The year – 2022 was not different from the preceding years. 2020 could be described as a COVID-19 year in which the newly discovered pandemic hit the world and wrecked social and economic havoc to many countries including Nigeria. In 2022, after the pandemic seemed over, Nigerians witnessed the post-COVID-19 era where the country struggled to recover economically. In 2022, Nigerians witnessed the good and the bad side of the year. It started with torrential downpours which led to flood disasters that submerged many states across the country. The flood which caused serious damage to lives and properties has raised questions about the proper utilisation of ecological funds by state governors and the lack of effective policies to stem the menace of flooding in the country.
In 2022, there were incessant attacks on INEC offices and its facilities across the country. The rampant and continuing attacks in the few days to the elections have sent fear into Nigerians.
In his new year message, President Muhammadu Buhari has warned saboteurs bent on scuttling the forthcoming poll to stay away. However, the government should match its words with actions. These sponsored thugs or political urchins may return to their nefarious activities in order to undermine free and fair elections and the government’s commitment to a peaceful transition. To checkmate the ungodly activities of rapacious arsonists, the government should deploy adequate security operatives to protect INEC offices and facilities across the country. The Department of State Security (DSS) should launch an investigation to unravel those who are sponsoring terrorism in the country. The arrest and prosecution of these sponsors would serve as a lesson to other would-be sponsors and restore peace and security in the country.
The year – 2023 will inherit the catalogues of insecurity bedevilling the country. While insecurity did not start last year, banditry and other sundry crimes had spiked to a frightening level. For the people of Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and other communities in Kaduna State, 2022 was a bad year. Bandits had a field day, abducting and killing many helpless people. Similarly, in the South East, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), through its armed wing, Eastern Security Network, had waged unrelenting war against the people of the region. Their sit-at-home imposed rules had caused a setback to the economic development of the entire region. Will this insecurity stop this year?
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On the economy, 2023 will carry over some monetary policies initiated by the apex bank (CBN), aimed at taming the high rate of inflation in the country. CBN, through its monetary policies, redesigned our currencies and pegged cash withdrawal limits. The policy is geared towards implementing a cashless economy. Will this policy reverse the high rate of inflation this year? It is also worrisome that 2023 will inherit a mountain of public debts. The crude oil theft which cost the country trillions of naira revenue loss is another nightmare. The multi-dimensional poverty index which places 133 millions of Nigerians below the poverty line is another concern for the new year.
Furthermore, with the elections around the corner, Nigerians have great opportunities to assess the candidates and their party manifestos. These multi-facet problems affecting the country are surmountable if Nigerians elect good leaders in the next general elections. We need strong leadership fully prepared to take the country to an Eldorado.
Ibrahim Mustapha wrote from Pambegua, Kaduna.
