By Isyaku Ibrahim
Nigerians wherever they are, are today celebrating twenty five of uninterrupted Civilian Administration in the country
The journey started as early as 1999 when Military Head of States Absulsalam Abubakar handed power to Chief Olusegun at a colourful event witnessed by dignitaries across parts of the world
The development which became practical after the death of then Head of States Sani Abacha who intended pressure by the international community and well meaning Nigerians
Since then elections have been held quadrennially to elect political leaders right from Federal to State level that will steer the activities of the largest Democracy in the whole of Africa
During the past twenty Five years slot has been seen in political arena of the country which would described as the good the bad and the ugly
Delightfully, progression has been attained in the sense that as now the wider majority have a say on who deserved to rule the nation unlike in the past when iron fist or barrel of the gun is being used to take over government
When the Civilians came on board, there was wild jubilation across length and breadth of the country that things would change for good
Definitely, the going was good during the first three administrations to be objective as almost everything was within the reach of the ordinary citizens
But surprisingly things started changing for bad as soon as when the Messiah assumed the leadership in view of what one could describe as harsh economic policies which were totally unbearable
This situation without oita of contemplation, took us to where we are as of now despite the series of promises made on boosting the well being of the have not but up to now, as footballers say is not yet
By Democratic Governance, it means a situation whereby the majority will sip from its fruit like the provision of employment, sound Education and Health system, potable drinking water, roads network security and all other infrastructure as has been the case in other climes
But from the look up things, although to some extend, those on the mantle have done their best but much need to be done
For instance it was not no longer story that the country is facing endemic corruption a situation that deteriorated during the previous administration going by how the custodian of the nation’s Central Bank is being accused of having over three hundred questionable Bank Accounts beside conniving with others to cheat
During the aforementioned period, all the pillars of the country’s economy are in serious condition , like the electricity which provision is irregular ,Health plagued by strike obsolete materials and brain drain ,civill service,lack of adequate manpower and competency, defence,state of arts equipment and patriotism, transport and aviation system deplorable infrastructure
If we digress to politics, during the period under review we have noticed how elections were won by either hook or crook, candidates were hand picked or anointed rather than nominated by party delegates or faithful a situation that usually led to squabble among party members hence lead to defection electoral officers that were supposed to be apolitical connived with one party or the order while atimes election petition tribunals give mockery judgements
Turning to steering the affairs of state, appointments were given not based on merit but rather nepotism or favouritism hence the unpardonable blunder being made in public offices
Thus, as the occasion is being celebrated the prayers of the entire citizenry is for those on the helm of power to do the needful in lessening the anguish and pain being afflicted on the commoners this will surely be a thing of the past with commitment, sacrifice, determination, dedication and patriotism
and beside that if political leaders could be alive to their spelt out responsibilities of protecting the lives and properties of their subjects as earlier promised while taking the oath of office
A wise word says trust is a burden
