After eigthy-four days in office, President Bola Tinubu, over the week, officially administered oath of office to members of his ministerial cabinet after calls from Nigerians and various civil society organisation.
Despite the call for the reduction in cost of governance, the President rather broke records by swearing-in 45 ministers out of 48 as confirmed by the National Assembly. The other three nominees still have their nominations pending with the National Assembly for security and eligibility checks.
Quite surprisingly, the President renamed some appellations of some federal ministries as some few ones were newly established on the account to give proper and deserving attention to explore other areas of the country’s economy. Expectedly, a large percent of the ministers hit the ground running with their maiden press conferences at their various ministries following their swearing-in ceremony. While some controversial started with threat of “demolition of illegal structures” and “stepping on toes,” some of us read in the news the dramatic scenario in some quarters where journalists were barred and shut out from the hall of media conference. What an irony! But, it is not too early to have the benefit of doubt.
However, as the ministers settle down for national duty, they should know that Nigerian’s expectations from them are high and they have to meet that expectations. Nigeria is one of the countries where party receptions are usually thrown up over political appointments wasting tax payersmoney but in other developed climes, taking up political appointment is like volunteering for public battlefield. It is perhaps a time for utmost serious business for good governance and public scrutiny at every point in time.
However, many political leaders in Nigeria see it as a gracious time to comfortably have their share of the “national cake”. To them, it is their turn to enjoy all luxury with public treasury. They count it as a golden invitation extended by the benevolent President to join the table and dine and wine with public funds. But unfortunate, at this perilous time, the present administration cannot afford such wasteful lifestyle. Technically speaking, Nigeria is broke. It is one of the poverty Headquarters according to Global rating.The country is at the dwindling point of economic comatose. As a matter of fact, nothing seems booming! According to report from Debt Management of Nigeria, the country’s Public debts, as of March 2023 was pegged at ₦46.25 trillion. This is against the ₦21.83 trillion of 2023 budget approved by the 9th National Assembly. This technically means that Nigeria as a country owes what it does no earn. By implication, any reckless spending at this dire period may further plunge many generations yet to come into years of debts servicing. That is why the call for prudent spending and judicious use of public funds is very imperative. This is not the time for frivolous budget allocation. Neither is it the much awaited moment to greedily suck from empty Nigeria’s treasury. The days of “it is our turn to chop” are gone. As earlier shown, there is even nothing on the dining table judging by our present economic realities. It is, however, a time for proactive actions and developmental initiatives to reposition the country’s economy to meet global standards. It is a time for serious hard work, sincere service and public accountability! The political office holders should bear in mind these moments are trying times for average Nigerians. The cost of living unpredictably very high, while the standard of living is diminishing. This is a pointer on why the political leaders must show concerns on the people they govern. The pain and anguish orchestrated by fuel subsidy removal should not be a burden to be bear by the poor. But, a collective sacrifice which everyone must pay equitably. Meanwhile, in his address to the new ministers, the President reminded his new cabinet members that they are to serve the country and not their state or ethnicity, vowing to hold them accountable to his campaign promises of Renewed Hope agenda. Even though each minister was appointed based on their state of origin and geopolitical zone, their is need to for them to assiduously work towards national interest and common goal which cannot be overemphasized. Indeed, every state deserves to attest to dividend of democracy. Unlike the past, when some particular ethnic groups of the country were treated like national assets, while some other sections were treated with contempt, the present government must readily be seen as being fair to all in their of human and infrastructural developments.
Most importantly,inclusiveness is one strategic method to facilitate developments in a diversified society like ours.
To this end, as the Tinubu- led government steers the affairs of our nation, the Nigerian populace are painstakingly awaiting their super-magical wonders to truly renew our hopes of prosperity.
Damilare Adeleye writes from Lagos State University.