OPINION: Is Jonathan Truly Devoted To Nigeria?

Perhaps the most anxiously-awaited political event of the 2015 is the confrontation between the APC-chosen Muhammadu Buhari and the PDP flag-bearer, the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan. Both Buhari and Jonathan have recieved tons of criticism and praise from ordinary Nigerians who anchor their hopes of a brighter future on the shoulders of both candidates. In his opinion piece, Naij.com guest writer Biyi Manuel Adeyemi wonders if President Jonathan and his supporters are truly devoted to Nigeria. 

I watched in derision as my President scrambled for words to express his achievements over the last five years during his presidential visit to Ogun State. Thousands of Jonathan’s worshippers listened as he repeatedly paid homage to the heroes of our nation that sourced from the state. The President did, however, promise to take us to the moon if re-elected through the help of youths whom he failed to empower (obviously, he’s aware that Nigeria is gradually becoming un-liveable under his watch). As I listened to his outburst, I wondered what really made people vote for him in the 2011 Presidential election. I am sure it was not his gift for eloquent speech or finesse. It’s quite obvious that President Jonathan is tired, confused and needs a good rest. The pressure that comes with running the office is probably the cause of increase of grey hair on his head.
He tends to overstate beyond the limit of truths while speaking on his ‘ghost projects’. The “revival” of railway systems which, Jonathan claims, now run from Ogun State to Ibadan and other parts of the country, only means that commuters are now finally able to get to work on time and return home without hitch. The possibility to perform procedures as complex as open heart surgeries in our hospitals simply means that Nigerian politicians now patronize our hospitals for their periodic medical checkups. The fact that studies in Nigeria are being carried out behind closed doors, away from prying eyes,  is a reference to our position in the world when it comes to research and development.
I hoped to see commitment and willingness to sacrifice. Instead, I saw desperation and greed in the actions of a man who does not want to concede his post. Oh, have I also mentioned that President Jonathan was unable to state convincingly his plans for the next four years if  re-elected into power? No, he couldn’t, at least I saw it that way. One begins to wonder where the allegiance of those shouting hosanna to the son of Ebele lies. Is it to the country, or to themselves?
The election day approaches. With fear of a future unknown, recalling President Jonathan’s own words, “We cannot go back to our old ways”, we can only pray for divine wisdom if he is re-elected into the office. Otherwise, we are in for another long darkness period, since the light at the end of the tunnel is now being managed by the PHCN.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
What personal and professional traits do you think are the most important for the future Nigeria’s leader to possess? Feel free to voice your opinion in the comment section below, or drop us a message to info@naij.com! Also, you’re welcome to submit your opinion piece concerning any other topic you find relevant to info@naij.com after reading our Guide to Naij.com guest writing.