THE GOODLUCK OF JONATHAN

Acting President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is arguably Nigeria’s luckiest citizen alive. His parents would probably be thanking their stars for naming their son, Goodluck. A native of Otuoke in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Dr. Jonathan, who is a PHD holder in Zoology from the University of Port Harcourt and a former Lecturer in the same University, comes across as a perfect gentleman.

One of Nigeria’s foremost magazine, TELL, in one of its recent edition profiled Dr. Jonathan. This writer read the article, and looking at his political history, it will be safe to say, the Acting President is not a typical Nigerian politician. Infact, almost every position he has found himself in the past practically fell on his laps with little or no effort or desperation from Dr. Jonathan. Seemingly contented with his job as a Lecturer and a Board Member of a regional government agency that concerns itself with Oil and Minerals development in Oil Producing Communities.

Jonathan was reportedly approached by all the traditional leaders in his local government advicing him to seek a political platform to contest the council’s chairmanship seat and be assured of their support.

According to the magazine, Jonathan was initially reluctant but later bowed to the severe pressure mounted on him. While preparing to slug it out in grass root politics, Dr. Jonathan was approached by former Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Diepriye Alameseigha to run alongside him in a joint ticket for the Governorship/Deputy race in the 1999 Gubernatorial Election. They won the election and enjoyed a cordial relationship, as Jonathan was said to be 100% loyal to his boss and the then governor trusted him too. Midway into their 2nd term in office, the wave of anti-corruption led by the indefatigable Mallam Nuhu Ribadu birthed in Bayelsa and consumed the former governor as reports in the media then suggested that the Economic and Financial crimes commission (EFCC) actually gave the British Metropolitan Police the tip off that Alameseigha was in possession of large sum of money in Foreign Currency and he was consequently arrested in Heathrow Airport, London and charged with money laundering.

Alameseigha later jumped bail, dressed like a woman, he returned to Nigeria Unnoticed by both British and Nigeria Airport and Security Authorities. Shortly after his return, he was impeached by the Bayelsa State house of Assembly for gross misconduct, financial misappropriation, bringing ridicule to the State e.t.c. The responsibility of steering the ship (State) naturally tell on Jonathan, who was again initially reluctant before he was advised that his taking over was constitutional and not an act of betrayal as he envisaged. Jonathan regretted the circumstances in which he became governor, while reading out his acceptance speech when he was being sworn-in as governor.

He pledged his continued loyalty to his former boss and this was made manifest when he refused to dissolve the cabinet, even though, he was under intense pressure to do so by the powers that be in the State.

Jonathan contested the 2007 gubernatorial election in the State and won, but he was picked by the hierarchy of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to run on a joint ticket with Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’adua for the Presidential election after the initial favourite, Dr. Peter Odilli was dropped due to corruption related issues. Coming from the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria (the ijaw nation).

Jonathan’s emergence was as a result of the struggles and agitation of the Niger Delta people for the control of their resources and higher government positions. Before assuming the role of Acting President, Jonathan was reportedly ineffective in key government policies, but visible in ceremonial capacity and duties. Jonathan’s Goodluck was once again brought to the fore when on the 9th of February 2010, a resolution was passed at the National Assembly empowering him to be the Acting President and assume presidential powers pending the return of Yar’adua.

Yar’adua traveled to Saudi Arabia on November 23, 2009 to attend to his health at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and research centre, Riyadh. He is said to be nursing acute pericardetis (An inflammation of the membrane around the heart). Yar’adua was away for over 70days without adhering to the constitutional provision which stipulates transmission of a written declaration to the National Assembly that he is on vacation (in this case, attending to his health), and properly handing over to Jonathan, as acting president, as enshrined in section 145 of the Nigerian Constitution.

Yar’adua’s absence heated the polity, caused panic and tension and was a clear invitation to Chaos, as it was politically dangerous to have vaccum in the seat of power especially in a democratic dispensation in this part of the world. Although, the National Assembly’s decision is practically not backed by law, it was out of necessity and political expediency in other not to put the country’s cherished democracy in danger.
Jonathan’s first task as acting president was to use his goodluck to uproot the badluck of the Yar’adua administration, Chief Micheal Kaase Aondoaka (S.A.N) from the sacred position of the Attorney General of the Federation and minister of Justice to the ministry of Special duties is a step in the good right direction. The Benue born lawyer was no doubt a clog in the wheel of progress of the Yar’adua administration. This writer wish Jonathan continues with the goodluck cleansing of the ideas-lacking and inactive cabinet of the go- slow and indecisive Yar’adua. On a lighter note, knowing most Nigerians for who they are, I will not be surprised if new born babies are named Goodluck either in English or their native language by their parents. Need I say more………………. GOODLUCK, MR JONATHAN.

Al Jazeera English - Africa - Horror of Nigeria clashes uncovered

Al Jazeera English - Africa - Horror of Nigeria clashes uncovered

THE JOS CURSE

Plateau state in the north central zone of nigeria is known for its tourism potentials all over the country.the state known for its mountains,hills and cold weather used to be the toast of many nigerians because of its peaceful ambience and its european-like friendly weather.

Unfortunately,all that is in the past now as the state is now known as the battle field for recurrent ethno-religious crisis and beginning to be a no-go area for non-residents of the state.The plateau/north frequent crisis has become an embarrasment to successive nNigerian governments and its people because of the impression it gives to the outside world that the Nigerian state tolerates religious bigots and extremists.This writer thinks government should take the large portion of the blame for this recurrent crisis.Both state and federal government usually set up kangaroo panels to look into the causes of this crisis and come up with suggestions on how to proffer solutions.But,these panels resolutions are not implemented by the government that is if at all the panel comes up with one.It is high time government,at all levels take bold and critical steps to nip this crisis in the bud.

Government should make sure that perpatrators of these heinuos crimes are brought to book to serve as a deterrent to others who would contemplate toeing that path in future.Government should also create jobs for millions of jobless youths roaming the streets,as they are willing tools for unleashing violence on innoncent Nigerians.Religious leaders should also call their subjects to order and make them understand that violence is alien to both islam and christianity.Deploying troops and imposing curfews after every cricsis is a fire brigade approach and will only serve as a short term solution to each crisis.Prof. Akunyili's army of re-branding experts could also come in handy,if they unleash all their vital communication techniques at their disposal on the people of plateau and make them realize this country belongs to us all.

Elder statesmen and political leaders of plateau descent like Yakubu Gowon,Ibrahim Mantu,Damishi Sango e.t.c should also take necessary steps to educate their followers on the implications of these crises on plateau state's image and Nigeria in general.It is my sincere hope that this recent crisis would be the last in jos and indeed every part of northern Nigeria.The northern elites should do something about these frequent clashes,as most southeners are beginning to have sentimental views about northerners and their religion.Already,most fresh graduates from the southern part of the country dread going to the north for their one year compulsory youth service.While an average youth in southern nigeria thinks all northeners are violent.All these perceptions and mistrust are not good for the country's unity.

UMARU:WHERE IS THY RULE OF LAW

When President Umaru Musa Yar'adua assumed office on the 27th of may 2007,he promised nigerians among other things,his administration's respect for the rule of law.Nigerians commended the president for making that promise,especially considering his predecessor's penchant for disregarding judicial pronouncements mostly towards the end of his tenure.

Yar'adua traveled to saudi arabia on the 23rd of november 2009 to attend to his health at the king faisal specialist hospital and research centre.he is said to be nursing acute pericarditis(an inflammation of the membrane around the heart).Yar'adua,like every other human being can fall ill.But,as i write this piece,he has been away for 64 days.The vacuum created by his absence is politically dangerous and an open invitation to chaos.one would have thought the rule of law apostle would have transmitted a letter asking that vice president Goodluck Jonathan should act for him to the national assembly,as enshrined in section 145 of the constitution,which says,"Whenever the president transmits to the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives a written declaration that he is proceeding on vacation or that he is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office,until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary such functions shall be discharged by the vice president as acting president".

If there is any time the president needs to prove his sincerity as regards his rule of law sermon,it is now.To say Yaraua's administration has been a disaster is an understatement.Although that is not the purpose of writing this article.Obviosly,the president is surrounded by professional sycophants who have refused to advice him to do the right thing.People whose selfish interests is more important to them than the nation's interest.kudos to the save nigeria group and other human rights groups led by the ebullient prof wolle soyinka,tough talking pastor tunde bakare,combative barrister femi falana and ever consistent mrs odumakin and others for pouring out on the streets of lagos and abuja to express the feelings of majority of nigerians.Indeed,enough is enough.

This writer expects the national assembly to commence an impeachment process against this go-slow president for breaching the constitution,but here in nigeria,it's a known fact that it is easier for a needle to pass the camel's eye than for those lousy,un-elected 'People Destruction Party'(PDP) members to boot out this lethargic leader.All well meaning nigerians should join the clarion call for Yaradua to handover to Jonathan.The stability of this nation is threatend and we cannot afford to keep quiet.Pastors,imams,traditional rulers,elder statesmen,youths and women associations,professional buisness men and women and nigerians in diaspora.This is the time to speak with one voice and not allow religious and etnic sentiments to becloud our sense of judgement.Nigerians should not allow one desperate ailing man,his greedy wife and kleptomaniac retinue of friends to hold this nation to ransome.We must all say GO UMARU,GO.