On May 29, 2023, President Muhammadu Buharii will leave Nigeria’s seat of power and many of the citizens can’t wait to have him exit.
This is due to a wide perception that his tenure as the leader of Nigeria has been marked by a series of unfortunate events and unfulfilled promises. From a debilitating economic recession to persistent insecurity, Nigerians have endured a plethora of challenges that continue to haunt their memories.
This article delves into 10 experiences that Nigerians won’t forget easily, shedding light on the shortcomings and disappointments of President Buhari’s administration.
- Economic recession and its ramifications
One of the most vivid memories etched in the minds of Nigerians is the severe economic recession that plagued the nation from 2016 to 2017.
Under President Buhari’s leadership, Nigeria witnessed a sharp decline in GDP, skyrocketing inflation, rising unemployment, and a crippling decrease in purchasing power. Families struggled to make ends meet, businesses suffered, and the nation’s economic growth was stunted.
The scars of this recession remain as a stark reminder of the administration’s inability to effectively steer the economy during challenging times.
- Fuel scarcity and the disruption of daily life
Nigeria’s recurrent fuel scarcity crises under President Buhari caused untold hardships for the populace. Long queues at petrol stations became a regular sight, bringing transportation and businesses to a grinding halt.
Nigerians were subjected to hours of waiting and uncertainty, as access to fuel became a luxury.
This chronic problem exposed the fragility of the country’s petroleum sector and highlighted the administration’s inability to find lasting solutions, leaving citizens grappling with the inconvenience and frustration of fuel scarcity.
- Insecurity and the persistent Boko Haram threat
Despite promises to tackle the Boko Haram insurgency head-on, President Buhari’s administration struggled to quell the violence and insecurity that plagued Nigeria.
Boko Haram attacks continued unabated, claiming countless lives and displacing thousands of Nigerians. The government’s response to these atrocities was often seen as inadequate, leaving affected regions in a state of perpetual fear and anguish.
The failure to effectively address the Boko Haram menace stands as a painful reminder of the administration’s shortcomings in providing security and stability for its citizens.
- Herdsmen-farmers clashes and the human cost:
Another tragic experience that Nigerians won’t easily forget is the escalation of clashes between nomadic herdsmen and farmers during President Buhari’s tenure. These clashes resulted in the loss of numerous lives and the destruction of properties. The administration’s response to these conflicts was perceived as insufficient, leading to heightened tensions and a pervasive sense of insecurity in affected regions.
The human toll of these clashes serves as a painful reminder of the administration’s failure to effectively mitigate these deep-rooted conflicts.
- Human rights abuses and erosion of freedoms
President Buhari’s administration faced criticism for alleged human rights violations. Reports of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and harassment of journalists and activists raised concerns about the erosion of fundamental rights and freedom of expression.
The disregard for human rights under President Buhari’s watch damaged the government’s credibility and undermined the trust of the Nigerian people. These abuses serve as a dark stain on the administration’s record and a reminder of the importance of upholding human rights.
- Allegations of corruption and selective anti-corruption efforts Despite promising to tackle corruption head-on, President Buhari’s administration faced allegations of corruption within its ranks.
Critics argued that the government’s anti-corruption efforts were selective and lacked transparency, leading to a loss of faith in the administration’s ability to effectively combat corruption.
- Slow pace of economic diversification and overdependence on oil
President Buhari’s administration pledged to diversify Nigeria’s economy away from oil dependence. However, progress in this area was disappointingly slow, and the economy remained heavily reliant on oil revenues.
This overdependence made the nation vulnerable to global oil price fluctuations, leaving the economy exposed and stifling sustainable development.
The lack of significant strides in economic diversification remains a testament to the administration’s inability to effectively implement necessary reforms to reduce the country’s vulnerability to oil shocks.
- Lack of job creation and rising youth unemployment
Despite promising to create job opportunities for Nigerians, President Buhari’s administration failed to address the pressing issue of unemployment, particularly among the youth.
Unemployment rates remained alarmingly high, leaving countless young Nigerians without viable employment options.
The lack of meaningful job creation exacerbated socio-economic challenges, contributing to frustration and disillusionment among the nation’s youth. The administration’s inability to effectively tackle this issue stands as a reminder of unfulfilled promises and missed opportunities for inclusive growth.
- Poor infrastructure development and its impact on daily life
The state of Nigeria’s infrastructure remained a source of frustration throughout President Buhari’s tenure. Inadequate roads, unreliable power supply, and a lack of well-equipped healthcare facilities hindered economic growth and compromised the well-being of Nigerians.
The slow progress in infrastructure development highlighted the administration’s failure to prioritize and implement critical projects that would enhance the lives of citizens.
The poor state of infrastructure continues to impede progress and stands as a symbol of unfulfilled infrastructure promises.
- Slow response to national crises and erosion of trust
Whether it was the COVID-19 pandemic or the #EndSARS protests, President Buhari’s administration was criticized for its slow and inadequate response to national crises.
The lack of urgency and effective action eroded public trust and highlighted a disconnect between the government and its people. Nigerians expected swift and decisive measures, but instead, they were met with delays and ineffective solutions.
The administration’s failure to respond promptly and effectively to these crises further deepened the disillusionment and skepticism among the Nigerian populace.
Conclusion
President Buhari’s tenure in Nigeria has been marked by a series of experiences that continue to haunt the memories of Nigerians. From economic recession to insecurity, corruption allegations to human rights abuses, the administration’s shortcomings have left a lasting impact on the nation.
The unfulfilled promises, slow progress, and inadequate responses to critical issues have eroded public trust and raised questions about the government’s ability to effectively address the challenges facing the country.
As Nigerians reflect on these experiences, they hope for a future where their leaders prioritize their well-being and deliver on their promises for a better Nigeria.