On 29th of May, 2023, the present administration under Retired Major General Muhammadu Buhari will cease to exist. This is because he would have completed his eight years tenure as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Nigerians are however, anxiously waiting for who will take over from this present administration which rode to power on the crest of ‘change’ and ‘Next Level’ mantra in 2015 and 2019. It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari and his party, APC made significant promises to the Nigerians electorate, presenting the dividends the country stands to gain through his leadership.
Many Nigerians believe the President reneged on his promises on security, the economy and improving the overall quality of citizens’ lives by lifting millions out of poverty. Nigerians believe that things are really not getting better under his administration.
Nigeria’s economy today is in shambles; with global commodity shocks, a depreciating currency, trade restrictions, and monetization of the deficit, surging inflation pushing millions of Nigerians into poverty.
It is based on this failure of campaign promises by the APC led government that Nigerians have become concerned about political candidates’ contracts for the 2023 elections.
Political candidates for the 2023 general election have started making new promises on what they will do better if they form a new government in 2023.
It is against this background that Rulers World News Media examines people’s expectations from the new government that will take over from outgoing President Muhammadu Buhariin May, 2023.
The Nigerian Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture Business Women Group, NAWORG, through their National President, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar, said they expect that the new government in 2023 should close the gender gaps between men and women to create more sustainable and inclusive economies and societies.
”Women should be included in decision-making to strengthen the 35 percent affirmative action. They expected the government in 2023 to put them at the table when the decisions are being made; when policies are being made, especially the ones that affect children and women; and when decisions about the economy are being made because they are part of the economy.”
Funke Adekoya, SAN; For Nigeria to survive economically, we need to remove the petrol subsidy, deregulate the exchange rate, downsize the government’s payroll and widen the tax net. We all know that our economy cannot stand the financial burden of its present governance structure, and the next President must be prepared to tackle that issue. He must also respond to the calls for greater State autonomy and be ready to give up Federal ‘oversight’ powers over areas such as education that genuinely belong to the States.
She said Nigeria needs a President to pull her back from being a failed State.
Ikeazor Akaraiwe, SAN, former NBA first Vice President, said the most urgent task is security, and none of the Presidential candidates has exhibited any plan to deal with it. None even has an eligible team advising him on safety. He said each candidate should urgently seek expert input from local and foreign intelligence, law enforcement, military, and security professionals.
He also said upon inauguration, the next President should implement an aggressive, no-holds-barred, and robust anti-terrorism and anti-kidnapping programme anchored on sound advice.
Others who expressed their expectations from the government in 2023 are:
Mr. Babalola Sunday who said the government comes in 2023 should work towards transforming the nation and not forget the citizens the way the past governments have done.
Mr. Oladayo Mark stated that things are not easy. If the upcoming government can perform better and meet the needs of the citizens, it would be the best.
He said the scarcity of fuel and its high price is unbearable, the cost of food is outrageous, and the citizens are suffering. The government should make everything bearable and make the citizens happy come 2023.
Speaking in the same vein, Miss Elizabeth Tijani said for 2023, her prayer is that the election will be free and fair. She said her expectation is for the government to take security to its utmost essential and ensure employment opportunities for all. She believes that once these two things are sorted out, Nigeria will be good.
Mr. Sulaimon Musa said the government in 2023 should not lead as the outgoing government is leading. He said people want a better government that they will be proud of and other countries can emulate.
Mr. Oloyede Omobolaji said that come 2023, he expected the government to take things one step at a time so that they can improve on many things affecting the country and put in a structure that can develop the country and put an end to the citizens’ sufferings.
Other Nigerians who spoke with Rulers’ World News Media seek a massive positive change in the country in 2023 as many citizens could not afford three square meals per day again.
In 2023, Nigerians are awaiting a government that will prioritize infrastructures, youth entrepreneurship, health and education. Nigerians want a leader that will come up with a new set of interventions that truly can change Nigeria to a prosperous nation.
