2015: CHALLENGES BEFORE JONATHAN
The attention of the Presidency has been drawn to inflammatory statements in media made by former Head of State and Presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) Major- General Mahammadu Buhari (rtd) in which he allegedly predicted bloodshed in 2015 and labelled the Federal Government led by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as the biggest" Boko Haram".2015 is three years away, while prominent elderstatemen have been making unpardonable statements that can tear the country into another bloody civil war. The US prediction that Nigeria would break in 2015 might be economical to the truth.The unfortunate statement of Major- General Muhammadu Buhari(rtd) is an indication of not winning serial elections being conducted in Nigeria. Buhari has become a leader with no proactive vision to move this country forward.
It is unfortunate that the country' s leadership is being politically distracted by detractors of democracy in Nigeria.The transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan is being tactically delayed by those who never wish the country well.Buhari should know vividly that he forcefully came into power through the military junta that created the smooth sail of democratic process in Nigeria. Buhari must tell Nigerians about the sudden emergence of the Islamic sects " Fundamentalists"in the Northern part of Nigeria.Assessing the political calculations of the 2011 general elections ,Many political observers who are obviously conversant with the polity of the country should know that Jonathan is qualified to run for second term.The amended 1999 constitution stated clearly that a President is entitled to contest for two consecutive terms. The second tenure of late Musa Yar' Adua was completed by President Jonathan in 2011.President Jonathan just began his first tenure which to be celebrated on May 29, 2012 as one year in office that was constitutionally elected by the masses.
As much as we Nigerians do not appreciate good leaders in the country due overlapping and over-bloated corruption which has enslaved the entire process of the transformation agenda. The rotational presidency that was initially created by the founders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been discarded since the emergence of President Goodluck Jonathan. Nigeria has over 150 million people which has six geo-political zones that are South-south, North-central, South west, South east, North west and North east. Jonathan has the constitutional right to run for second term.Some constitutional lawyers in Nigeria like Barr. Jonathan Okiogbero and others have berated some political critics saying that the sitting President cannot contest.Though President Goodluck Jonathan publicly told Nigerians through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati that he would only run for one single term which obviously reduced the tension that heated the polity. Even some Niger- Delta elderstatemen have also compelled Jonathan to run for his term.PDP is the largest political party in Africa with many godfathers in the political system.Those trying to run down the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan by creating unnecessary security threats to rubbish the good plans that he has started must have a rethink of it.
The recent agitation of Igbo Presidency which many political South east gladiators have alleged that Jonathan agreed to relinquish power to the East in 2015 is mere political statement and media hype with no constitutional
backing.It is sad that our political leaders have abysmally failed to proffer solutions to the lingering security challenges facing the country rather than 2015 presidency. Even as the 19 northern governors are holding meetings on 2015 for north to produce the next president.Three years is enough for any formidable government to fix some salient infrastructural developments that can enhance economic growth and development. Jonathan is yet to fulfil the promises made to avid Nigerians that he had no shoes and school bag and today is being democratically elected
as the president of Nigeria. The country should not be regionalised or sectionalised by certain unscrupulous people
who felt betray by powers that be.The 1967 civil war is still in the memory of Nigerians that witnessed the three months war over leadership tussle.It is the masses that voted for President Jonathan in 2011 general elections would decide who to be elected not one godfather or PDP cabals.
The problem with Buhari is that he has the battleship of contesting for any political position in the country.His many losing traits could alsop affect his mental leadership to rule Nigeria. The supporters and card carriers of Buhari must retrace their steps and support the winning team.Leadership is all about leaving a legacy behind. The
likes of Dr Azikiwe , Obafemi and Ahmadu Bello are remembered today because of their past records being left
in the sands of time.
My stake is that it is only CPC as party making public statement while other political parties are economical silent in the dark. If CPC is the strongest opposition political party what happens to others.Jonathan should be allowed to transform Nigeria for better. Some important areas the President must consciously look into is the Federal roads, health, water supply, electricity, education, aviation and others. The constant epileptic power supply
has become worst than the acronym of the defunct NEPA. Though many felt the leadership of Jonathan is slow to find immediate solution to power outrage.
Again, Former President Olusegun Obasanjo described the House of Representatives as rogues and armed robbers which has elicited commotion with many motions being passed in the house to authenticate his statement. Though OBJ has denied such unholy statement which was negatively reported by the print media. The imbecility of Jonathan' leadership can be traced to some voracious personalities who are only interested in fomenting trouble in the land and derives maximum equilibrium.
Lastly Jonathan has no political regrets if he initially told Nigerians of a single tenure, though he initially agitated for six-year term.As the day goes by , the political equation changes. The political scorecard of Jonathan can only be
determined by the people.All Nigerians must give maximum support whoever the cap fits not regionalising it to one part of the country.The most important is that Nigerians need transformational and creative leaders with vision and idea to take the country to the promised land. BY GODDAY ODIDI, PUBLIC AFFAIRS ANALYST.08063458693,08058124798,20 oro street Ajegunle Apapa Lagos.