Nigeria is arguably facing one of the bleakest periods in her history since independence in 1960, with inflation rising alongside destructive acts of Niger Delta militants, pockets of insurgency in the North-east, upheavals in the National Assembly, allegations of coup plot; cash crunch at all government levels, spate of kidnapping, higher costs of living and mutual mistrust between the executive and the legislature, which have all greatly hampered the pace of development in the country? In your own view, what is the best way out of this current mess?
ABIMBOLA AKOSILE
* Yes. To fix inflation, our financial policies must change proactively. Food availability, preference over exotic foods, beverages and food security must be provided. Unity and mutual transparency must be emphasised against insecurity variously. We must do all these step by step and patiently instead of mass approach too soon. I see Nigeria regaining balance quickly. God bless Nigeria.
– Mr. Apeji Onesi, Lagos State
* Yes, but the real issue is leadership carefreeness on the part of our privileged few public office holders at the corridors of power who unfortunately turn their backs on the electorate often and amazingly at crucial times. Our leaders must work assiduously with all honestly and unite selflessly to lift Nigeria very high.
– Ms. Saiki Ometere Tina, Gboko, Benue State
* All the kidnappings and other related crimes are part of a global issue that should be addressed by world leaders. Our president is trying his best to end activities of kidnapping and other related cries to move the nation forward. This security problem is the handiwork of mischief-makers who want to make the PMB (President Muhammadu Buhari) government ungovernable with their kidnapping and other vices. It is very sad and it is not good for our democracy because it is a threat to the system. All should allow PMB to concentrate on governance because he knows where our shoes pinch and to deliver the dividends of democracy Nigerians voted for.
– Mr. Gordon Chika Nnorom, Public Commentator, Umukabia, Abia State
* The solution is God; until our leaders ask for divine direction we are going nowhere in Nigeria.
– Mrs. Oluwakemi Jegede, Lekki, Lagos
* The government needs to be more combative in fighting corruption in the war against the mafias, cabals and bring them under subjection. If we just arrest people, charge them to court, recovering funds and properties and no one is convicted and jailed as a deterrent to others who may like to emulate them, then corruption will not stop. Mere recovering of funds or properties does not deter others.
– Mr. Dogo Stephen, Kaduna
* Whenever I read various comments of many Nigerians on prevailing national issues, I think about majority of Nigerians who are virtually illiterate in mind and soul which I usually refer to as “poverty of knowledge” They don’t understand the true state of many matters in this country. We ought to be in the street by now not minding the moribund labour unions and publicly demand for some amendments and removal of many sections in the constitution. Let’s make up our minds and sensitise ourselves in various languages and take it from there and see if the three arms of government would begin to sit right and put achievable policies on ground. God bless Nigeria.
– Mr. Oyekanmi Oladele, Lagos State
* Yes, by systematically, patiently and honestly overhauling our financial policies proactively and strictly. The time to act fast is now. Food production must be stepped through micro-financing using small-scale farming at the grassroots. We must control glut.
– Miss Apeji Patience Eneyeme, Badagry, Lagos State
* With all problems facing Nigeria today, there is indeed a way out if this is done by Nigerians because it is only them that can make it right. Our leaders aren’t helping matters; if offenders are dealt with, all these crimes will be reduced. We can’t deceive ourselves as there is no law today in the country, as people operate the way they want. Nigerians want no-nonsense leaders, not tribalistic or religious or selfish leaders. Indeed in prayers, all shall be well.
– Hon. Babale Maiungwa, U/Romi, Kaduna
* Well, what is happening now is the handiwork of enemies of Nigeria who don’t want President Buhari to succeed in his government to move the nation forward. It is very unfortunate and sad moment over the kidnappings, coup rumour and other vices that will lead Nigeria nowhere. Let everyone give peace a chance because investors would not come where there is no security guarantee for their investments. We cannot develop under insecurity lapses, period. The Presidency should take proactive action to address all these ugly happenings so that Nigeria will not be the laughing stock in the eyes of the international community.
– Mrs. Ijeoma Nnorom, Lagos State
* I think Nigeria needs strong leadership at all levels. When FDR (Franklin Delano Roosevelt) was the US president, different crises – a World War, economic recession e.t.c. raged. However, he exhibited strong leadership and pulled his nation through. Also, everyone, both the hoi polloi and the elite – should think Nigeria.
– Mr. E. Iheanyi Chukwudi, B.A.R. Associates, Apo, Abuja
* Without over-flogging the issue, the first thing Nigeria should think of is how to make corruption as unattractive as possible by punishing those already caught in the act with long jail terms and total confiscation of assets. When corruption is tackled to a large extent, other vices will slowly wilt and sanity will prevail in Nigeria. PMB is on the right track but he needs to find a big scape-goat to pacify angry frustrated Nigerians who truly want a change from the norm.
– Mr. Olumuyiwa Olorunsomo, Lagos State
* No! Until 2019 when the people will make use of their thumb positively, we will remain economically, politically and socially stagnant. Even though some of us see Buhari as a man who wanted to fix Nigeria, his core henchmen won’t allow that to happen, as they have succeeded in shielding him from the real situation. Nigeria, going by the increasing rate of insecurity, is in a low grade civil war, not because we like it, it is orchestrated by marginalisation, religious bigotry, injustice, inequality, tribalism, sheer hatred for some sections of the country, vision-lessness, and until these stop, and our leaders come out to the people with all sincerity and address the matter, peace will never reign again. Also, Buhari’s graveyard silence on insecurity in Nigeria will lead us to unimaginable destruction. I just pray for God’s intervention!
– Mr. Sonny Okobi, Lagos State
THE RESPONSE
Top tip: Review financial policies
Second: Tackle corruption proactively
Third: Display stronger leadership
Radical tip: Nail some sacred cows!
Total no of respondents: 12
Male: 8
Female: 4
Highest location: Lagos (7)
Next Week: Is it Time to Start Recalling Erring Legislators?
The media space has been awash with allegations of fraud and budget padding at the National Assembly, especially at the House of Representatives; even as the Senate leadership is still reeling from allegations of forgery and questions on assets declaration. To restore peace and sanity to the Legislature and ensure needed development at this point in the nation’s history, is this the right time for the electorate to exercise their mandate and start recalling any errant representatives?
Please make your response direct, short and simple, and state your full name, title, organisation, and location. Responses should be sent between today (Aug 4 & Monday, August 8) to abimbolayi@yahoo.com, greatbimbo@gmail.com, AND abimbola.akosile@thisdaylive.com. Respondents can also send a short text message to 08023117639 and/or 08188361766 and/or 08114495306. Collated responses will be published on Thursday, August 11
