In The Same Ship Now -By Kenny Oladipo

Another hurdle scaled, another milestone reached. 20 years on, a nation bravely trudges along the ever-meandering and uneven road of democratic governance. Democracy with all its inherent flaws and visible imbalances soldiers on; subtly making in-roads into the corridors of doubt and quietly winning hearts and minds that this national experiment may ultimately become self-correcting, self-perpetuating and self-sustaining after all.

The people voted and made their voices heard like never before, putting over-confident political dynasties on notice. Some prominent political be-all-and-end-all suffered remarkable setbacks. And those that managed to survive this round are on borrowed time. At the appropriate election cycle, the people’s will shall render its verdict. Interestingly, arrogant governors and senators got rude awakening, the self-described untouchables were not only touched, they were sent on permanent retirement to finally recede from public view. Losing their nuisance value to the abyss of ignominy, and ushering in a new era of freedom to the newly emancipated people.

Undoubtedly, our journey has been difficult and path treacherous but two decades in, we continue to march on as a people destined for greatness. As insecurities, anxieties, fears, and uncertainties ahead of 2019 election cycle begin to wane, let fresh hopes and expectations rise in their stead. Granted, the elections at various levels and places weren’t the prettiest juxtaposed to many metrics, however, there’s retention of confidence in the impartiality of the courts to eventually impose order on the political process at the time and place of the Law’s choosing. That said, the present truth is, against all dubious predictions, our democratic experiment endures.

President Buhari won a second term in office, receiving the mandate to continue the arduous task of national rebirth and reawakening. On a personal level, it’s been a challenging time for the president who had to battle through a harrowing period of indisposition that beset early into his presidency. Fortunately, by Providence, he powered through, reasserted his authority and largely retained the goodwill of the majority. A testament to his sheer willpower and strength. The servant-leader emerged victorious one more time to advance the cause of prosperity and freedom for all.

Admonished by powerful voices to dismount, yet found a way to surmount the odds. For President Buhari to serve, he has to succeed; to preside, he has to prevail. On February 23, 2019, the president not only succeeded he prevailed also. Now, the journey begins anew, the president must concurrently serve the overwhelming interest of the people and preside with convictions of his governing philosophy and steel over the nation’s affairs. An end has to come to passive and reactive approach to governance, leading from behind will not suffice. The president must be seen rallying the nation in the direction he believes she should go and lead the way. Proactive situational awareness to replace lethargy across all strata of government. Potential crisis flashpoints must be met with unmistakable resolve, showing orchestrators of symphony of destruction that thus far and no further. The carnage of the past few years, and wanton killings and blood shed of innocent lives should cease forthwith.

The shape, scope and composition of the incoming administration should transcend party or voting patterns lines. Let merit, competence and spread drive appointment into meaningful positions. A government packed with nominal politicians seldom gets anything substantive done. That a former governor performed somewhat well in a state is not enough reason for appointment as a minister, or a justification to merge 3 ministries, creating a bureaucratic behemoth in the process. Unbundling Power, Works and Housing ministries in the new administration should be on the table. Likewise, promoting defeated governorship candidates or two-term governors as cabinet ministers is a recipe for disaster.

To fellow citizens, we may have arrived on different boats, but we’re in the same ship now. Our political leanings may have been as diverse as our circumstance of birth, and our voting patterns may have reflected such diversity. However, we have a declared winner now and together we have a country to run. Let’s get behind the incoming administration, and offer constructive criticism not cynicism, support not scorn, vigilance not indifference, prayers not vitriols. For in the success of this presidency lies the collective success of the nation that we love.

To the president, history beckons once again. Make the next four years count as the best years in the annals of national history yet. Deliver the promise, serve the people, respond to the call of conscience and preside without fear or favor. Always looking out for the welfare of all people regardless of gender, religion, political persuasion or ethnicity. For in doing these, you fulfill the higher calling of the office you enter and called to serve.

Congratulations and good luck as you steer the ship of state safely to the harbor of Destiny.
May God bless Nigeria and the people that love her.

Kenny OLADIPO
Houston, Texas.
Twitter: @kindodey

I’m a Reliability Engineer in the oil industry and I routinely write opinions of national importance. This article is written with a view of encouraging the people of Nigeria to come together after the just-concluded election cycle and calling for peaceful transition of political power.