This trying period ended on February 9th, 2010, when the distinguished Senators and Members of the House of Representatives unanimously gave a nod to empower the vice president as the Acting President. On the same day, the second phase of the harder times commenced with the observations, promises and expectations embedded in the text of the nationwide broadcast by the Acting President. Let’s x-ray some points in his nationwide broadcast and see how the man would preside over our affairs.
First, he has acknowledged the tension the absence of President Yar’adua created in the country and the squabbles related issues generated. The vacuum, in no small way, tested the faith and patience of the Nigerian people on one hand, and exposed the overbearing intrigues, loathsome complexity and to an extent weird misdeeds in our politics, on the other hand. There were conflicts of interests. There were political maneuverings. There were calls, betting and baiting of all types from all segments of the society. But it seemed that while the political machinery of the president was pressing hard to keep the office unoccupied, the political allies of the vice president was doing its best to make him act as the president, while he, himself, watched both parties with utmost confidence that only time would tell. Now that it has happened, he must practically take the call to duty as sacred and do his best.
Secondly, he has acknowledged the supremacy of the Constitution which is the national guiding document. Thus he said, “In following the extant provisions of the 1999 Constitution to arrive at this decision, the leadership and members of the National Assembly have shown great courage, statesmanship and patriotism.” These same courage and patriotism are highly needed to man the exalted position in the country.
This statement, if he can work effectively with its implication, is enough to make him succeed. Said he, “Today affords us time to reconnect with ourselves and overcome any suspicions, hurts and doubts, which had occurred. In all these, there are no winners and no losers, because by the Grace of God, we have, once again, succeeded in moving our country forward. We have all shown that our unity as a people, our love for this country, and our hope for its great future cannot be shaken.”
On the critical sectors to tackle, he mentioned power, infrastructure, security, generation of employment and business opportunities for our teeming young men and women. These sectors are really the keys to our development. There should be proper utilization of the billions of naira sunk into the power sector with no visible impact up till now. Development of infrastructures should be spread across the country and rural areas should be included. Security of lives and properties must be enhanced. Engagement of our youths and the female folk in meaningful activities needs no second thought.
The crisis in the Niger Delta has been a thorn on our flesh as one people. The federal government has taken steps to tackle it. Therefore, consolidation of the gains of amnesty and effective implementation of the post-amnesty programme are paramount. It would be recalled that when he was sworn in as the vice president to President Yar’adua, six months were set for him to make peace in the Niger Delta. It was really difficult probably because he was not fully empowered. Now that the ball is in his court and the situation in the Niger Delta can well be described as uneasy calm, he should act positive, while putting the overall interest of the nation into consideration.
Two things to be also tackled are corruption and electoral malpractices. The two government bodies saddled with the responsibilities to right the wrongs in this regard, should be given full independence and patriotic Nigerians entrusted to man them. The just conducted Anambra gubernatorial election has shown that the 2011 general elections could be well managed.
The Acting President has begun well with the minor cabinet reshuffle. He should relieve the incompetent ministers but he must be guided by the general interest of Nigerians and stick to the provisions of the constitution.
Ajah, a writer and author, is an advocate of humanity and good governance based in Abuja. ([email protected])
