If Goodluck wins…
Certainly, those who think that it is unfair for someone who has never before contested any election at all to clinch the presidency of the world’s most populous black nation using the might of incumbency and overbearing federal authority, do not appreciate the import of the name. For instance, it is not insignificant that the […]
Certainly, those who think that it is unfair for someone who has never before contested any election at all to clinch the presidency of the world’s most populous black nation using the might of incumbency and overbearing federal authority, do not appreciate the import of the name.
For instance, it is not insignificant that the name of the mother of Jesus (peace be upon him) is Maryam or High Princess or that the name of the seal of all prophets is Muhammad – the Praiseworthy. Conversely, the accursed also carry the seeds of their damnation in their names. The Prophet Muhammad’s greatest antagonist was appropriately named Abu Lahab or Father of the Flames, where he is eternally dwelling with his wife.
On the mundane plane, it could not be a mere coincidence that a man named Steve Jobs established Apple Computers which literally conjured millions of jobs globally and transformed nearly all other existing job competencies and descriptions! In the case of Bill Gates, the direction of his name veered only slightly after he became the creator of billions of windows without which the civilized world of today would be shut out against itself.
Pragmatism is the forte of all politics and in this instance it suggests that Goodluck’s fortune may not be Nigeria’s lot. Since his swearing-in as President ten months ago, Jonathan’s reign recorded worsening economic, political and security crisis in spite of record-high foreign exchange earnings. Indeed, the incumbent President committed more faux pas and policy reversals within ten months than former leaders did in years.
Even discounting his personal shortcomings such as self-confessed inexperience as well as an infamous knack for incoherent communication shared with his wife, President Jonathan is the product of a political family notorious for taking the nation for a ride. As another Hausa adage would put it: you should not applaud the son of a leper until he attains adulthood with his fingers intact.
Can Goodluck Jonathan be better than the sum of the cabal that created him? There are no indications towards that possibility even though the Almighty is capable of any miracle. Even a saint surrounded by such slimy politicians as Olusegun Obasanjo, Ahmadu Ali, Bello Halliru Muhammed, Bode George, Tony Anenih, Edwin Clark, Dalhatu Sarki Tafida, Sule Lamido and Isa Yuguda could not be expected to give the nation the sincere and selfless service it sorely needs.
Yet, it would not be the fault of Goodluck Jonathan or even the PDP that chance is thrusting the mantle of power in their hands for at least four more years barring unforeseen circumstances. The fault lies in Nigerians themselves who have consistently failed to rise up to demand best rather than merely good leadership.
The results of last Saturday’s National Assembly elections show that the overwhelming majority of Nigerians are still insufficiently enlightened about their rights and obligations as citizens. Except in states with high degree of political consciousness, the electorate literally sold their votes for petty cash widely reported to be distributed by the ruling party.
Today’s polls offer another opportunity for Nigerians to kick out poor performers and enthrone a patriotic and proactive political party and president. Prospects are that voters would not summon the ability and courage to change the fortune of their country. However, the opposition must assume full responsibility for its inability or outright refusal to marshal their forces and confront the culture of impunity that has characterized the PDP government.
It is not too difficult to forecast that even with its array of colorful and powerful presidential candidates such as the ANPP’s Ibrahim Shekarau, ACN’s Nuhu Ribadu and CPC’s Muhammadu Buhari, the opposition’s total lack of coordination would see them losing the Presidency to the ruling party. Politicians are to blame for the process which almost always throws up the mediocre, unprepared and atimes downright dumb or dictatorial. We must hope that many more Nigerians gain higher political consciousness against 2015.
Hassan-Tom writes from 3, Sultan Bello Road, Kaduna