Nigeria Needs New Impetus Under Muhammadu Buhari: Boko Haram and Corruption
Paul Joseph Nzeribe and Lee Jay Walker
Modern Tokyo Times
General Muhammadu Buhari emerged victorious in the Nigerian presidential election because the majority of citizens who voted desire fresh hope. This notably applies to greater equal distribution of wealth, tackling endemic corruption, challenging Boko Haram terrorism and sectarianism, creating an atmosphere that promises a bright future and enhancing the infrastructure. Therefore, it is essential that the newly elected leader remains focused on all areas of internal weakness.
The outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan weakened Nigeria in many areas of society. Indeed, for Christians and other non-Muslims residing in Sharia Islamic law areas of Nigeria, it appears that a dual system is underway whereby individuals are not equal under-the-law. On top of this, Jonathan was aloof about the rise of Boko Haram and this reality didn’t do him any favors when people had the right to choose a new leader of Nigeria.
Jonathan also turned Nigeria into a nation whereby the armed forces need the support of regional nations. This reality means that Chad, Cameroon and Niger are all focused on tackling Boko Haram and this equally applies to attacking this Takfiri Sunni terrorist group within Nigeria. In other words, it currently appears that nations like Chad and Cameroon – and the counter-terrorism work being done by France behind the scenes – are all essential for the armed forces of Nigeria. Therefore, Jonathan will be remembered for reducing the sovereignty of the armed forces of Nigeria during times of national emergency.
Ironically, the main positive legacy of Jonathan belongs to him handing over power to Buhari. Given this reality, Buhari praised the outgoing president for being a “worthy opponent.”
The BBC reports: “Mr Buhari, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has become the first opposition candidate to win a presidential election in Nigeria.”
The same media source stressed: “This is a hugely significant moment in Nigeria’s turbulent history. Never before has a sitting president been defeated in an election.”
Buhari told party officials and supporters of the APC that: “We have proven to the world that we are people who have embraced democracy. We have put the one-party state behind us.”
It is now hoped that once the reigns of power have firmly come under Buhari that he will focus more stridently on all areas of weakness throughout Nigeria. In the war on terror, then it is essential that the Nigerian armed forces receive all the government support that they need. Likewise, rampant corruption must become a major priority and the same applies to creating an inclusive Nigeria irrespective of ethnicity or religion. Of course, the obstacles awaiting Buhari are great but at least he is blessed with a genuine political mandate.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-32142255
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