We note with satisfaction the cautious strides already taken by the President while acting for his late predecessor but admonishes that now that both political and legal encumbrances have been removed, Nigerians will not accept any excuse for non-performance. The foul feeling of the people of this country can only be assuaged by evidences of actual improvement in their socio-economic conditions. 

The President, while in acting capacity, did promise “to hit the ground running” as the time left is so short. We share this sentiment but also take solace in the existence of enviable precedence even if it occurred during the military era. The late General Murtala Muhammed ruled for only six months and etched his name permanently in the minds of the people. The President cannot afford to fail now that the goodwill he enjoys from well meaning Nigerians is palpable. 

It is reassuring to hear from him that the issue of corruption will be tackled headlong. There are many outstanding cases which constitute serious embarrassment to the country in the international circles that this out-going administration must look into urgently. The Halliburton and Siemens bribery scandals linger while the government and the anti-corruption agencies continue to pay lip service in regard to their readiness to combat the menace. Some politicians have constituted themselves into a criminal cartel, wielding tremendous influence in government circles. These people are treated specially to the ludicrous extent that they choose the venue of their interaction with law enforcement agents. They insist on being treated like kings while the country groans under the yoke of their criminal acts. It should not be difficult for this government to send the right signal to corrupt elements that it will not be business as usual. 

As the President stands on the threshold of history, we must not fail to tell him that the only legacy that will secure his place in the pantheon of the gods, several years after he must have joined his ancestors, is to institute the process that will culminate in the conduct of a credible election. The removal of the Chairman of INEC should not be seen as an end in itself. There are other elements within the organization who must be relieved of their positions. All steps purportedly taken by the out-going Chairman in preparation for another round of charade must be halted. The government must take a critical look at the Uwais Committee Report with a view to institutionalizing aspects of it which will ensure that any election conducted will be seen by the majority as transparent and credible.

The government must also see to it that the perennial problem of electricity is approached with a realistic mindset aimed at erecting enduring structures which will solve the problem in the long term. Only those who are experts in the real sense of the word must be engaged to salvage the country from the clutches of the vampires who have plunged the country into darkness for a considerable length of time now. Time is not the friend of this administration. The President cannot afford to fail. 

Once again, the NBA congratulates the President on his assumption of office and wishes him a fruitful tenure of office. 

OLUWAROTIMI. O. AKEREDOLU, ESQ, SAN

PRESIDENT, NBA