Nigeria is today celebrating 25 years of uninterrupted democratic experiment. The Fourth Republic is the most longest and enduring in Nigeria's political history after independence.
On the other hand, PBAT is celebrating one year of his administration of Renewed Hope (8-Points Agenda). Before his election as president in 2023 BAT was one of the most powerful politician in Nigeria (god-father or King maker). There is strong argument of his god-fatherism in Lagos and Southwest and achievements that many people believe he would replicate at the centre?
To assess the PBAT administration one year in office one must look at the 8-Points Agenda critically (food security, poverty eradication, job creation, access to capital, rule of law, inclusion and fighting corruption). In all of the above and in one year not much has been achieved. The fact on ground is that there is food insecurity and food inflation, poverty level has increased, no more jobs but people are losing jobs, access to capital is not implemented, inclusion not as expected, rule of law a good step towards justice with the Governor's cases and fighting corruption is going slowly.
PBAT achievements are more in political aspects than economic. As the most powerful politician PBAT reward loyalty unlike PMB. The appointments/positions of Vice-president, NSA APC National Chairman, CoS to the President exemplifies rewarding political loyalty. However, the rulings of Supreme Court's on some governor's cases indicated a different approach of judicial autonomy without political interference by PBAT or his cronies.
In my opinion, PBAT administration is facing three major challenges; adoption of neo-liberal policies, Insecurity and foreign policy blunders.
In my Open Letter to the President on 10th February 2024, I cautioned that "as a leader, you must choose between dogmatic ideology against the welfare of your citizens... If poverty is addressed the head of the security problem is cut off" The rest of the problems can be resolved by good governance.
Neo-liberal policies of subsidy removal applauded by the World Bank and IMF has been termed as anti-masses, the students Loan and more debt for Nigeria. The bigger taxes nets are worrisome despite the worsening economic qunundrum.
PBAT administration poorly implement the palliative programs in Nigeria. There is data and comprehensive program while the minimum wage is still not finalized. The social security register (SSR) must be comprehensive and factual for easy use by FGN.
The insecurity is caused by many factors; internal and external. The state collapsed in Africa and worsening living conditions and politics in Nigeria. Recently, there is group of Yoruba Nationalist and separatist in South-west causing security breach and tension in the land.
The way and manner the coup in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali was handled has shown that it was deeply thought out diplomatically. It ended in confused and contradictory outcome. The ECOWAS under PBAT Chairmanship was more divided and infiltrated by foreign powers.
On the 25th Anniversary of Democracy in Nigeria, my candid view is that if the voter apathy witnessed in the last three election cycles continuous and division caused by identity politics is not addressed the experiment of democracy would face reversal at any point in the future. There will no bastion for democracy. Participation and tolerance are major tenets of democratic system globally.
PBAT must set his objectives clear through the 8-Points Agenda to be implemented systematically. The impact must be felt by Nigerians. If the administration is to be taken seriously in the next three years.
God bless Nigeria!
Isa Mohammed,
29th May, 2024,
Writes from Taraba State University, Jalingo.
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