Dialogues: RE: USA Africa Dialogue Series - The GEJ Fairy Presidency for Nigeria

The GEJ Fairy Presidency for Nigeria

By Eugene Ndubuisi Nwosu

Saturday, 12 March 2011

Politics is a game of numbers and people make up those numbers. In politics and as in life, generally, people make most tangible things happen, the rest are just abstract. One of the major strengths in winning in any group and or organisational activity is strong team work. Strong, effective and efficient team derives its momentum and winning edge from high level trusts and the speed of trusts within the group. Each member of the team lowering their (his/her) ego to bear and allow his/her true humane qualities and unique potentials (creative abilities) to become manifest for the overall benefit of the group.

Nigeria's incumbent President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is most likely to win the April 2011 Presidential context for the following obvious reasons:

1) The other contenders have woefully disappointed. These people do not care enough about Nigeria. They are so much into their ego, self-aggrandisement; building themselves up just to collect the title of Presidential Aspirant under sweet and sensational (also ran) party names. If they truly cared about how to solve Nigeria's monumental socio-economic problems they would have stepped out of their egotistical (not so) comfort-zone, look beyond their noses, stop being myopic, acknowledge and appreciate the fact that the entity Nigeria is under the shackles of monstrous and peculiar ethno-religious divide. Several tribes, languages and different religions divide us. We can harness and unite that which divides us (tribe and tongue) under the presidential system which we now practices only with two strong political parties competing for the chance to serve the people.

Election into any office in a presidential system operates under "the winner takes it all" rule. There are no vote transfers or proportional representation as in parliamentary system. The lack of foresight, unwillingness or inflexibility on the part of these political actors has allowed the behemoth, the huge political animal (PDP) to have their way; and so it shall be for the next four years or more (o.k... perish the thought). That other political actors in Nigeria (so-called opposition parties) have not, since 2003, been able to come-together and put up a strong political party capable of defeating the PDP is regrettable. Too much power in the hands of one person is never good. Too much power in the hands of a huge political party is not good; and too long in-charge of governance is equally not the best. A democratic change after, at least, two terms in power invigorates change and a panacea for accountability and progressive leadership; because 'absolute power corrupts.'

PDP is made up of a lot of great and well-meaning Nigerian leaders; a lot of them are in that party because they love to play from the centre, they do not wish to be on the side line, and because there is no other viable alternative. I bet that if the Babangida's ingenious two-party system (which he created by military fiat and later scuttle for reasons I'm still waiting to know) could find a way to creep back into our electoral law or into the constitution (by democratic referendum); there would be massive paradigm shift and system shift – a wholesome rearrangement of the iceberg of Nigeria's political fellowship and thrust will follow.

2) The stratum of people and personalities who make up the PDP, just like any large family, is normal. Every strong organisation must make room for diversity; and be flexible and able to accommodate those distinctive differences. Thus, PDP is a colossal – party of the 'good', 'bad', and 'ugly' of Nigeria. In politics, as in the game of soccer and other team sport, no team or club should pretend or assume the "holier than they" attitude in formation. There should be no permanent enemies; rather pragmatism and inter-relational ties should be forged and anchored on tolerance and compromises.

3) President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan possesses impeccable qualification and experience for the office for which he is seeking to return to. His resume is far reputable and exudes much higher impetus and trust than the rest of the contenders.

4) President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan's background is more suited to resolving Nigeria's present and imminent albatross – the Niger Delta troubles. The Niger-Delta quandary can only be fully-resolved with this opportunity. Oil and the common-wealth it generates are a major pixie, brownie, hobgoblin to Nigeria. I think it is by divine providence that GEJ, a true son of Ijaw-land, the mainstay of Nigeria's elf (oil) that is happening and being validated to give to the Niger Delta nation the all-important emotional restitution they have been yawning for – just as President Obasanjo's tenure was used to wipe the slate and burry June 12 encumbrances; and President Umaru Yaradua's (though short) tenure provided some restitution for the patriotisms of his late brother, Musa Yaradua and the tragic (death) loss to his family.

The restitution which I have written about here is not necessarily material reparation; rather the emotional satisfaction that equity, fairness and justice has prevailed. Surely; the indigenes of Niger Delta know that all the extra-monetary allocation that Nigeria poured into the area in the last three decades have been swallowed by the corrupt leaders in the Niger Delta who where supposed to utilize same for the development of Niger Delta. Just as President Obasanjo served the entire Nigeria nation as one; without specifically and specially favouring the Yoruba-land, or the Abiola family more; we expect President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to be the President of One-Nigeria, and be fair and just to all.

5) President Goodluck Jonathan is equally reputed for possessing amiable character that is very much needed in a democratic dispensation to manage and lead a heavily diverse and complex society as Nigeria.

6) I have great respect and regard for General Buhari's sincerity, persistence and commitment. But he hasn't got strong enough team. He shot down any chances he would have had when he exhibited arbitrary and undemocratic tendencies by his choice of running mate, Tunde Bakare. Just as he showed no sensitivity to the core perception and feelings of the generality of ethno-religious divide by choosing Idiagbon (fellow-Muslim and Northerner) during his short-lived military regime. I would have thought that that some harsh lesson was learned; but not.

7) Nuhu Ribadu does not have the experience and political clout. He is a no-brainer and no-runner for me.

Whichever way it might go, GEJ's and PDP wins; be it with fewer states and slim majority in the two legislative houses.

I am optimistic and do, strongly believe, that in no distance future, Nigerians will have just two strong political parties competing for votes and the chance to serve with honour and dignity – effectively and efficiently for progressive and better Nigeria.

2015 and the Igbo clamour

I would not lose any sleep on such notion and time-line. I am from the meritocracy school of thought - a social-democratic system that gives opportunities and advantages to people on the basis of their abilities and achievements. I believe that when the time is right, and if a president from one of the South Eastern States is needed to hold the brief and manage affairs as President, going forward for the benefit of Nigeria, divine nature's providence will bring about the dynamics that can make it happen. Democratic leadership is fluid and a never ending upward journey; thus I will not put a time-line on when anyone from any ethnic group in Nigeria should assume the exalted position of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

It is well with Nigeria.

With best wishes, always

Positively

Eugene Nwosu‍

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