It must however be said that the foregoing observations relate to our experience of the 4th to the just concluded 7th National Assembly. It is too early to prejudge the current 8th Assembly, but if the controversy that trailed it’s take off and the fact that it is dominantly led by members who have returned, some for their third or fourth terms, are any pointers to go by, it may be prudent to withhold judgement as to whether the Legislature can change from within.  The members may well feel comfortable with the status quo and seek to retain its many self- allocated benefits and may thus resist change. It may require the intervention of an Executive committed to change to use its considerable power of persuasion and , if necessary, the lawful use of Executive Powers, to mobilize political parties with shared vision, civil society organisations, the Trades Unions, and all the forces of mass intervention so that the Legislature can be helped to help itself.

Finally and very briefly, it is trite to observe that a vibrant Judiciary is the pillar of the rule of law.  Our Judiciary, though not entirely immune from the general culture of corruption and inefficiency everywhere, has of recent begun to show a commitment to self-correction.  Yet, it cannot perform optimally without efficiencies in the investigating and prosecuting instruments which are in the domain of the Executive.  Based on their recent performance, we cannot take the integrity of these instruments as assured. They have been known to be high jacked at times by criminals or by the forces who resist change.  They should henceforth be held accountable and penalised for any botched investigation or prosecution unless it is self-evident that they failed despite applying their maximum diligence in the discharge of their duties. May I conclude by noting that in virtually all spheres of our national life, we observe misalignments between our potential and our out-put. Fortunately, there is now a new awareness of, and a sense of urgency, for there to be a change, especially in our governance culture, if we are to make progress as a nation. However, as Robert Kennedy reminded us, “progress is a nice word. But change is its motivator. And change has its enemies.”

In the preceding paragraphs, I focussed only on what I consider to be the foundational imperatives for change to happen- the need to consolidate national unity, entrench the rule of law, and strengthen public service institutions imbued with appropriate attitudes.The current national leadership has held up a promising hope for the desired change.  The people, especially our women who make up 52% , and our youths who make up about 60% of the population both of whom unfairly bear the brunt of the effects of bad governance, are not only ready, but they earnestly yearn for change. The President and his government must have a definite agenda especially for our restive and mostly unemployed youths and communicate their plans in much clearer terms than just body language.  With transparent commitment, a strong will to walk the talk, and the courage of their conviction, government will overcome any resistance, and change will come to Nigeria. However, let not the impression be given that the task of changing Nigeria is the job of the President and his government alone. We the citizenry also have the responsibility not only to keep them accountable and on their toes, but when they are doing right by us, to be ready to form the bulwark and vanguard to protect and defend them against any buffeting current.

God bless Nigeria!