What we expect of the new administration- Jakande, Balarbe Musa

Twenty four years from now, Nigerians will experience another change in government as President Jonathan would be sworn in for another four years alongside 24 state governors, eight of which are freshmen. Nigerians want the new government to make a world of difference in today’s  politics and policy?

In this week’s edition, Saturday Vanguard speaks with a cross section of  politicians and other Nigerians on their expectations of Jonathan’s government.

Jakande, Balarabe Musa, Ighodalo, Akinyele, Chima Ibe, Lawrence Omoh and co

Alhaji  Balarabe Musa, a politician from the North said he is not expecting anything  positive from the incoming administration.
“ I am not expecting anything because, they couldn’t do anything in the past administration. They only loot public funds and that is what we are expecting from the in coming administration. They are the same people.

They are only there to serve themselves. You can see what is happening in the National Assembly. They are the same people, they can only feed people with lies and get away with it.

“People like them  have no regard for humanity. There was nothing they were able to achieve while they were in office and when Jonathan became a substantial president of the country for one year.  There is nothing he can mention that he has done except for the level of corruption that has continued to increase by the day which is not going to reduce. So, we don’t expect anything good from any of them”.

Alhaji Lateef Jakande, former governor of Lagos State expects honesty from the new administration.

“We are looking forwards to a progressive administration. The president is doing well which is a good beginning. We hope that he will be able to fulfil the promises he made to Nigerians. I’m particular about education, housing, power, health and  employment. If he can meet the target he has set for himself, the country will be a better place. I hope he will choose people who will not drag him to the mud but people who will be honest and effective in all they do”.

For Pastor Ituah Ighodalo of  Trinity House, this is the time for Jonathan to write his name in gold.

“President Jonathan has an opportunity to write his name in gold and change history. I hope, he doesn’t loose it. He needs to focus on the economy and energy . He should have a plan of providing energy for Nigerians. He needs to focus on infrastructure and building of roads that have gone into deplorable state. He needs to focus on education and health and have a policy for housing.

If he can focus on these things and open up the economy to have a level playing field for everybody stating the rules and regulation, I can assure you that Nigerians will rise up and invest in the country as well as foreigners. Then, we can make a way for security and peace. If  he can focus on this and choose the right team instead of politicising the process, he should be able to find good people who can run things and Nigerians will be proud of him.

“If Jonathan lives above corruption and he is transparent and sets example  and chooses ministers who will do the same, Nigerians would be proud of him. If you cannot bribe the President and at least 80 to 90 percent of his minsters refuse to be corrupted, then  the civil servants will  not be corrupt and bit by bit, the message will cut across to everybody.

That goes to all the 36 governors too. If everybody has a bit of contentment, we will be comfortable for the rest of our lives. Nigeria has more than enough resources for anyone who is hard-working and that is what we should encourage. It is good for everybody to have access to wealth than just a few people looting national resources and using it to enjoy themselves.”

Akin Osuntokun, a one-time Special Assistant to former President Obasanjo thinks the onus is on the incoming administration to provide good governance .

“The credibility and acceptance of the 2011 elections has provided a good and positive impetus to the in coming administration at the federal and state levels. This is a tangible political capital that the President and the governors can leverage on to initiate and institute far reaching programmes of reforms and consolidation.

Both tiers of government have their task cut out for them in infra structural rehabilitation and development. The specific areas that readily come to mind are power and the transportation complex of roads and the railways. Notwithstanding the roles played by embittered political actors, the widespread violence that attended the outcome of the presidential elections equally highlights the problem of extreme and pervasive poverty which readily predisposes the impoverished majority to violent ventilation of their frustrations.”

Chima Ibe of Albino Foundation thinks the new administration should tackle the challenges facing democracy.
“Our democracy is facing challenges. I believe people who did the voting  should be put into consideration. The elected people should know that if they don’t do well, the same people will vote them out of office. We are expecting improved system where the average man on the street will feel the impact of good governance. People are becoming more aware and conscious of the fact that if anyone doesn’t do well, he should be voted out. The new administration should think of how to alleviate poverty on the land, improve quality education, quality road system, power transformation and agriculture so that the common man in the farm will have tools to work with and be happy. If Nigerians see progressive change, they will be happy.”
Pastor Lawrence Omoh in his contribution urges the new administration to give Nigerians a good life.
“We are looking for new a development. We want good life and that was why we voted them into power. All the sectors in the country should be functioning and there should be a change.  We are looking at his beginning. He gave Nigerians the impression that he is the messiah who can turn the country around for good.  I think, we should give Jonathan  a chance. Perhaps, he will prove  his worth. Looking at his sincerity, he may be the person we have been expecting in Nigeria.”