Fred Nwaozor 
Last week Tuesday, Nigeria as a country was apparently filled with mixed feelings, which wasn’t unconnected with her 64th Independence Day Anniversary. At a time when the people are required to celebrate, everyone was seemingly perturbed, thereby posing an aberration.
Yes, Nigeria has undoubtedly covered enormous distance thus far, but she still has much more space to cover going forward as regards growth and development. It’s pertinent to acknowledge that, at such a time like this, every well meaning individual is required to be equally occupied with sober reflection.
Every commemoration calls for thorough analysis and re-examination with a view to addressing some anomalies, if need be, and that of Nigeria’s Independence wouldn’t be an exception. It’s not anymore news that this very anniversary is taking place under the Bola Tinubu-led administration, thus everyone beckons to the said leader towards doing the needful.
Many would want to know the distance the country had been able to cover ab initio, and the way forward concerning the awaited change. Whilst, some others would be interested in telling Nigerians that the administration hasn’t lived up to the expectations as they presume.
The fact is that, whichever way we look at it, a moment of this kind calls for a holistic and candid crosscheck by anyone who thinks well of the country. On 29th May 2023, Chief Bola Tinubu emerged as the Nigeria’s President, amidst all odds. Till this moment, his enthronement is still greeted by series of criticisms and counter reactions by various Nigerians in different quarters across the country.
Prior to his assumption of office, he stated his agenda, which was centered on ‘Renewed Hope’. Suffices to say that his administration would rekindle the seeming lost hope among the teeming populace in Nigeria. So far, the people’s expectations have apparently been marred by myriad of hopelessness emanating from the economic quagmire and what have you.
At the moment, the Nigerian State seems to be in a state of standstill as regards numerous facets of the country’s economy. In the midst of the existing security threats, the country has thus far witnessed many more fresh insecurities among the teeming Nigerians. The newly emerged security threats
He suggested action, if taken aptly, would make most serving public officers across the federation to detest any form of corrupt attitude in order not to fall prey
have really succeeded in creating a state of unrest among the entire citizens across the federation. In the area of corruption fight, the struggle has equally appeared standstill.
Taking a look at the case of the erstwhile governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello, no right thinking Nigerian would believe that the antigraft battle is yielding any tangible effects. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) appears not unlike a toothless bulldog in the eyes of well-meaning Nigerians.
In view of this, the EFCC and its allies are enjoined to thoroughly investigate all the past politicians, arrested them if necessary, as well as ensure they are arraigned and duly prosecuted when the need arises.
The suggested action, if taken aptly, would make most serving public officers across the federation to detest any form of corrupt attitude in order not to fall prey. As regards the proposed quest to resuscitate the nation’s economy, the administration has suffered a great setback.
Currently, the country is faced with recession, apparently occasioned by the various recently implemented inappropriate policies, although the crisis has been blamed on the immediate past administration of the Mohammadu Buhari.
The ongoing threat to human life as a result of the deteriorating economy has made several critics and commentators to see the Renewed Hope mantra as something that needs to be reviewed and examined in earnest.
With a view to letting the teeming Nigerians understand their individual roles in the anticipated phase, every citizen must be well orientated to wards making them realize their responsibilities in the long-awaited era.
The campaign should be aimed at making the citizenry comprehend they must change their respective uncalled attitudes if they truly anticipate positive change in the country. Many Nigerians have reportedly disagreed that change must begin with the electorate.
They are of the view that the change is expected to begin from the top, or the leaders. If given a due attention, one would be meant to be on the same page with such set of citizens.
One major setback the present administration has suffered from is the various rent-seekers scattered all over the nooks and crannies. It’s very important to acknowledge that many are of the notion that Chief Tinubu isn’t the needed leader, hence are determined to see the downfall of this administration.
To this end, the Bola Tinubu-led government must caution itself very well towards ensuring the administration does not fall victim of betrayal, sabotage, and other related acts. It’s therefore needless to say that they must vow to live up to the expectations of their followers. The government must ensure that all the persons in the cabinet are genuinely ready to bring a positive turnaround.
In order words, there is a compelling need to go back to the drawing board toward doing the needful. Nigeria and Nigerians deserve a better treatment than this lingering state of suffering being faced experienced by each of them. It’s saddening to realize that some so-called stakeholders or statesmen are busy praising the Federal Government (FG) even amid the glaring hardship threatening the country.
Anyone who supports such intent of insensitivity does not in any way mean well for Nigeria, thus needs to be shown the way out, or be seen as an enemy to the country, as the case may be.
We can’t continue to indulge in retrogressive or frivolous issues when we are expected to face the reality squarely. We need to be practical in all our approaches at a critical time like this. In view of this fact, all hands must be on deck in a bid to right the wrongs.
I beg to disagree that we need the foreigners in order to excel. It’s high time we began to realize that everything required of this country towards the anticipated growth lies within us.
All we need to do is to look inwards and know who to work with. This isn’t a time to draw a bold line between political parties. I’m earnestly looking at a situation where anyone could be given the opportunity to serve regardless of his/her political or social affiliations.
Let’s stop this brain drain that is ravaging the country, and channel the manpower aptly. We have all it takes, so let’s use it. We can’t wait till thy kingdom comes before we start utilizing our available resources.
A lot has been said, so let a lot be done in response. It’s imperative to note that for the needed change to come, the required political will must be worn like clothe. Think about it!
