If I were the President;
LOL. The first thing I’d execute as the President is the eradication of the upper chamber; lower chamber is okay, the HoRS. Yes, I’d look into strengthening the Nigeria economy by collaborating with foreign agencies, exposing me to various ideas, and channeling the strategies into my governance.
I’d make sure tax is being paid regularly. If I were the President, I’d ensure there’s a special body that’d be saddled with foreign policy affairs — that’s a major one. I’d always have a regular meetings with my Governors to discuss about the growth/development and IGR in each and every state; if you are lagging behind, you’d be probe.
Yes, if I were the President, the dollar rate would drop to its barest minimum by seeing to it that more of exportation is done than importation — 95:5. That’s achievable. This would bridge the dollar rate. Yes, I’d make sure no medical care is given outside the Country, except in case of urgency/emergency or critical condition. All the politicians would be restricted. No medical care outside!
This would help uphold our medical strength by the involvement of the politicians, and notable personalities. They would contribute. And the Country shall be a refuge for other Nations, thereby improving the economy of the country by almost 15–18%. Health is wealth, hence the derivation.
If I were the President, I’d carefully and single handedly appoint some electoral bodies that has in-depth knowledge about democracy, and strongly believe in it. They would be in charge of the elections — people I can comfortably sit back, trust, and watch. Another major step that is. If there’s a free, fair and credible election, there’d be development.
I’d strengthen the foundation of public schools, by increasing the number of teachers in each and every school, and increasing the pay of the teachers handsomely. And by introducing a new and accurate scheme of work for them. Provision of modern day practical equipment that’d cut across every section. A policy of “less than 50/100" in a subject would be implemented. That’s a REPEAT. That’s already a normal re-run in higher institutions. This would imbibe act of seriousness and determination in them. It’s expected that they should be able to compete with their counterparts in private schools. This would greatly influence the education sector.
It is evident that alot do not know anything about history. Hstory would be a mandatory subject for secondary school pupils. It's a necessity for them to know some valuable informations about their geo-political boundary, the Nation as a whole, and across the Globe. Yes, there would be scholarship section. And that’d always be annually; favoring the best students.
It shouldn’t be a shock that I would invest heavily in agriculture, and technology. Much of our budget is being spent on it. I’d set up a committee that would draft out the information of some well-researched Agriculturists, scholars, to discuss on the possible ways to enhance our growth in that sector, and what could be done to stop us from depending majorly on other Nations. Farmers would be provided with basic farm machineries that would help make farming much easier and convenient, thus increasing the farming capacity, and contributing to the GDP.
Same thing goes to the tech. sector as well. As an Engineer, I have a deep insight on how to go about that. I’d set up a planning committee on that, and strategize on the plans forward; “more industries would be built, and a lot of practical classes would be greatly emphasized in schools". The ratio of practical to theory would be 80:20. It would also be a requisite that you learn at least one or two tech skills before entering into the University, polytechnic, or college. We are in a jet and modernized World.
Yes, I’d make sure I get the records of all the construction Engineers, Civil Engineers, and generally Engineers that have worked on our major roads, highways, and bridges.. I have one or two questions to ask them. It’s of no news that roads don’t last a decade again. Why? Were they not paid? We must figure it out. And if found guilty, they’d be charged to Court. This would instill professionalism in others, thus quality roads, highways, bridges would be erected. And contract making would be put on a standardized mode.
Sport is also a key one. It’s really a pity that there are lot of talents but there’s no opportunity to showcase them. There would be an agency all around the County to handle that. It would be on merit, and if you make it to the list, I’d ensure there’s a sponsorship abroad for you, or I establish a sport academy that would cut across all sport activities, in partnership with foreign countries. This would develop us.
As an Executive, I'd always liaise with the legislative sector; the law makers to air their views, and opinions about the situation of the economy, and ready to receive criticism from the members, and proffering long term solutions to the challenges ravaging the Country. Yes, if I were the president, I would do that. It's a necessary action for a working government.
I wouldn’t give room for dirtiness. This would be the duty of the Governors, and extending to the environmentalists. If a citizen is found guilty, there would be a discipline committee that would look into that, give the necessary judgement, and pass to the appropriate quarters for further processes. I’m not wicked, but we must get it right. “Keep your Country clean” should be the slogan.
It's really saddening to see tribal war. I would contribute my quota by fostering the love amongst the major tribes in Nigeria. I'd make sure my appointments is distributed evenly amongst them. Every sector will be a mixed one. This would breed love, and team work, hence turning a Nation with diversity to become one Nation, this would help stabilize the growth. Yes, there would be more creation of States, this would help build self sufficiency, and productivity.
If I were the President, I would always hold a public meeting on social media platforms "virtual meeting" with the masses to share their concern, cries, and worries - and proposing ideas on how to solve them. Holding a physical meeting is practically impossible. It will be noted, and necessary actions would be taken concerning their worries. To build a better Nation, the opinion of the Masses/Citizens matter. It's a democratic system of Government.
The issues of insecurity — bandit, kidnapping, rape cases, and others. It would be the sole responsibility of the armed personnel — security agencies in that locality, or states. There would be a tight, and secured security. If there’s any case of any, the end result would be on the security personnel in that arena. They would dance to the tune. And this would help stimulate our security the more. If need be, special agencies would be created.
The transport management system sef go collect. There’d be no room for extortion. The transportation fee would be the same throughout the parks; depending on the destinations, as that would always vary. There would be uniformity; for same destination. If I sense nonsense, you are in trouble. All the drivers in that unit would be severely dealt with — it’s not possible you wouldn’t know about the hike in price. I’m not wicked, I just believe in a working Government. We must get it right.
Yes, I’d be more wary of my actions when it comes to decision making, knowing fully well that the decision I make will affect millions of people positively or negatively. As an executive, you have to be rational in decision making. It’s a skil that you must possess. That’s a top quality of a leader. You must not act based on personal demand, but rather based on popular demand. With this, you can get a working government.
Teachers' salary scale would be one of the top. I know the effort being put into teaching, and they should be valued. I’d amend that. And the constitution would be reviewed, and properly amended. No unlimited contesting for posts. The Giant of Africa, as we’re popularly referred to, I would make sure the name is still retained by being a leading Nation in Africa. There’s more to say if I were the President. But, I will stop here till I become one. Let’s have that working government back. I’d always give my respect to Late Former President Umar Musa Yar’adua. He’s a passionate, and democratic leader.
I wouldn’t run an oligarchy system, but a democratic one. My governing approach is not hard, but it could be a hard pill for you, as you might perceive it to be. I’m just a lover of good governance. Nothing more. I’m a disciplinarian.
We can still have that working government, and a great Nation if we are ready.
©Engr. Fatiu Opeyemi Bello (GMNSE).
