Looming Danger: An open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, by Engr. Bello Gwarzo Abdullahi, FNSE
Dear Mr. President,
Please accept my sincere apologies for the public dissemination of this letter, as I acted out of a sense of urgency, fearing that a private delivery might not reach your esteemed self.
By making this discourse public, my intention is to provoke discussions that can influence the future trajectory of our beloved nation. It is evident that in His infinite wisdom, God has chosen you to lead us as the President and Commander In Chief, a weighty responsibility that requires inputs from all patriotic Nigerians.
Throughout history, the decline of nations often stems from the resounding silence of individuals in the face of formidable challenges such as widespread poverty, governance failures, insecurity, and economic turmoil.
Nigeria’s history is replete with instances where its resilient citizens have stood firm in adversity, demanding accountability, improved living standards, and effective governance. This proactive stance has yielded positive results, fostering progress for our nation. However, the current political landscape necessitates a reassessment of our direction and a realignment of our efforts.
It is an undeniable truth that circumstances, whether favorable or unfavorable, present unique challenges that must be navigated with sagacity and foresight. Effective leadership, regardless of the prevailing government, remains crucial in guiding the ship of state through turbulent waters. Nigeria’s complex political terrain finds itself at a crossroads of both intrigue and difficulty as we seek to uphold the gains made in our democratic journey, the longest since our independence.
The resilience of our democratic fabric can be attributed to a series of pivotal events, one of the most significant being the contentious transition program spearheaded by Ibrahim Babangida. This program, though controversial, played a vital role in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape. The annulment of the historic June 12, 1993 elections, where the late Chief M. K. O. Abiola stood on the cusp of victory, sparked widespread unrest and underscored the deep-seated complexities within our society.
READ ALSO: Re: A word in favour of ‘Native Authority’ (II), by Engr. Bello Gwarzo Abdullahi, FNSE
The subsequent emergence of General Abdussalami Abubakar ushered in a new era characterized by collaboration between military and civilian elites in formulating a transition plan. This strategic maneuver led to the release of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo from incarceration and his subsequent rise to the presidency. Obasanjo’s tenure, from 1999 to 2007, was fraught with challenges, including his controversial quest for a third term, which met vehement opposition from the populace.
The successive administrations of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan were marked by various policy decisions and challenges. Muhammadu Buhari’s triumph in the 2015 and 2019 elections, bolstered by the merger of political parties to form the APC, signaled a shift in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Since assuming office, a new set of challenges has arisen under your leadership, ranging from policy decisions regarding fuel subsidy removal to diplomatic blunders resulting in Niger’s suspension from ECOWAS.
The prevailing sense of disenchantment and frustration among Nigerians, exacerbated by political tensions in various states and perceived marginalization of certain regions, underscores the urgent need for decisive action. Figures like Nyesom Wike wield significant influence, raising concerns about the repercussions of their actions on the government’s credibility. The crises in different states, from Rivers to Lagos, and the Kano Emirate dispute demand your immediate attention, as the ultimate responsibility lies with you.
In view of these pressing issues, I implore you to intervene promptly and decisively. Your involvement in movements advocating for democracy, good governance, and the rule of law positions you uniquely to address these challenges. The signs of impending crisis are apparent, necessitating a unified approach from all stakeholders for the collective well-being of our nation.
In times like these, leadership is defined by the ability to act decisively and inclusively, ensuring that our nation’s progress is safeguarded and sustained for future generations.
bgabdullahi@gmail.com
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
