Mr President, one year is too long a time

PAUL ARHEWE
(Published 01/06/2011)

Overwhelmingly Nigerians cast their votes for him; even in the stronghold of the opposition, he clinched the mandate to steer the affairs of Africa’s most populous country for four years. A country that is bedevilled with high poverty amidst abundant natural resources; where corruption has become another nomenclature, by which its offspring is being stereotyped.
For sure, the task ahead is daunting despite this enviable position he has mounted. President Goodluck Jonathan, who was sworn in on Sunday after emerging winner in April 2011 election, to many, is seen as a signature of God; a man whose name has mirrored and showcased the great destiny witnessed so far, and that ahead of him. Jonathan, no doubt, has won the hearts of many in the country, as reflected in the election generally recognised as one of the freest and fairest in Nigeria, despite the turmoil that almost discoloured this laudable attainment.
 But how long would he continue to be in the good books of Nigerians?
Nigerians as we all know are fair weather friends; they tend to give their full support when their expectations are met and immediately turn their back when they feel no good is forth coming.

A good example of the aforementioned is witnessed during football matches between our national players with other countries. It usually amazes me when Nigerian fans who usually begin a match with ear deafening ovation to arouse patriotism in the men donning our national colours, always turn to booing them and hailing their opponents when goals are against Nigeria. That is a typical attitude of a Nigerian-in politics, leadership and other spheres.
I will like to inform Mr President that a four-year period is a long time to create a turnaround to the known distortions and misfortunes in the socio-political problems of our country. However, Nigerians won’t be patient enough to wait till 2015 before they start passing judgements on his performance. This brings to mind the popular Nigerian maxim that the first step a masquerade displays usually determines how well he can dance. Many promises were made during the political campaign period.
President Jonathan promised to bring an end to the incessant power shortages; improve on health and education; clamp down on crimes and kidnappings; ensure food self-sufficiency in the country; create a Sovereign Wealth Fund; create a university in every state of the federation; construct a refinery and give proper care for communities along the waterways etcetera. Nigerians would expect some of these promises to start manifesting after one year of his new stay in office. The line between sympathy and rejection in the continuum is very thin; the tendency for Nigerians to turn their back on the president is tied around what he can deliver, even from the first year in office. This is even worse because of the belief of some people that Jonathan won based on sympathy votes he got because of his marginalised tribe and the manner of his ascendancy to power after Umaru Yar’Adua’s demise.
It is common knowledge how the late president Yar’Adua was termed by some Nigerians as ‘baba go-slow’ when his preference for due process was overshadowing and impeding the rate of delivery on specific basic needs of the people, especially stable power supply on which he declared a state of emergency on. Nigerians can be easily convinced and their trust could be won over quickly when compared to other people. I believe Lagos state Governor Babatunde Fashola knows this secret; his performance, from inception in office during his first term, targeted areas where Lagosians dearly needed succour. Security was beefed up; road networks were expanded, among many others. Lagos government was visibly seen executing one project or the other.
Ranking high among the needs in the country or needs begging for attention at the moment is electricity as a recent survey has shown. If President Jonathan can tackle this sole monster headlong, majority of Nigerians would score him high. Nigerians should start feeling the impact of the Jonathan government even from the first 100 days in office. One year is enough time to make a good impression.

Based on people’s expectation, I dare say that one year is too long a time!