The mantra that started out as ?FeBuhari? which later metamorphosed into ?March4Buhari?? though some see as a stiff imposition but with the benefit of hindsight we can say it was a divine intrusion , has eventually culminated into what I called ?BuhariMa(y)deIt?. In this Fourth Republic, we have experienced virtually all permutations possible. First, Intrapersonal-Intraparty transition of power in 2003 and 2011, again Interpersonal-Intraparty power change in 2007. This time another landmark will be laid come 29th May 2015, (Interpersonal-Interparty handover of power). Thus far, can we say our democracy has witnessed sustained growth over these years? That I know is open to a lot of debate, but I sincerely want us to reflect on this. Without mincing words, the incoming government may have to grapple with a system that is stunted by ineptitude, jaundiced by sycophants and inaneness, distracted by power games and incapacitated by ethno-religious bigotry! Our beloved country had degenerated into a cesspool of corruption where public servants help themselves freely to the national treasury. Bokoharam threaten our lives and sovereignty, kidnapping has become a recurring decimal, our cities and homes are no longer safe.
We all know there are leadership lacunae in all of this, but the electoral system has hitherto failed us. However, with one outburst of determination mixed with frustration, Nigerians on that fateful day in March 2015, took their destinies in their hands, defied all odds, challenged stereotypes and voted for General Muhammadu Buhari (RTD). I must admit he is indeed the man of the people! But I must quickly add, the people that shouted ?Hosanna? today can come back tomorrow and say ?crucify him?. The event of the last four years and the woeful performance of this administration is quite instructive. Nonetheless, I have some trust in this administration to chart a better course for our land. Buhari?s determination, doggedness and discipline are enough impetus to propel our nation into the much awaited renaissance. He has surrounded himself with a mix of technocrats and politicians who are willing to do a better job, that I feel is a right step in the right direction.
This present government indeed laid some good foundations that is worthy of commendation. First, our electoral system is getting more credible, the brewing resurgence of the railway transportation is noteworthy. We have defiled international calculation of a disintegrated Nigeria by 2015 as post-election violence was responsibly prevented and not long ago, we mounted a world-class epidemiological intelligence to contain Ebola. Nevertheless, a lot more still need to be done. Corruption has eaten deep into the fabric of our society and like he has said somewhere ?if we don?t kill corruption in Nigeria, corruption will kill us?. Now that the dagger is in his hands, I trust he will help us kill it. The economy is on a downward spiral, much so is the Naira failing woefully against the Dollar. Electricity and power generation has failed and it is failing the more. Fuel scarcity, fuel subsidy and oil sector many scams need urgent attention. Bokoharam, insecurity and kidnapping are hitherto strange to us but are now sad realities most Nigerians are living with. Unemployment, ethnic and religious crises still remain a menace to socio-economic progress of our people.
Dashing down to my constituency, our health system is plagued with so many problems. The National Health Act signed by President Goodluck Jonathan last December is at best gathering dust on the shelves, six months down the line no implementation whatsoever. Inherent in this Act is the solution to the power tussle that is about to wreck our health institution. Inherent in this Act is the solution to the incessant strikes that had bedeviled our health system. Inherent in this Act is an arrangement that favors ?bottom-up approach? to health system strengthening rather than the ?top-to-bottom approach? which had hitherto failed our health system. Need I say more? Yes! WHO states that tobacco use kills nearly 6Millon people each year. About 600,000 non smokers die yearly as a result of being exposed to secondhand smoke. Research shows that nearly 80% of the world’s One Billon smokers live in low and middle income countries and in Nigeria the trio of poverty, ignorance and unemployment has made it egregious causing numerous health complications for our kids, youths and adults alike. Tobacco Control Bill is a potent weapon to secure the health of these innocent Nigerians. The Bill has been signed by both the upper and lower arms of the National Assembly, all that is required to make it a law is a presidential assent. We are hoping the incumbent President in his magnanimity and concern for the health of Nigerians will give assent before 29th May, if otherwise, We are imploring the President-Elect, to leave a legacy and pass the Tobacco Control Bill into law.
The burden before the General is much, our expectations are high and the much needed ‘positive change’ is all that we are expecting. May the Lord give him wisdom to direct our land.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Charles T. Olomofe (M.B.Ch.B)
Health and Behavioral Change Advocate
@Chartol1 on twitter
