The Undue Punishment in Renewed Hope Disguise and What the Future Holds | Deji Ola
Nigerians, in their quest for a better alternative during the administration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, eventually fell for the propaganda of the APC and its conveyors of smear campaigns. Then came the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, which lasted for eight years, with series of lamentations from Nigerians.
Fast forward to 2023, Nigerians were at another crossroads, desperately seeking a better alternative irrespective of party, tribe or religious coloration. Then came the mantra of “Emilokan”, accompanied by a lot of promises under the “Renewed Hope” agenda.
Unknown to many, what was being presented as hope would, for many Nigerians, become a painful experience characterised by policies they considered harsh, anti-human and capable of further worsening the hardship in the land.
When the idea was being sold to Nigerians, many people likened it to the Hope agenda of our legendary leader, the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, particularly because of the deliberate use of the prefix “renewed”.
Lo and behold, years down the lane, we have experienced the eight years of President Buhari and the current administration. Sincerely yours, Yoruba people will say “Àìṣe dáadá ara ayé ló máa ń múni rántí ti ara ọ̀run.”
Failure of the living to do what is right is often the reason we celebrate the virtues of the dead.
Beyond the rhetorics and political permutations, another major decision lies ahead of Nigerians in 2027. Once again, the people will have the opportunity to decide the direction of the country.
This is not merely about changing one political party for another. It is about asking ourselves what kind of Nigeria we truly desire. It is about looking beyond political slogans, ethnic sentiments, religious considerations and the familiar faces that have dominated our political space.
Nigeria needs a deliberate reset.
We must be willing to interrogate the policies that have deepened hardship, the governance decisions that have weakened public confidence and the choices that have made life increasingly difficult for the ordinary Nigerian.
It is at this point that the aspiration of Governor Seyi Makinde becomes worthy of discussion.
Governor Seyi Makinde is the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for the 2027 election, and the party has commenced its activities. His campaign has also introduced the “Reset Nigeria” agenda, with emphasis on the economy, security, education and governance.
If you ask me, the conversation should not simply be about who is making the loudest promises. It should be about what each aspirant represents, what they have done with previous opportunities entrusted to them, and what they are proposing to do differently.
For me, Governor Seyi Makinde presents an opportunity that Nigerians should carefully examine.
His experience in Oyo State, his approach to governance and his proposed national agenda provide a basis for Nigerians to interrogate his aspiration and determine whether it aligns with the kind of Nigeria they desire.
I therefore call on Nigerians, both political and apolitical, to look beyond the usual political sentiments and give every candidate a fair assessment. Let us examine the records, the policies, the ideas and the capacity being presented to us.
The future of Nigeria cannot be left to chance.
We have made choices in the past. We have celebrated some, regretted others, and learnt lessons from all of them. The next choice should therefore be made with our eyes wide open.
If we genuinely desire a Nigeria where government is people-centred, where leadership is accountable, where opportunities are accessible and where the common man can once again have confidence in the future, then we must be ready to ask the right questions and make informed decisions.
For me, the journey towards a better Nigeria must begin with a reset.
With GSM, joy is coming……….
I am D.O, and write to express myself for the advancement of Nigeria.
eletiko@gmail.com
