Thoughts on calls for President Buhari to Resign

President Buhari’s tenure so far has been an odd one, and that’s putting it mildly. It’s quite the contrast to the atmosphere of his election victory early last year. There was a feeling of change, and literally so. Most will say that he’s had a slow start, evident by the fact that it took months before his cabinet materialized.

But the present situations of Nigerians will beg the question, Where is the change? Pundits would argue about transparency, like abolishing the office of the first lady. Or education, based on the improved WAEC and NECO results. Also, the renewed fight against corrupt practises is a plus in people’s books.

But then, there are the black spots. Last year, Nigeria became 20th largest economy in the world, first in Africa overtaking South Africa. But this fact isn’t quite apparent as our economy is underperforming. And because of our over reliance on the Petroleum industry, increase in fuel prices lead to general price hikes on other goods and commodities.

Let’s not forget about the Niger Delta Avengers whose constant bombing of our pipelines contributes to our declining economy. Then, there’s also our failing currency that has taken a free fall against the dollar. The news that Nigeria is “technically” in recession only adds fuel to the fire that during Presidents Buhari’s tenure, things have gotten worse.

There is no quick fix to all these problems we’re experiencing as a nation. Some of them originated long before the Buhari Administration came to power. I guess what I’m saying is that though there are huge calls for his resignation, it wouldn’t change the present situation we’re in right now. Of course he is the president so he’s the target for all the blames right now. I just think that he should sit down and really map out his plans. Though it seems he’s taking his time, which a lot of Nigerians are complaining about, the only way is up now. We haven’t hit rock bottom yet and we shouldn’t wait to see what it feels like. They should start making decisions that in the long run, would be a good one for Nigeria. After all, the night is always darkest before dawn.

Let’s see what the rest of his term is like.

Pringshak Tristan is a Social Commentator and avid follower of Nigerian politics who finds Writing Therapeutic, He studies Statistics in University of Jos.