Give Jonathan, Tukur a chance – Jaja As the crisis in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) appears to be escalating, a former Chairman, Ijaw Foundation, the apex organization for the Ijaws in the Diaspora, Reuben Mietamuno Jaja, has joined other Nigerians and prominent Niger Delta leaders to sue for peace by giving President Goodluck Jonathan and Chairman of the party, Bamanga Tukur, a chance to continue their work in transforming and reforming the polity and economy. Mr. Jaja, who is also a one-time member of the Board of the African Business Roundtable (ABR), expressed dismay that despite the phenomenal achievements recorded by the Jonathan administration in the various sectors of the nation’s economy there were still some political interests determined to derail the transformation agenda and plunge the nation into needless crisis. Mr. Jaja, who pointed at the visible positive impact of the various policies of the Jonathan administration to stabilize the economy; create the environment for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to grow; provide incentives for agriculture to develop as a business; rehabilitation in the transport and aviation sectors; reforms in the electoral system; sustenance of peace in the Niger Delta region through the Amnesty programme and the fight against the Boko Haram security menace. “Critics need to step back, re-evaluate and reconsider these phenomenal achievements by the administration within so short a time,” he said, pointing out that though Jonathan was not part of those who created these problems, as the President at this time, he is doing his best to tackle them. “All that the Jonathan administration needs at this point is the support of well- meaning Nigerians to enable him steer the course and continue with the transformation agenda and reform processes. Worthy of note is the achievement in the power sector. There is no administration in the history of this country that has been so focused on giving the people a stable power supply than the Jonathan administration, because he understands that with power, if success is achieved, industrialization and entrepreneurial activities would occur,” he said. He said having had the privilege of working closely with him during his tenure as chairman of the African Business Roundtable (ABR), he was convinced Mr. Tukur’s deep knowledge and global experience in business must have proved invaluable in most of the President’s policy decisions to stabilize the economy. “Tukur believes in Nigeria and its progress. That is why his insistence that the PDP adheres to its rules and fulfill its promises to the people, in terms of provision of good roads, transportation and agricultural development, as included in the party’s manifesto, should not be misconstrued for ruling with iron fist. He believes that if the promises are delivered, Nigerians would be happy and Nigeria would move forward and the country would earn its respect around the world,” he said. Urging the antagonists in the PDP crisis to reconsider their positions, Mr. Jaja said President Jonathan and Mr. Tukur should be given the chance to continue their programmes to transform and reform the country’s polity and economy for the collective good of all Nigerians. “President Jonathan is doing his very best. He deserves the support of all Nigerians to continue with his transformation agenda. The circumstances of operation are complex. My candid opinion is that this is one of the most sincere leaders the country has been blessed with in recent history. “As the first president from the Niger Delta, he should be allowed a chance to exercise peacefully the mandate freely given to him by all Nigerians, in appreciation of the fact that region has always supported leaders from other regions to lead the country at various times in our national political history. “As one of the leaders in the Niger Delta, I call on all Nigerians to give Mr. President a chance to stabilize the country. It is a right that must not be taken away from him and the Niger Delta people. He has done exceptionally well, given the complex socio-economic and political challenges he is facing. #Premium Times
Posted on: Mon, 09 Sep 2013 14:35:28 +0000
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