A Gloomy Christmas And Hope For A Brighter 2016

The month of December every year can never be taken for granted. It is the month of Christmas which is celebrated on its 25th day by Christians all over the world. Because of this, a lot comes with the season.

In Nigeria, there is no doubting the fact that it would be a bleak celebration. The country’s economy has not found its bearing owing to its mutilation by previous governments, especially the immediate past ones.

The nauseating revelations of how billions of naira either disappeared, was misappropriated, was misapplied or outrightly shared with impunity by officials of the past government account for the dismal situation this Yuletide season in Nigeria many have considered one of the worst in recent history.

As a result of this, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is still finding its footing as it is difficult to hit the ground running in this kind of a damning situation. We believe that if the last government had thought of a future for Nigeria, it would not have left the economy in tatters, thus making it difficult for the new government to commence its activities without any hassles just like it happens in many countries where leaders believe in preserving their names for posterity.

The painful effects of the five years of misgovernance of the Jonathan administration is now being felt across the country-fuel scarcity, falling value of the naira and weak purchasing power, highly irregular power supply, inability of state governors to meet their obligations and even pay workers, and several other negative effects.

Despite all these, it remains important that citizens, especially Christians, continue to thank God for being alive and weathering the storms as they come. This, even if it is the only reason, is enough to thank God.

As Nigerians celebrate the season, we wish to plead that it should be done with moderation and more of a celebration of peace and love for fellow human beings as constantly preached by all religions. It should also be a time for sober reflection concerning the year and all that happened during the year.

Clergymen must spend the period helping citizens to re-adjust their mindset so as to see the country as their only home and be their brothers’ keepers. It should also be a time to pray for God’s intervention in the affairs of the country and for the citizens to witness a blissful 2016, as President Muhammadu Buhari has promised in his budget presentation speech at the National Assembly. Hope does not disappoint.