By Adeniyi Ogunfowoke
The plot of ‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’-which starred Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Kevin Hart among other acts-can be likened to the situation in Nigeria. The only difference is that the Nigerian leadership have refused to take the huge responsibility of radically reforming this country.
In the thriller, you would have observed that the main cast members went on a dangerous adventure of their lives. Regardless, they worked together as a team to survive the jungle even though the odds were against them.
Their survival was made possible by The Rock-who took up the responsibility of leading the team back to the real world. He was focused and didn’t allow anything to distract him. This was because they had two options-to survive or die. They chose the former.
Perhaps the option of swearing by ogun or amadioha and not by the Bible/Quraan should be given to our politicians.
In 2015, Nigerians trooped out in their numbers to teach the Peoples Democratic Party a lesson of a lifetime. They voted out PDP’s meek and gentlemanly candidate-then incumbent Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and replaced him with President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB).
The defeat of GEJ was possible due to PMB’s and All Progressive Congress’s (APC) admirable and mindblowing campaign littered with endless promises of change. And of course, Nigerians were disenchanted with GEJ under whose nose monies were being frittered away.
Nigerians were hopeful after the inauguration of PMB. The expectations went through the roof. He was likened to a messiah who have come to rescue Nigeria from the brink.
So far, these hopes have been dashed as many are very disappointed with the performance of the President.
The first sign that his administration had k-leg was when it took him 6 months to name a cabinet. With the 6 months, the quality of those he selected raised eyebrows.
In between, he refused to play the politics of who become the principal officers of the National Assembly. Unbeknown to him, the leaders of the National Assembly can determine the success or failure of his government.
After two years plus, ridiculous and unbelievable things have happened under the watch of Nigeria’s anti-corruption strongman.
The appointment of eight dead people as head of government parastatals was not only embarrassing but reveal the high-level of incompetence in the administration.
More recently, the $500 million Abacha loot was re-looted. Many Nigerians thought this thievery went with GEJ.
Reacting, Shehu Sani, the senator representing Kaduna Central in the National Assembly said in a Twitter post: “The disappearance of $500 million recovered loot now under investigation by the EFCC confirms the presence of seasoned and experienced magicians in government. It also reveals the postgraduate level of roguery and larceny in the system.”
There are endless examples that all is not well with PMB’s government. Is it the slow and lethargic reaction to the senseless killings allegedly carried out by the Fulanis in Benue state? The skepticism to address fuel scarcity? The fight for supremacy among the security agencies?
Also, Aisha Buhari, the President’s wife and first lady had summed everything up telling the BBC Hausa Service back in 2016 that Buhari’s government has been hijacked by the cabal who are “behind presidential appointments.”
Mrs Buhari revealed that “I have decided as his wife, that if things continue like this up till 2019, I will not go out and campaign again and ask any woman to vote like I did before. I will never do it again.”
Perhaps still concerned for her husband’s 2019 ambition, Aisha addressed the issue of the cabal in his government. This time she was not confrontational.
She simply reposted two videos by Senator Isah Misau’ and Senator Ben Bruce on her verified Instagram and Twitter pages. The clips from OAK TV showed the lawmakers openly accusing PMB of appointing incompetent people because they belong to the cabal.
There is absolutely no doubt that PMB is not in charge of the Aso jungle. He has allowed sycophants and praise singers to blind him to reality.
Amidst this hijack, Nigerians who voted for PMB are patiently waiting for 2019 to move against him. They have lost the belief and faith they had in Nigeria when he was elected.
This said, the quality of candidates in 2019 will be a huge factor in determining who will win the 2019 elections. Even if PMB wins, it is not because Nigerians love him, it is due to the fact that the alternative is nothing to write home about.
The damage has already been done. The President should note that his low rating and perception among Nigerians will barely change if by any chance he wins the 2019 elections. The only way he can redeem his now battered image is to immediately fulfill his change promises.
Twitter: @Sleeksavvy
The post In the Aso Jungle but not in control appeared first on Vanguard News.
In the Aso Jungle but not in control
CLICK HERE TO READ FULL CONTENT
Brought to you by: RIDBAY | WEBSITE DESIGN & DIGITAL MARKETING
