Jonathan: Hard work, many foes, powerful critics

As an Igbo, I am very happy with what the Jonathan administration is
doing at Owerri and Enugu Airports. Hitherto, the two airports had
been evidences for those of us who believed that the emasculation of
theIgbos was a deliberate state policy. But under Jonathan, Igbos are
gettingfew but vital things due them. Turning Enugu Airport into an
international airport alone should fetch Jonathan all the accolades in
Igboland, because those who know, would appreciate what it means for a
group of people known to travel the most in this nation. What about
sportsand the huge successes recorded there? When the Eagles failed,
we complained and wrote that it was a sign of systematic failure. Now
that they are champions, why are we finding it hard to say it's a
sign-post for the good things that are coming? The junior football
teams are doing well and even in athletics we have pulled some feats.
Don't these achievements deserve commendations? Shouldn't they stand
as a plus for somebody?
In foreign affairs, our pre-eminent place in Africa has been
re-established. Shouldn't that give ussome cause to smile at least
momentarily? We talk of healthcare and allow the frivolous indulgences
of the few rich to becloud our reasoning. A lot of our Federal
MedicalCentres are witnessing colossal transformation infrastructure
and equipment wise. At least I know of Owerri and Umuahia. The number
that troop to FMC Umuahia and the energy and expertise the doctors'
expend make me feel confident that with great leadership, this nation
can be turned around too soon. I also listened to the agric minister
and what is happening in that sector is marvelous. We are not there
yet, but such meaningful efforts should be encouraged. That's my
position. Yes, I can understand the frustration over pervasive hunger
and disease. The leadership class has become lovers ofthemselves and
families only. This attitude has compounded our situation. People are
dying in hundreds daily. I can understand. We all want quick reverses.
I think, from what I see, Jonathan knows the times even though his
speed and disposition give a different message. I have once said
Jonathan should move away from the imperial president and wear the
activist garb, but from the look of things that has been a tough
demand.
I have also lamented the lack of ideology in the approach to solving
our problems. Waiting for the private sector to lift us won't work now
or in the near future. The government would need to take us to another
level without distancing the private sector though. The government,
like Iobserved earlier, should lead while the private sector follows
and let the people have quality and choice, determined by
affordability. To our chagrin, we now equate high prices to quality
and efficiency. Our educational system is witnessing some efforts to
turn it around but the impact of such efforts on the people is
negative because of the cost. So, establishing new universities may be
good to provide the much needed access but the intended objective is
being rubbished by the cost given that our population today comprises
largely the unemployed.
This is one reason among many why Jonathan should need more than the
prescriptions from some of the economists sponsored from western
institutions who mill around him. Not that they are not good, but
their emphasis on the exchange rate, foreign capital investment, price
of petroleum, crude oil , sovereign wealth accounts and borrowing
would always pose serious problems. Their approach is diverting
attention from the real issues of affordable healthcare, education,
good roads, power, positive job creation efforts through deep economic
engineering that would bring back industries, making credit facilities
available, and mechanized agriculture, so that thereis food everywhere
thereby making the economy an inventive and productive one. This is
partly why increase in Gross Domestic Product, does not register a
corresponding impact in the well being of citizens.
So far, these experts don't think along these lines. They don't see
the sense in building housing estates; the kind the military built all
over theplace, yet these are the small things that would make
Nigerians happy, to cheer and clap. Jonathan has increased salaries
and that is good. More of it should be undertaken. Workers need
living wages to avoid corruption. More than that, we need
industrialization. Our nation can control the markets in the whole of
West Africa and this would mean a lot in employment opportunities and
better wage standards. Let me say this, our problem is not basically
about big government and the funds spent on emoluments. It has more to
do with phantom contracts and bloated figures we put on white elephant
projects. We over-inflatecontracts and services, that is the problem.
We also duplicate needs. Ministries and departments struggle to
allocate funds for projects and routine matters that have nothing to
do with real development. These are the issues. If I were President
Jonathan with an eye for another term, I will listen to alternative
views especially on economic standpoints and make labour leaders my
best friends.
The things that would make Nigerians smile and cheer are often the
small and neglected things. For instance, the voices of dissent from
Niger-Delta could be much about a supposed son, who is not reaching
"down" enough. I have heard those who say Jonathan should be a
Nigerian leader not a regional chieftain and laugh. The
contradictionhere is that those who talk and write most about someone
being tribal are themselves the worst. They act their culture always
and believe in it. They defend it with their blood, but let another
person do same and it becomes a misnomer. I have said it before and
wish to say it again; there is nothing wrong for anybody to be a true
son of his father. Those who develop split personalities end up
disgracing themselves. In true life, when we celebrate and our friends
come, unknown to us the first thing they try to find out is our
relationship with our people and how much they accept us. I am one of
those who believe that federalism means sharing our strengths and
weaknesses, and aggregating our peculiar interest in a peaceful,
harmonious atmosphere for the common good. This is why I would hardly
describe anybody as a tribalist. You won't make relevant contributions
at the centre,if you don't know your people and they don't trust you
to know what their inner feelings and desires are. Let all our leaders
find quality ways of reaching out to their people, without
compromising the Nigerian vision. That's how it should be.
On security, the efforts so far are commendable but peace would not
come by guns. I have in past articles asked the president to make it
an all party affair. He should publicly and privately engage the real
power brokers from the north. The leadership from the north has not
played enough roles on this issue of security. Talking only about
amnesty gives an impression that some people set out to achieve parity
with the people of Niger-Delta. This approach is certainly not
healthy. On corruption, most of the evils that were exposed were not
committed by this administration. Most of them had been on for God
knows when. Jonathan deserves credit that more exposures have been
made under hiswatch. Yet, some degree of seriousness need be seen.
Indeed, a platform is been constructed, from where we can launch into
the deep. What is left is for us to push to expand the frontiers not
by insults or playing down what has been achieved but through pure
motives and then placing higher demands. I don't believe in harassing
incumbents. My strategy which I placebefore the Nigerian people is we
should learn to prepare early for the next elections. We often don't
ask questions before we give away power. What we should do is to
resolve that henceforth, those who want power should tell us in clear
terms what their policies would be in all areas of our lives. If you
will sell away government properties, say so. If you won't build roads
and wait for private companies to build and then collect big fees, say
so. If you will build, you tell us the roads and the timeframe. Above
all, reject those who did not do well. That's how nations that want
progress go about it. We don't do these and yet expect progress. If
you ask me as an ordinary Nigerian, I will say Jonathan has worked
hard and scored some vital points amidst great odds. If I were to
speak as an Igbo, I will say given the way Ojukwu was buried and
recently Chinua Achebe, Jonathan has been very fantastic. After all,
development is not only about physical things alone. On a more serious
note, President Jonathan is working hard, just like his foes are many
and his critics are powerful. The time for verdict would be some
months after he has celebrated his third year anniversary. That is the
way it should go if truly we are practicing democracy.
•Concluded