“In the nature of things, many of our supporters would expect me to jubilate over the verdict that has just confirmed the overwhelming mandate that they freely gave to me at the last governorship election in the state. Naturally, I am relieved and happy that this distraction has been put aside.”
The words, as captured above were those of Bauchi State governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, in an address following his victory at the election petitions tribunal where he was affirmed the duly elected governor of the state.
The sentiment expressed by Governor Mohammed is similar to that often expressed by so many others, facing different election courts, who have admitted that the tribunal cases distract them from carrying out the task of governance.
And this does not have to do with governors alone.
Recently, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Women Affairs, Ireti Kingibe, while addressing journalists after her tribunal victory, also pointed out that the ongoing election petitions cases at the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, were distracting lawmakers from effectively performing their duties.
She noted that since the National Assembly was inaugurated over eight weeks ago, 90 per cent of senators had been completely distracted by the tribunal cases, which she pryed would be resolved soon so that they can focus on the tsk for which they were elected.
From all indications, these cases, no doubt, distract them from the issues of governance and posting a legacy.
And even if the cases have become an alibi for non-performance, they will have to look for another excuse as that phase is coming to an end.
Now that most of the tribunal cases distracting elected public office holders have been resolved, they will have to without further delay, refocus their efforts on addressing Nigeria’s most important challenges which include insecurity, infrastructure and economic challenges.
This needs to be done and fast too because prioritising security, infrastructure development, economic diversification, and anti-corruption efforts will not only leave a lasting legacy but also pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for all Nigerians, particularly the younger generations.
It is an established fact that for any economy to thrive, development of infrastructure such as roads, railways, bridges, ports, and reliable energy sources must be in place. Nigeria has, however, over the years, struggled with making these critical infrastructure available and accessible by all citizens.
The country’s road network is in dire need of expansion, maintenance, and modernisation, power, needed for industrialisation has not fared any better as generation, distribution and transmission remain problematic and epileptic, and citizens do not have access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities, which are basic human rights.
Prioritising road infrastructure will not only improve transportation but also open up rural areas for development and boost agriculture, commerce, and tourism.
Roads are essential for businesses to thrive, for goods to move efficiently, and for citizens to access opportunities.
Nigerian leaders must, therefore, prioritise infrastructure projects that stimulate economic growth and improve the overall quality of life.
Leaders, especially at subnational levels, must invest in those things that will impact on the lives of the people and improve the overall economy of the states and the country at large, bearing in mind that it is only when the basic infrastructure and enabling environment is provided that investors can come in and develop the economy.
It is also important for leaders to at this time, work the talk on diversifying the country’s economy which has relied on oil for too long, making it susceptible to any effects of fluctuations in the global oil price.
Agriculture is one area government can look to because of its enormous potential to create jobs and reduce poverty. This can be done by investing in research and development, agricultural biotechnology, modern farming techniques, storage facilities, and market access.
Similarly, the need to carry out investment in technology and innovation at this time cannot be overstated. It is the new gold and supporting tech startups and promoting innovation has immense potential to attract foreign investments and create a dynamic, knowledge-based economy.
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the lifeblood of any thriving economy. There are many SMEs in Nigeria but a majority are struggling and can do with some support from the government particularly in the areas of tax incentives and any other support that can make them thrive and continue to generate jobs and stimulate economic growth.
The time for action is now; an our leaders must take action, bearing in mind that the nation’s progress depends on the choices made by its leaders today.
