Even though we are not exactly where we should have been as a nation in terms of meaningful development, it is an undeniable fact that we have made tremendous efforts and taken landmark decisions aimed at putting the country on the path of progress on all fronts. Analysts and development experts have at various times blamed an appreciable percentage of our problems on awkward and faulty leadership recruitment system, which has led to the emergence of incompetent leaders across different levels of governance. It is however gratifying to note that efforts are presently being made to correct that anomaly, especially by this current administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.
To a very large extent, the latest rounds of shake-up in the President Goodluck Jonathan’s cabinet is a direct pointer to the fact that the old way of doing things are gradually giving way to new ideas and innovations. The old order of not daring to tamper with certain public officials with questionable records or fingered in corrupt practices is far gone. What we are currently witnessing is all about doing the right thing for the good of all and the country as a whole.
The Peoples Democratic Party-led Federal Government appears to be taking landmark steps in its bid to redeem its name and image. The party, owing to the lacklustre performance of its representatives across different levels of governance, appears more determined and prepared to fix things right in order for it to maintain its pride of place among top rated political parties across the globe. Meaningfully leading this well thought-out campaign of ensuring the emergence of a performance-driven, people-oriented and issued-based PDP is President Goodluck Jonathan. He has demonstrated these new thinking through latest appointments into boards, ministries, departments and agencies. This time around, merit, competence, capability, interest and track records are largely the criteria adopted in selecting people for various positions. Aside ensuring that all political appointees on the party’s platform are people of exceptional quality and sound character, they are also expected to display rare commitment and readiness to serve the people unreservedly.
Recent changes in the federal cabinet are part of well articulated efforts to inject life, seriousness and professionalism into the way and manner government businesses are handled by its functionaries. It is no longer going to be business as usual. With this development, it has proved that no serving government official who is found to have soiled his or her hand in corruption that won’t be shown the exit door. These recent changes are indeed good and healthy for the system and the country as a whole. Those who think they can get into public office and indulge in primitive accumulation of our collective patrimony are no doubt still living in the past. The message is simple and direct. This government unlike ever before is ready to name, shame and prosecute any public official caught abusing his or her office.
The President Goodluck Jonathan administration has since realized that time is of the essence and that the era of allowing unwilling hands and minds to be part of his government is far over. Nigerians are no doubt desirous of witnessing landmark changes in all spheres of our national life. For the doubting the Thomasses and cynics in our midst, these changes will no doubt change their impression about this government. The government can indeed be taken for its promises. We will have no reason whatsoever to doubt it on whatever it plans it intends to carryout or execute. Many, including this writer doubted the sincerity of President Goodluck Jonathan in the handling of the controversial bullet-proof armoured car scandal that rocked former Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Oduah. I had personally written off the possibility of the President having the guts to show Princess Stella Oduah the way out. This is no doubt a legendary and commendable step by Mr President. He indeed earns my respect and those of other Nigerians on this particular issue and others. This is the time to rally round Mr. President and give necessary support and encouragement in his avowed determination to roll out realizable programmes and policies capable of putting Nigeria on the path of economic prosperity, political stability and above all as one of the peaceful and united nations across the globe. The challenges confronting us today are all surmountable. This particular horrific phase shall pass and Nigerians shall all smile at the end of the day. I see bright light at the end of the tunnel. Where others see disaster, I see peace and tranquility. Where others see failure, I see success and where others conspire with enemies of Nigeria to make the country ungovernable for the President and his team, I promise to work against such elements.
The President, like never before, now has a good understanding of what Nigerians seriously expect of his government. He has since realized that good and enviable legacies are far much better than promoting narrow interests. This, he has demonstrated in his recent intervention across different sectors of the economy. His administration’s resolve to improve our current power generation capacity is highly commendable. The agricultural sector is also doing commendably well, especially as it pertains to ensuring that we produce enough food to meet local consumption demands before thinking of exportation.
To other cabinet members, this is the time to redouble your efforts to make the President’s Transformation Agenda a reality. This is not the time to allow yourselves to be distracted by bystanders and onlookers. This is the time to walk the talk. Those whose pastime is to make more enemies for the system through careless and unrefined comments should have a rethink. The challenges before the system are so enormous that it shouldn’t be dragged into unnecessary face or altercation with anyone or group of persons. You guys should focus more on your jobs.
Finally, I wish to call on Mr. President to sustain this laudable tempo. He should be more interested in the legacies he plans to bequeath to generations yet unborn and give deaf ears to those beating the drums of war and disunity. Sir, you were duly elected as Nigeria’s President and not a sectional President. Destiny has placed in your hands the unique opportunity of etching your name on the sands of time. Sir, you have the yam and knife, kindly slice a piece for yourself.
Labaran Saleh of Garki, Abuja, writes from Salelabaran@yahoo.com.
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