S.O.S ALIEME

It appears that the vast majority of Nigerians have been thrown into deep economic hardship and poverty. For them, they have never had it so poor. Even the government seems to acknowledge this reality. All they are telling us is that we are going through inevitable growing pains that will eventually lead to a better Nigeria, just around the corner.

They are asking us to make an act of faith in a government that has given us little or no reason to trust that what it is doing is truly in the best interest of Nigerians. That is what makes the pain even more unbearable. The sooner the government accepts this fact and makes the necessary readjustments to its major policies, the better.

In the meantime, there are fears that serious damage is being done, the kind that may take a long time to reverse. The youth, in particular, feel this despair deeply and are seeking every possible means to escape from their fatherland. No government should be proud of such a situation. It is most unfortunate that some government mouthpiece are not supporting the idea that life is unbearable for its citizens.  This is a great disservice even to Mr President himself, who needs to be told the truth about the nation’s condition rather than be surrounded by excessive praise. It cannot be proven out-rightly that government have made any sincere commitment to engage in a genuine anti-corruption fight. It is obvious that little or no real success has been achieved. Without the right political will and moral commitment, anti-corruption institutions and agencies will remain largely ineffective. Sacred cows will continue to thrive in impunity, and many camels will continue to pass through the eye of the needle.

Corruption cannot be fought selectively. Once it becomes a tool for political intimidation rather than moral reform, it loses credibility. Nigerians are not blind; they can see when justice is unevenly applied. Systemic fraud breeds lawlessness and general disorder, making genuine development almost impossible. It discourages both local and foreign investment. Can someone believe that those in charge of our national affairs are unaware of this basic principle of good governance? There is no way around it. To ignore it for selfish reasons is to tragically deceive ourselves.

Eventually, the chickens will come home to roost. A nation cannot build sustainable prosperity on a foundation of dishonesty. The only way forward is through transparency, accountability, and a firm moral resolve to do what is right. It is essentially the same pattern. Everyone is talking about trillion-naira subsidy fraud, but they are not telling us who is behind it. With all the human and technical resources at the disposal of the NNPC, it is difficult to imagine that the flow of subsidies and refined fuel into the country could not be properly monitored. This should have been thoroughly addressed before plunging Nigerians into multidimensional poverty through the sudden declaration of subsidy removal.

We are even hearing that despite the loud announcement that the subsidy has been removed, the fraud may still be continuing for over two years later. We pray and hope that Nigeria will soon have a government that is transparent with its citizens and that stops taking the people for a ride on such crucial matters. It is obvious that public sentiment has largely turned against the ruling party. There is the fundamental question of how much this government can claim to enjoy the goodwill of the majority of Nigerians. Have we forgotten the figures from the last election, disputed as they were?

Furthermore, where is the credible and viable alternative to the tragic situation we now face, especially given the disarray within most opposition parties? Time is not in our favour. The issue of installing an effective electoral commission that is truly independent, impartial and competent must be resolved before the 2027 elections. If there is any merit to the rumours that those in power are unwilling to allow meaningful electoral reform to prevent existing loopholes, then Nigerians must learn to rise peacefully but decisively to defend their right to freely choose their leaders.

Imagine the spate of defections currently going on in Nigeria. These defections are not in the interest of the people, no matter how loudly politicians proclaim their love for the masses. It appears to be largely selfish posturing, with politicians negotiating among themselves on how to control power for their own interests. The name of the game seems to be power grab, not service. But we must not lose hope. We continue to pray that before the next elections, a credible group of patriotic Nigerians will emerge with a clear agenda for genuine service that can restore citizens’ trust.

The key question is not whether it is realistic or possible. The main issue is how to ensure that a better Nigeria emerges for the good of everyone. A better Nigeria is possible, even beyond 2027. But it will not happen automatically. It must be deliberately pursued by all of us, not left to the same old professional politicians, civilian or military, who have largely shaped our present predicament. Nigerians have always been ready.

Unfortunately, the system has often side-lined them and denied them the opportunity to freely choose their leaders. Elections have become battles among political gladiators determined to win at all costs. This is why election days often resemble war zones, with armed soldiers and police everywhere, sirens blaring.

The justification is that they are preventing rigging, yet electoral malpractice seems to worsen with each cycle. Authorities should withdraw both official and unofficial thugs and allow Nigerians to conduct peaceful and credible elections, as is done in established democracies. Some supporters of the incumbent President say the dividends of his policies will soon yield positive results. If the situation continues as it has for the rest of this tenure and we have a truly free and fair election, the present government will find it difficult to win. The worsening economic hardship is deeply worrisome.

The President needs to make life as liveable as possible for Nigerians, tackle the escalating insecurity across the country, improve economic conditions and confront corruption decisively. Mr President should find independent ways of understanding what Nigerians are truly going through, not only from those around him who constantly praise him. He should understand how families survive on their monthly wages. Since he is meant to serve the people, he must raise their level of well-being. The government may argue that it has done its best, but it exists to ensure that Nigerians’ living standards are at least maintained, if not improved.

As the government approaches the end of three years in office, it is more than halfway through his tenure. It is still possible to change direction. If the harsh policies are adjusted to directly target the poor and vulnerable, Nigerians will change their minds positively. But if things continue as they are, and if elections are credible, the present government will struggle to secure another term.

God Bless Nigeria!!!