The values of morality and credibility in Nigerian politics have been all but crossed out by shortsighted and greedy leaders whose only intentions are to loot and do disservice to the nation. They can no longer walk the streets freely, sans their security details, without fear of attack in retaliation for their treachery.
Credibility, morality, honesty, integrity, diligence and honour are principles that have become alien in the higher strata of our society. And while leaders engage in a culture of waste, without any meaningful developments from local to federal level, the relevance of our nation is ebbing away among her counterparts.
Indeed the only thing that is consistent in Nigeria is inconsistency – the consequence of mischief and misgovernance. In the words of John F Kennedy: “If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.”
On this note, I hasten to remind our acting president, Goodluck Jonathan, that ever since he entered the political sphere, fate has helped him rise from state to federal level and, by sheer good fortune, the highest office of our country without much hassle.
So I beg of him, on behalf of all Nigerians, to use this opportunity to make his mark as the best President Nigeria has ever had – by setting a benchmark for good governance and installing a democratic institution that will jettison mediocrity and fair-weather politicians from our system.
I know that the past cannot be undone, but I also know that our future would be spotless if people of credibility and integrity were the captains of our ship. That is why the 2011 elections will be very important to every Nigerian.
Goodluck Jonathan now has the opportunity to learn, to develop better political will and listen to the people as they echo their calls for electoral reform, infrastructural developments, greater security, increased employment and health reform – the essentials of life in the modern world.
The people know that not all of this could possibly be achieved within the 14 months of his administration, but big strides could surely be made in the short term when it comes to electoral reform and improving the electricity grid.
We pray that Jonathan avoids the recycling of old hands bereft of new ideas and turn to those with the best interests of Nigeria at heart, regardless of party affiliation, religion or creed. We need him not be cowed by the oil barons, retired soldiers and all manner of political godfathers.
He must choose result-oriented people by merit and credibility that will produce for his administration the most legendary achievements in the history of our beloved country.
As US politician John Kerry once said about the war in Iraq: “It is not that I would have done one thing differently; I would have done almost everything differently.” Be your own man, Goodluck Jonathan, and do everything differently for the betterment of Nigeria.
Dele Agunloye is a political science graduate from Nigeria currently living in Dublin
