Abuja: A City in Decay and the Hope for Change

Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, has long been plagued by decay and collapse. From malfunctioning traffic lights to filth, bad roads, and rising crime, the city has suffered from years of neglect and abuse. However, there are glimmers of hope on the horizon, particularly since the appointment of Nyesom Wike as the new minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Wike's threat to tackle lawbreakers with an iron hand seems to have spurred some positive changes in the city. One noticeable improvement is the restoration of several traffic lights in and around the Central Business District. This comes as a welcome relief to motorists who have become accustomed to navigating the chaotic intersections without the guidance of functioning signals.

The restoration of traffic lights may seem like a small victory in the face of Abuja's numerous challenges, but it serves as a beacon of hope for residents and visitors alike. The city has been plagued by an alarming number of motor vehicle accidents, with 348 reported between January and December 2022, 39 of which were fatal.

However, the problems in Abuja run far deeper than just malfunctioning traffic lights. The city is a victim of elite abuse, with politicians and land speculators flouting the masterplan and exploiting the system for personal gain. This abuse has contributed to the decay and collapse of the city, leaving its residents to suffer the consequences.

Abuja's satellite towns, which house the majority of the city's population, are particularly vulnerable to neglect and lack of basic amenities. These areas have become hotbeds of crime and are marked by congestion, chaos, and insecurity. The indigenous people of these satellite towns, such as Bwari, Kubwa, Karshi, Gwagwalada, and Kuje, are often overlooked and disregarded in the city's development plans.

Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State and a former minister of the Federal Capital Territory, was one of the few who recognized the importance of adhering to the Abuja masterplan. His insistence on compliance brought him into conflict with the powerful elite, but it was a fight worth having. Without his efforts, Abuja would be in an even worse state today.

It is not solely up to Nyesom Wike to bring about the much-needed change in Abuja. The problems are systemic and require a collective effort to overcome. The restoration of traffic lights is a small step in the right direction, but it must be accompanied by broader initiatives to address the city's infrastructure, sanitation, security, and socio-economic challenges.

Meanwhile, the recent military coup in Gabon serves as a reminder of the instability and fragility of governance in Africa. President Ali Bongo, who has been in power for 14 years, was deposed by soldiers seeking change. While Bongo's leadership has been marred by controversy, it is essential to question the feasibility of military interventions as a solution.

Across Africa, there have been at least seven successful coups in the past five years, highlighting a concerning trend. It is easy to blame deposed leaders for their failures, but it is equally important to examine the broader implications of military rule. History has shown that democratic governance, despite its imperfections, tends to yield better outcomes for countries in the long run.

Abuja and Gabon are just two examples of the challenges facing African nations in their quest for stability, development, and good governance. If meaningful change is to be achieved, it requires a concerted effort from both leaders and citizens to address the systemic issues that hinder progress and perpetuate decay.

Ultimately, Abuja's restoration cannot be solely pinned on individuals like Nyesom Wike, but must rise from a collective desire for change and a rejection of elite abuse. Only then can Abuja truly fulfill its potential as Nigeria's capital of the future.

Source of content: OOO News 2023-08-31 News

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