FEATURE ARTICLE

Dr. David OgulaSaturday, May 30, 2015
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New York, USA

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PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI THE TASK AHEAD: A MESSAGE FROM THE DIASPORA

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wish to join well-meaning Nigerians in the Diaspora to congratulate Your Excellency Muhammadu Buhari for your victory as the democratically elected President of The Federal Republic of Nigeria and assuming the office of the President. I also congratulate the majority of Nigerians who have strongly embraced democracy and in doing so repudiated mediocrity, incompetence, corruption, and the culture of impunity in Nigeria.

In its half century of existence, there have been several missed opportunities in Nigeria: Murutala Mohammed's administration, your first stint as military head of State, and General Olusegun Obasanjo's second coming all offered opportunities for a change in direction.

As President elect you have pledged to make Nigeria work for all Nigerians; establish the rule of law, govern by example and require accountability from public officials.

You need no reminders about the problems plaguing Nigeria as you once aptly defined the core of our problems as springing from "indiscipline." Thirty years on, public officials in Nigerian have elevated "indiscipline" and wear it as a badge of honor. The fact remains that a majority of Nigerians regardless of geopolitical location are still mired in poverty. Nigerians all over the country suffer injustice, lack of infrastructure, a collapsed educational system, unemployment, insecurity, a failed judicial system -- some obviously more so than others. Your administration must ensure that no individual or groups of Nigerians are left behind; you must identify those who lag and institute measures to alleviate their suffering.

In your inaugural speech, you have called on public officials at the Federal, State and Local government levels, the legislature, the judiciary, the media and all Nigerians to seize this opportunity to ensure responsible and accountable governance. You also indicated that the task ahead is daunting, but by no means insurmountable. I couldn't agree with you more.

Some of us in the Diaspora have watched with horror the worsening security situation in Nigeria over the last several years. Growing up in Nigeria, I would not have in my wildest imagination thought that one day I will be terrified about visiting my village or any part of Nigeria. The picture today is a far cry from the peaceful country I knew. Insecurity has impeded free movement and economic activity across the country.

Nigeria needs all the assistance she can get to address the security challenge and promote sustainable economic development in all parts of the country. The country has a wealth of talent, experts and professionals in the Diaspora -- people yearning to positively contribute toward the development of the nation. Nigeria, like other nations must tap into her Diaspora Power to overcome her challenges.

As the Reverend Jackson, noted "FOR Nigeria to regain its leadership status on regional and global stage, she must urgently use her 'Diaspora power' to galvanize slumbering creative energies back home."

Progressive minded Nigerians in the Diaspora should pledge their commitment to partner with your administration to break the cycle of dysfunction in Nigeria and build a strong united and prosperous nation. Your administration must also do its part to mobilize Diaspora as well as home grown resources for national transformation.

God Bless You and the People of Nigeria!

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