Based on the state by state compilation of results and official announcement by INEC, Nigerians have spoken loud and clear by voting for the ‘Change,’ party and The Afrika Market officially announce the winner of the 2015 Nigerian Presidential election, Gen Muhammadu Buhari!Today Nigerians has unilaterally and collectively made history across ethnic, religious and political lines to change the polity and elect Gen Mohammadu Buhari in a tension soak and keenly contested presidential election which from international observers, is seen as free and peaceful election, despite some glitches and cancellations in some polling units and insurgence of Boko Haram in Gombe. Gen .Mohammadu Buhari’s victory can be liken to the likes of Abraham Lincoln of United States, having contested three times and lost three times, yet at age 72yrs, he kept the baton of struggle and zeal of changing the polity and system maladies of corruption, gross misconduct of government funds and appropriation of materials.
The Afrika Market reporters all across the states of Nigeria believes “no significant disenfranchisement was observed on election day”.
‘Jide Adesina , the Editor-in-Chief /president of the Nigerians stands for good governance in his commentaries on the election ; encourage eventual losers to take it like sportsmen and remember that the peace and unity of Nigeria is beyond any individual ambition; he who fights and runs away lives to fight another day. Those elected should be humble enough to embrace their opponents and their ideas for the interest of the country. In fact, our proposition is to see gallant losers and magnanimous winners, not otherwise.’
” The African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) said the vote was “conducted in a peaceful atmosphere within the framework that satisfactorily meets the continental and regional principles of democratic elections,” and the AU said the election was “generally peaceful during the accreditation as well as voting and counting processes” but said any challenges of the results should not be fought on the streets.
THE WAY FORWARD FOR NIGERIA!
The Afrika Market observes that the number one problem in Nigeria is corruption and indiscipline vis -a-vis systemic maladies in all ranks and vile of the polity.
Once corruption is eliminated, we can achieve a lot of things. Secondly, with renewed efforts, the war on insurgency should be won. Without peace, no meaningful achievement will be made.
“This country has been polarized along either religious or ethnic line. Our expectation is that whoever wins must work hard to ensure that Nigeria’s unity is restored. There is so much suspicion among the major religion and ethnic groups. But we can only get better as a country if we are united.” – the AfrikaMarket.
While some Nigerians spoke on the need to improve power supply, others talked about reduction in pump price of petroleum product. Others also talked about implementation of the confab report, state creation as well as improved security. According to a Nigerian based American citizen “youth unemployment should top the priority of the incoming government.”
“We expect that whoever wins will take the welfare of Nigerian youth, seniors and workers seriously” – Dr Adeolu Akande (political consultant and analyst).
The face of change for the incoming government must reduce the level of corruption in the system by being transparent as well as provide equipment for the military to effectively battle the insurgency and they must work on creating an amiable and conducive atmosphere for local and international investors.
Nigerian equities rose to a two-week high as isolated incidents of violence spurred investors to take advantage of the cheapest stocks in Africa before final results from presidential and legislative elections were tallied.
Investors encouraged by the lack of violence are taking “early positions” should prices rise, Ayodeji Ebo, head of research at Afrinvest West Africa Ltd. in Lagos, said by phone. “They’re cautious, they’re not being very aggressive. But they’re trying to increase their exposure, knowing that if there’s no post-election violence the only direction for the market will be upwards.”
On the other hand, “Travel in Nigeria has decreased significantly, people are waiting in anticipation for the results and the development of the situation afterwards. Jovago.com just like any other business, needs one most important thing from the President, stability. Both Buhari and GEJ are able to help businesses, if they start from creating a stable environment for growth.”- Managing Director of Jovago.com Africa’s No 1 booking portal, Marek Zmyslowski.
Most political pundits and social media commentators believes the unity of Nigeria is sacrosanct irrespective of who wins… A cross section of Nigerians who spoke to The Afrika Market said they expected nothing short of an aggressive policy to ensure security of lives and property since the two form the essential ingredient of any worthy government.
Nigerians expect whoever emerges as president to genuinely prosecute the war on corruption, address insecurity, ensure strict adherence to the rule of law, generate employment and ensure full independence of the judiciary
“Jide Olagbenro an IT /Telecom marketing Manager based in Abuja, said he expected the government to prioritize technology and make internet available to all Nigerians and to work in restoring power sector which is the bedrock of the nation’s development and to improve agriculture so as to ensure sustainable food security. I expect whoever gets elected as either the president or the governor to help farmers by making fertilisers and improved seeds available while also providing needed subsidy to farmer.”
“So far, the results, conducts and outcome of the elections reflects the will and choice of the people. Professor Jega have successfully restored credibility to electoral process in Nigeria, I just pray it is sustained. This is Victory for Democracy and Nigerians and also a golden achievement for professor Attahiru Jega. I thank President Goodluck Jonathan for midwiving this glorious moment in the history of Nigeria and I assure he will also be remembered for that.”- Babatunde Balogun @ The Afrika Market correspondent
Prof Jega has so far shown exemplary purposeful and leadership qualities that is worthy of emulation –Olayinka Veronica Adesina USA @ The Afrika Market
The situation in Lagos now is calm as people go about their nornal business activities. Even though the handwriting is clear on the wall that GMB is the next President-Elect/Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. There are still, however, anticipations of the unexpected which made banks and so many other institutions known to traditionally close late release their staff early for the homeward journey. But the situation took a hopeful turn for the peace and ongoing calmness to be sustained as Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, a staunch PDP Stalwart and die-hard Goodluck Jonathan supporter congratulates General Muhammadu Buhari over 92.3 Inspiration FM Radio.- Toyin Abiodun ( Author/Publisher Black House )
In South East Nigeria, The Afrika Market observed that many people would want the incoming president to create an additional state in the South East geo-political zone and also revive the coal industry that has been moribund for a long time. It was also observed that many people would also want the incoming governor in the state to revamp the moribund industries and build new ones in-order to create employment opportunities for unemployed youths ,
“History will beckon on him as folk hero” to some for his vocal opposition to corruption- @ Yemi Akintokun ( Oracle director )
Victory for democracy, victory for ordinary voters on the streets. We must as well commend the present outgoing administration for the electoral reforms that’s making our votes count in recent times. Congratulations nigeria- Adeifeshile Gbolagade Adeleke ,former speaker Lagos state University Union/ political Analyst
Interestingly, Ekundayo Shoyoye , The Afrika Market logistic Analysist, listed appointment of more women and people from the socially disadvantaged groups like the disabled persons into political offices as his expectations from the next government.
According to an election observer In Katsina; security, employment top the list of the citizens’ expectations from in-coming administration…
Residents of Adamawa, one of the North-East states ravaged by insurgency also expect the next administration to ensure the provision of security and create job opportunities which they believe will douse the lingering restiveness among the youths. A resident of Yola, the state capital, Alhaji Dan Baba said his major expectation from the next administration was the provision of security as he said it should be the major preoccupation of any serious government.
“We the people of the North East know the value of security having suffered insurgency which led to the destruction of lives and properties. My major expectation from the next administration is to try to address holistically the social insecurity that has ravaged North Eastern Nigeria.There is no family in Adamawa that was not affected by the insurgency in one way or the other,” he said.
Manager of Operations at the AfrikaMarket, Veronica Adesina, believes the return of all displaced refugees now living in Chadian and Cameroon borders be on the top priority of the incoming government. The refugees should be returned to their native land and the state local governments should also join in the return effort by helping to restore their vandalized homes and uniting families.
The candidates have made a deluge of promises to Nigerians, ranging from job creation, social security and, fight against insurgency. Insecurity, allegations of corruptions, and rising poverty are some social issues that have beset the present government in the last four years. Though, the present administration has made giant strides in various sectors, including road constructions, agricultural revolution and in other sectors of the economy.
Nigerians say they expect whoever emerge winner in the March 28, 2015 presidential election to focus more on fighting insurgency, corruption and improving electricity supply across the country.
“It is our expectation that everyone who means well for the country should be concerned about its stability. We cannot afford to stand more senseless killings. Increasing terrorist’s attacks in the North-East over the last four years have provided politicians with an unprecedented tool to sow mistrust, exploiting the country’s longstanding ethnic and regional divisions. This is strange to us” the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) said in a statement.
CONGRATULATION MESSAGES
According to our source from Abuja, President Jonatha has just congratulated Gen Buhari through a phonecall in the true spirit of patriotism and democracy.
Come in from the cold , General. With that phone call *wink*, You are now President of The Federal Republic of Nigeria. CONGRATULATIONS on a very well focused campaign. Forget the insults. They will come sneaking in the night. All Hail The Chief! SAI BUHARI! – Ivor Ekpe ( Businessman / Entrepreneur )
“The high stakes of these elections in Nigeria are illustrated by the extraordinary joint statement issued by Secretary Kerry and Foreign Secretary Hammond during the ballot-counting. However, the leverage of the United States and the United Kingdom over electoral matters in Nigeria is limited. It is Nigerians themselves, driven by specifically Nigerian factors that will determine how the country gets through the post-election period,” writes CFR’s John Campbell.
“This is the end of an era: 19 years of PDP rule ends and a new beginning for Nigeria being the first time another party will rule since 19 years. I am extremely happy”.- Dr. Abiodun Akinpelu Denloye
FRENCH VERSION
Le marché de Afrika observe que le problème numéro un auNigéria est la corruption et l’indiscipline vis – a vis-systémiquesmaladies dans tous les grades et vile de la politie.
Une fois que la corruption est éliminée, nous pouvons accomplirbeaucoup de choses. Deuxièmement, avec des efforts renouvelés,la guerre sur l’insurrection doit être gagnée. Sans paix, aucuneréalisation significative ne sera faite.
“Ce pays a été polarisé le long de la ligne soit religieuse ouethnique. Notre espoir est que celui qui gagne doit travailler durpour faire en sorte que l’unité du Nigeria est restaurée. Il y asuspicion tant parmi les grande religion et les ethnies. Mais nouspouvons seulement s’améliorer en tant que pays si nous sommesUnis.”–la AfrikaMarket.
