A theatre of the absurd is playing out in Aso rock,the seat of government and host to the periodic assemblage of ministers,advisers and the coterie of hangers-on who wield political cum economic power in our dear country.I know this because in recent times,President Jonathan and his retinue of political upstarts,,perhaps in a hopeless bid to launder their government's tattered image,have continued to assail us with figures that seem to show that Nigeria is on the rapid ascent to growth and prosperity.Indeed,it has become the pastime of gluttonous and rapacious cabinet members to bandy about "improved ratings" of our economy as "affirmed" by several rating agencies.
In a particularly comical episode,one recalls the press release from the office of the co-ordinating minister of the economy (our defacto Prime Minister),assuring Nigeria and Nigerians that the fabled eldorado is finally within grasp,what with details of an exponential growth in the nation's economic indices (located circa the region of 5.4% per annumm).
Whilst I cannot begrudge members of a government famed for its crass ineptitude,lethargic indolence and crippling inertia their right to make a living off our collective patrimony,one must guard against the use of insidious propaganda in place of concrete achievements.
Pray,what manner of growth is this that has no bearing on the fortunes of the citizen? What manner of growth flourishes even amidts a descent into abject penury,worsening health indices,alarming levels of youth unemployment inter alia the myriad and plethora of challenges facing this country.
More than 120million nigerians do not know where the next meal is coming from.Power is totally nonexistent in certain parts of the country.Entrepreneurs are weeping under the sheer weight of crippling debts and a hostile business environment.
Pray,what manner of growth?
My advice? President Goodluck shld concentrate on providing Nigerians with the dividends of democracy which so far,he has failed to do.Government cannot be on the basis of fictitious figures concoted by an increasingly desperate administration.Government must be by concrete reforms that translate to visible gains for majority of the populace.
Long live Nigeria!