Boko Haram

Few weeks ago, the nation was surprised by the callous “New Year gift” by the Presidency. It was the removal of the fuel subsidy. It did not go down well with majority of Nigerians who are calling for the overhauling of the oil sector. Consequently, 2012 was ushered in by tests across the nation. It was followed with a nationwide strike embarked upon by Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and civil society organizations.

The president, while lamenting the corruption in the oil sector, said his decision was in the nation’s interest. The people on the other hand accused the presidency of gross insensitivity. After a week of nocturnal meetings between the presidency and labour, the strike was suspended and the pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS) was put at N97. The voice of the people had been heard?

In his book entitle The Treaties of Civil Government, The English philosopher John Locke, aptly stated that every society comes into existence by virtue of two social contracts. The first is the contracts among the people to co-exist in brotherhood, and the second is a contract between the people and the government. The people (or populace) give their mandate to the expected to ensure security of the people and their property.

Coming back to Nigeria, the social contract between the people of Nigeria and the government is encapsulated in chapter II of the Constitution of the Federal Republic, which states the fundamental objectives and principles of state policies. The referred chapter makes provisions regarding the economic, political and educational right of the citizens of this country which government must provide. But these are lacking in the polity. Yet, government officials use instruments of coercion to whip us into line. Where do they derive their power?

Now that the dust raised by the removal of the fuel subsidy has settled, it is time for the presidency to work towards emancipation of the people. Nobody trusts government in this country but the onus lies on Jonathan to prove the suspicions against him wrong. He should put to an end to the empty promises which has been an undying trait of governments in Nigeria. The president must unsure that his action and policies are in accordance with the fundamental objectives as principles of policy directives as provided in our constitution.

No doubt, the ball strategically lies in Mr. President’s court and subsequent decisions made by him would either make or break his shaky reputation. He should read between the lines of the aforementioned provision and bring to life its dead letters.

This is his chance. His chance to act and restore the faith the people once had in him when they voted for him en masse. He must act fast as to give life to the drowned confidence of the masses and uphold the trust they once reposed in him.

The nation is in need of the calm wind which instills inspiration, peace and order. Had Jonathan not said he wanted to breathe “Fresh air?” The refineries must be brought back to life. The hospitals must transform from places that life and health are guaranteed. The education sector, especially the tertiary institutions, must be reformed. The menace of Boko Haram sect must be contained just as the government must revamp the agricultural sector. Jonathan must not let us down!