WHAT NIGERIANS  WISH TO SEE IMPROVED  IN 2O17

The purpose of this write –up is to report on the scores I have in my grade book for three African countries, and what my fellow Nigerians wish to happen in their country in the New Year, 2017. Nigeria, under Buhari, is trying, but more is desired.  There is ample room for improvement. Nigeria ought to do much better in the coming year. After chatting with a few friends in Nigeria, Ghana and Zimbabwe as a college teacher, here are the scores in my grade book: 

Ghana has B:  Nigeria has C; and  Zimbabwe has F  
I didn’t chat at length with the Ghanaians and Zimbabweans due to telephone and time constraints. Here are the wishes of the Nigerians:

Stop the rising cases of hunger in the land by fixing the economy;  address the rising cases of hunger among Nigerians by “relaxing government’s policy on importation of food items for a short term to stem hunger.”

Tackle corruption successfully and end insurgency. Put a stop to attacks by Fulani herdsmen. Control the activities of cattle rustlers by not giving the impression that government support such uncivilized behavior

Restructure the country, ensure equity in governance and improve security of lives and properties

Stop importing petroleum products;  and stimulate local refineries to provide perrol.

Set up economic teams to study the sufferings of Nigerians and suggest remedies.

 Fight corruption by building strong institutions rather than chasing after corrupt individuals.

Restructure the country by empowering the States and groups, including the youth and persons responsible for securing the lives and properties of Nigerians.

Be relentless in efforts to crush the head and brain of Boko Haram insurgency in the country

Improve infrastructure and rehabilitate bad roads and dangerous bridges

Assemble the right people in teams to get the country out of this recession.

Put a stop o high rate of unemployment, kidnapping and activities of militants by providing more employment opportunities.

Cease messing with the Judiciary, but treat the branch with respect as one of the 3 important watchdogs (executive,  judiciary, and legislative branches) so that the Judiciary’s image should not be battered.

Bring Nigerian experts in economics to examine the nation’s economy and provide suggestions.

Overcome nepotism, ethnocentrism and religiosity in government by looking beyond the All Progressives Congress to appoint competent persons.

Pay salaries on time; stop begrudging workers their paychecks for as long as 8 months, even if it means borrowing from  banks to pay salaries and reimbursing banks as money becomes available,

Ensure the security of lives and properties of Nigerians in 2017.

Reduce attacks by Fulani herdsmen and other militant groups in a manner that shows commitment to constructive and participatory governance, rather than authoritarianism.

Reduce suffering by reducing (a) government’s inability to pay salaries when due,(b) prices of food items that went beyond people’s affordability, and (c) and the withdrawal of children from school during the year because of parents’ inabilities to pay school fees.

Treat all Nigerians, including Igbos, Ijaws, and other minorities like every other Nigerians by extending fairness in administration of equity and justice.

Assembled by  Dr. James C. Agazie; jamesagazie@gmail.com; jamesagazies.blogspot.com