On the 2nd of May 2011, I wrote on my blog: http://kalig-gwegwe.blogspot a piece titled, “Bakare: A clergy that will not wait to hear from God.” After I posted this piece on my facebook platform, some responded with dismay. Their arguments were hinged on the fact that Pastor Tunde Bakare was a Man of God and should therefore not be questioned. But if I may ask: Who is a Man of God? Is it the one who consults men rather than God? Clearly, Pastor Tunde Bakare of the Later Rain Assembly rather than seek God’s opinion, ran to fellow human beings for advice.
Only yesterday (16th May), the Nigerian Compass published a distasteful news article with the caption, “Pastor Adeboye told me to run with Buhari.” From all intent and purpose, Tunde Bakare was simply blackmailing Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. The message he wanted the world to believe was that Pastor Adeboye betrayed him by asking him to run with Buhari only for he (Adeboye) to turn around to bless President Goodluck Jonathan some few weeks later.
To make matter worse, Pastor Bakare was reported to have threatened to expose the presidential flag bearer of the ACN, Nuhu Ribadu alleging that his anti-corruption credentials were doubtful. The questions begging for answers are: Why did he cover the sins of Ribadu while he revealed those of other candidates? Did he think the supposed merger talks between ACN and CPC will benefit him personally? Rather than keep quiet forever, he decided to spill the beans because his political ambition has crashed at least for now. This is not the character of a presidential material.
It’s necessary to note that Pastor Adeboye is very matured. That was why he didn’t ask Bakare to drop his political ambition. Adeboye had seen desperation written boldly on the face of Pastor Bakare. Advising him against his presidential ambition would have attracted Adeboye insults from the fiery preacher of the Later Rain Assembly. The best thing Adeboye did was to allow him drown in his own arrogance. Despite the enormous powers on his shoulders, Christ was humble and logical whenever he had reasons to pursue a different opinion from that of others.
I have the feeling that Adeboye was shocked when Bakare sought his opinion concerning the vice presidential offer from Buhari. In the first place, Adeboye knows that he is not God. Fundamentally, he must have expected Bakare to seek the mind of God- not him. But knowing how fiery Bakare could be, Adeboye played safe by asking him to go ahead. It was wisdom.
Let no one, including Pastor Tunde Bakare blame Pastor Enoch Adeboye. He only applied wisdom to send a strong message across to all true Men of God: Rely on God only. Men of God should not give their calling a bad name. Rather than blackmail Pastor Adeboye, Bakare should go down on his knees and beg God for forgiveness. He should also apologise to his numerous followers and admirers. Let him bury his ego and do this fast. There is no pride in God’s kingdom.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
Bakare: A clergy that will not wait to hear from God
Not minding the fact that men have openly attempted to take over the position of selecting political leaders from God, the point still remains that power belongs to Him. God gives and takes away political power from whoever He wishes and at any time He so desire. This is responsible for the many unpredictable developments in the polity of nations all over the world. Even at this, many have failed to see the hand of God in the selection of political leaders. The fact that many political leaders have failed to live up to expectations does not in any way cancel God’s role.
It was the above reason that many were shocked when Pastor Tunde Bakare of the Latter Rain Assembly took a plunge into mainstream politics. While this writer is of the opinion that clergies are not forbidden from politics, events have shown that the fiery preacher did not hear from God before accepting the offer of a vice presidential slot from Gen Mohammadu Buhari. The result of the April 16th presidential polls has confirmed this.
To a very large extent, many have been tempted to rush to conclude that Pastor Bakare was deceived by the wide support he enjoyed from his Save Nigeria Group (SNG) campaign. As good as the intentions of the SNG were, many had expected him to stay on the touchline like coaches normally do during football matches. Perhaps, he was discouraged by Goodluck Jonathan’s declaration that he has “no enemies to fight.” There was therefore no reason for him to contemplate being on the sideline to coach the president. No doubt, Bakare has lost many of his admirers. He might lose some of his followers in the weeks, months, and years to come.
Even as a spirit, God is not secretive. We must appreciate the important fact that God does not do anything without first revealing same to those concerned through one or more of His messengers. I cannot recall any of God’s envoys talking about a clergy sitting on the Nigerian presidency in 2011.
More than that, the fact was quite obvious that Gen. Buhari and Pastor Bakare were millions of miles apart in ideology. It would then be easy for one to argue that their union was built purely on the faulty foundation of desperation. The duo was out to use any means possible to dislodge the PDP- not Jonathan from the presidency. As painted by the result of the presidential election, very many people in the opposition gladly isolated Jonathan from the ruling PDP. In politics, this is unexplainable and seems to have some divine attachment. On the other hand; even if the CPC had won the April 16th presidential polls, the presidency wouldn’t have lasted the first 12 months. Buhari and Bakare would have easily rubbished the Obasanjo-Atiku record of presidential acrimony.
For a nation with very deep religious sentiments, Nigeria needs only leaders with moderate spiritual convictions. This was a big minus for the CPC. Assuming that the CPC won the presidential election; there is this fertile fact that many of Bakare’s followers would have rebelled against him the moment he buries his fire-brand religious beliefs in the grave of politics. In the case of Buhari, countless citizens believe that a leopard cannot change its spots. Many Nigerian families, communities, and businesses have not recovered from the hurt that was caused then by the Buhari-led military regime in the early 80s.
Furthermore, the greatest charge against both Buhari and Bakare are their inability to appreciate the honour that is attached to the presidency. This was several displayed by their arrogance and high temperament. Gen. Buhari was alleged to have urged his supporters to lynch whoever that was believed to have rigged the election. The same thing goes for Pastor Bakare that fueled the theory of Wild-Wild-North. What do they make of the judiciary?
Good leaders are supposed to be humble and economical with hate-words and insults. Buhari and Bakare quickly forgot that a greater percentage of the Nigerian population have come of age. As insignificant as it had appeared; while Jonathan and Sambo were busy boasting about their antecedence with humility, the duet of Buhari and Bakare spent a greater amount of their campaign time pouring venom not just on PDP but on the person of Jonathan and Obasanjo. At the end, the CPC only succeeded in telling Nigerians that it will fight corruption, introduce effective security network, improve on power supply, raise the standard of education, provide improved health care services, and guarantee a robust road infrastructure. There was nothing different from what the PDP has been saying.
To many Nigerian voters, what actually separated PDP from the CPC was the composure- maturity of Goodluck Jonathan and Namadi Sambo. There was never a time they rubbished other political parties or abused the personalities of their political opponents even at the height of provocation. Take the case of Rev. Chris Okotie, founder of Household of God Church and presidential candidate on the platform of FRESH Democratic Party who posited that as a zoologist, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan was not grounded for political leadership. In rejecting the results of the presidential polls, Okotie even went on to call for the setting up of an interim government. This was clearly trillion of miles away from the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria. What manner of leaders does Nigerians really deserve? Use your tongue to count your teeth.
It was the above reason that many were shocked when Pastor Tunde Bakare of the Latter Rain Assembly took a plunge into mainstream politics. While this writer is of the opinion that clergies are not forbidden from politics, events have shown that the fiery preacher did not hear from God before accepting the offer of a vice presidential slot from Gen Mohammadu Buhari. The result of the April 16th presidential polls has confirmed this.
To a very large extent, many have been tempted to rush to conclude that Pastor Bakare was deceived by the wide support he enjoyed from his Save Nigeria Group (SNG) campaign. As good as the intentions of the SNG were, many had expected him to stay on the touchline like coaches normally do during football matches. Perhaps, he was discouraged by Goodluck Jonathan’s declaration that he has “no enemies to fight.” There was therefore no reason for him to contemplate being on the sideline to coach the president. No doubt, Bakare has lost many of his admirers. He might lose some of his followers in the weeks, months, and years to come.
Even as a spirit, God is not secretive. We must appreciate the important fact that God does not do anything without first revealing same to those concerned through one or more of His messengers. I cannot recall any of God’s envoys talking about a clergy sitting on the Nigerian presidency in 2011.
More than that, the fact was quite obvious that Gen. Buhari and Pastor Bakare were millions of miles apart in ideology. It would then be easy for one to argue that their union was built purely on the faulty foundation of desperation. The duo was out to use any means possible to dislodge the PDP- not Jonathan from the presidency. As painted by the result of the presidential election, very many people in the opposition gladly isolated Jonathan from the ruling PDP. In politics, this is unexplainable and seems to have some divine attachment. On the other hand; even if the CPC had won the April 16th presidential polls, the presidency wouldn’t have lasted the first 12 months. Buhari and Bakare would have easily rubbished the Obasanjo-Atiku record of presidential acrimony.
For a nation with very deep religious sentiments, Nigeria needs only leaders with moderate spiritual convictions. This was a big minus for the CPC. Assuming that the CPC won the presidential election; there is this fertile fact that many of Bakare’s followers would have rebelled against him the moment he buries his fire-brand religious beliefs in the grave of politics. In the case of Buhari, countless citizens believe that a leopard cannot change its spots. Many Nigerian families, communities, and businesses have not recovered from the hurt that was caused then by the Buhari-led military regime in the early 80s.
Furthermore, the greatest charge against both Buhari and Bakare are their inability to appreciate the honour that is attached to the presidency. This was several displayed by their arrogance and high temperament. Gen. Buhari was alleged to have urged his supporters to lynch whoever that was believed to have rigged the election. The same thing goes for Pastor Bakare that fueled the theory of Wild-Wild-North. What do they make of the judiciary?
Good leaders are supposed to be humble and economical with hate-words and insults. Buhari and Bakare quickly forgot that a greater percentage of the Nigerian population have come of age. As insignificant as it had appeared; while Jonathan and Sambo were busy boasting about their antecedence with humility, the duet of Buhari and Bakare spent a greater amount of their campaign time pouring venom not just on PDP but on the person of Jonathan and Obasanjo. At the end, the CPC only succeeded in telling Nigerians that it will fight corruption, introduce effective security network, improve on power supply, raise the standard of education, provide improved health care services, and guarantee a robust road infrastructure. There was nothing different from what the PDP has been saying.
To many Nigerian voters, what actually separated PDP from the CPC was the composure- maturity of Goodluck Jonathan and Namadi Sambo. There was never a time they rubbished other political parties or abused the personalities of their political opponents even at the height of provocation. Take the case of Rev. Chris Okotie, founder of Household of God Church and presidential candidate on the platform of FRESH Democratic Party who posited that as a zoologist, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan was not grounded for political leadership. In rejecting the results of the presidential polls, Okotie even went on to call for the setting up of an interim government. This was clearly trillion of miles away from the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria. What manner of leaders does Nigerians really deserve? Use your tongue to count your teeth.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Beware of Western Democracies
There is no doubt about the fact that for any major economic investment such as the Ajaokuta Steel company to work, it will need high dose of political will on the part of the president of the federal republic of Nigeria. Every nation on the face of the earth is faced with mountains of challenges from within and outside. Chief among these challenges are corruption and global politics of economic interest.
In Nigeria, corruption has made it very difficult for most government policies and investments to yield commensurate dividend. Despite the huge efforts put in by government to wage war against the negative culture of graft, very little has been achieved in the last ten years. The reason is not far-fetched. Corruption has eaten too deep into the fabrics of our national culture. It will therefore take only a determined effort by government to stamp out, or at least reduce it to an insignificant level.
It will not be enough to condemn the menace of corruption without highlighting its foundation. To a very large extent, corruption is a seed sown by the retreating British colonial administration to keep Nigeria’s socio-economic framework weak. Through this way, Nigeria can only be politically independent but economically dependent on London and other western societies. That’s the reason why the colonial authorities did not lay any meaningful foundation to discourage graft in government businesses. Political independence without a vibrant economy is close to not being independent. It’s on the head of the economy that a society grows.
Another thing the colonial Britain did to keep Nigeria underdeveloped was the sowing of seeds of discord by discreetly fueling ethnic and religious sentiments among the nation’s numerous nationalities. London did this by deliberately refusing the various nationalities to come together and discuss their union before creating Nigeria. Such frank dialogue would have clearly established safeguards for all the component unites. In forcibly bonding the several nationalities together, the Queen knew quite well that Nigeria will be plagued by the seeds of corruption, ethnic and religious discord.
Even with all the pressures from the United Nations and Human Rights groups, western democracies have continued to hide behind several platforms to colonise third world countries, including Nigeria. What they- western democracies do is to work with some corrupt citizens to sabotage critical sectors of the national economies of strategic third world countries. This is the reason why our refineries are not working at optimum capacity. Though we have crude oil and refineries all over, we still rely on the important of petroleum products. It’s the same reason why our power sector is dilapidated. Western countries are making huge gains from the export of electricity generating sets.
But for the strong political will invested by government, the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) project wouldn’t have taken off. Even now, western democracies are fighting to see that Nigeria stop exporting natural gas so that she would import same from them. This is the same problem the Ajaokuta Steel Company is facing. Western nations want Nigeria to import steel when she is supposed to be exporting same. It’s now left for the federal government of Nigeria to understand the dance steps of western democracies and match same with the desired political will.
We must not forget the fact that international diplomacy is mostly determined strictly by economic interests. No western nation will sit back and allow third world countries gain economic independence. They are always afraid of the reality that their local economies will be negatively impacted by Africa’s economic independence. This is the root of neo-colonialism. They will therefore do anything to keep Africa and other developing societies under their foot.
You can also read my book, “Western Democracies in Glass Parliament.” http://i-proclaimbookstore.com/wedeinglpa.html for more details.
In Nigeria, corruption has made it very difficult for most government policies and investments to yield commensurate dividend. Despite the huge efforts put in by government to wage war against the negative culture of graft, very little has been achieved in the last ten years. The reason is not far-fetched. Corruption has eaten too deep into the fabrics of our national culture. It will therefore take only a determined effort by government to stamp out, or at least reduce it to an insignificant level.
It will not be enough to condemn the menace of corruption without highlighting its foundation. To a very large extent, corruption is a seed sown by the retreating British colonial administration to keep Nigeria’s socio-economic framework weak. Through this way, Nigeria can only be politically independent but economically dependent on London and other western societies. That’s the reason why the colonial authorities did not lay any meaningful foundation to discourage graft in government businesses. Political independence without a vibrant economy is close to not being independent. It’s on the head of the economy that a society grows.
Another thing the colonial Britain did to keep Nigeria underdeveloped was the sowing of seeds of discord by discreetly fueling ethnic and religious sentiments among the nation’s numerous nationalities. London did this by deliberately refusing the various nationalities to come together and discuss their union before creating Nigeria. Such frank dialogue would have clearly established safeguards for all the component unites. In forcibly bonding the several nationalities together, the Queen knew quite well that Nigeria will be plagued by the seeds of corruption, ethnic and religious discord.
Even with all the pressures from the United Nations and Human Rights groups, western democracies have continued to hide behind several platforms to colonise third world countries, including Nigeria. What they- western democracies do is to work with some corrupt citizens to sabotage critical sectors of the national economies of strategic third world countries. This is the reason why our refineries are not working at optimum capacity. Though we have crude oil and refineries all over, we still rely on the important of petroleum products. It’s the same reason why our power sector is dilapidated. Western countries are making huge gains from the export of electricity generating sets.
But for the strong political will invested by government, the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) project wouldn’t have taken off. Even now, western democracies are fighting to see that Nigeria stop exporting natural gas so that she would import same from them. This is the same problem the Ajaokuta Steel Company is facing. Western nations want Nigeria to import steel when she is supposed to be exporting same. It’s now left for the federal government of Nigeria to understand the dance steps of western democracies and match same with the desired political will.
We must not forget the fact that international diplomacy is mostly determined strictly by economic interests. No western nation will sit back and allow third world countries gain economic independence. They are always afraid of the reality that their local economies will be negatively impacted by Africa’s economic independence. This is the root of neo-colonialism. They will therefore do anything to keep Africa and other developing societies under their foot.
You can also read my book, “Western Democracies in Glass Parliament.” http://i-proclaimbookstore.com/wedeinglpa.html for more details.
Monday, April 25, 2011
The mountain in front of President Jonathan
But for the surprising departure from traditional voting patter, President Goodluck Jonathan could not have won the April 16th presidential election. This development could be largely traced to the new electoral law, leadership of INEC, and the One-Man-One-Vote campaign. For the first time since independence, most Nigerians voted without paying serious attention to tribal, religious, and even party sentiments which they argue are shallow and parochial in nature. This is one strong reason why President Jonathan could put up a very strong showing in Muslim dominated north and ACN strongholds in the south-west. There is a fertile belief among the present generation of Nigerian electorates that good governance or quality political leadership transcends shallow and parochial inclinations such as ethnicity and creed. With the nation’s deep ethnic and religious divide, it was unimaginable for President Jonathan; a minority from Bayelsa State to win 25% and above of votes in as much as 31 states and Abuja. This unprecedented development alone was enough for most uninformed people to agree that PDP rigged the presidential election. But as days go by, many among this clan of doubters are beginning to appreciate the fact that Nigeria has moved far away from the era when almost everything was done based on tribal and religion sentiments.
To sustain this new found political culture, the president must do well to reward the Nigerian electorates by offering quality and purposeful leadership. He must also do everything possible to bless the memories of all those innocent citizens that were killed by the enemies of this nation. No matter their status in society, the murders and their sponsors must be given their rightful places in prison. That is where they precisely belong. No one has right to take the life of another when the law courts are there to dispense justice. Enough of this wickedness. What are these murderers and their sponsors doing with their hearts? Enough is enough! It is very clear that they do not want this nation to move forward because they are benefitting from the pains and sufferings of the masses.
I am very glad that the president has not rolled out the drums and red carpets to celebrate his victory to honour the hundreds of innocent compatriots- women, youths, and children that were killed by the shameless enemies of Nigeria. More than that, political leaders most times indulge in celebrating partisan victories and forget the sacred obligations they owe the masses. President Jonathan should therefore only thank God for His grace and get down to work. He should wait and allow the masses to celebrate him at the end of his tenure in office.
As with every other society, there are many mountains that usually stand in front of political leaders. However, one of them is always conspicuous. It has to do with how to manage the arrogance of kingmakers. For the sake of this piece, kingmakers are all those who do more than mere casting of their votes to make President Jonathan win the April 16th election. They are mostly made up of the leadership of the many campaign organizations and several generous individual and corporate donors. In most cases, kingmakers see their contributions as “investments” and therefore expect to make “profits.” There is nothing wrong with this. What is indeed wrong is the penchant for killing the society to make extra “profits” on top the conventional profit usually made while doing business.
Two ways kingmakers kill the society are as follows. Many that are given appointments see and use their positions to recoup and make profits from their political “investments.” Some of them that win contracts either abandon or simply deliver sub standard jobs. President Jonathan must take note of this fact and do everything within his powers to put an end to this negative culture. It is also pertinent to warn that no political leader should undermine the powers of kingmakers. They can easily destroy a government if their excesses are not properly managed. A lot of wisdom is needed in this regard. The president must openly champion the principles of due process, accountability, transparency, and rule of law. He can always take refuge in these societal pillars each time the kingmakers raise their swords over his head.
This writer joins other well-meaning Nigerians to appreciate the invaluable contributions of all those that contributed towards making Jonathan win the April 16th presidential polls. He was indeed the brightest among the whole lot. These kingmakers must give the president enough political space to lead Nigeria out of the woods. They do not have any better option.
I want to recall that while campaigning for President Jonathan, quite a good number of my friends from the northern part of the country confessed that they do not have problems with Jonathan as a person. Their problem has always been the people around him- kingmakers. I respected their opinions but assured them that Jonathan has the capacity to manage the excesses of his kingmakers. I believe that the president will not let me down.
To sustain this new found political culture, the president must do well to reward the Nigerian electorates by offering quality and purposeful leadership. He must also do everything possible to bless the memories of all those innocent citizens that were killed by the enemies of this nation. No matter their status in society, the murders and their sponsors must be given their rightful places in prison. That is where they precisely belong. No one has right to take the life of another when the law courts are there to dispense justice. Enough of this wickedness. What are these murderers and their sponsors doing with their hearts? Enough is enough! It is very clear that they do not want this nation to move forward because they are benefitting from the pains and sufferings of the masses.
I am very glad that the president has not rolled out the drums and red carpets to celebrate his victory to honour the hundreds of innocent compatriots- women, youths, and children that were killed by the shameless enemies of Nigeria. More than that, political leaders most times indulge in celebrating partisan victories and forget the sacred obligations they owe the masses. President Jonathan should therefore only thank God for His grace and get down to work. He should wait and allow the masses to celebrate him at the end of his tenure in office.
As with every other society, there are many mountains that usually stand in front of political leaders. However, one of them is always conspicuous. It has to do with how to manage the arrogance of kingmakers. For the sake of this piece, kingmakers are all those who do more than mere casting of their votes to make President Jonathan win the April 16th election. They are mostly made up of the leadership of the many campaign organizations and several generous individual and corporate donors. In most cases, kingmakers see their contributions as “investments” and therefore expect to make “profits.” There is nothing wrong with this. What is indeed wrong is the penchant for killing the society to make extra “profits” on top the conventional profit usually made while doing business.
Two ways kingmakers kill the society are as follows. Many that are given appointments see and use their positions to recoup and make profits from their political “investments.” Some of them that win contracts either abandon or simply deliver sub standard jobs. President Jonathan must take note of this fact and do everything within his powers to put an end to this negative culture. It is also pertinent to warn that no political leader should undermine the powers of kingmakers. They can easily destroy a government if their excesses are not properly managed. A lot of wisdom is needed in this regard. The president must openly champion the principles of due process, accountability, transparency, and rule of law. He can always take refuge in these societal pillars each time the kingmakers raise their swords over his head.
This writer joins other well-meaning Nigerians to appreciate the invaluable contributions of all those that contributed towards making Jonathan win the April 16th presidential polls. He was indeed the brightest among the whole lot. These kingmakers must give the president enough political space to lead Nigeria out of the woods. They do not have any better option.
I want to recall that while campaigning for President Jonathan, quite a good number of my friends from the northern part of the country confessed that they do not have problems with Jonathan as a person. Their problem has always been the people around him- kingmakers. I respected their opinions but assured them that Jonathan has the capacity to manage the excesses of his kingmakers. I believe that the president will not let me down.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
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.
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.
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