Measuring the country’s heartbeat – By Uche Okeke.

Since he was overthrown in a Military coup in 1985 by ex-Military President Ibrahim Babangida, Buhari has fought ceaselessly to gain political power in Nigeria.

Having lost in several democratic elections since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, 2015 election was his best chance as Nigerians indicated they have had enough of the ruling PDP and demanded for change which they now regret.

President Buhari has bust the old system, sows divisions and chaos in the country’s political system, resulting to numerous calls for the reform of the current constitution.

The danger is that come 2019, he will be denied of popular votes from the South-East, South-South, North-Central, even the unpredictable South-West geo-political regions and he would want to hold on to power relying on the control of the country’s security and election office machinery.

The country has entered into a period of profound and interminable crisis. The political, social and economic situation in the country now threatens its existence.

“The culture of our people in the south-west (yorubas), in the south-east (Igbos), in the south-south (Ijaws, Efiks, Ibibios, Edos) in the middle belt (Idomas, Tivs, Igalas, Nupes) in the North-East (Kanuri’s, Marghi, Bahur) and even in the North-West (Hausa, Fulani, Gbagyi) there is no more exaltation for the concept of dictatorship, authoritarian rule and personalized governance, we are more egalitarian in Nigeria”- Chief Guy Ike Ikokwu

Tony Nnadi of the Movement for New Nigeria argues that the the lifespan of the amalgamation treaty has elapsed and that ethnic nationalities are now free to declare autonomy for themselves.

“The amalgamation was done for economic reasons. The Northerns were at a loss. This was done so that the suprless of the South could cover the loss,” said Prof. Sagay. He acknowledged that the country has failed.

To restructure Nigeria therefore calls for a political will and boldness and it may be said President Buhari has nothing to lose by being bold which is a legacy he can leave for Nigerians.”- Chief Guy Ike Ikokwu.

“In the end, what people really want are transparency, fairness and inclusiveness in governance. Plus a lot of give and take. The central control is stifling and a disincentive to communal growth and development. The time to negotiate is now.”- Muyiwa Adetiba.

“I am desperate for a National conference… This may be the last chance to save Nigeria. We need to grab this opportunity. If we don’t, we can kiss Nigeria goodbye,” said Prof. Sagay.

“…,I’m saying this because i said earlier that if you don’t see any leader that has done well in the 56-years of Nigeria’s independence, then let us forget about Nigeria.”- Ex- President Olusegun Obasanjo

I’m currently gathering more information on the big issues as we cannot stand on the sidelines in our search for a new society where there is social justice,inclusion, equity, fairmness, and oppression and violence must be placed in the dustbin of history.