Foundation is a fundamental concept in philosophy, representing the solid ground upon which our beliefs, values, and actions are built. Just as a sturdy foundation is crucial for the stability and longevity of a physical structure, a strong foundation is essential for a meaningful and fulfilling life.
From the above definition and explanation of foundation, it could gleaned that the foundation for Nigeria’s leadership from 1999, when the country returned to democratic governance can’t be compared to the 1979 second republic. In the second republic the late President Shehu Aliyu Usman Shagari tried to industrialise the country. But the President Olusegun Obasanjo government of 1999 to 2007 failed Nigerians. In fact, the 16-year rule by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was such a woeful failure that it was predicted that Nigeria will be a failed state in 2015.
During the reign of the PDP misappropriation and massive corruption was the order of the day. The PDP sold off critical national assets including the Steel Complex, NEPA, Sheraton Hotels, among others in name of privatisation. The federal government borrowed to pay salaries while most ministries and agencies were directed to convert their 5-storey buildings to hotels or guest houses in order to generate revenue.
Consequently, Nigerians voted out the PDP in the 2015 general elections. But for the coming of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, Nigeria would have been a failed state; the APC, Buhari and the incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are, indeed, on a rescue mission.