Imperative of an Inclusive Government

T he absence of a government in a nation will lead to an anarchic situation as some people will tyrannise and oppress others for sundry reasons. Government performs many functions: the protection of lives and property, provision of social amenities, formulation and implementation of policies among others. The existence of governments dates back many centuries ago. The Greeks founded and popularised democracy. Now, from Europe to America, from Africa to Asia, democracy is the most acceptable type of government. Before the coming of the white imperialists to Africa, African kingdoms had their diverse types of pre-colonial governments. However, the white colonisers dethroned those governments and brought democracy.
After decades of political conflicts, some African countries have achieved political stability. Liberia and Sierra-Leone readily come to mind. In Nigeria, the people have been enjoying 16 years of unbroken democratic governance. One civilian regime has succeeded another without the country descending into political disorder. Surprisingly, in 2015, an incumbent President lost re-election bid. Before now, it was an unprecedented happening in our political annals. Instead of clinging to power, as people expected him to do, he congratulated his political opponent before the country’s national electoral body announced the winner.
President Jonathan’s election loss is an indictment of his leadership of Nigeria by disillusioned Nigerians. His lack-lustre performance is too evident not to be noticed. There is infra- structural rot and security issue threatening our corporate existence as a country. More so, millions of university graduates are still searching for jobs after graduation.
However, can APC, whose mantra as well as slogan is Change, be better? Mohammadu Buhari, won Nigeria’s keenly contested 2015 presidential election on the platform of APC. But some topnotch members of APC migrated to that party from the much- maligned PDP. Will those corrupt and unscrupulous politicians in APC thwart the efforts of Buhari, to fight corruption and take the country to unprecedented great heights?
So far, Buhari, has given decorous, courteous, and soul-lifting speeches. But he should not dwell forever on his electoral victory. President Goodluck Jonathan displayed a rare act of exemplary patriotism by conceding defeat before the final result was announced. That was commendable. I am advising the president Buhari, not to embark on vindictive action against those who traduced him during the electioneering period. If he does so, it would deepen our religious and ethnic fissures, and threaten the corporate existence of Nigeria. We are all aware that political instability is a disincentive to national growth.
I would like Buhari, to heal our divided country by forming an all-inclusive government. If he includes members of the opposition party in his cabinet, it will be an exemplary precedent, and will become part of our democratic culture. Aren’t there distinguished, hardworking, and performing ministers in the cabinet of President Goodluck Jonathan? Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, Chief Osita Chidoka and a handful of others in the out-going government performed creditably well in the discharge of their duties, and have lived up to our expectations. Dr. Adesina revived our waning interest in agriculture by adopting and implementing measures that revolutionised agricultural practices in the country. Now, Nigeria exports agricultural produce to other countries.
Who doesn’t know Osita Chidoka, the aviation minister who endeared himself to Nigerians with his stellar performance as FRSC’s boss? He succeeded in reducing the rate of vehicle accidents on our roads by implementing far-reaching measures. He brought about the digitalisation of the processes and procedures that led to easy acquisition of driving licences. During his headship of FRSC, thousands of university graduates were recruited into the organisation. His good performance as Corps Marshal recommended him for his current position of Aviation Minister. He has formulated and enunciated pragmatic policies, the implementation of which would transform our aviation industry and take it to enviable height. I urge Buhari to place Nigeria’s interests above other interests when forming his cabinet.