Dangers of Tribal Coated Politics in the north

Truth is bitter but it must be said in the interest of Nigeria. The Northern Political Leaders Forum (NPLF) is threatening the unity of Nigeria by reinventing tribalism in the nation’s politics. In all cases, it is the minorities that suffer the brunt of tribalism. This was the reason why the late Major Isaac Adaka Boro took up arms to attempt liberating the minority Ijaw ethnic tribe in 1966. It is also true that the unfortunate Nigeria Civil War of 1967 to 1970, where over five hundred thousand people lost their lives was mostly fuelled by tribal sentiments. More than forty years after, many families and communities from both divides of the strife have not been able to recover from the consequences of the war.

Painfully, the Adamu Chiroma-led NPLF is returning Nigeria to the pre-civil war era with its bitter pro-north campaigns. With due respect to PDP’s zonal arrangement, it will be unfair to ask Goodluck Jonathan not to step into his boss’ shoes. This will make the presidency appear to be a false bond.

The Niger Delta people will definitely not find it funny if the NPLF succeeds in coercing the north to vote against Goodluck Jonathan during the April presidential polls. It will help to confirm the fears in many quarters that the northern military and political leaders are only interested in the mineral wealth of the Niger Delta region.

Jonathan has demonstrated in just nine months that he is capable of leading Nigeria out of the woods. There is now an unprecedented peace in the Niger Delta region. This has led to optimum oil production and export, thereby improving the nation’s foreign exchange earnings. For the first time in many decades, the price of fuel has remained uniform in all parts of the federation. A big feat indeed! Critical moribund industries and sectors have been revived through deliberate fiscal policies. The all-important power sector has improved drastically over the last six months. The full implementation of the power sector roadmap will see Nigeria overcome electricity problem in the very near future.

In addition, the nation’s mono economy is being diversified through deliberate efforts that have led to attracting DFIs. There are massive investments in the solid mineral and informal sectors. Only recently, the federal government kick-started the revitalization of the moribund rail transport infrastructure to stimulate easy and cheaper movement of goods and people across the country.

The banking sector has been stabilized through the AMCON legislation. This has helped to boost local and foreign investor confidence in Nigerian banks. With the establishment of six new federal universities, more Nigerian youths are now offered opportunities to secure tertiary education. The foundational action to help fight poverty, ignorance, and crime is the spread of educational opportunities among the youth populace. This is the reason why the planned effort by the present administration to deploy a special educational programme for the almijiris in the north is very commendable. It will not only fight ignorance and reduce poverty; the special educational programme will change the face of political development in the north. This is one reason why some northern elites are fighting Jonathan. They want to continue exploiting the largely ignorant populace for their parochial gains.

Unknown to many, one of NPLF’s major grudge against Jonathan is the latter’s choice of Architect Namadi Sambo as vice president. Right from the onset, Sambo has shown that he is not a fan of “Two Nigerias.” The NPLF would have preferred a northern vice president that will be in Aso Rock to pursue the interests of a few northern elites. The average northerner is now wise enough to read the handwriting clearly on the wall and has decided to jettison the “old order” that had previously confined them to the dustbins of their few selfish elites in the corridors of power.

It should gladden the heart of every true northerner that the Jonathan- led administration has resuscitated the moribund textile and leather industries in the north. This is what dozens of northern military and political leaders refused to do. Who then is the true enemy of the north?

President Jonathan has directed that oil exploration activities in the north that was abandoned many years back be restarted. More River Basin Authorities and dams are being developed to promote commercial agriculture in the north. Furthermore, President Jonathan has sent an executive bill to the National Assembly seeking to establish the Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPADEC) to cater for the needs of the host communities of Nigeria’s hydro power plants just like the NDDC is doing for the oil producing communities in the Niger Delta region. Furthermore, dredging of the River Niger is a top priority of the Jonathan administration. This project is geared towards promoting economic and commercial activities in the north through the citing of a port in Lokoja. Northern voters should ignore the self-serving antics of the apostles of tribalism and vote for candidates that have their interests in mind.

Above all, Jonathan has demonstrated that he is a leader Nigeria desires. He was not born rich. Through hardwork, patience, and luck; Jonathan was able to rise from nothing to something. His story is that of hope. Jonathan has given hope to more Nigerian youths than ever before. Those who know him can attest to the fact that he is humble and gentle. That accounts for why he has “no enemies to fight.” Everybody is his friend. This is how leadership should be.

For those nursing anti-Jonathan sentiments because of his close relationship with former president Obasanjo, I want to note that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan is a true Nigerian. Take him for what he is- not for where he is coming from. The difference between Jonathan and the rest is that the Bayelsa-born president of the federal republic of Nigeria does not believe he knows all. That is the reason why he is succeeding. He has decided to engage and believe in the abilities of tested professionals.

Let Nigerians give GEJ an opportunity. He will deliver because he knows where he is coming from.