As We Celebrate, Let Us Remember That… -By Olabisi Akinkugbe

The “success” of the Presidential elections bodes well for Nigeria both at the national and international level. Nationally, it signifies the prevalence of the collective will of the Nigerian people in electing a new leader that they believe will address the ills that have crippled the nation for years in the hope of building a “new Nigeria”. At the global level, the emergence of an opposition party “peacefully” defeating an incumbent defies and simultaneously re-defines the popular “failure” narrative associated with the conduct of elections of Africa.

The extension of congratulatory message by President Goodluck Jonathan to General Muhammadu Buhari equally runs contrary to the logic that African leaders seek to perpetuate themselves in office by all means even if it means truncating the will of the people. Although imperfect, the process the produced the opposition as the President-elect has elevated Nigeria’s status amongst the comity of nations. The “success” of the elections and the transition process should fortify investor’s confidence in Nigeria’s future despite the recent downward spiral in the economy.

While the euphoria of “change” that has swept across the country since the declaration of the election results are deserved, events of Nigeria’s recent past call for the exercise of some caution and deep reflection as we consolidate our democracy. The intense excitement of the success of the All Progressives Alliance (APC) at the polls must be immediately checked with a fair dose of reality and appreciation of the complex journey ahead of rebuilding Nigeria. This opinion provides a limited take on some aspects of the complex but complimentary role of government and citizens in building a “new Nigeria” – although one remains unsure how to define this. While many non-justiciable promises were made during the course of the election campaigns that Nigerians will hold tenaciously to, General Muhammadu Buhari’s government must demonstrate with clarity that it is not business as usual for governance in Nigeria. Together with his amiable Vice-President elect – Professor Yemi Osinbajo, their personal integrity must translate into a moral responsibility that their government will listen to the people and not shirk in the face of trials and temptations that they will surely confront by the entrenched structure that has crippled Nigeria for many years. In this regard, they as much as possible must deliver on their promises to Nigerians in key areas such as security, education, healthcare, energy, job creation, transparency and committed fight against corruption to mention a few. While paying attention to these pertinent national issues, it should simultaneously enhance Nigeria’s role as a regional powerhouse in West Africa that has gradually declined over the past decade.

For Nigerians, it is also time for us to rethink our roles and contribution towards the development of Nigeria and achievement of the type of governance that we desire – as opposed to ideals that are copied from the West. In this regard, I commend the will of Nigerians to make our votes count despite all odds. This civic responsibility is our power and through it we have shown that we do not need to “occupy” or lead “uprisings” to salvage our future from those that collude to devour our resources. While the presidential elections witnessed a significant improvement in the percentage of voters, we must do better in the upcoming gubernatorial elections. We have a reputable platform in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as ably led by Professor Attahiru Jega whom we trust to complete the enviable job done so far. Whether one belongs to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or the APC, this election has birth a new consciousness in most Nigerians in relation to their ability to vote out under-performing governments and elect new leaders of their choice. Long may this continue! Our duty as citizens does not however end with the election process. While “good governance” from the top is essential, the bottom-up complement from the people is as critical. By this I mean the recognition that the battle from now on is for both the ruling party and the opposition alike bury their hatchet in order to together nourish the entity called Nigeria. We must together embrace the economic development policies of the new government for the greater good of us all. We must put behind us the ills of the campaigns leading to the elections that glorified colonial relics and techniques of governance and domination along religious and ethnic sentiments. We must immediately put the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians ahead, for what holds us together is much more than what separates us. If need be, we should consciously reach out to one another and remind ourselves that it is a journey that we are affected by the outcome, whether we believe it or not.

The entrenchment and consolidation of democratic process and governance will only yield the result we all desire if the government and citizens alike appreciate the complimentary roles they have to play in the achievement of the “new Nigeria”. Nigerians especially must cultivate the habit and constantly remind the new government that in four years time, failure to deliver on their promises will also earn the wrath of the negative power of voting. The imminent danger of loosing the federal election after one term should keep APC on their toes.

Finally, I hope that PDP as the new opposition will not fall-apart or dissolve significantly into APC. It takes some getting used to having been the ruling party for 16 years, however, they have as much role to play in the new Nigeria. They must stand up as a worthy critic of the ruling party from May 29 while also re-engineering their internal politics ahead of 2019. A very good opposition will strengthen our democracy.

I commend President Goodluck Jonathan for respecting the spirit of the Peace Accord. You will be remembered for the transition you have enabled in birthing a “new Nigeria”.

Congratulations APC!!! To General Muhammadu Buhari, your persistence and faith, but most importantly the vote of the Nigerian people who are the true winners have brought you and your Vice-President elect this far, I hope that you will not let us down.

God bless Nigeria!!!

Olabisi D Akinkugbe, is an Assistant Professor of Law at the Faculty of Law, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Canada. He is also an Associate of the Nigerian Leadership Initiative.