I STAND WITH NIGERIA

In June 2014, the price of oil fell globally from $115 dollars per barrel to $35dollars per barrel. Oil producing nations especially Nigeria was not prepared for this. Now you see, Nigeria biggest if not only export product is crude oil. What this meant for Nigeria was a decline in our financial strength as a country. 

Fast forward to the end of the Presidential race and it seemed the country was at a stand-still under the administration of the then president; Goodluck Jonathan. The opposition was able to reel in on these weaknesses. Exchange rate was getting higher; not favourable for Nigeria, terrorism was at its peak, kidnap, and oh CORRUPTION was at an all-time high. These problems were the key factors General Muhammed Buhari sought to tackle.

Nigerians believed. It didn’t matter that history had it that General Buhari was reportedly a dictator during his time but importantly a lot of people had much to say about his strong stand against corruption and the APC sold the country this mandate; “kick corruption fix Nigeria”. Then came the historic victory; the opposition party successfully took power from Nigeria’s ruling party; PDP since our democracy begun in 1999.

Its May 29 2015 and Nigeria has a new leader. It is the administration of President Muhammed Buhari. Surprisingly, some things immediately improved in the country particularly power supply. People after a very long period of time had uninterrupted power supply. No one could explain the reason, but many assumed it was the fear of the wrath of the “General”. Nigeria was ecstatic. The fear also reportedly reduced the collection of bribes in top government parastatals. Money reportedly stopped “flowing” in Abuja. The usual weekend parties were at an all-time low. A top musician commented that politicians were scared of attracting attention because of the new administration.

  

Shortly, the “witch-hunt” of top officials under the Jonathan administration began. Who can forget the notorious “Dasuki gate” scandal? Diezani’s reported embezzlement, Musiliu Obanikoro, Governor Fayose and Femi Fani Kayode election money scandal ... the list goes on. It seemed Nigeria was ready. Nigeria was appalled by the details unfolding. No one could believe it. The figures were mind shattering. Nigerians wanted prosecution and justice. 

The drama in the country continued. News of recovery of loot by the Federal government became a norm. The economic effect of low oil prices began to manifest. The Federal revenue consolidation fund was reduced gravely. A lot of states were not able to pay their state workers’ salaries because as it turned out, their only source of revenue was that from the Federal consolidation fund which had greatly depleted. The hardship thus started to manifest on the masses.

In the midst of all of these dramas, the Federal government perhaps in a bid to salvage the situation began to drum up economic policies. Namely; the reduction in the accessibility of the average Joe to foreign exchange, daily limits on the spending of Nigerians internationally with their local account. The effect of these policies was to create a high demand of forex from the “blackmarket” and boy were some people cashing away!!!

It wasn’t long before the President became unpopular among the crowd that were cheering him some months back. Times had changed and Nigerians were not having the constant international travels while ignoring the issues at home or the yearly vacations either. The people were tired.

So sometimes in January2017, a movement began after popular musician; 2face Idibia posted on his Instagram page that he was going to be joining in a National protest against bad governance, unaccountability and non-prosecution of popular offenders already apprehended by the security agencies. Not surprisingly, the statement was applauded by Nigerians and top entertainers alike. Not to say there weren’t naysayers. A lot of who attacked 2face’s credibility; many faulting his personal character as a serial cheater and some attacks on the basis of his opposition on not having affiliation with the current political set up. 

The Federal government also responded via the Senior Special Assistant to the President; Femi Adeshina saying among other things that 2face Idibia and other protesters planning what is now nicknamed the “anti-government protest” are still angry over the 2015 Presidential elections.  In another dramatic twist of event, another group in support of the president sprung up with their "IStandWithBuhari" movement; in opposition to 2face’s led protest which has gathered momentum and support countrywide.

I am aware of the political climate in Nigeria as one that is very divisive and even though federalism was supposed to help bridge this gap; it has perhaps done worse with each sect primarily concerned about their own welfare over the interest of others. I do not subscribe to the idea of having a counter protest over 2face’s led own. I do not believe that the very fact that his protest his aimed at highlighting the ills in the country and demanding an urgent solution means that the entire Buhari’s administration is a total failure. It is basic that things are hard and people will just like a change in status quo. 

Whether you stand with 2face Idibia or with President Muhammed Buhari, can we all reflect a little and choose to  stand with Nigeria in other to create a better economic and political climate for our people? God bless the Republic of Nigeria.