Jonathan Should Be Weary of the Likes of Abba-Aji

One major problem usually faced by political leaders desirous of towing the path of honour is the dearth of patriotic aides and friends. Right from his days as deputy governor in the oil-rich Bayelsa State; Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has exhibited the signature of a political leader that is ever ready to take side with the masses. More than that, Jonathan is a firm believer in the culture of openness, justice, and fair play.

Bearing in mind the unfortunate depth Nigeria's political culture has sunk, many feared for Jonathan when he was nominated as PDP's vice presidential candidate in the 2007 presidential election. They likened his political sojourn to one trying to push a drum of sand up a hill.

There is no gainsaying that many persons are in government entirely for their personal gains. This is one of the rivers that water corruption in government. Political governance is primarily a tool for promoting societal growth and harmony through open policy initiatives. The importance of this fact is hinged on the pivotal place the masses play in the sustenance of any government- military or democracy. One simple way to enlist the support of the masses is open policy initiatives.

Since his assumption of office as president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the federal republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has demonstrated his preference for openness in government business. It was for this reason that issues bothering on electoral reforms took center stage in the early days of his administration. Not just that, he has personally campaigned strongly for the One-Man-One-Vote culture. This is the height of openness. Power will for the first time in Nigeria be returned to the people, who are truly the real owners of political power.

It therefore came as a rude shock when the Special Adviser to the president on National Assembly Matters, Senator Mohammed Abba-Aji told the media that he will advise his principal not to assent to the FoI Bill that was recently passed by the House of Representatives. Not just that; he also suggested that the Ibos should forget about Nigeria's presidency in 2015.

While the intentions of Abba-Aji may not be clear to many; the truth is that he is quietly working against the political interests of his principal- Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. It will not be an overstatement if Abba-Aji is described by anyone as a "green snake in a green lawn." The best thing for Jonathan to do at least for now is to be very weary of the likes of Abba-Aji.

Abba-Aji's arguments that the comments he made concerning the FoI Bill and 2015 presidential election were his personal opinions are most regrettable. In modern societies, the honourable thing to do when the personal opinion of a government official conflicts with that of public interest is for the person in question to resign. Let Senator Mohammed Abba-Aji do same.