BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH

Journalists and civil society organisations have been charged to monitor performances of political office holders to enable them live up to their responsibilities.

This was part of resolutions arrived at during a discussion by journalists and members of civil society groups to mark the democracy day celebration.

The programme organised by the founder  of the Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, Dr. Fredrick Fasehun was to evaluate the 13-year of democratic rule in Nigeria and proffer solutions to myriad of problems facing the country.

Fasehun in his contributions said there was no doubt that the present administration led by President Goodluck Jonathan inherited so many problems which he said had contributed to his slow  pace in actualising the yearnings of Nigerians.

He, however, said Nigerians should not rest on their oars by monitoring activities and performance of  political office holders to guarantee good governance in the country.

Fasehun specifically mentioned the problems of insecurity across the country which he said was giving the administration  sleepless nights.

“We should note that if Jonathan was not allowed to rein in peace, it would be difficult for us  to criticize him at the end of his government. The menace of Bombers alone is enough to give a leader sleepless nights,” he said.

He however supported the idea that Nigerians, through the press and the civil society organisations should create a gauge in measuring the activities of the government and also criticise the government positively for even development.

Fasehun cautioned Nigerians not to blame President Jonathan for the country’s woes saying such problems had been with the country for many years and cannot be resolved by Jonathan who according to him is not a magician within one year in office.

He further noted, “ Jonathan is not a magician. The problems that have accumulated over the years  caused the crisis we are in. The problem of insecurity, corruption and even problem of democracy have all been there before Jonathan came to power and with the past leaders beating war drums and not allowing the president to govern,we won’t be able to say he has not done well.

“ I have not seen President Jonathan more than twice in my life and I am not a practising politician. I may love Jonathan but I love Nigeria more. But the truth is that we have not given him enough peace to govern the country.”