Two Tales, One story
Dr Prince Awuzie
My perception of Nigeria and her current cross roads can be conveyed in 2 scenarios- Tales of 2 fathers and the Journey of a Billion naira from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
A Tale of 2 fathers:
Two fathers received a small bag of rice. One father called his friends to share and enjoy the seed, leaving the young family hungry while the other father chased away friends in order to preserve the seed. He then gave his children some to eat and planted the remaining in their farm. Note the following points:
1) Every good farmer must divide his seed -Plant some and consume the remainder
2) Every good farmer must PTP: Plant, Tend and Protect his seed from pests and disease until harvest time
3) Every good farmer must harvest and store his grain in a safe place
4) Every good farmer must set aside seed for the next level of planting
I can boldly state- Buhari is the good farmer protecting the little seed sown on behalf of Nigerians.
The journey of a Billion naira from the CBN:
A billion naira is released from the CBN and it either goes through a corrupt politician who immediately lavishes it on entertainment, posh cars, luxury homes, and exotic travel. Interestingly there is an immediate injection of cash into the economy benefiting estate agents, building material traders and artisans people rejoice. Stomach infrastructure is serviced however the impact is extremely short-lived and akin to feeding from hand to mouth. A long-term colossal loss.
On the other hand we have Buhari who stops the flow through corrupt people and channels the flow directly towards the development of real infrastructure. Interestingly the economy does not feel the impact of the investment immediately. However, in the long term, the common man is equal beneficiary of the Billion naira from the CBN as roads are built, students’ study better with supported feeding programmes, better health infrastructure and so forth.
The later scenario is why Nigerians cried out. The groan of temporary hardship or sacrifice is difficult. Even though the gains are long-lasting! Instant gratification and stomach infrastructure will not bring Nigeria to the land of her dreams. We must vote to preserve the little future we have left. We must use the little seed left to establish a perennial farmstead.
Finally I will point out that I believe President Buhari will yet unite the common man in Nigeria with a great future but in between that time and the other, there will be a period of sacrifice (which Nigerians who claim to be religions will understand). Rest assured that persons like myself have pledged to speak out against any perceived injustices in Buhari’s next 4 years. Only Let us not return to our past, Onwards and forwards with President Mohammadu Buhari.
Dr Prince Awuzie is a Consultant Psychiatrist living and working in diaspora
