Ten months into the Buhari administration, Nigerians are predictably, and I'd contend, justifiably restless. I always had the belief that the novelty of Buhari would begin to wear thin round about this time, I didn't even know that my level of optimism was unrealistically high. Nigerians are neither foolish nor naive. We knew from the get-go that things were pretty dire and that it would take a bit of time for the nascent government to find its feet and begin to fashion out a new era of hope for our country. We voted for a new and better approach to governance; we voted based on our belief that Buhari was best placed to herald in that new era. The APC shouldn't be under the illusion that Nigerians voted along Party lines, most voters that went for them did so because of Buhari. After all, quite a sizable number of shakers and movers in APC are PDP defectors. Old wine in new bottle, as far as Nigerians are concerned. Period!
Unearthing and fighting corruption to a standstill was one of Buhari's promises, but not the only one. Make no mistake, we applaud the stout effort on this front but we didn't envisage it would be as cumbersome and intractable as it has turned out to be. Again, we are not stupid because we anticipated the inherent difficulties in dislodging highly-positioned corrupt persons from their perches. We are nonetheless grateful that meaningful strides are being, and have been, made to bring to our awareness the extent of skullduggery that permeated the prior government. What is unnerving Nigerians mainly is that no visible and tangible result has been achieved despite the spate of investigations and indictments of these politically-exposed persons. When, the other day, Buhari was asked about this legitimately-held concern, he responded by querying what we were doing when these atrocities were taking place. That was not Presidential at all. With due respect, Buhari needs to be educated in the very fine art of responding to questions without betraying his emotions in such a disgraceful manner. He must grow his level of tolerance to an unimaginable level if he is to be the success that most Nigerians envisaged and prayed for. He is doing a great job of alienating the very people that got him into that exalted office and he must begin to claw back the goodwill of the people he is losing and lost.
The first anniversary of Buhari's inauguration into office is fast approaching and it is about time Nigerians started to feel his impact in the real sense of the word. He must identify with the main difficulties of the people as a matter of urgency because we are getting weary of excuses, and we are certainly tired of listening to the same old line of blaming the past government(s). We voted Buhari into power to bring about the change we so desired and deserve. It no longer washes blaming vandalism and sabotage for the lack of power supply. Damn! Do something about it. It is barmy to keep blaming speculators for the painful uncertainties in the currency markets. Damn! Do something about it. We are sick of hearing that the legal profession is hindering the effort in the fight against corruption. Damn! Do something about it. What's all about this dream team of Ministers he too so long to assemble? I don't think any Nigerian could say with a straight face that even one of them has lived up to the billing. I don't give a rat's arse what goes on behind the scenes, Osinbajo has been a let-down too. We need and expect visible action, not just Press releases churning out banalities. Direction is needed on all fronts, and fast. The honeymoon is well and truly over.
If I'm honest, I have to admit that Buhari's performance to date has been disappointingly underwhelming. He should up his game and begin to show Nigerians that we did not make an error in pinning our hopes on him. He should begin to understand and address the plight of people before it's too late. If Buhari fails, I genuinely fear for the future of this country. For Buhari not to fail though, he has to transform his government from one of excuses and inaction to one of action in the superlative order and hope for the hapless citizens of Nigeria. Time is ticking by fast.
