan”, it should indeed be his turn to turn Nigeria around, as well as change the ugly story of Nigeria in the comity of Nations.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Nwokoma is a Public affairs analyst and a Journalist.
