Sir, let me begin by informing you that
recent happenings in the country give me a reason to worry. I believe
you would spare time to read this, especially at a time when you have
engaged in political campaign in preparation for the next month’s
general elections.
My president, this letter is simply from a concerned youth who sees
light even as darkness pervades everywhere. I am a staunch believer in
the transformation of Nigeria from its present state. Our country, which
you are highly favoured to lead, is endowed in human and natural
resources and as such, it needs good leader to harness these potentials.
As you continue your re-election campaign across the country, I will
highlight some of my observations. Your campaign train indeed struck the
right chord by starting off in Lagos penultimate Thursday. First was
your choice of Tafawa Balewa Square as against the National Stadium.
Indeed the crowd was massive and your party bigwigs attended. They spoke
with unmatched enthusiasm and it was hard to dispel the logic of their
rhetoric.
You said at the campaign: “Today, I am going to address only a
segment of the Nigerian population. I am going to address the people who
are voting for the first time, those of you who will attain 18 years
this year….I do not want to address old people like me, because we are
spent already and I will crave your indulgence Nigerian youths, those of
you who are here, and those of you watching us at home, listen to what I
am saying.”
These were your words at the start of your campaign. I commend you
for your foresight. Indeed, this shows your interest in the youths of
this nation. As you spoke, I listened with rapt attention to hear my
president highlighting his plans for the youths and the nation.
But, your descent into a personal attack negated your intention and I
found it rather unacceptable that you said these words: “…somebody who
wakes up and tells young people of 23 years old that he wants to fight
insecurity. Ask him when he was the head of government, did he buy one
rifle for Nigerian soldiers.” This is an unnecessary diversion from
issues.
Indeed, the president elected in 2011 was one who had no shoes, rode
on emotional appeal and good name getting above 22 million votes. Coming
out in 2015 requires more of tact, grounded articulations of
achievement and policies.
You are not the first whose second term bid raised some challenges
from the opposition. Barack Obama faced the same issue after his
inspiring “Yes We Can” campaign in 2008. His re-election bid in 2012 was
not a stroll in the park but for the inspiring speech delivered by his
predecessor, George Bush, the Republicans might have carried the day.
Yes, you might not be the best orator like America’s Obama but indeed
you were short of your meek disposition that has endeared me to your
personality. I saw a president who was all out to shame detractors from
the “change” camp. I saw the attacks targeted at the opposition leaving
little time for the marshalling of the transformation agenda strategies.
I expected my president to boldly speak from the rostrum without
attacking anyone. I do not expect my president to sink low and fight
dirty with words. It will only place you on the same level with
unlettered barbarians. You are a learned man with a PhD from a reputable
institution and I trust your intellectual capability.
I know how you feel when your administration is rubbished with words
of mouth. There is every tendency to defend attack, bite and roar in
defence but indeed in quietness and confidence lays your strength. These
have been your selling point from inception.
I therefore urge, as you continue your campaign, Nigerians prefer to
hear their cool, calm and composed president speak on consolidation
strategies if you eventually win on February 14. I desire to hear how
you intend to improve in areas you did not match up.
During your tenure, the power sector experienced changes but the
needed transformation is yet to be enjoyed by the masses. How do you
intend to build on the current megawatts of electricity?
The agriculture sector with the technocrat in charge really performed
yet there are major issues as to why the nation is yet to reap from
this viable sector rather than oil. What are the other viable areas the
economy of the nation can thrive on?
Unemployment is on the rise despite the YOUWIN and other
youth-related initiatives. How well is your strategy to take the young
people off the streets and engage them productively?
The Nigeria “beyond-oil” is here. How well is the government of
2015-2019 ensuring the nation suffers no loss as the economy
diversifies? We have been told to fasten our belt for this year’s
hardship yet we have no commensurate measure from the president.
“Corruption is not stealing,” my President was quoted as peddling
such spooky theory. No matter the definition, what is not good is not
good. How well will my president be man enough to call the bluff of
corrupt officials wagging their tails at the corridor of power? Placing
them in crates might not be the solution but which solution are you
planning?
Mr President, all I ask from you is to remember your promise during
the inauguration of the presidential campaign organisation that you will
“flaunt our achievements in all parts of the country, tell the story of
what we have achieved and let the facts and the figures be heard in
every nook and cranny of Nigeria.”
I am sure somebody provoked you that day. Forget the past, enter
action with boldness as you tell Nigerians what you have done and intend
to do if they give you the mandate again come February 14.
•Kelechi, 400-Level Mass Communication, UNILAG
No comments:
Post a Comment