HER ASSESSMENT OF DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA:
Let me say that since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999, it has been a story of mixed fortunes. Sadly, what I find disturbing is the fact that the political class has downgraded democracy to a mere opportunity for electoral contests. And that is why you find them already scheming for future elections when the people are yet to feel the impact of those they elected to power at a given time.
It is very sad to see the level of abject poverty and socio-economic deprivation currently ravaging ordinary Nigerians. Day in, day out, ordinary people are confronted by an insensitive government that has done practically less-than-commendable; a crop of politicians who are unwilling to make tangible sacrifices to improve the livelihood of the average Nigerian. They have no concern for the electorate but are only interested in their pockets.
The ordinary Nigerian has not felt the impact of democracy since the country returned to its practice in 1999.Therefore, the government at all levels, must urgently wake up to the reality that our people have not felt the impact of democracy; in all ramifications, their aspirations have not yet been met yet since 1999.
PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI’S ADMINISTRATION:
For those who have expectations that it takes only the integrity of a Leader to transform the society, the last two years should be enough to tell us that it requires more than that. Recall that the current administration came into being on a premise of high expectations from the Nigerian people, but as it is, nothing has fundamentally changed from the past, particularly on issues affecting the down-trodden in the country.
While I give kudos to President Buhari on the successes recorded in the war against corruption and rescue of some of our Chibok girls, I will want to say that the worsening economy of the country has impacted very negatively on the people, with social and basic infrastructure, particularly in the power sector, getting worse than Nigerians ever anticipated.
WAY FORWARD:
It has, therefore, become imperative for us as a people to embark on an urgent review of our current political system and immediately devolve power, by re-structuring this country.To get Nigeria out of her current debacle requires not just a strong leader, but a system, that guarantees the real change that is necessary, that can make life more meaningful to ordinary Nigerians.
The government, in the mean time, must embark on an aggressive economic recovery programme that will ease the pains being experienced by Nigerians, while also focusing on key infrastructural development, particularly in the power sector, to alleviate the sufferings< of the people.
