Now that we have a new government

BY RIDWAN JAMIU

As if it was just yesterday when the euphoria of President Buhari ‘s victory at the polls rented the air. How time flies! Time is life. Now comes a new government. Nigerians, what do you think is in the offing?!

Life is about hills and valleys, day and night, victory and defeat… Let losers at the last elections resign to fate or challenge the outcomes but as educated and civilized people would do_ seeking redress at the court of law. Proper education begets decency and tolerance. It’s ill-education, or I say ignorance, that elicits bigotry and indiscipline. I guess Nigerians are better educated now than ever.

The mark of Success of any government is improved welfare of the citizens, improved education, peaceful coexistence and rule of law. But no leaders have achieved success on their own account alone; success of the government demands collective and concerted efforts of all. Safety of the tree is safety of the bird. By words and deeds, we can prosper the new administration or hamper it. Let us be guided.

A land flourishes when her people choose to do what is right and right the wrongs. A land perishes when her people choose to do wrongs and hold the wrongdoers to no account. These are two among the roles expected of you as a progressive Nigerian: choose to do what’s right and right the wrongs, and hold your leaders responsible but not through insurgency or protest that is capable of igniting civil unrest and disturbance. The other role is, if you believe in God- every reasonable person does though- pray to God for your leaders’ guidance and righteousness; never curse them.

”The example of the one who is law-abiding and the one who transgresses is like the example of a people who boarded a ship after casting lots. Some of them were in its lower deck and others were in its upper deck. When those in the lower deck needed water, they had to go up and pass by those above them. So they said: ‘If we could make a hole in our share of the ship, so that we would not bother those above us.’ If those in the upper deck leave them do as they wish, they will all perish, but if they stop them, they will all survive.” Prophet Muhammad.

No place like home. Tarry a while oh youths planning to leave Nigeria. Nigeria is not that bad; be hopeful and grateful. Leaving the country is not an automatic guarantee of prosperity. It’s not always rosy for everyone in the diaspora. They miss so many things even though they may not tell you. They miss the moderate Nigerian weather which is among the best in the world. Some of them suffer scathing cold in their abode and others scorching heat. They would not tell you they suffer discrimination. They may not tell you they feel lonely, which accounts for rising cases of depression. They may not tell you the values and faith of their children are at stake. They may not tell you it intrigues them to realise their family root is at the threat of a complete cut off. They may not mention they crave the African dishes and those savoury cuisine in which a Nigerian relishes. They do not mention they often feel insecure with their spouses. They may not tell you they envy you during festivities. However, security and dignity of life trumps some of these advantages. Real home is where one finds security and dignity.

Why do we have some foreign nationals coming to Nigeria in droves as our youths leave? Do they have information to some opportunities which we are oblivious of? Be positive and creative; there are opportunities, but the government cannot do it all. Count your blessings. Re-educate yourself and re-orientate. Uphold good manners and try new things. Be teachable, disciplined and responsible. Be patient and resilient; there is no gain without pain.

The outgoing government has done its best. Read on the factsheet and highlights of its achievements. It’s delighting we do not have a president that is corrupt nor a vice that is wayward. They are both a source of pride and admiration; noble and responsible. Leaders of the two national Houses of Assembly were also, as far as we know, upright. Likewise do we have good and bad politicians and leaders. But perfection belongs to God. Ultimate judgement lies with God, the Almighty. No one can go scot-free.

Good things happening in the country hardly make it to the headlines of major newspapers and the media. This is why we almost live in despair and in a state of apprehension. God bless the pressmen who use journalism to disseminate correct information and promote good governance, peace and justice.

Let’s all support the new administration irrespective of our leanings and affiliations. Her success is our success, and the reverse is also true.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his cabinet, in advance, you are welcome on board. Life has offered you an opportunity to reform and develop our nation or do otherwise. Your story will be told either as sung heroes or condemned villains. The choice is yours.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Ridwan is the chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Lagos