After waiting for months to see visible signs of positive change following the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, an Edo State indigene, Eugene Edo, became disillusioned about the situation in the country and, like many of his kind, opted late last year to take the risky journey of travelling to Europe through boat-ride from Libya, an adventure that has consumed the lives of hundreds of African youths.

“I'm not happy at all with the situation in Nigeria. All we hear here from people back home is how things are even harder. The electricity situation is even worse and GLO network subscription is now N1,400 (up from N1,000). It pains me so much because I voted for Buhari, but now I can’t see why I did,” Eugene complained.

Eugene, who echoed the general feeling of exasperation of Nigerians against President Buhari’s economic policies, made his feelings known in a telephone interview with News Express correspondent in Benin City.

It could be recalled that as the presidential election drew near early last year, Eugene was involved in several heated arguments about the election on the streets of Benin City, and he was loud on his conviction and support for Buhari, against the incumbent president, Goodluck Jonathan. “I stood my ground despite accusations of being a sellout, for supporting a Muslim-notherner against a fellow Christian southerner.” He strongly believed that given his antecedent, an ex-military ruler known for zero-tolerance for corruption and indiscipline, Buhari would steady the Nigerian ship of state, which was blighted by economic problems and corruption accusations against public officials.

Now after some months in Italy, Eugene said he is settling down to a new life in a strange culture; and that he’s currently learning the Italian language. However, he said that much as life for him in that country is not much better than the hardship in Nigeria, but notes some key differences.

“The life I was leaving in Nigeria is better than the one I have here at the moment. I have to adapt to new things; go everywhere with your document with you. There are no jobs here for Nigerians. Most Nigerians here are beggars. The advantage about life in Italy is the relatively more liberal outlook of the country that respects the rights of all individuals. Also, public amenities and services in Italy work: you see what you are paying for.”

However, he has not given up on his fatherland: “I just wish people back home would tell me real positive change is beginning to happen in Nigeria. But the news I get from Nigeria now make me wish to live in Italy and put up with the stress of being an economic migrant here than thinking of going back home in the near future.”

•Photo shows Eugene Edo in Italy.

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