For
so many decades Nigeria and Nigerians have been ridiculed and made a laughing
stock abroad. It got so bad that every news from the foreign media was centred
on the problems of monumental corruption, unemployment, deplorable power supply
and increased insecurity all ravaging the country. What made matters worse was
that the leaders of Nigeria at various times were seen as benefiting from the
rot in the system , hence doing little or nothing to reverse the ugly trend.
Nigeria
was always in the news for the very negative reason. Severally Leaders of Industrialized
countries visited Africa numerous times but none bothered to set foot in
Nigeria, even when Nigeria displaced South Africa to become the "Biggest
Economy" in Sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria was no longer the darling of
the West rather, it became the scorned country and seen as a place where every
Western National must avoid at all costs. It informally became clear that any of
the Western nationals that visited Nigeria did so at his/her own risk.
It
got worse when the then President Goodluck Jonathan visited the US. He was
treated nonchalantly and was not granted high profile reception. Nigeria turned
from World acclaimed Giant of Africa to self-acclaimed Giant of Africa or
Sleeping Giant of Africa. With the population and economic importance of
Nigeria, Nigerians expected better treatment from the outside world. Nigeria
was an exception if one watched how other leaders of populous countries in the
world like Brazil, Mexico, China and India were treated when they went on
foreign trips.
While
no Nigerian could contest the treatment of Nigeria by foreign countries with
little or no regard and disdain given the present state of the country, what
they clamoured was the day Nigeria will return back to where it belongs as the
Centre Point of World Economic and Political activities. And suddenly when one
watches with interest the recent activities of President Muhammadu Buhari it seems
those days are nearer than it seemed.
One
can logically conclude that the singular act of then President Goodluck
Jonathan to concede defeat in the March 28, Presidential election and
congratulate the winner Muhammadu Buhari may have been the most contributing
factor in the now Steady Rise of Nigeria once more in International
Reckoning. The international community and Nigerians inclusive
expected both storm and doom before and after the general elections as has been
the practice since Independence from the United Kingdom in 1960, but they were
proved wrong and out of touch with the trending "Democratic Change"
sweeping the world by the action of then President Goodluck Jonathan. This is
coming at a time the new President confirmed the nations treasury is empty,
workers owed months of their salary, thus making it nearly impossible to
exonerate the ex-President from corruption and fraudulent charges, but in
conceding defeat, he might have righted certain wrongs in his failed
administration.
President
Buhari took over in his new found charismatic nature and became the bride of
every foreign country. From the numerous mounting invitations from various
countries wanting to host him, to the manner of his reception and hospitality
accorded him, it is clear that maybe it is finally Sunrise in Nigeria. Also
included is the G7 Germany meeting invitation from German Chancellor Angela
Merkel in June, to the recent US trip of July. This shows that maybe the
negative tag on Nigeria and it's leaders is gradually untagged. Also it should
be noted that in this recent trips, President Buhari did not disappoint
Nigerians as he has demonstrated he is well in tune with recent modern
leadership trends. What then remains of him is to deliver on his Four priority campaign
promises ( Security, Anti-Corruption War, Massive Employment and Steady Power
Supply).
For
now, Nigerians can't be more excited at the new changing perception about them
and are convinced that both ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and President Muhammadu
Buhari are contributing variables to this .
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