Today‘s Nigeria does not require a leadership that offers easy solutions to complex problems. Nigeria must now, in this stage of its development, make difficult decisions and come up with creative, original ideas that will reposition all areas of government for a better tomorrow. The APC manifesto, an 80-page action plan titled; “Renewed Hope 2023 – Action Plan for a Better Nigeria” focuses on national security, economy, agriculture, power, oil and gas, transportation and education. Other areas include; healthcare, digital economy, women empowerment, judicial reform, federalism/decentralization of power and foreign policy. In the review of this manifesto, I will dwell on three thematic areas of this valuable policy document;
- National Security
- Federalism/Decentralisation
- Foreign Policy
- National Security
The „renewed hope 2023“ action plan, also known as the action plan for a better Nigeria, views national security as the cornerstone of a successful and democratic society because it firmly believes that without national security, the renewed hope for a better Nigeria remains a mirage. The APC‘s proposals for addressing issues of national security continue to be the most effective ones. According to the manifesto, some of the creative solutions include: establishing anti-terrorist battalions; using technology to combat insecurity; revitalizing the ranger and forest guard forces; community policing; utilizing technology to secure borders; and disengaging the police from those we consider VIP (Very Important Personalities) while enabling them to serve society more effectively. When there is national security, the youth can move around, pursuing their legitimate businesses with fear of being attacked.
- Federalism/Decentralisation
The demand for „true“ federalism has evolved into a persistent movement among the different ethnic nationalities, states, and groups in Nigeria. The arguments in favour of a new kind of federalism that would give more authority to the various constituents and lessen the burden of central authority, are growing louder and reaching a peak. Since true federalism is about inclusivity and involvement, the youth in Nigeria have also joined the movement because they understand that without it, they cannot realize their own aspirations. In answer to this request, the APC has revived the dream of a real federalist system that would enable the individual states to achieve economic sustainability, self-determination and a “more balanced democracy”. Keeping in mind that the All Progressives Congress (APC) Committee on True Federalism began working on governance reform in August 2017, there is grounds for hope that the APC will carry on its efforts in light of the Renewed Hope. The vow to vigorously pursue the principles of true federalism through practicable and innovative means as revealed by the APC manifesto shows that the renewed hope for true federalism is not an empty rhetoric, as it lays out the framework through which the true federalism will be implemented through the following:
- Constitutional Review
The lack of constitutional support for true federalism is one of the reasons it has not been established or put into practice, despite the APC‘s vow. The document, Renewed Hope, acknowledges this reality and commits to “review the Constitutional legislative lists to ensure that States are given greater control over certain critical matters. Focus areas will include, crime prevention, prisons, stamp duties and certain forms of taxation” (p.69).
- Resource Allocation
The Tinubu/Shettima government, when elected, will implement true federalism using the mechanism of resource allocation. It promises to “Embark on a review of the federation revenue allocation system to recalibrate the division of funds amongst the three tiers of Government: Federal, State and Local” and promises to allocate more funds “to the States and Local Governments so that they can better address local concerns and fulfil their expanded constitutional obligations to the people” (p.69).
- Foreign Policy
According to the APC Renewed Hope document, Nigeria should be the leader of the black race and of African diplomacy because it has the largest black economy and the highest black population. Nigeria must carefully advance its internal agenda in a global context if it is to maintain its position as the national pride of black people. The Renewed Hope manifesto states that Nigeria‘s three main foreign policy goals should:
- protect against all forms of external aggression;
- promote the best possible outcomes for Nigeria in all engagements with other nations; and
- improve Nigeria’s standing and dignity among the comity of Nations.
The foreign policy component of the manifesto like other components, is not just a mere statement of “What” to do, it stipulates “how” to do it through the following measures among others:
- Active diplomacy to end conflict in sub-Saharan Africa, especially the West African sub-region.
- strengthen the diplomatic and military cooperation in the fight against transnational terrorists within the sub-region, by institutionalising more frequent meetings of foreign affairs and defence ministers in the sub-region.
- Work to increase internal sub-regional trade, promote joint industrialisation and joint infrastructural projects within ECOWAS.
- Enhance Nigeria’s political leadership on the continent by establishing a G-5 among major African nations in order to develop common positions on issues of continental and global importance.
- Promote better inter-agency coordination in foreign policy. A Department for Strategic Policy shall be established within the Foreign Ministry to improve the formulation, monitoring and implementation of foreign policy.
My Closing Statement: A Call for Action
When the future of a country‘s future is anchored on competence, hope is reignited; and when that future is entrusted in the hands of a team that is enthusiastic and compassionate, there is certainty for a better tomorrow. The Tinubu-Shettima team is for the youth because they are fully aware that without the youth, Nigeria has no future. It is therefore no accident that the APC manifesto was carefully crafted to give the youth of Nigeria and, by extension, the entire country, newfound hope. I‘ve carefully examined the manifestoes of other political parties, and I can state without equivocation that APC has better plans for the youth than other political parties. With APC in power, the youth have a brighter future ahead of them. Therefore, let‘s work together to make this negotiated pact with the youth a reality. This is our RENEWED HOPE!
