If I were the president, I would reflect first on the uncommon unravelling of destiny which made me to become one in the restricted group of the most powerful men and women in the world.
I would appraise this new authority that has been passed on to me which gives me the power to respond to the large build up of expectations and hopes which in spite of repeated failures, people continue to believe someone someday might be able to fulfill.
I would recognise the peril of disappointed promises, the danger of broken dreams and the menace of disenchantment.
If I Were The President
If I were the president, I would assemble the best available materials in my cabinet.
I would acknowledge that in the affairs of nature, there is no permanent friend, no permanent enemy and no permanent interest.
If I were the president, I would consult, make large but selective usage of available expertise of advises and find the time to read good books.
I would avoid wishful thinking and the many exercises in futility which have paved Nigeria’s economic and political history.
If I were the president, I would be aware of promises to put Nigeria where it cannot reach.
If I were the president, I would be convinced that what Nigeria needs first is economic development where major obstacle is repeated mismanagement and corruption.
If I were the president, I would acknowledge and take into account that the greatest assets of Nigeria are her people that is humane.
If I were the president, I would be convinced that success occurs when talent meets opportunity. Good governance and policy can help a country to realise its opportunities.
If I were the president, I would know that to develop an economy needs the right choice of projects at the right cost and the right management of the capital invested.
If I were the president, I would see to it that government provides the enabling environment which the economy requires to develop.
If I were the president, I would be a resolute optimist and consider that if there is a will, there certainly is a way.
If I were the president of Nigeria, my foremost priority would be to build strong institutions rather than depend on the strength of any individual. Enduring democracies are sustained by resilient institutions, not by larger-than-life personalities.
If our institutions are strengthened, they will become the bedrock of the Renewed Hope Agenda and the foundation for lasting national progress.
If I were the president, my administration would focus on curbing money politics and building an electoral system that discourages vote-buying.
Vote-buying has become a corrosive force that undermines democracy by allowing money, rather than the voices and votes of citizens, to determine electoral outcomes.
As Thomas Jefferson observed, “Money, not morality, is the principle of commercial nations.” Nigeria must resist allowing that principle to define its democracy.
If I were the president, I would stamp out godfatherism and the practice of endorsing predetermined winners before the democratic process has run its course. Leadership should emerge from the genuine will of the people, not from the dictates of a privileged few.
If I were the president, the electoral body would be adequately funded and guaranteed financial independence so that it would never have to depend on contestants or any external influence. Elections must be free, fair, transparent, and conducted on a truly level-playing field.
If I were the president, I would also provide substantial funding to the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to intensify civic and political education across the country. Democracy thrives when citizens are informed, enlightened, and actively engaged.
If I were the president, furthermore, I would champion legislation prohibiting the payment for nomination or expression-of-interest forms before party primaries. Only the duly elected or consensus candidate should be required to obtain such forms after emerging through a transparent internal party process.
If I were the president, corruption would attract severe and certain punishment. A weak response to corruption only emboldens others. Justice must be firm enough to deter future offenders while remaining fair and consistent with the rule of law.
If I were the president, women would occupy their rightful place in politics. My administration would promote meaningful gender inclusion, ensuring that women are active participants in leadership and decision-making, rather than being relegated to the roles of campaign cheerleaders.
If I were the president, political finance reforms would prohibit serving state governors and other public office holders from deploying public resources to finance political parties or candidates. Public funds belong to the people and must never be converted into partisan campaign resources.
If I were the president, character education would become a compulsory subject from primary school to tertiary institutions. Beyond academic excellence, Nigeria must deliberately raise citizens who value integrity, responsibility, patriotism, and moral courage.
If I were the president, I would remain temperate in my speech and measured in my public conduct.
Leaders must unite, rather than divide; inspire rather than inflame; and listen even when they disagree. The Office of the President should be a source of reassurance, stability, and national cohesion.
May God grant me, and, indeed, every leader of our nation, the wisdom, humility, and courage to serve the people faithfully.
NB: Credit to the late Chief Richard Akinjide, SAN, for the inspiration for this piece from one of his articles, titled “Moving Nigeria Forward.”
