Abba Hamisu Sani
Africa-Press – Nigeria. Nigerian Governors used to be very influential in the country’s Political affairs, ranging from determining who is to be the Presidential candidates of their Political parties especially the ruling parties.
And also in the economic affairs of Nigeria, State Governors are also powerful and they are the chief security officers in their respective states.
As Buhari’s tenure is full of challenges that include eight months of University lecturers Industrial action which put millions of Nigerian Students at the risk of being tools of perfecting different crimes in addition to the existing one.
Lingering fuel scarcity and hike of its price which reached a high point for the first time in Nigeria’s history.
Inflation in the prices of goods and services which make life more miserable to the majority of Nigerians.
The recent situation which makes the economy of the largest black nation at standstill is the issue of Currency redesigned that comes with so much hardship even though some economists are of the opinion that it has its own share of benefit to the nation.
In the same vein also some political analysts are saying that it will curb vote buying which is the usual phenomenon during elections in Nigeria.
To be candid, the 36 States Nigerian Governors were seen as less concerned about the problems faced by the country’s educational sector as they have the means to sponsor members of their families in foreign Universities hence neglecting the domestic tertiary institutions.
On the matter of fuel scarcity , the major reason behind it is the malfunctioning of Nigeria’s domestic refineries and the issue of fuel subsidy which the governors claimed is consuming billions of Dollars.
The Governors refused to take action on this lingering scarcity because they are the direct beneficiaries if petrol subsidy is completely removed not minding the consequences on the common citizens.
Inflation of prices is also another matter that affects the ordinary Citizens not governors ,their families or even their associates. So there is no way these leaders are feeling it.
Currency swap and the fact that it is directly bearing on 2023 elections
Governors of different states across Political parties expressed dissatisfaction with the central Bank of Nigeria’s decision of redesigning the highest denominations of the country’s currency at a point close to elections.
Among the outspoken Governors against the policy are the members of the ruling party All progressives Congress .
The same people that use to support President Buhari’s policies no matter how hash they were .Such Governors are Ahmad El-Rufai of Kaduna State ,Abdllahi Ganduje of Kano State ,Sanya Olu of Lagos State and some opposition party Governors of People’s Democratic Party like Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State.
Why Court actions were not taken by Governors on other pressing issues
These Governors take the Federal Government and the Apex Bank to the Supreme Court on the recent currency swap deadline but in the past show lack of concern on matters of serious concern.
Ibrahim Garba Maryam is a Civil society activist and Public affairs analyst. He described the Governors as corrupt leaders who only care for their selfish interest.
He said there were allegations that some Politicians and Governors in particular stoked huge amounts of money outside banks in order to buy votes during February and March elections.
“As you can see the Governors sponsored their favorite candidate during the party’s internal election and now want to use money to impose them in their respective States”. I G Maryam Stated.
He added that it is the same selfish interest of the Governors that stop local Government autonomy from being implemented as they want to keep controlling the resources that belong to the different tier of Government in their custody.
Garba Maryam expressed that now the politicians resort to purchasing food stuff with intention of distributing them to voters as another means of inducement but still it will not have much impact on the electorate like before.
The activist said even though the policy of currency redesign is also hard on the masses, it will help in reducing corruption during elections and curve vote buying and other electoral malpractice.
After the election the cashless policy attached to the currency redesigned will assist in checkmating the financial dealings and make the economy of Nigeria more transparent.
Garba Maryam emphasized on the need for Nigerians to use this election as an opportunity to vote for good leaders that can stand for them in whatever situation and against all odds.
“These Governors only care about their political ambitions and not the well being of the citizens so they should be changed with new and good people during the March Gubernatorial election” The analysis stressed.
He urged the electorate to withstand any temptation during election as the politicians have many tactics of deceiving them to go for the wrong politicians as they are already using religion and ethnicity as a tool of political attraction.
However it seems the politics is taking another dimension this time around as Governors that were considered as President Buhari’s die heart are now attacking him from different angles and even supported by a sitting Minister under the ruling party.
Festus Kiyamo who is the State minister of Labour and employment said the issue of taking the Federal Government to supreme court over currency swap deadline is a symbol that Federalism is working in Nigeria .
He said the action shows that Federalism is operating in Nigeria and added that this is not the first time states are taking the Federal Government to Court.
On the issue of Buhari’s Government disobeying the court verdict on currency swap deadline Barrister Kiyamo said President Buhari acted on the wrong advice. The minister stated this during an interview with channels TV recently.
This analyzes is on the multi dimensional issues of Governors not talking on different matters affecting Nigerians but took center stage on what seems to be more of their political interest,there is need to note that is a culture of majority of Nigerian Politicians to shift loyalty to the expected incoming President or Governors now that is what is happening as Buhari will no longer be the president by 29 the May this year, the attention of Politicians including Governors within his party is now with parties flag bearer Bola Tinubu and all the move they are making is aimed at exhibiting support to him in order to be part of the next administration.
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