TIME: Anything to Jonathan’s latest honour?

The full form of TIME is The International Magazine of Events. It was created in 1923 by Briton Hadden and Henry Luce, making it the first weekly news magazine in the United States.  It is  known for its signature red border, introduced in 1927. The red border has only been changed thrice since then: One […]

The full form of TIME is The International Magazine of Events. It was created in 1923 by Briton Hadden and Henry Luce, making it the first weekly news magazine in the United States.  It is  known for its signature red border, introduced in 1927. The red border has only been changed thrice since then: One was the special issue released shortly after the September 11 attacks on the United States that featured a black border to symbolize mourning. Earth Day issue of 2008, dedicated to environmental matters, had a green border, and a 2011 special September edition that commemorated the 10th anniversary of September 11 attacks had a metallic silver border. In recent years, TIME has assembled an annual list of the 100 most influential people of the year. There is no doubt that this endeavour amounts to an outreach for the weekly, and it attracts more attention to it other than its traditional news reports. Stables in Nigeria do the same by the name, Thisday Award for Excellence and Good Governance; The Daily Trust African of the Year Award, Tribune Men of the year Award, The Guardian’s Man of the Year Award; and The Sun Man of the Year Award. Originally, TIME made a list of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century. These issues usually have the front cover filled with pictures of people from the list and the editor devote a substantial amount of space within the magazine to the 100 articles about each person. The magazine also compiled “All-TIME 100 best novels” and “All-TIME 100 best movies” lists, and “The 100 Best TV Shows of All-TIME” in 2007.

The latest 100 Most Influential people’s list has politicians, performers, authors and entrepreneurs, and these fall into five categories: Moguls, Icons, Pioneers, Leaders, and Breakouts. Of them, the editor says, “Now [one] can tweet a phrase that reaches millions in a flash. Influence was never easier — or more ephemeral. Which is why we try to choose those people whose influence is both lasting and, with a few notable exceptions, laudable.” Both lasting and laudable. That should make Nigerians take a closer look at this honour done their leader.

Now, the magazine usually solicits for essays about its honourees. Obama wrote about Warren Buffett. Liberia’s President Johnson Sirleaf wrote about President Jonathan. “Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan exemplifies the African political renaissance at a time when the people of the continent are starting to reap the fruit of their resources and their hard work,” Sirleaf wrote. She thinks highly of him, too. “He possesses the qualities needed at this moment of great challenges, having come to power at a crucial moment in the history of Nigeria.”  And she sees things that no Nigerian so close to their president seems to see. “The country has grown out of its past of corruption, mismanagement and brutality.” And she has a good sense of history, one that is much better that what many Nigerians have. “In two short years, President Jonathan has shown the same dexterity he demonstrated as governor of Bayelsa.” She believes the president’s impact is far-reaching, and that he has done the impossible, dealing corruption a mortal blow. “He has spearheaded the fight against corruption and turned Nigeria into an example of good governance.” She clapped for the president because he is an internationalist. “He has also made a significant impact on consolidating peace and security in West Africa.” Is Sirleaf so kind because her Liberia has benefited from Nigeria’s largesse? “From the onset of our own crisis, Liberia has benefitted from the support of Nigeria. President Jonathan not only upheld the trend but added to it.” Africa cannot do without Nigeria’s President Jonathan, she believes. “With leaders like President Jonathan, Africa is sure to move toward prosperity, freedom and dignity for all of its people.” Signed – Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia. What Nigerians would sign to is not unlikely to be different, however.

“Could it be that the Time magazine does not know the meaning of being influential?” a Nigerian asked on the internet. He has more questions. “How influential has GEJ been at home before going to the Diaspora? Charity begins at home.” The president is not without defenders though. “Do not forget that he is still the president of the most populous black nation on earth. When you understand the place of Nigeria in World politics, you will appreciate why the president of Nigeria is considered among the 100 most influential people on earth.” Others sniggered. “I suppose the rulers of China, India and Indonesia should be in this list as they have large populations.” Someone thought the honour for the president is US’s attempt to calm nerves of Nigerians.

Ajibade wrote this piece from Abuja.  [email protected]