BY ANTHONY ADA ABRAHAM
I will not waste time engaging those who believe that the North is perpetually at war with the South whenever political power is in the hands of a Southern leader. However, it is important to put things into their proper historical context.
The reality is that opposition to an incumbent administration has never been exclusive to any particular region in Nigeria.
Both the South and the East have, at different times, supported opposition movements against leaders from the North, just as Northerners have opposed leaders from the South. This is a matter of political choices, not regional hostility.
Let us reflect on the Goodluck Jonathan administration.
Many of the same people who now portray political opposition as an anti-South agenda were at the forefront of the opposition against Jonathan. He was subjected to relentless criticism, ridicule and personal attacks. Some went as far as publicly portraying him as a dead man by displaying a coffin bearing his image.
Videos and photographs of those incidents are still widely available on social media. The present administration’s supporters were not entirely absent from that political hostility.
Similarly, during Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, many Northerners openly criticised his government, organised protests and described his leadership as ineffective and incompetent. Contrary to the impression that the North unanimously supported him, there was considerable dissatisfaction within the region itself.
His re-election was certainly not evidence of universal northern approval.
Therefore, it is misleading to interpret Nigerians’ dissatisfaction with the current administration as a northern obsession with retaining political power. The more fundamental issue is governance.
Nigerians across different regions are expressing frustration because the cost of living has become increasingly unbearable, economic conditions are difficult, and many people are struggling to meet their basic needs.
Let me make this point very clear, If this administration had delivered on its promises and significantly improved the living conditions of Nigerians, there would be little reason for so many people to be looking towards the opposition ahead of another election.
Good governance is the strongest campaign strategy any incumbent can have. When a government delivers results, its achievements speak louder than political propaganda.
As for the current administration, the only appointee of the President whose performance I can openly commend and whose work has earned my support is Nyesom Wike.
Politics aside, anyone who has taken the time to move around Abuja and objectively assess the infrastructural developments taking place in the FCT cannot easily dismiss his contributions. His impact on the physical development and transformation of the nation’s capital is visible.
One may disagree with his political style or approach, but it would be unfair to deny tangible results where they exist.
Beyond that, I find it difficult to identify many other appointees whose performances sufficiently match the expectations and promises made to Nigerians. Too many promises have been made, but promises alone cannot put food on people’s tables, create jobs or improve the standard of living.
Ultimately, Nigerians are not demanding good governance based on the region of the President. They are demanding it because they deserve it. The conversation should therefore be about performance, accountability and the welfare of citizens, not about North versus South.
We must learn to judge governments by what they deliver, not by where the President comes from.
Anthony Ada Abraham is A Journalist And Public Commentator writes in from Abuja
