SIR: One is forever in awe of Nelson Mandela for his selfless struggle to liberate South Africa from racist apartheid regime. One admires Jerry Rawlings for his seriousness of mind in clearing Ghana of lecherous politicians and thereby, turning the country into a modern state, and even our own President Olusegun Obasanjo for surmounting entrenched interests to bring GSM phone system to Nigeria; look how our lives have changed. Many other names in the modern times are worth mentioning outside Africa.

Today, all one hears about the last administration is corruption. We bathe in the euphoria that the new administration will be a model of excellence. Though, if we can relax our sense of optimism a little, we will recognise the small progress made by the last one. Introduction of Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) was a welcome relief. One does not have to bribe cashiers in the bank to make a transaction and more so, staff members are actually becoming friendly. Our airports have been spruced up, even if superficially. The horrendous Benin to Ore highway is now a comfort to travel on. These and some others are examples of incremental accomplishments by the former President Jonathan administration.

Many view these endeavours as window dressing. The former president had ample opportunity to make history with the oil boom of his era. The demon played a trick with his mind and planted a bone-headed ideology. Former President Jonathan had to explain to Nigerians in broad daylight that corruption is a form of wealth creation. This justification is just as equal to giving rogues licence to loot the treasury.

Every landmark project became a scheme for self-enrichment. Devil may care if the masses are suffering from abject lack. Power supply that was promised the people never materialised. Second Niger Bridge is still a mirage. The administration toyed with the hope of Nigerians. May the land never allow such evil to happen again!

President Muhammadu Buhari should take note on how not to govern: corruption is criminal. One cannot achieve monumental progress by sabotaging the process. History will judge him harsher if after descending on the political landscape like a white cloud, he soils the ground worse than his predecessor. Expectations are running high and Nigerians are living on the margin. Fighting corruption is a moral cause. He will be remembered kindly if he gives Nigeria steady power supply. Completing the construction of Second Niger Bridge will be a game changer.

The Igbo will believe the war is over. That is history!
• Pius Okaneme,
Umuoji, Anambra State.