Nigerians have consistently been psychologically swindled by several political parties, especially the present ruling party, which made several promises. In a very daring way that is most shamefully un-African, our past and present political leaders reneged on the promises that they made, on the strength of which they rode to power. They shouted jobs, jobs, jobs, but they have offered none. They promised us security, but we have not seen it; they said they would fix the economy, but what happened? Inflation went up like a rocket and the prices of foodstuff and other things continued to skyrocket.
One recalls that during the 2015 general election, politicians made fantastic promises to the crowds that thronged their rallies. The well-funded campaigns even made some of the politicians and their cronies emergency millionaires. Their insatiable lust for power is only meant to aid their quest to decimate the common people. When the present ruling party was grandstanding, some discerning individuals knew that it was the same old vicious circle of impunity and lust for power.
But of all Nigerian politicians, I found these three worthy of our trust and support: President Muhammadu Buhari, Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose and former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. Whether some people accept this or not, the three of them offered what they personally promised. At the campaigns, the party adopted the strategy of making incredible promises, but the president was very modest in his handling of promises. He has been fighting corruption which he said could kill Nigeria if Nigeria did not kill it. Ayodele Fayose promised to concentrate on development of artisans (who are the drivers of every economy, whether in developed or developing world) which he has done through the refundable grants with incredible moratorium given to artisans while he has not stopped the tempo of his promised stomach infrastructure.
He has also been living up to his obligations to the elite class. Not only that, Fayose’s “Buy Made-in-Nigeria” campaign is most genuine on all fronts because recently his own biological son graduated from a Nigerian private university. He is living the talk. These two contrasting political figures will go down well in history, at least, in the areas I have highlighted. Also, Atiku Abubakar has always been an advocate of restructuring and employing his vast political network in canvasing regional independence. Being from the North, where restructuring is viewed differently, he has continued to prove his independent mind while winning more of his compatriots on the side of restructuring, which is the major issue in public discourse today. To this end, he was able to win the support of former military president, Gen. Babangida who referred to Atiku as the lone voice for restructuring, which IBB now supports.
We the people, desire that politicians live up to their campaign promises as we continue to support them. Posterity is our last hope of appraisal.
► Akinola Iwilade wrote from Iwo, Osun State