The ‘pot holes’ president Muhammadu Buhari must avoid

Muhammadu Buhari is a man of the moment. Buhari has the soldier's love of action and the politician's populist's instinct. He is a dogged fighter who after gunning for the presidential seat three times finally emerged as the president in his fourth attempt. His coming into power is according to Bola Tinubu a product of concerted efforts by politicians of different backgrounds to unite for a 'common sense' revolution. Admittedly, the Jonathan -led government left the country in a terrible state of disrepair Buhari should not however have the assumption that things would simply and naturally fall into places on assumption of office.

We know he would be available in taking best decisions in the best interest of the country without any form of hindrance, with him is Yemi Osinbajo from the academia whose status as a Pastor and a University Don is also an advantage. Buhari should therefore exhibit profound appreciation of the constituents of power and he should always remember Shakespeare's words of wisdom that it is excellent to have a giant's strength but tyrannical to use it like a giant. Buhari is this time around the head of a democratic government. For those who have pontificated on the need to assemble technocrats as his team of ministers there is need to exercise caution. While it is reasonable to source for good hands, certainly, the president would never for once be short of advice, memos, suggestions and incisive submissions on the way forward for the nation from well-meaning Nigerians outside the government circle. The late sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo had Professor Hezekiah Oluwasanmi, Professor Awojobi and others as his think tank and they never held visible political appointments. A minister is the political head of the ministry and he is mainly required to have the leadership qualities to carry the career civil servants along and get them keyed into the government programmes and policies. The moment he lacks leadership ability, the civil servants would frustrate the 'technocrat' Minister even if the certificates he brandishes can conveniently fill a Ghana Must Go bag. Nomination of technocrats who participated and supported the party during the election and whose nominations are rooted through the state party structures is however in order. Buhari should exhibit good appreciation of constituents of power and let a message continuously exercise his mind lest he forgets, that the dynamics should be well understood and respected. Muhammadu Buhari's integrity, breadth of vision has never been in doubt yet he didn't record breakthrough until 2015 when political structures considered strong and viable acted as megaphone and platforms to sell his candidature to the people. Therefore, the president should allow recognized structures in each state to nominate preferred individuals with good antecedents and records as ministerial nominees. On the issue of tackling corruption and making Nigerians a disciplined set of people in conformity with the mantra 'change' the president must be cautious and tactical and he must apply a systematic, gradual and sequential approach. The chameleon is never afraid of colours because it is a master in the game, no doubt Muhammadu Buhari is capable of addressing the nation's problems but he really needs the support of Nigerians. There can't be miracle, he must enjoy total and absolute support from the people to get the task of effecting the desired- changes eased. Changes could only be effected under democratic settings when people are made to willingly believe in the system and a self-checking system is put in place. Messages would have to be drummed into the subconscious minds of Nigerians how expedient it is to have a new orientation, systems and ways of life and be a disciplined set of people. Fighting corruption is not as seemingly simple like turning a tap; Nigerians have the most important roles to play in having a new orientation and the belief in the system. It is beyond verbal commitments and having a man of integrity as president. Corruption in the country is endemic and it is staged at different levels and it would take an honest policeman attached to each Nigerian for 24hours monitoring for it to be tackled the way some anticipated. Certainly, tackling corruption requires making the people belief in the system, corruption in Nigeria is like a big canvass, a wrong approach to it would imply painting on a little corner of it and leaving the rest, the result will be an aesthetic disequilibrium. Nigerians' hope has been rekindled and Muhammed Buhari should avoid 'pot holes' that could make such new hope join the litany of hopes raised and hopes dashed. The ultimate power belongs to the people and not to the leader and because they are the fountain of power, the people hold the key to its ebb and its flow. The truth is that the country is in dire need of unity that is borne out of respect of one section for another, the price for union ought to be the readiness for compromise. The sub-national groups must be seen to be bound together into a nation with common destinies, equal status and common identity on a permanent basis. We should adopt the naira as the symbol that would constantly remind us of our unity. No section of the country has recorded instances of war with the 'Naira'; we are ever united when it comes to sharing largesse. In a federal board comprising Yoruba, Ijaw, Hausa, Igbo, Christians and Muslims, such atmosphere is naturally free of crisis and rancour, the language is 'Naira' and they would always exit venue of meetings with smiling faces because 'Naira' stands as a unifying factor and in such a platform, identities relating to tribes and religions are willingly and collectively drowned into the deepest part of the sea because of the unique language and power of 'Naira'. It is important we apply the 'Naira' magic and effects in building a united Nigeria and consider ourselves first as Nigerians before any other considerations. *Akinlolu Abayomi is an Ilorin based journalist.