We are at yet another trying period for our democracy. As speculations intensify about Mr President's health, Nigerians cannot help but wonder what the very near future holds for our nation. As someone put it to me recently "we are back to playing politics". Indeed it's fair to say that in the past year and half or so, governance rather than politics has dominated our national polity. Opinions may vary about Mr President's policies and actions or inaction, but one thing we can agree on is that for the most part Nigerians have kept the focus of the debate on governance, much unlike the previous administration whose years were dominated by political hullabaloos and grand corruption culminating in the 2015 General elections.
Mr President's health challenges have in recent times rekindled a familiar and bitter taste of political bickering over who should replace him come 2019. The rumour mills have been running on overdrive, talks of a resignation and even certain death have been amok in recent weeks. What's more, the speculation that the Vice President who in fairness has managed to steady the ship in these troubled times, might take over from the boss and step aside for a Northern candidate in 2019. This situation develops at the risk of stalling any concrete development policies already on the way. As we all know the trend in Nigeria is that two years before election year politicians abandon governance for politics. Mr President's health status has forced us into that scramble several months in advance, particularly as it becomes clear that he will not be running in the next elections.
The president appearing at the Friday prayers yesterday has helped to quell some of the more grave speculations but now more than ever, Nigerians need Mr President to come forward and open up about his health and his plans moving into the second half of his first term. If he won't see it out, we need to know now. Personally I would prefer his health is improved so that he can see out these first four years and save us the chaos which is sure to follow if he leaves prematurely. Vice President Osibanjo is already under a fair degree of pressure from some elements who want him to concede to not run in 2019, particularly the northern oligarchs who have already begun to map out a succession plan.
In any case it is certainly going to be another strong test for our democracy and for us as citizens. We must remain steadfast, alert and continue to demand accountability from our leaders, force them to focus on governance rather than stack up their war chest for the succession battle.
Let me start by saying that I am at a point in my life as a citizen, actor and critic of the Nigerian Case where I cannot help but feel pity for some of us who have allowed themselves to be the voice of disunity, irrationality, violence, fanaticism, hate and downright stupidity. At a time when Nigeria needs as many reasonable men as she can manage, a lot of us have failed her. Today started off with a protest following a rumor which of course turned out to be true. While I cannot stick my neck out in defense of anybody, I have to say that the sheer lack of reasoning that greeted the announcement of the postponement of elections, is a clear indication of all that is wrong with the country today. It is that stubborn refusal to entertain any view contrary to the ones we hold. But It is impossible for any group of people to move forward or even stick together if they absolutely refuse to UNDERSTAND one another. The reactions from some people in both camps makes one who is not convers...
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