New Year and the gains of 2019
We are already in a new year, 2020. Those who are lucky to see this year have started asking how it would be different from others before it. In 2019, a lot of things happened; some were good while others were not, depending on how one viewed them. For instance, although the 2019 general elections […]
We are already in a new year, 2020. Those who are lucky to see this year have started asking how it would be different from others before it. In 2019, a lot of things happened; some were good while others were not, depending on how one viewed them. For instance, although the 2019 general elections were peaceful, there were pockets of violence and rejection of results. Those who lost out alleged that the elections were rigged and consequently took their cases to various courts. Also, the November 26 gubernatorial elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states have been widely criticised due to the allegation of irregularities and violence. There were alleged cases of votes buying, ballot snatching and other forms of violence perpetrated by political thugs.
As a result of the above, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has promised to improve the conduct of elections in the next exercise. Whether the electoral umpire would keep its promise or not, only time will tell.
Another question many Nigerians are asking is: How did the country’s economy perform last year? The Federal Government has already blown its own trumpet, saying the economy performed very well. It premised its reasons on the gains recorded in agriculture, social intervention programmes and border closure.
However, the increase in the country’s debt profile and the damning report released by World Poverty Clock, that 89 million Nigerians are living below the poverty line has, remained a bad news and eroded the much publicised gains by the Federal Government.
With the increased of Value Added Tax (VAT) to 7.2per cent, Nigerians will pay higher for consumable goods. I think the government should endeavour to get its economy policies right through diversification and blocking of revenue loopholes or leakages in the new year.
On the security front in 2019, great success was recorded in the war against Boko Haram. Our gallant troops said they were able to contain the madness of the dreaded group in the North-East. That notwithstanding, however, the rising cases of kidnapping and killings by suspected herdsmen have left so much to be desired. To this end, our Ministry of Defence should sit up and be combat-ready this year.
The reported alliance between Boko Haram and ISWP has indicated that the war against terrorism is not yet over.
What about the justice system in 2019? Did it fair well? The answer is no. It came under attack from legal experts who accused government of excessive disregard for court orders. The cases of Dasuki and El-Zazzaky and Soware are typical examples of gross disobedience of courts orders. In 2020, government should lead by example by upholding the rule of law in the country.
Also, last year, the war against corruption took a good and interesting dimension as those who enriched themselves with public fund landed in trouble. A former governor and serving senator was sent to jail. This is a right step in the right direction and it should be sustained. Nigerians want to see many corrupt government officials in correctional centres this year. This will further send a strong signal that the war against corruption has come to stay.
As 2020 begins, may the country witness prosperity in all aspects of human endeavour. Happy New Year!
Ibrahim Mustapha Pambegua, Kaduna State (08169056963)