APC and the Change Nigerians want

Following years of evident poor leadership and failure of politicians to live up to expectations after promising so much during electioneering campaigns, Nigerians desperate for change have set very high targets and expectations for the incoming government. Interestingly, the All Progressives Congress (APC), formally an opposition party that has heavily criticized the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) under President Goodluck Jonathan would be forming the government at the federal level and in most of the states. As they say, all eyes would be on APC who without excuses, is expected to deliver on what they had severally pontificated as being achievable, but left undone by the uncaring, mindless and clueless leadership of the out-gone administration. Indeed, for political observers, this mindset, including the increasing level of corruption particularly in the corridors of power, decayed infrastructure, growing unemployment, mismanaged economy, deceit on the part of politicians, dying sense of responsibility, among others, count for the reasons everyone holds some films of pity for the APC and President elect, Muhammadu Buhari, though still upbeat that things would change for good in line with the change mantra after the 29th May swearing-in ceremony.

This is probably why the retreat organised by the Progressives Governors Forum for the APC governors evoked great hope. With many in a hurry to put the past defined by lack of concern for the masses by politicians behind, Nigerians no doubt, have taken to heart all the promises made during the electioneering campaigns and expect that when the re-elected politicians and new elects settle down for work, they would hit the ground running and live an exemplary lifestyle totally divorced from what obtains in the past. While those who organized the retreat deserve commendation for such initiative, it is important for all participating politicians to be guarded by the fact that change should not just be a labial confession for political value, but must be seen as a promise and debt owed the Nigerian masses. Therefore, the retreat provided a crucial chance to thoroughly dissect the problems at hand at all levels of government. It is important, too, to examine the efforts or the lack of it made by previous administrations; the results - positive and negative - challenges and prospects; the demands Nigerians are making and which should take prime attention, and above all, a working plan by the party on how to meet the expectations, among other essentials. Prime in what Nigerians expect from the new leadership is discipline and transparency. The new leadership must show exemplary leadership by doing what is right. There is probably the urgent need to renew the War Against Indiscipline, especially from the top to the bottom. General Buhari has shown the necessary direction by being stickler to time and obeying basic road signs. Impunity and arrogance are some of the reasons why the PDP died a premature death even long before its own contemptuous prediction of holding power for 60 years. So, the APC must not only adhere to the rule of law, party internal democracy, respect for the right of its members, but also be sensitive to wish and aspirations of Nigerians. From power supply to job creation; fight against corruption and the excesses of politicians most who hide under the immunity clause provided for in the constitution to commit impunity, among others, the roadmap for change must be clearly discussed without ambiguity to the point that the people would know and understand every step all the way of how the change is taking place. Whether it be power supply, which has been a drain pipe on the nation, promises must be marched with action. Or, is it corruption challenges; the new government must do well to create where not existing, an integrity profile that will help shore up support for the party and leaders as they strive to deliver on their party manifestos and government priorities at all levels. But more than anything, the direction of change must be clear to everyone. No doubt, the APC and its leaders have more than promises to convince Nigerians that change has come. In fact, until they demonstrate commitment towards a new Nigeria, which they romanticized about during the campaigns and doing so in works, they would only scratch Nigerians confidence and trust. This is why it has become more of a debt than mere campaign promise. Having come from a government that delights in promising so much and doing little, true change can only be appreciated if it translates to a positive way of doing things by both government officials and the general masses. From the appointment of political Aides to award of contracts, and more than anything, the selection of who will lead the 8th National Assembly at the Federal House of Representatives and the Senate. Nigerians would want to see a change that points to a new order of respect for democratic process. In other wards, in all appointments, the best candidates with the requisite experience and qualifications should be allowed to occupy posts without needless interference by anyone no matter how highly placed. In all societies and governments, national interest tops group or personal interest. Unfortunately, in our clime, the monster often referred to as godfatherism has damaged the sense of national pride. This is a challenge for the APC and its leaders. It will not be enough to mouth the change mantra when the acceptable democratic norms and practices are totally alien to party leaders when it comes to party resolutions and appointments. Again, this is one of the many debts the new APC leadership owe Nigerians. Transparency in the conduct of government businesses must be strictly adhered to in all circumstances and no matter whose ox is gored. It is not enough to hold retreats, what matters is the results after all. Like it or not, the APC government can only separate itself from past and out-going governments in Nigeria only when it frowns at the impunity, greed, selfishness, ethnic coloration and procedures that promote personal or group interests. The Progressive Governors' Forum retreat will pass for many of its kinds organized by past governments, if and when the organizers end up creating a meeting point for party members to meet friends or make new ones; or to dine and wine, while the old order of abuse of democratic order remains. This will defeat the essence of the change mantra and end up as another jamboree at the detriment of the true change that Nigerians want. Nigerians have waited for the real change for too long after they missed similar opportunity in the short lived Buhar/Idiagbon military interregnum. We can not afford to fritter away this opportunity. This is probably the last opportunity in this generation to get it right or forget it. No more impunity, no more corruption, no more undue favouritism, no more primordial retrogressive sentiment that have held us down for too long. Nigerians should join the train of progress by doing the right thing from their various homes and offices since the government will only monitor itself. It's time for real business. *Oba, is the Press Secretary to Governor Ahmed of Kwara State and writes via e-Mail: abdulwahaboba@gmail.com