Buhari and where Nigeria still got it right

By Israel Abiodun

The recent verdict by the Elections Petitions Tribunal affirming the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari at the general elections is an indication that Nigerians indeed got it right in casting their ballots overwhelmingly for President Muhammadu Buhari for another four years in office.

Whether we like it or yes, President Muhammadu Buhari has done what no president in the annals of the democratic dispensation in Nigeria has done. He has shown what it means to have integrity. He has displayed an unimaginable level of patriotism and dedication to the unity of Nigeria, and a Nigeria of our dream where every voice would count regardless of religious or ethnic affiliations.

I am one of those that have always asked questions whenever mischief-makers spread negative narratives about the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to leaving Nigeria better than he met it. I also often ask if these individuals are in Nigeria or holed up somewhere in space. But again, it is understandable.

In the first four years of the life of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerians indeed witnessed the introduction of a sound foundation for economic growth and prosperity. I am aware that in some quarters, many debates were generated as regards the policy direction of the administration. However, these same individuals that hitherto saw nothing good in the various policy initiatives of the administration were left in awe with the manner of progress the country recorded within a record period in critical sectors of the economy.

Enter the life of the second tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari, and every discerning mind would want to agree with me that with the way and manner the government has hit the ground running, Nigeria is indeed on the path of greatness. President Muhammadu Buhari has once again shown to Nigerians that that same zeal and commitment that he exhibited during his first term in office would be replicated in his second term in office, and the events that shaped the first 100 days in office, should give every well-meaning Nigerian a cause to smile.

The cabinet has been formed and portfolios assigned to ministers, other critical appointments have been made and as they say, on your marks, get ready and go! That is the mood of the present administration, and I am somewhat elated with the way and manner every member of the new team seems to be carrying out their duties and responsibilities with every sense of urgency.

The first 100 days in office in the life of this present administration gives me hope and as well indicates that Nigeria still got it right by electing President Muhammadu Buhari for another second term of four years. I stand to be corrected, it takes only a man of vision and courage to be able to confront the cankerworm of corruption that has eaten deep into the very fabric of our national life.

It also takes a man that is interested in the safety of lives and properties of Nigerians to be able to make quality appointments into the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which has in turn translated to the various successes recorded in the fight against terrorism in North-East Nigeria and other parts of Nigeria.

It also takes a man of integrity to be able to match his words with actions and not play to the gallery as the everyday politicians would do. The above listed are some of the characteristics that marked the first 100 days in office of President Muhammadu Buhari and an indication that Nigeria indeed is still getting it right with President Muhammadu Buhari at the helm of affairs in the country.

I am convinced with every breath in me that with President Muhammadu Buhari at the helm of affairs in Nigeria for the next four years, victory over our adversaries would be our greatest reward and peace, unity and greater prosperity will be our collective legacy. This much I can vouch for because of the commitment of a man who all of his life has been interested in the betterment of the lives of the ordinary man and woman on the streets. A man whose belief in the unity of Nigeria is unwavering and whose dedication to the Nigerian cause is infectious.

That is Muhammadu Buhari, the President that Nigerians voted for to lead them to the promised land in the next four years. I am also convinced that God in his infinite mercies has shown Nigeria mercy by leading us right into voting him as president despite the antics of those that contributed immensely to the mess Nigerian found itself in times past, as well as those whose intent and purpose is to see to the disintegration of Nigeria.

As we celebrate the first 100 days in office, we owe this great country of ours a duty to do the right thing by extending our unalloyed support to the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to succeed. We all have a part to play given the fact that we know who our president is, and we also understand that the sincerity of heart and purpose guides his actions and inactions.

We must also realize that this generation and indeed the unborn generation of Nigerians have nowhere to call home and as such we must remain here to salvage it together. Nigeria indeed got it right. Also, President Muhammadu Buhari would do it just right for the unity, growth, and development of our dear country. This I am convinced about.

Abiodun wrote this piece from Ibadan.