Jonathan’s 2011 Declaration: Goodluck for Nigeria, Nigerians

Charles Ikedikwa Soeze, fhnr, fcida, fcai, cpae, son is a Mass communication Scholar and Chief Officer
(Administration) at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI),
Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria. (08036724193) charlessoeze@yahoo.ca

In his masterpiece, the Republic, Plato argues that the just state is ruled by the ones who know the Good, and at the top is the philosopher-king, a man born and quite literally to rule. In this connection, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan’s 2011 declaration for the office of the president is a welcome development, progress and Goodluck for Nigeria, Nigerians. This is certain going by his academic background and previous leadership positions he held not by power of the gun.

Within the short period as president and commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Jonathan, an academic, astute politician, concerned himself primarily with the society and made basic things available and affordable. Currently, we no longer witness houses and other properties being gutted by fire because of hoarding of petroleum products, which became essential commodities (ESSENCO) under previous administrations. In addition, one can boldly and proudly say that petroleum products now flow in Nigeria like water in the ocean. He listened specifically to the cries of the talakawas in other words; the poor masses when he reduced the price of kerosene and queues for the product quickly disappeared. I believe he can do more in this regard come 2011.

I think and believe that was why declaring his candidacy for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primaries, he said and I quote “The past four months that I have served as President of Nigeria have opened my eyes to the vast potentials of this office as a potent instrument for the transformation of our country. I discovered that by sheer will power, I could end the long queues and price fluctuations in our petrol stations. Today, all our refineries are working, saving us huge amounts of funds spent on importation of petroleum products”. This portion of his speech deserves commendation.

Dr. Jonathan who is to run for the office of the President of Nigeria come 2011 with Architect Muhammad Namadi Sambo as his running mate promised to fight for justice; fight for all Nigerians to have access to power; fight for qualitative and competitive education; as well as create jobs; fight against corruption; and fight to protect all citizens among other promises.

It is therefore appropriate to say that Dr. Jonathan has inspired much admiration and affection from Nigerians and will be able to do more. He is really the noblest and most lovable of all previous Heads of State of Nigeria and as a result, deserves to be supported from the bottom of our heart. It is clear that he rose from humble beginnings to become a leading figure of the modern Nigeria. One can proudly recall his activities in the last few months as president and c-in-c, which have also shown how he identified with the vision and aspiration of Nigerians. Furthermore, his credentials and achievements are as profound as they are intimidating. Yet, he is an embodiment of humility and amiability. In fact, a designer with a relentless appetite for excellence. For this reason, he could be described as an epitome of humility in greatness.

Dr. Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan who is from Otuoke, Ogbia local government area of Bayelsa State, attended St. Stephen’s Primary School, (now state school) Otuoke from 1961 to 1965; St. Michael’s Primary School, Oloibiri, Bayelsa State (where oil was first discovered in commercial quantity in 1956) from 1966 to 1969; Mater Dei High School, Imiringi, Bayelsa State from 1971 to 1975; University of Port Harcourt from 1977-1983 (first degree); also bagged his masters and doctorate degrees from the same University. From these, one can say he is a core south-south brought up and deserves another commendation.

From his employment history, Dr. Jonathan could also be described as a core civil/public servant. This is because he first worked as a Preventive Officer in the Department of Customs and Excise from 1975 to 1977. Science Inspector of Education, Rivers State Ministry of Education, Port Harcourt from 1982 to 1983; Lecturer, Dept. of Biology, Rivers State College of Education, Port Harcourt 1983 to 1993; Assistant Director, (Ecology), Head Sub-Dept. of Environment Protection, OMPADEC from 1993 to 1998; he was sometime Deputy Governor, Governor of Bayelsa State as well as Vice President and Acting President of Nigeria. He is currently the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria since May 2010.

He is a member of different professional bodies like Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN); Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON); Fellow, Nigeria Environmental Society (NES); Fellow, Institute of Public Administrators of Nigeria; Fellow, Nigeria International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA).

It is also on record that Dr. Jonathan started holding leadership positions during his school days. He was class captain in classes 3 and 4; secretary, College Food Committee (CFC) class 3; house prefect, Masterson House classes 4-5; chairman, committee of prefects from classes 4 – 5. At the Rivers State College of Education, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, he was secretary, Biology Department Academic Staff meetings as well as department timetable officer (DTTO). He was also member, senior staff appointments and promotions committee. He has received several awards, best performing State Deputy Governor, an award by the Institute of Public Administrators of Nigeria; Honourary Fellowship, Nigeria Environment Society (NES).

It is therefore no exaggeration to say that Dr. Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan is a man of great honour and outstanding integrity. He is a true statesman, whose meritocracy selfless services and exemplary leadership qualities bear eloquent testimonies to his professional and political successes. Without mincing words, he has displayed an amazing degree of charisma and charm. He has endeared himself to the common man on the street. To this end therefore, it is true to say that Dr. Jonathan’s administration will shun corruption, ostentatious life-style, indiscipline and arrogance. I know that he listens to genuine advice and constructive criticisms from both old and young. He is well exposed, educated, enlightened and astute politician cum academic who is being jealously and rigorously guided by elders and fathers like Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, ijaw leader, a strong and respected south-south politician and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo among other reliable ones to enable him move the country to the next level.

Dr. Goodluck Jonathan was identified to be a great child right from his tender age because of his attributes and rare disposition. I think that was why his paternal grand mother “nicknamed” him “Azikiwe” as a striking smile to the great Rt. Hon. Dr. Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe to connote another great Nigerian to come in the nearest future.

My special advice as a mass communication scholar and public relations guru based on my commitment to this country through my informative, incisive, analytical including projecting and protecting image write-ups, I will like to use this opportunity to say that presidency must not neglect public relations (P.R.). God Himself even used PR at the beginning of creation when He said: “Come let us make man in our own image and likeness”. Based on this therefore, I don’t think there is any individual, organization or nation that would survive without PR because it goes beyond media relations.

Finally, it seems to me that with Dr. Jonathan’s 2011 declaration, the nation has been set on a new pathway that will bring democratic stability and political serenity.