The change we crave for

The 2015 general elections in Nigeria had been one of the most recognized elections in the history of Nigeria. Decked with wonders in mobilization, awareness, turnout and political civilization, the elections had attracted the attention of the world. Several unfortunate issues such as corruption, insurgency, insecurity, impunity, bias in political appointments, lack of social amenities […]

The 2015 general elections in Nigeria had been one of the most recognized elections in the history of Nigeria. Decked with wonders in mobilization, awareness, turnout and political civilization, the elections had attracted the attention of the world.
Several unfortunate issues such as corruption, insurgency, insecurity, impunity, bias in political appointments, lack of social amenities among others characterize Goodluck Jonathan Presidency which pushed the people to the wall and instigated them to get even by their votes.
Thus, Nigerians voted President Muhammad Buhari at the polls. They did it not because they needed change in their body and pocket, neither did they vote him to have change in their dishes, but it was their belief that under a Buhari government, their lives would certainly change for a better, considering the promises he made during campaign.
President Buhari promised to reshape this country in terms of abiding by national policy and the law of the land; alleviating unemployment, which has devastated our youth; fighting corruption; putting an end to security challenge; which has been officially achieved to an extent; free market for competition; improve agriculture; free judiciary and parliament; improve bilateral relations with other nations; recover looted funds, to mention but a few. These factors are pillars in developing a nation.
Again, Nigerians voted for the change because under the last administration, the above mentioned vices were glorified by top government officials, which the then president remained silent on.
However, with the coming on board of President Buhari, Nigerians had high expectations to the extent of wanting things to change overnight. But it has never been easy to construct after such a massive destruction. When some people spent 16 years destroying this country, I cannot imagine a magic that someone can do to correct it in a year.
After a year, various ministries, departments and agencies are now striving to work within the confines of the law that establishes them and the constitution. Everybody is conscious to the provision of the law. Such is a remarkable achievement in
Nigeria. A corruption crusade is also eating the stomach of the looters and embezzlers of public fund. Top cabals that are always right and innocent have now been brought to book. Various countries such as United States, United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates and other European countries have agreed to return our looted wealth.
Boko Haram insurgents are now on their heels running helter-skelter, looking for hideouts, bomb blasts are now becoming history, capturing of villages by the insurgents has been put to an end, and the people displaced are now returning to their homes.
Our judiciary has now regained its lost privilege and glory. When President Buhari came in as president he declared that his administration would allow for freedom of judiciary and parliament to operate without influence from executive. We can see the effect of the declaration from various cases such as Dasuki Gate, Saraki and other judicial cases.
The corruption fighting agencies like Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offenses Commission (ICPC), are also barking for good.
These achievements are enough for a year, considering the level of destruction before now. It is also an effort to correct bad practices established by unscrupulous Nigerians. We Nigerians did not crave for money neither did we desire for mismanagement of fund to please people, rather we desired a constructive and visionary change for constant progress, the progress that covers the interest of the whole nation.

Hajara Mamza, Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.