Nigeria and hard times

Before the taking over of mantle of leadership by the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) early last year, the majority of Nigerians who saw the then Presidential candidate of the party, General Muhammadu Buhari as the game changer to myriad of Nigeria problems were taken aback less than a year and half of the General […]

Before the taking over of mantle of leadership by the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) early last year, the majority of Nigerians who saw the then Presidential candidate of the party, General Muhammadu Buhari as the game changer to myriad of Nigeria problems were taken aback less than a year and half of the General occupying the exalted seat at Presidential Villa as Nigeria President. For average Nigerian, President Buhari is the “Messiah” who is to liberate the nation and place it in the comity of nation forgetting that there is no gain without pain.
The hardship being face this period has taken another dimension as it is so difficult for many family to feed couple with the on paid salaries and when salaries are paid it is on percentage in some quarters. The rise of staple commodities in the market has scared a lot of Nigerians from performing their obligations of providing for their families. Report gathered from across the country is indeed bleak as pilfering of common food items are the order of the day as people can longer feed themselves thereby resulting into nefarious activities which at times leads to death when the perpetrators are caught.
It is a common thing to hear people complaining of lack of money. This scenario has forced some individuals into corporate begging across length and breadth of our cities. The question that readily comes to mind is when will the hard times end? Although the government has assured the populace pragmatic measures have been taking to cushion the effects of this season with its policies and programmes to ameliorate the suffering of the masses. Be that as it may, Nigerians are yet to feel the impact of the administration promises to liberate it from its present predicament.
Presently, one may not be totally wrong to conclude that Nigeria is sitting on a gun powder considering the alarming rate of unemployment in the society, which requires an urgent attention from all and sundry.  It is true that the government of the day has vowed to reduce the level of unemployment and promised opportunities such as the recruitment of 500,000 teachers and 10,000 police man. With this approach the government is commendable but it is still very far from reducing unemployment rate as more commitment is needed while some individuals believe that a state of emergency is to be declared to tackle the menace of unemployment head on.
Recently, prominent association and individual such as the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Sultan of Sokoto, have called on the President to come to terms that Nigerians are suffering and efforts must be made to redirect our economy to path of greatness and the much talked about diversification of the economy must not be taking with a pinch of salt. This is because an average Nigeria does not understand the indices of economy growth but what is paramount to them is seeing food on their tables.
The truth of the matter is that World Bank and IMF prescription may not be the solution to our challenges. It is therefore rest on our Economists to stop sitting on defense but rather rally round Mr. President with ideas, suggestions and fashion out way of our economy woes. And that the President in turn should embrace constructive criticisms, knowing fully well that we are one Nigeria and the hard times does not respect region, religion and political affiliation.   

Segun Popoola, Abuja.