₦airaland Forum

Editors Note: Assistant Professor of Criminology at the University of Alberta;
Canada, Tope Oriola, in this open letter to President Goodluck Jonathan,
cautions the president not to tow the line of African despots who hardly
relinquish power.
Article Highlights:
- As an underdog in the political terrain, you were a stranger to power
- I presume that you and those around you can sense the mood of the times
- Campaign with all your heart but be ready to accept defeat.
(Sahara Reporters) – Let me begin by stating that I approach your person and
presidency from a sympathetic perspective. My unsolicited support is
predicated on the fact that you are from the Niger Delta, a region that has
given so much yet received little from our country and perhaps because you
have always struck me as a humble exemplar of the rags to prominence fable.
As an underdog in the political terrain, you were a stranger to power: You were
not from a political family; you were neither from the military nor business
class. You were from the periphery of the academia. I have occasionally been
embarrassed by how you were treated by some critics. I have had occasion to
be upset at how some journalists treated you in some of the interviews you
granted. Like many Nigerians, I wanted you to succeed as your success was
directly correlated with our success as a society. Therefore, this letter is not
full of vitriol. Rather, it contains a sober and non-partisan assessment of your
options at this defining moment.
Societies do not often go through this kind of moment. I presume that you and
those around you can sense the mood of the times. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo
saw a glimpse of the quality of this moment during the third term debacle.
General Ibrahim Babangida who famously “stepped aside” may speak to the
character of this moment. But by a wide margin, General Sani Abacha’s era
could provide clearer lessons. You are on the cusp of history. You are, as
history may record, in a world-historical crucible at this moment. Nobody feels
it better than you. Nobody in Nigeria bears greater responsibility. Our
country’s survival is in your hands.
Your Excellency, you are a product of the Nigerian system. No one needs to
remind you about your meteoric emergence on the national stage. You were
favoured above several individuals who by your own confession were better
qualified and had more experience. Nonetheless, you emerged as a relatively
young state executive; part of the new generation of leaders without the
baggage and blood-stained hands of military coups. And of course, your being
from the Niger Delta was music to the ears of many of us. We were ecstatic;
you could do no wrong in our eyes!
However, the major power brokers that made you no longer want you.
Anecdotal evidence also strongly suggests that many of the people no longer
want you. Nigeria as you admitted to US ambassador, Robin Sanders, during
the succession debacle, is too complex for a simple man like you. I am afraid,
Mr. President, that Nigeria needs someone with qualities that you do not
possess. It is not for lack of effort on your part. There are too many wolves in
Nigeria. They are not wolves in sheep’s clothing; they are shameless wolves.
You never stood a chance, Mr. President. Nigeria needs a complex thinker who
can call to order errant old men in the self-serving elite; someone they either
respect or fear.
The ongoing political crisis is turning into heroes some who should be in
prison for corruption, human rights violation or both. Our country is
hemorrhaging. When those whose livelihood depends on not telling you the
truth leave the room and you are all alone, speak to your Creator and do the
right thing for the long-suffering Nigerian people. You must be ready for the
probability that you may lose the presidential election. That may well be good
for the country and yourself. It is time for you to stay true to your belief in the
Scriptures: All power belongs to God and he gives it to whomever he wills.
I am not particularly thrilled that someone who was military Head of State
when I was barely out of diapers may succeed you in office but that may well
be the beauty of democracy. Do not impede the voice of the people. History
may yet be kind to you if you conduct free and fair elections. You are unlikely
to win the Mo Ibrahim or Nobel Prize but you will earn significant respect for
peaceful transfer of power and begin a dignified life in retirement. You may
even become a power broker although I view you as too humble to want that
role.
Your Excellency, your primary aim must now be a higher purpose than winning
an election. Allow Professor Attahiru Jega to do his job. You cannot replace
the umpire at the last minute. The optics are bad. Meet with the Inspector
General of Police and military chiefs and let them know that your political
ambitions are secondary to the well-being of our country. Stop your
supporters from fanning the embers of religious bigotry. Provide the needed
resources and leadership to tackle Nigeria’s many security problems. Allow the
notion of an interim national government to remain what it is — a mere
rumour. Please, address the Nigerian people and tell fellow Nigerians you are
speaking to them as their leader and not a candidate for election. Tell them to
vote for whomsoever they please and that you will ensure there is no electoral
rigging.
It is your right to stand for office but ensure you act ethically and legally.
Campaign with all your heart but be ready to accept defeat. I do not think
that your luck has ran out. I think your luck has now called you to rise beyond
the self. Your name is Goodluck . There may yet be more luck in store for you
but clinging on to power is not in your fortunes. You will be stunned at how
history will remember you if you organize free and fair elections. Do not take
Nigeria towards the road to Rwanda. I wish you well.

"So long a letter"...

Trinxie:
"So long a letter"...

Are letters suppose to be short?