Jonathan’ll Prove His Critics Wrong -Bamgbose
President Jonathan has spent about 180 days in office but there seems to be a widespread feeling that Nigerians are yet to feel the impact of his government and that the transformation agenda has been overtaken by events?
No, I don’t agree with you, the transformation agenda is still on course. Nigerians must understand that President Jonathan is not a magician. In Nigeria we have this problem of being too much in a hurry, things don’t work that way; solid and proper foundation must be laid for a better future and that is exactly what the president is doing now. Nigerians should be patient with President Jonathan because he will surely deliver. All hands must be on deck to make Nigeria great. We have a collective responsibility to create the Nigeria of our dream, this was what the president once said and that is just it. In other words, let us be optimistic that things will get better soon.
The removal of fuel subsidy is generating a lot of mixed reactions, what is your take on this?
This is a very serious issue because it has to do with the entire populace and one must be very careful when giving an opinion. One major problem we have in Nigeria is that we don’t trust our leaders and that could be as a result of some of our leaders who have thrown integrity into the dustbin. However, Nigerians must realise that Jonathan can be trusted. We massively voted for him and so we must trust him. We cannot go far as a nation if we don’t trust our leaders. The truth is that removal of fuel subsidy is inevitable, the earlier we understand this, the better. Nigerians must brace up for a change, enough of these sentiments and fears about the issue of removal of fuel subsidy. The hard way, the only way, no pain no gain. The president must have made a wide consultation before resorting to this. Let us not continue to whip up sentiments and thereby destroy our future. I am a Nigerian and I am prepared for a change.
Are you supporting the removal of fuel subsidy?
Listen to me and mark my words, if after 12 months of removal of fuel subsidy no significant improvement in the economy I will be the first to ask for Jonathan’s impeachment. I am saying this because I trust Jonathan. I believe he has something good to offer Nigerians so why should I doubt him? I appeal to all Nigerians to trust him and I assure them they will not be disappointed.
The Boko Haram issue is still lingering, some people have called for the sack of the Inspector General of Police and other service chiefs. How do you react to this?
The president has made it clear that he is not a dictator but a democrat but that does not imply that he will at all times subject himself to the will of the people. He is not a puppet; let me state this categorically that the president is not afraid to sack whoever he deems incompetent. The president is one of the most refined politicians we have in Nigeria. He is very calculative. He must have studied the situation and realised that sacking them is not the solution. Let me tell you this, if the president should open his mouth and talk most Nigerians advocating for the sack of service chiefs would be quiet. He has information many Nigerians are not privileged to have, so I will advise Nigerians to keep calm.
What do you feel that Nigerians should expect from Jonathan’s administration in 2012?
It is hope that keeps life going and Nigerians remain the most hopeful people in the world. Let me however assure all Nigerians that 2012 is not just a year of hope but a year of reality. Nigerians should therefore expect the best of Jonathan in 2012. Actually the year 2012 is a year of transformation. Nigerians should expect something great from Jonathan and by the grace of God, they will get it. Also, we must realise that the president needs our prayers in his determined effort to make Nigeria great. I am very optimistic that Jonathan will dazzle many in 2012.
Recently, the Supreme Court upheld the victory of President Jonathan in the April election; as a legal practitioner, what is your view?
The truth of the matter is that Nigeria cannot afford to conduct another presidential election before 2015. Buhari should have known that. Moreover, Jonathan’s electoral victory is irreversible. Months before the election, I told Nigerians that no mortal can stop Jonathan and that has come to pass; the election was widely acclaimed free and fair. I don’t vote for losers and so I voted for Jonathan and by the grace of God he won, and this has been judicially confirmed.







Born in the Niger Delta State of Bayelsa, South-South Nigeria , Dennis O. Sami, is the Editor-in-Chief/Publisher of Nigerian Newsworld magazine. The publication is a general interest weekly news magazine with strong bias in political reporting.