2011: The cap fits Jonathan

There is no gainsaying that Nigeria has suffered greatly from the problems of poor leadership culture. Since independence in 1960, military and political leaders in the country have refused to address the core issues bothering the citizenry and society generally. This has only helped to grow the percentage of apathy among the citizens- especially the poor, which make up over 70% of the nation’s population. This sad development has generated huge interests and posed massive challenges to civil society groups. Never the less, all efforts contributed by the interest parties aimed at enthroning good governance in Nigeria have failed to yield positive results. The best response from the political class to the concern of Nigerians has been the mere paying of lip service.

A credible electoral culture is the foundation of good governance. It is through a reliable electoral system that political power is put in the hands of the electorates. This is the hallmark of democracy. Up until the 9th of April 2011, political power was still in the hands of a few moneybags and a colony of commercial kingmakers generally referred to as godfathers. These groups of persons usually take very important decisions such as selecting leaders on behalf of the people. This is why political leadership has mostly leaned towards the parochial interests of these godfathers alone. President Goodluck Jonathan has changed all of these. He has succeeded in putting in place an enduring electoral system that will help keep unpopular people out of government.

To achieve this laudable feat, President Jonathan defied the “old order” and appointed a credible personality to head the nation’s electoral body. This is the best thing any leader can do for his or her country. The appointment of Prof. Attahiru Jega as INEC chair went very far to confirm President Jonathan’s sincerity about charting a new course for Nigeria. Even at this, it took only the outcome the National Assembly elections on the 9th of April to trust Jonathan and his promise of free, fair, and credible polls that was anchored in his One-Man-One-Vote campaign.

As a matter of fact, President Jonathan was never reported or even suspected to have attempted to coerce electoral officials to tilt the results of the polls in his favour even in locations his party was visibly losing ground. Many Nigerians, irrespective of their political affiliations were forced by this rare courage to believe in this fine gentleman his grandmother mother named Azikiwe and the northerners call Mai-Nasara. Many Nigerians believe that they have seen a leader Nigeria deserve and have therefore ended their search for one.

Of major importance is the fact that GEJ has demonstrated in just nine months that he understands the true meaning of political leadership. His practical demonstration of this fact is the tens of thousand of new jobs created through the resuscitation of several moribund industries such as textile and leather. The Jonathan led administration has also reinvigorated the entertainment industry, which will help to create more jobs and wealth for Nigerians in the sector. Through the instrumentality of AMCON, the nation’s banking sector has been stabilized. There is now growing confidence among local and foreign investors.

With a very fast growing population, the nation’s dwindling resource base was becoming a huge threat to the survival of the country. As a practical response to this looming danger, the Jonathan led administration launched into diversifying the nation’s economy. More River Basins were set up to promote commercial agriculture. The solid mineral sector too received massive boost from the federal government. A gas revolution master plan was launched recently to position Nigeria as a major gas-producing hub. This is in addition to the fact that peace has returned to the Niger Delta region. Nigeria is now able to meet her OPEC production mandate. This has translated into improved foreign exchange earnings.

It is pertinent to note that many Nigerians have come to the conclusion that good leadership is not about talking tough or the show of physical strength. No wonder, President Barrack once argued that nations need strong institutions- not strong leaders. As a strong institution, INEC has been able to stabilize the polity. Obama is right! It is only in a dictatorship that the junta will need to be strong.

President Jonathan is calm but strong-willed. He is humble but focused. As confirmed by even his bitter critics, GEJ is gentle but time conscious. He may actually appear weak to many. Jonathan is strong inside- especially when defending the interests of the people.

Another factor that has endeared Jonathan to many Nigerians is his deep belief in One Nigeria. While he believes in God, he has not turned himself into a religious fanatic. He has always seen himself as a Nigerian- not a Niger Deltan. This is why he has never reminded Nigerians that the bulk of the nation’s wealth comes from his native Niger Delta region. He is a detribalized man. What else do Nigerians want from their president?

It is a fact that many Nigerians are pained by the inability of the PDP led federal government to address some critical issues that have made the country not to be able to grow to the height expected of her. For this reason, many have asked for “change.” Frankly, Jonathan represents the true “change” Nigerians need. Power generation has improved significantly, federal roads are being rehabilitated, the moribund rail transport system is being revived, long queues have vanished at filling stations across the country, and more Nigerian youths have been offered cheaper access to tertiary education. More importantly, incidents of corruption in government business have reduced significantly. With the achievements recorded by Jega, it is believed that the chairperson of the EFCC, Farida Waziri will be challenged to redouble her efforts or be shown the way out.

Though many see him as weak, Jonathan has succeeded in successfully waging a war against the many enemies of Nigeria in and outside the PDP. There is no doubting the fact that the enemies of Nigeria are in all the political parties including the ACN, CPC, ANPP, and LP etc. President Jonathan is “a bird in hand.” Since we have seen his dance steps, let us not look far. He can lead Nigeria out of the woods.