By Sunny Ikhioya

AS  we draw one year to a close  and begin a fresh new one, there is much excitement in the air. People plan or even write down resolutions for the new year. For some, the resolutions must be strictly pursued and achieved, while, for others, it is just a normal ritual, that is  discarded, early in the first month. We have personal expectations, that fall within our purview. We also have expectations from those that, we have given responsibility to govern our common interest. Our leaders also, begin with promises; some of them, they keep and some, they discard as soon as the first month of the year begins. What is our expectation from Jonathan? Is he going to fulfil them, or disregard them, as the normal practice of the Nigerian politician. Let us take them, one by one.

TAKING CHARGE
The people want President Jonathan to effectively take charge. From his body language ( this body language again ), it will appear that Jonathan has left most of the jobs to the ministers, and each minister is doing his/her own thing. Jonathan should demand for effective performance indices. There must be clear standards which must be visible for all to see. In his position, he has many advisers and not all of them, relate the truth, as it is on ground to him. While he is announcing a supposedly good programme, many are on ground, sabotaging his efforts. Example; is the rice import tariff regime, while the people in government are shouting at the roof top, about a 95 percent drop in rice importation, the smugglers were having a field day, bringing in rice through our land borders that are supposed to be banned routes.

Jonathan should strive at getting, the real pictures on ground by taking time to reach out to the real stakeholders(the people). When he does this, he will discover the truth.

The success recorded in the privatisation of PHCN is commendable, the efforts of the Agric minister in boosting local food production is also good. These efforts must be translated into tangible benefits for the masses. That is what the people expect, they want to see power regularly, they want to see rice and other staple crops at very affordable cost.

All the ministers must key into the vision of the president, for its implementation to be successful. What is happening to the PIB? Why can’t everyone involved arrive at a compromise?

Jonathan has a performance standard module for all of his ministers, it is time for him to put this to practice, by demanding result. That is the way to take charge.

Taking charge also, will demand performance results from all of those at the helm of security positions in our country. There must not be any excuse for any successful attack of the Boko haram and such terrorist group on any army, police barracks or personnel, henceforth. From the top Generals to the zonal commanders and unit heads, people must begin to take responsibility for failed missions. It is the duty of the president to ensure that, this is done. It is not a matter of the president’s style, when you are in position of the president, and as commander in chief of the whole armed forces, you must be able to take decisive decisions, no matter whose ox is gorged. Let the president take charge and let us for once, after many years, enjoy a peaceful 2014.

Corruption

Corruption has so pervaded our system, that so many allegations are being bandied about, including accusations directed at the presidency. It is obvious that most of these acts do not receive the president’s blessing, but the President’s body language ( body language again), this time around, must display seriousness in the tackling of instituted corruption. There is a code of conduct for public officers, and everyone is expected to comply or face the sack. It is still early in the year, the government must begin to sensitize the people at all levels of government, re-emphasise the implication and consequences of engaging in corrupt activities. This will be followed by  clear directives to all the security agencies. It is now time to act, not the barking, that we have been used to- the Police, Customs, Immigration, Army, Air Force, Navy, Civil Defence et al- They must begin to take actions and quickly bring offenders to book.

The Presidency must also, carry along, the judiciary, in this onerous function. Criminal cases, should be disposed off, promptly and equitably.

The EFCC has received many knocks, this past year, as the magnitude of corruption seem to have overwhelmed the body. Lamorde and his team, should begin to re plan strategies, to keep pace with the, ever changing crime patterns and pressure from politicians. There are too many pending cases, a situation of, all motion and no movement. They must find a way to, collaborate with the judiciary, to see that matters are disposed off promptly, especially cases involving, the oil subsidy thieves.

True democracy
The people yearn for true democracy. The politicians – all parties – have fouled up the political space. What is happening in our various political camps, can only be summed up as ‘madness’. The APC has been very disappointing, in the manner they have chosen to wrest power from PDP. Notable personalities, have expressed, their views on this issue. All that I will add is that; a peaceful and credible election, is the responsibility of all of our politicians – of all parties and shades. The people want peace. Our politics should focus on issues, and what will bring progress to the ordinary man.

In this light, all parties must engage in true democratic election process. Allow the people to vote in their leaders. The politics of imposition must stop, as we have seen the consequences, on the nation – Shagari, Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, Jonathan – The people must be allowed to elect, their own leaders.

It is Jonathan’s duty, along with INEC to put in place, institutionalised and  genuine democratic structures. As the de facto leader of PDP, let him start from his party. At all levels, let true elections, determine the choice of candidates, that way, our leaders can be held accountable for their actions, when they come to give account of their stewardship to their constituents.

In the same vein, the proposed conference, must ensure the true representation of the people. Every single ethnic group must be represented, that is the United Nations’ standard. The big tribes must not try to stifle the smaller ones out of the debate. Everyone must have a say; that is why Cape Verde, a country with just 300,000 population, has the same vote as Nigeria in the African Union and UN. Every tribe counts.

The people want a year, free from industrial strikes, so the NLC and its gang must be pacified; the schools must remain open and more job opportunities created for the youths.

The rate of inflation has to come down, and banks encouraged, to bring down interest rates, to enable small-medium firms have access to funding. This category of people are the ones that drive a country’s economic growth. If President Jonathan can address these issues, in this year of our Lord 2014, it will bring great joy to the people.

HAPPY NEW YEAR