MY CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO THE PRESIDENT-ELECT!

I want to seize this opportunity to extend warm congratulations to you, the people’s general and current Nigerian president-elect for your victory in this wonderful and most keenly contested election in the history of the nation. You really fought a good fight Sir. The election is historic in many aspects but I would leave that as a topic for another day! Kindly accept my humble, innocent and unalloyed congratulations! Many Nigerians are happy with you today but not many envy your position for many reasons.

1. The personal attributes and infrastructural achievements of the man you are succeeding. His achievements speak for themselves in education, electricity, road/rail infrastructures, industrial revolutions, agriculture, job creation, aviation and above all liberalization of information/expression in Nigeria.

These are the yardstick upon which your administration will be measured! GEJ once said that he is the most criticized president in the world. I want to add that he is not only criticized but also insulted, publicly and privately humiliated/abused by even street urchins. You must be ready to allow a surgical operation on your adrenal gland to render it inactive for the period you will reign as Nigeria's civilian president! Goodluck Ebere Jonathan as the president has been able to control and manage his adrenaline very well and you must learn such virtue to succeed in a modern society.

2. Personal problems you imposed unto yourself in the name of campaign promises. Payment of N5, 000 monthly stipends to the unemployed and the aged, creation of 2million jobs annually, is making the exchange rate of naira to dollar same and equal, eradication of corruption from the land, bringing back our girls (Chibok girls) within few months, ensuring a stable power supply within six months, granting 35percent affirmative action to women folks, etc. These are promises that will definitely define your administration's success. A blank cheque was extended to all Nigerians through those promises and they re eagerly waiting to start cashing.

3. The current oil price nose-diving in the global market. This is really not the best time for Nigerian economy considering the mono-economy it runs at the moment. With the fall in crude price in the global market which precipitated a hike in exchange rate, Nigerian economy may crumble if the trend continues. We all know the implication of this on any economy. The Greece-like bankruptcy experience must be avoided like a plague in Nigeria because of the attendant implications.

4. Your age. Nigeria is a complex and complicated country which needs a younger blood to pilot her affairs more effectively. However, this should not be an excuse as many leaders within your age bracket have taken their country from the woods to the promised land and i would be glad if such is replicated in my country through you.

5. Finally, the people around you that must form an integral part of your government, courtesy of their roles in your election.
Some key actors in your would-be government may ruin your good intention for Nigeria. Effective war on corruption as promised may end up a mirage if they have their way. A call for vigilance is the topic sentence here although I believe you know them very well. They did not leave PDP because they are truly progressive, they left because of personal interest which to them must prevail over party interest.

When their belief hit the rock, opting out became the only option. Of course you are not oblivious of all these and its expected you get well quipped for the challenges especially now that you have the power. My write up is only a reminder. Once again, accept my warm congratulations! May the Almighty Allah guide you to success!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

Abonyi Ikenna wrote from Warri, Delta State.

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