The president
yesterday presented a democracy day address to the nation. It was presented in
his usual lackluster, impassionate and lifeless manner. But make no mistake;
the president had an air of belief in what he was saying. For the first time in
recent memory, the Otueke born lecturer made a lot of sense and with good
reason too.
He paid
tribute to past heroes, highlighted his administration's efforts at
transforming Nigeria especially in the agricultural sector where according to
him, remarkable progress is being recorded. It is glad to hear him speak of the
need to diversify the economy and to appreciate the private sector that has
taken initiative at making Nigeria's rice importation dependency become a thing
of the past. Mr. President went further to note the triumphs he has made in the
area of roads construction and rehabilitation which are very commendable.
Another sector
which was receiving his touch was the power sector where gas distribution is
getting maximum attention and diligence. Mr. Jonathan is telling us, that in
the near future, there will be constant power in Nigeria. Something tells me,
he will be right.
The president
did not fail to prove in his address his awareness of the unemployment in the
land and his administration's effort at creating an entrepreneurial base
through his You Win initiative. Quite notable is the effort being made to speed
up transportation in the area of roads construction at federal highways here
and there. More promises have been made to complete more roads within time as
well as some railway tracks.
He spoke on
bills in legislation such as the Nigerian Content Development Act, and the
Petroleum Industry Bill amongst others. In the president's thoughts, the FG is
working hard to block leakages, eliminate corruption as well as face squarely
the growing menace of terrorism. And then he renamed the University of Lagos
UNILAG after late Chief Abiola.
This writer
thinks the president is fast learning the ropes of governance in terms of
projects initiative, and implementation. While the nation waits for the day
when most of these initiatives will be completed, they remain more promises and
we have the right to remain doubting Thomases. We cannot suddenly keep faith
with a government headed by a party that has spent the last 13 years doing
exactly what Jonathan did with his speech, talk of many good accomplishments
and promise so much more with very little to show for in the end.
The president
insists his deregulation of the downstream sector was misunderstood by naysayers.
We think otherwise, the withdrawal of subsidy could not have become
deregulation as that singular policy has remained largely responsible for the
rising inflation and unsustainable poverty in the land with dwindling profit
columns here and there. His anti corruption war is laughable especially with
recent revelations of his administration's decision to open shop for money
transfers to convicted money launderers.
It is hoped that the federal government received commission for the
transfer made to Malabu Oil after all Western Union and Money Gram charge
commissions.
He spoke also
about the need for the courts to do more. How does the judiciary do more when
there is a political intent to frustrate certain courageous judges? How do the
anti-corruption agencies do better when there is interference now and again
from pursuing certain cases?
And then there
was talk of financial prudence of cutting down needless expense by a N100
billion and reduction of recurrent expenditure from 74% to 71%. While he may
nod to himself like the agama lizard, it is very wonderful for our president to
expect applause for ensuring that government will continue to spend 71% on
itself and the balance on the rest of us. Let us give this administration a
standing ovation.
But the
president was right when he appealed for oneness regardless of religious or
ethnic divide. That was the most passionate part of the speech which must
appeal to anyone who truly loves this country regardless of political
inclination, Nigeria should come first. “We
must take steps to heal the wounds of the past and work together, as a people
with a shared destiny under one flag.” Now that was good very good indeed.
Social
networks Twitter and Facebook have been agog with tales of the naming ceremony
that took place at the end of the speech. The president in his new found wisdom
and diligent focus thought it wise to rename UNILAG after Moshood Abiola to immortalize
the late politician. That singular action proved the president still has sense
for focused eccentric disposition. But there is more to that action than an
intent to immortalize the late martyr of democracy. Many champions of June 12
have been thrown into a war of sorts as that singular action has brought them
to dilemma: should Abiola’s immortality be at the expense of what is arguably
the most popular university in the South West? Those who favour the decision
are certainly about to contend with those who insist that the brand name UNILAG
is too big to discard for Abiola. Whatever the intent, ASUU has continually
clamoured for independence of universities and as such, for the president to
unilaterally rename an institution proves the president has lost touch with the
present realities. This move is more than anything else political and will
cause a distraction between pro June 12 activists who will not rest until
everything is renamed after Abiola and modern realists who disagree with such
idealism. Whatever happens, the president will enjoy a reality TV show which
has already begun with the students and alumni of the university singing no.
While we
expect that this administration will get better with time, it is however wise
to note that the Goodluck Presidency is apprehensive and nearly intolerant of
contrasting views. This was demonstrated severally during the subsidy withdrawal
debate and even in this speech. The speech portrays hypocrisy at its finest as
the democratic values which the president hallowed in this speech is not
demonstrated by him in person. Or how do you describe intolerance of contrary
views and quick assault of the opposition with name calling? It is this
inability to accommodate an opposing view that makes his party employ all
manner of tactics to capture states at elections.
At the end of his
well considered words, he made the traditional prayer: May God bless Nigeria. I
certainly think he expects us not to have said amen, after all, there must be
some constitutional provision that prevents us from saying amen to certain
prayers. This president is the most misunderstood and yet gives himself no
reason to be understood. It is our sincere hope that he shuns his eccentric
tendencies and focuses primarily on project implementation beginning with power
for Lagos state and then a concerted effort at tackling Boko Haram, then will
he enjoy being understood and enjoy the remainder of his tenure with limited
rancour.
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