Nigeria is grappling with insecurity, poverty, alarming rates of unemployment and rising ethnic tensions. Of course, these issues all pre-dated the current Administration and unfortunately no single individual or administration can solve all the problems of any nation. So, the hope for any incoming regime is that they make incremental and cumulative progress to our national development.
Despite numerous challenges, the Buhari Administration has made highly commendable improvements in key areas that move Nigeria forward, for example, rehabilitating the country’s critical infrastructure such as roads, railway and ports; broadening the country’s revenue base; undermining Boko Haram and tackling endemic corruption.
As we head towards the 2023 Presidential elections, the stakes are high. With consideration for equity as well as the stability of the nation, we believe that the 2023 Presidential flag bearers of major parties should come from the South. While rotational presidency may not be enshrined in our Constitution, it has been the unwritten rule that we have followed since the return to democracy in 1999.
In an atmosphere of mounting ethnic divisiveness, Nigeria needs a President who represents those who feel excluded and marginalized, yet who combines both the nationalistic outlook and national presence to garner widespread support from other parts of the country. Well-meaning citizens will need to carefully consider the choice of candidates before them. General elections are the only opportunity that we the people are given to wield some influence over the direction of the nation.
Those vying for the Presidency must articulate clear policies on how to improve security, boost the economy, uplift the poor, give more opportunity to women and youth, and protect the integrity of the nation.
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I BELIEVE THAT THE DESTINY OF NIGERIA CAN ONLY BE BEST ACTUALIZED IN THE CONTEXT OF ONE INDIVISIBLE AND UNITED NATION.
What is required is for us to continue to work towards a nation in which the doors of opportunity are open to all our citizens irrespective of ethnicity, creed, class or circumstance.
- Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi
