By Ibrahim Mustapha

SIR: We are in the year 2020. Most of Nigerians have begun to ask questions on how the year 2020 will differ from the preceding year. In 2019, there were lots of happenings some good while others were bad depending on how one viewed them.

For instance, 2019 was an election year. Yes, Nigerians trooped en-masse to elect new leaders. Although, the elections were peaceful, there were recorded pockets of violence and rejection of result by many contestants.

Those who lost out or alleged that the elections were rigged, took their cases to the courts. However, the November 26, gubernatorial elections in Kogi and Bayelsa have been widely criticized due to the allegation of irregularities.

There were alleged cases of votes-buying, ballot snatching and arsons perpetrated by political thugs. The electorate umpire (INEC) has promised to improve the conduct of election in the next exercise. Whether INEC will keep its promise or not, only time will tell.

Another question many Nigerians have asked is how did the economy perform last year? The government has already blown its trumpet that the economy performed wonderfully.

It premised its reasons on the gains recorded in agriculture sector, social intervention programmes and border closure. However, the rise in our indebtedness and the damning report released by World Poverty Clock that 89 million Nigerians are living below the poverty line has remained bad news and eroded the much publicised gains.

With the increase in VAT rate to 7.2%, Nigerians are going to pay more for consumable goods this year. I think the government should get its economic policies right through diversification and blocking of revenue loopholes or leakages in the new year.

On the security front, there was great success recorded in the war against Boko Haram in 2019. Our gallant troops have been able to contain the madness of the dreaded group in the Northeast. Notwithstanding, the rising cases of kidnapping and killings by the suspected herdsmen have left so much to be desired.

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Our defence ministry should sit up and be combat ready this year. The reported alliance between Boko Haram and ISWP has indicated the war against Boko haram is far from over.

What about the justice system in 2019? Did the sector fair well? Certainly not. It came under attack from legal experts who accused government for disregard of court orders. The Dasuki, El-Zakzaky and Sowore cases are examples worth remembering.

The government should lead by example by upholding the rule of law in 2020.

The war against corruption took a good and interesting dimension last year. Many past governors who stole or corruptly enriched themselves landed in prisons.

This is a step in the right direction. The momentum should be maintained. Nigerians want to see many corrupt government officials in jail this year. This will go a long way in sending strong signals that the war against corruption has come to stay.

As the year 2020 begins, may the country witness prosperity in all aspect of human development. Happy new year!

• Ibrahim Mustapha, Pambegua, Kaduna State.