We want the President to meet our expectations as Nigerians. Mr President needs to take a stand, stamp his foot on the ground without sentiment or prejudice, and restore security.
Uneasy they say, lies the head that wears the crown. The Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, is among the most (if not the most) criticized Presidents in the world today. We talk about the poor performance of President Jonathan all the time, and people (including my humble self) are very quick in judging him on his failures and shortcomings.
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Why do we judge the president so much? Well, as long as a President (any President) is in power, he is prone to receiving criticism. Every slight mistake made by the government and its administrators is looked into critically, and a slight mistake can lead to great criticism; it does not mean that the citizens hate the President.
The people cannot be blamed for criticizing the President they voted into power. Though the president did not have 100% votes from the citizens, he received the largest percentage of the votes. Winning an election and being sworn into office as a President and commander in chief means that the President has accepted the enormous responsibilities that come with the title. What is more, the citizens trust the President with the leadership of the country. As such, if the president does not meet the expectations of the citizens, he will definitely receive criticism.
Nigeria is currently going through the most difficult challenge it has ever had since independence. Bombs are flying all over, and the people are living in fear. They do not know when the next tragedy will hit or where it will hit. Schools have been burnt and girls abducted by Boko Haram. This has subsequently led to protest campaigns to #BringBackOurGirls from all quarters, and this has since gained global recognition. It is sad how people fear for their lives.
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In the last three years there has been at least 4 bomb blasts in Abuja, the federal capital territory. All the security agencies and general intelligence are situated in Abuja; if the federal capital territory is not safe, what about the federating states? It is high time we tip this menace on the bud. We want the President to meet our expectations as Nigerians. Mr President needs to take a stand, stamp his foot on the ground without sentiment or prejudice, and restore security. If insecurity incidences can take place at the President’s backyard, then who are we to think that we are safe in our front yards?
As the President of the giant of Africa, and Africa’s most populous nation, we expect President Jonathan to swing into action and issue a decisive warning to whoever or whichever neighbouring country is directly or indirectly involved or supporting the Boko Haram terrorist group. We feel that our government should take action and update us (the citizens of Nigeria) on the progress made; we have the right to know what is happening in our country. When our government keeps us in the dark, it leaves us with no choice other than complaining, protesting and criticizing. At least that is all we have the power to do before we make a wiser decision in the next elections.
The blames and critics we direct to the President do not mean that we do not like him, rather, we want him to do better; we need him to succeed. There is no President or head of government from any nation in the world who would not receive criticism when the citizens feel that he has failed; it is normal. In fact, if there are problems and no one bothers to criticize the government, then that should raise an alarm; something must be wrong.
No one should say that we only rant through social media; Nigerians should be given credit for using the social media to draw global attention to the Chibok abduction. Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms give a voice to the voiceless and the oppressed; they are powerful.
Perhaps the Federal government thought it had everything under control or maybe it thought it was not as important, we do not know. Only Reuben Abati, Reno Omokri, Doyin Okupe or the President can provide the best answer.
If we cannot handle the insurgent on our own, and we are reluctant to seek help from France, US and Britain, then there is more to Boko Haram than what meets the eye. Not everyone can understand the implications of foreign assistance when it comes to defence and security matters, it is a dent on national pride; Nigeria is not used to that. The reluctance by the Presidency to admit the need for foreign assistance on defence and security matters is understandable
It will be recalled that the first attempt by any government in the country to seek foreign assistance in security matters was the proposal for a defence pact with Britain by the Tafawa Balewa government in the 1960s. However, the approval was later cancelled following protests led by university students and labour unions.
As far as Nigerians are concerned, whatever can be done to #BringBackOurGirls now and alive, and restore peace and tranquillity in all parts of the country should be done without any further delay. People are tired of sleeping with one eye opened, and so they would not mind if all the nations of the world could be part of the process to achieving such task.
The blames on Mr President are normal; they should spur him to provide answers to Nigerians. Nobody wants his loved ones kidnapped, maimed or killed by Boko Haram.
We crave for peace to reign in Nigeria, and it is the responsibility of our government to create that enabling and peaceful atmosphere for us to enjoy.
God bless Nigeria.
Follow me to continue this conversation on Twitter: @Mayjorh
Olaitan Ajiboye is a social commentator and he blogs at www.olaitanajiboye.com
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