An agenda for Jonathan
NEXT Editorial

February 11, 2010 01:18AM
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The momentum of the history that was made on Tuesday, February 9, 2010, when the two arms of the National Assembly finally agreed to break the political paralysis caused by a president in absentia must not be allowed to ebb. Acting President Mr. Goodluck Jonathan must proceed with full force and determination to break the lethargy that has pervaded the country since November 23, last year.

The good thing about the transition is that Mr. Jonathan is not in any way a stranger in the corridors of power. He has served as governor for a total of six years, and as vice president for the last two. Time enough for him to be familiar with the instruments of power andoffice and to have observed from a vantage point the rights and wrongs of the man he has just succeeded.

This is not a time to be timid in the exercise of power. The new acting president must set his priorities right. As he acknowledged in his maiden broadcast on Tuesday night, ‘‘It is now time for us to move on in a more determined manner to tackle the various challenges which we face as a nation. Our march towards Vision 20-2020 is irreversible. Therefore, we see a need to prioritise a few of the most critical areas, which continue to plague our effort at engendering meaningful economic growth and development. Some of these critical sectors include power, infrastructure, security, generation of employment and business opportunities for our teeming young men and women.’’

Mr. Jonathan must go beyond mouthing the rhetoric that has been the political style of the recent past and focus on action. The march towards 2020 cannot be irreversible until we have started it. Action, not platitudes, please.

One of the first things we at NEXT think he has to do is to retool his cabinet and bring in people who have a broader vision of what it takes to make a nation work and then to make it great. Myopia and self-serving led us into 78 wasted days of paralysis. Mr. Jonathan has to seriously take stock of the cabinet and be able to identify those who may want to sabotage his efforts. By this, we are not in any way asking for the retention of yes men and women, who will be content to remain his lackeys acquiescing to his every whim telling him what they think he wants to hear. No.

The first thought of every member of an effective cabinet should be pan-Nigerian, how do we make the country function effectively, release it from the constraints that have hampered growth, enable its hardworking, innovative and industrious populace to spread their wings, follow their dreams and make their lives better. This is President Jonathan’s chance to return smiles and good luck (if you don’t mind the pun) to the majority of traumatised Nigerians.

In his acceptance speech, he lauded, ‘‘ all the other political actors and national leaders, particularly the former heads of state, elder statesmen, governors of the 36 states and other leaders of political groups, civil society organisations, the media, and indeed all Nigerians, for their invaluable contributions and counsel. Our security services also deserve our special commendation for their loyalty and devotion to duty during this trying period.’’

Mr. Jonathan is at the threshold of history to show that he really meant what he said, especially to ordinary Nigerians. He should accept the restraints of the security forces for what it is: a positive sign of a much-matured nation fully aware of the lessons of the past and ready to make a genuine commitment to democracy.

Votes must count; the voice of the people should be sacrosanct. Mr Jonathan has to urgently call for the recommendations of the Mohammed Uwais’ led Electoral Reform Panel and embark on the immediate implementation of the panel’s report. This is a pre-election year and the time to do this is now. One of the pitfalls of not having a clear cut political reform was what led to the defeat of the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate in the recently held governorship election in Anambra State. The imposition of Chukwumah Soludo by the party largely led to his fate. So, the electoral reform must begin in earnest.

Finally, the reason why a cabal tried to prevent the true spirit of the constitution, from being followed until on Tuesday must be investigated. Why did the cabal hold the country by the jugular for 78 full days? This must be probed and any one found guilty made to face the full wrath of the law. This is to discourage future wilful violation of our sacred document: the constitution. The only way to achieve that is to punish violators


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To much expectations from a man that has a very poor track record of service delivery whilst as an asst gov/gov and vice president -  As a Nigerian i effectively manage my expectations