As President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure comes to a close, it is an opportune time to reflect on his administration’s policies and actions and their impact on Nigeria and its citizens.
While every leader faces challenges, Buhari’s tenure has been marred by a series of bad policies and actions that have hindered Nigeria’s progress and left its citizens disillusioned.
From economic mismanagement to human rights violations, this article aims to chronicle some of the major shortcomings of the Buhari administration and highlight the urgent need for change as Nigeria bids farewell to this tumultuous era.
Economic Mismanagement:
One of the most significant failures of the Buhari administration has been its mishandling of Nigeria’s economy. Despite inheriting a country with vast potential and resources, Buhari’s policies have resulted in economic stagnation and hardship for ordinary Nigerians. His rigid approach to economic diversification, heavy reliance on oil revenues, and failure to attract foreign investment have exacerbated the country’s economic woes.
Under Buhari’s watch, Nigeria experienced a severe recession, characterized by high inflation rates, rising unemployment, and a weakening currency. The lack of coherent economic policies and the government’s inability to effectively tackle corruption have hindered Nigeria’s growth and development.
Moreover, the administration’s inconsistent foreign exchange policies and inadequate support for the private sector have further hindered investment and stifled entrepreneurship.
Human Rights Violations and Insecurity:
Another troubling aspect of Buhari’s tenure has been the blatant disregard for human rights and the worsening security situation in Nigeria. The administration’s heavy-handed approach to dissent and its crackdown on peaceful protests have eroded fundamental democratic principles and stifled freedom of expression.
The Buhari administration’s handling of security challenges, particularly the Boko Haram insurgency and the farmer-herder conflicts, has been marked by inefficiency and a lack of decisive action. Despite promises to address these issues, the administration’s response has often been slow and inadequate, resulting in the loss of countless lives and the displacement of communities. The failure to adequately protect citizens and provide a safe environment has bred fear and uncertainty among Nigerians.
Ethnic and Religious Divisions:
Rather than promoting unity and inclusivity, the Buhari administration has inadvertently deepened ethnic and religious divisions within the country. Buhari’s perceived favoritism towards his own ethnic group and religious affiliations has fueled distrust among other groups and hindered national cohesion. The lack of decisive action against perpetrators of violence and hate speech has allowed these divisions to fester, leading to increased tensions and conflicts across the country.
Corruption and Lack of Accountability:
Despite the administration’s promise to tackle corruption head-on, Nigeria has witnessed little progress in this area under Buhari’s leadership. While a few high-profile cases have been pursued, the overall fight against corruption has lacked transparency and impartiality. There have been allegations of selective prosecution, and key anti-corruption agencies have faced interference and intimidation.
Furthermore, the lack of accountability within the administration itself has raised concerns about the commitment to good governance. Instances of nepotism, lack of transparency in public appointments, and the absence of effective checks and balances have eroded public trust and damaged the credibility of the government.
As Nigeria bids farewell to the Buhari era, it is essential to acknowledge the significant failures of his administration. Economic mismanagement, human rights violations, ethnic divisions, and a lack of accountability have all contributed to Nigeria’s stagnation and the disillusionment of its citizens.
Moving forward, Nigeria needs leadership that prioritizes inclusivity, promotes good governance, and addresses the country’s pressing challenges with a sense of urgency.
The next administration must focus on revitalizing the economy, attracting investment and diversifying revenue sources to reduce dependence on oil. It should implement comprehensive economic reforms that encourage entrepreneurship, create job opportunities, and prioritize social welfare programs to alleviate poverty and inequality.
Addressing the security situation must be a top priority. The new administration should develop a holistic approach to tackling insurgency, terrorism, and communal conflicts, with a focus on intelligence gathering, capacity building, and community engagement.
Additionally, efforts should be made to promote dialogue and reconciliation among different ethnic and religious groups, fostering an environment of trust and understanding.
To restore faith in the government, there must be a strong commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. Anti-corruption efforts should be unbiased, with no room for political interference or selective prosecution. Strengthening institutions responsible for combating corruption and ensuring their independence is crucial. Public officials must be held accountable for their actions, and mechanisms for citizen participation and oversight should be established.
Furthermore, respect for human rights and freedom of expression should be upheld. The new administration must create an environment that encourages constructive criticism and protects the rights of individuals to peacefully voice their opinions without fear of reprisal. By safeguarding human rights, the government can foster an atmosphere of trust and inclusivity.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s journey under President Buhari has been fraught with challenges and setbacks. The administration’s policies and actions have hindered progress, deepened divisions, and left many Nigerians disillusioned.
As the country transitions to a new era of leadership, it is crucial that the incoming administration learns from these shortcomings and charts a new course for Nigeria’s future.
The next administration must prioritize economic growth, security, unity, and good governance. By implementing comprehensive reforms, fostering inclusivity, and promoting transparency and accountability, Nigeria can overcome its challenges and fulfill its potential as a prosperous and united nation.
Goodbye, Buhari. It is time for Nigeria to embrace a new chapter, one that is marked by visionary leadership, shared prosperity, and a commitment to the well-being of all its citizens. The hopes and aspirations of Nigerians cannot be denied any longer. The time for change is now.
