Now that we have inaugurated a new government, more importantly from another political party since 1999 of the PDP led administration. Nigerians took their time and efforts to vote in Muhammadu Buhari, all because they want a positive change from the unsatisfactory conditions the country are in currently.
The ruling party should not forget that one of the factors that showed them as the ‘Messiahs’ was their foundational principle: ‘Change’. Now our desire is for them to translate the theoretical principle to practical reality. Without doubt, the Buhari led Cabinet cannot effect the rebirth of Nigeria overnight, but what Nigerians are expecting is exceptional performance. Buhari’s inaugural speech even states: “Nigeria will not regret that they have entrusted national responsibility to us” knowing fully well that Nigerians are expecting real change and not patience that may not bring luck.
The American saying, ‘talk is cheap’ is a way of saying that actions are paramount, not sugar-coated declarations that will go nowhere. Nigerian would like the incoming government to take a cue from the words of Jeffrey Pfeiffer (1946- ); ‘A company’s ability to generate those exceptional returns in knowledge-based economy is dependent, in large measure, upon its ability to attract, retain and develop the right workforce and whether it succeeds in unleashing their mental capabilities’. They cannot do it alone; therefore they need to establish an aura of goodwill from all stakeholders that will contribute to the success of their administration.
Another pressing issue that Nigerians will appreciate is the installation of functioning power plants. If we have uninterrupted power supply, the economy will be steady not just on paper but in the way the poor man on the street will also benefit from. In addition, this will help to cut down on the high levels of importation of power generators.
Subsequently, rejuvenation of the country’s refineries is also of great importance. It is quite the height of irresponsibility that a country like ours that produces one of the most highly sought out grades of crude oil, has to export for refining and then imported before we can use it. We want this to be a thing of the past. We want a government that will be proactive and not vulnerable to the world’s superpowers.
Nigerians need a responsive government; a government that will listen to their pleas and act quickly on them. They no longer need a government that will treat them like unimportant. The leaders should not forget that they are in their respective positions to serve and not to get what they can, can what they can and sit on the can. They should also see democracy as it is meant to be: a government of the people, by the people and for the people.
