GOODLUCK NIGERIA: A LESSON LEARNT.
Nigeria has come of age. Democracy has come to stay. The masses with who absolute power reside have spoken. And when they did the very heavens roared and the earth quaked in agreement. Gen. Mohammed Buhari (rtd) is the people’s choice. What sweet victory for the septuagenarian who have remained optimistic of leading this country since her return to democracy in 1999.
Many will argue that a man who truncated democracy in Nigeria should never be a beneficiary of same. However, he has defied all odds to ascend the highest position of authority in the land, not through the barrel of the gun again but through the ballot box.
However, the ‘real winner’ in this contest is His Excellency President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GCFR), a man of little beginnings. A man catapulted from the creeks of Otuoke to the seat of power- Aso Rock by destiny. Today this man has further solidified the foundation of our nascent democracy by conceding defeat to reflect the will of Nigerians.
As I ponder on the life of President Jonathan, and the 2015 Elections in general I have learnt the following lessons:
(1) Never allow your background to keep you in the background of life. Dream big; aim high.
(2) Humility will open to you uncommon doors of favour. However, it takes more than your humility to keep those doors open. Be wise!
(3) Politics is a game of numbers. Check, cross-check and check all over again to be sure you have the numbers on your side at all times.
(4) Never undermine the power of the masses. Never take their fickleness for granted.
(5) Never allow your ‘enemies’ form an alliance that will challenge your hold on power.
(6) Never alienate yourself from the masses. Learn how/when to dance to their tune.
(7) Never trust your praise singers. Let your praises come from the masses.
( Never romance ‘enemies of the State’ (militants, terrorists, etc) openly. Denounce and distance yourself from them publicly. However, keep them for your dirty jobs. There’s always an irritating head to knock!
(9) Never underestimate a man that commands the respect of the masses. If you cannot get him on your side, look for subtle ways to nail him.
10. Never mix family affairs with governance.
11. Sacrifice your perceived ‘untouchables/sacred cows’ to remain popular among the masses should the need arise.
12. Maximise the power at your disposal to its fullest.
13. Embrace defeat in the spirit of sportsmanship.
14. In all things give God the glory.
In the history books President Jonathan’s name has been written in gold.
DONC