Voice of Wit (2024)

17/02/2024

Photos from the funeral service of madam Obebhatein Jonathan, elder sister to Goodluck Jonathan, held in Otuoke , Bayelsa State .

16/02/2024

Photos from the service of songs in honour of Late Madam Obebhatein Jonathan held on Thursday February 15th 2024, at the Dame Patience Jonathan Square Otuoke, Bayelsa State.

20/11/2023

Jonathan at 66: A Statesman and the Redemptive Power of Peace

By Wealth Dickson Ominabo

Former Nigerian president Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan today ranks as one of Africa’s foremost statesmen. He is described in many quarters as a global ambassador of peace, an icon of democracy and a symbol of hope. Jonathan assumed a new international stature shortly after his bid to retain his seat as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the 2015 elections fell through. The election was a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy as it was characterized by acrimonious politics laced with religious and ethnic sentiments and deep-seated conspiracies from many circles. But Jonathan rose above the fray.

His iconic concession call to then-opposition candidate Muhammadu Buhari was a turning point in Nigeria’s body politic. This action was the first time in the nation’s political history that an incumbent president would readily relinquish power to an opposition candidate through election. The action restored peace in the nation’s political firmament, which was already experiencing an Armageddon of sorts.

The action also quenched many fiery furnaces that politicians from different parts of the country lighted. This was a moment when the opposition had threatened to form a parallel government if they should lose the election and had gone ahead to set the stage for national unrest with different false narratives of intending plans of election rigging.

More than eight years after that gesture, Jonathan’s political conduct has continued to define his stature and has set the plot for his post-presidency exemplary lifestyle. Jonathan’s post-election conduct in the 2015 presidential election has become a standard reference for political behaviour in Africa. Stakeholders are quick to cite the Jonathan example for leaders contesting in elections, especially incumbent presidents seeking re-election.

Few days ago, incumbent Liberian President George Weah conceded defeat to his challenger, former Vice President Joseph Boakai, even before the final results from a presidential run-off poll would be declared, just as Jonathan did. Not few pundits have posited that Weah’s action was a script taken out of Jonathan’s rule book, especially since the former President was in Liberia as leader of the West African Elders Forum mediation team.

Jonathan, as an African statesman, exemplifies one of the teachings of Jesus Christ on the virtues of self-sacrifice and dying to self. Jesus in John 12:24 teaches a parable of the grain of wheat. “It says unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.” In our modern world, we're taught to cling to life, cling to our comfort and safety, and try to avoid pain and loss no matter what. The lesson in this parable explains the redemptive stature of Dr Jonathan’s political life. Jonathan’s finest political hours came from his defeat, from the moment he buried his ambition for the collective peace of his nation. This very act of peace becomes not only a channel of blessing but a source of his upliftment.

Today, Jonathan stands as one of the most renowned African statesmen and peacemakers. His current responsibilities in the continent, where he serves as an envoy of peace and advocate for peaceful transfer of power and democratic sustainability captures the redemptive nature of his peace philosophy as exemplified during his time in office. By sacrificing his ambition for the collective peace and stability of Nigeria, Jonathan birthed himself a new life, new hope and germinated a new political life for himself. These new realities of Jonathan post-office persona are captured in the many great initiatives that the former President has been engaged in since leaving office.

Through the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, he has championed many just causes, and has continued to utilize the platform to mobilise citizens of Africa towards pursuing peace, social justice and democratic sustainability. The Goodluck Jonathan Foundation’s Annual Democracy Dialogue brings together some of African notable voices, and notable leaders to discuss and dialogue on the way forward to address Africa’s challenges.

The West African Elders Forum is also one of the most active African initiatives using soft power and diplomacy to promote peace and reduce post-electoral tensions in the continent. The Forum mobilizes former West African Presidents and statesmen towards solving the sub-region’s contemporary challenges of democratization and peaceful transfer of power. There have been many cases where the body under Jonathan's leadership has managed to reduce political tension in the region, be it in The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria or Liberia.

Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of Jonathan’s redemptive post-office stature is the fact that he has been able to redefine citizen diplomacy not just in Nigeria but in the entire West Africa. Dr. Jonathan leverages his status as a Nigerian citizen to promote causes and ideas that would address contemporary challenges. He uses different engagements to amplify issues that affect the common people, whether it relates to climate change, good governance, peace, security, African unity, food security or sustainable development. He has become a prominent Pan-African voice campaigning for unity and economic cooperation among states.

Contextualizing Jonathan’s Legacies

Dr Jonathan’s five years in office as president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria came with many astounding legacies in different sectors, notably his considerable accomplishments in the economy, sports and the creative sector. At the heart of President Jonathan’s policy framework was his transformation agenda, which captured his administration’s thrust and development philosophy. Dr. Jonathan's Transformation Agenda contributed to Nigeria's political, economic, and social development. He reformed the electoral process, promoted democratization, and expanded access to education. Jonathan believed education was the pathway to sustainable development, so he prioritized human capacity building. His idea was nation building cannot be done exclusive of its citizens.

From the transformation of the Almajiri education system in the northern part of Nigeria by building 165 Almajiri schools to the creation of 12 new federal universities and three specialized universities, to the introduction of the Presidential Special Scholarship for Innovation and Development (PRESSID), to the expansion of the Presidential amnesty program to train young people in key fields such as pilots. Jonathan placed access to education at the top of his political agenda and these policies serve as a testament to his dedication to nation building.

On the economic front, Nigeria’s economy soared; it became the biggest economy in Africa and the 26 largest in the world. During his administration, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development named Nigeria the number one investment destination in Africa, attracting more than $ 7 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). President Jonathan also made giant strides in the agricultural sector; his government drove an agricultural revolution, reducing food importation by 40% with over 45 million metric tons in 2014. Nigeria was ranked as the world's largest producer of cassava by the Food and Agricultural Organization.

In the area of sports, Jonathan hosted a presidential retreat on sports aimed at improving the fortune of Nigeria’s sporting sector in 2012 after the poor outing of Team Nigeria at the 2012 London Olympics. The next year, Nigeria won the African Cup of Nations in South Africa after almost two decades since its last win. Nigeria also won the FIFA under Seventeen World Cup under his administration.

Nigeria's foreign policy during Jonathan’s tenure, one of the finest in the nation’s annals, was marked by the principles of mutual respect and commitment to multilateralism. Economic development was at the forefront of his foreign policy agenda. The administration actively engaged with international partners, attracted foreign investments, and promoted trade relations that benefited our nation. The policy approach was designed to create jobs, tackle poverty, and ultimately improve the quality of lives of citizens. Nigeria became a force for peace and stability in West Africa.

He worked with his colleagues, particularly Heads of State in the ECOWAS, to resolve the political crises and stabilize democracies in the sub-region and Africa, especially in countries like Cote d’Ivoire, Niger, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Sierra Leone, Benin Republic and Burkina Faso. His commitment and passion towards bringing peace and stability to Africa within his five-year tenure gave Nigeria more recognition in the United Nations Security Council. Nigeria was nominated twice, a feat rarely achieved by non-permanent members of the UN Security Council.

There are numerous reasons for Nigerians and Africans to celebrate Dr. Jonathan's 66th birthday on November 20, 2023. His life has remained a daily example of moral behaviour and excellent leadership. Two noteworthy characteristics that have shaped his life and career over the years are humility and sacrifice. We honour a man today whose life is replete with moral nuggets. The lessons that Dr. Jonathan's persona and character impart to Nigerians, Africans, and the rest of the world are, in fact, endless. Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.

Ominabo is a media aide to Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

13/08/2023

We never received any coup request - Nigeria Military

The Nigerian Military has denied media reports that it received request for military intervention in Nigeria’s democracy. Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, director defence information in a statement on Sunday said the Armed Forces of Nigeria is comfortable with democracy and remains loyal to constitutional authority.

The statement noted that the military is committed to defending the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and urged those spreading misinformation about purported invitation of military to undermine the nation’s democracy to desist or face the wrath of the law.

The Statement read :

“The Defence Headquarters is concerned about a false and disturbing social media reports twisted to state that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) received request to effect change of leadership in the country.

“We want to use this opportunity to reiterate that the AFN never received nor made such declaration at any time to anyone or any group. We believe this statement came from those who do not wish the nation well. It is surely the wicked imagination of a few who are not happy with the progress and well-being of our dear country.

“The AFN is very comfortable with democracy and remain loyal to the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. The military is always willing and ready to defend the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We urge those peddling such falsehood to desist from such or face the law. The Military and indeed other security agencies are on the look out for these agents of doom. We must all all join hands to strengthen our democracy.

“You are please requested to disseminate this information.’

31/07/2023

TEXT OF THE NATIONAL BROADCAST BY PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU TO NIGERIANS ON CURRENT ECONOMIC CHALLENGES.

AFTER DARKNESS COMES THE GLORIOUS DAWN

My fellow citizens,

I want to talk to you about our economy. It is important that you understand the reasons for the policy measures I have taken to combat the serious economic challenges this nation has long faced.

2. I am not going to talk in difficult terms by dwelling on economic jargon and concepts. I will speak in plain, clear language so that you know where I stand. More importantly, so that you see and hopefully will share my vision regarding the journey to a better, more productive economy for our beloved country.

3. For several years, I have consistently maintained the position that the fuel subsidy had to go. This once beneficial measure had outlived its usefulness. The subsidy cost us trillions of Naira yearly. Such a vast sum of money would have been better spent on public transportation, healthcare, schools, housing and even national security. Instead, it was being funnelled into the deep pockets and lavish bank accounts of a select group of individuals.

4. This group had amassed so much wealth and power that they became a serious threat to the fairness of our economy and the integrity of our democratic governance. To be blunt, Nigeria could never become the society it was intended to be as long as such small, powerful yet unelected groups hold enormous influence over our political economy and the institutions that govern it.

5. The whims of the few should never hold dominant sway over the hopes and aspirations of the many. If we are to be a democracy, the people and not the power of money must be sovereign.

6. The preceding administration saw this looming danger as well. Indeed, it made no provision in the 2023 Appropriations for subsidy after June this year. Removal of this once helpful device that had transformed into a millstone around the country’s neck had become inevitable.

7. Also, the multiple exchange rate system that had been established became nothing but a highway of currency speculation. It diverted money that should have been used to create jobs, build factories and businesses for millions of people. Our national wealth was doled on favourable terms to a handful of people who have been made filthy rich simply by moving money from one hand to another. This too was extremely unfair.

8. It also compounded the threat that the illicit and mass accumulation of money posed to the future of our democratic system and its economy.

9. I had promised to reform the economy for the long-term good by fighting the major imbalances that had plagued our economy. Ending the subsidy and the preferential exchange rate system were key to this fight. This fight is to define the fate and future of our nation. Much is in the balance.

10. Thus, the defects in our economy immensely profited a tiny elite, the elite of the elite you might call them. As we moved to fight the flaws in the economy, the people who grow rich from them, predictably, will fight back through every means necessary.

11. Our economy is going through a tough patch and you are being hurt by it. The cost of fuel has gone up. Food and other prices have followed it. Households and businesses struggle. Things seem anxious and uncertain. I understand the hardship you face. I wish there were other ways. But there is not. If there were, I would have taken that route as I came here to help not hurt the people and nation that I love.

12. What I can offer in the immediate is to reduce the burden our current economic situation has imposed on all of us, most especially on businesses, the working class and the most vulnerable among us.

13. Already, the Federal Government is working closely with states and local governments to implement interventions that will cushion the pains of our people across socio-economic brackets.

14. Earlier this month, I signed four (4) Executive Orders in keeping with my electoral promise to address unfriendly fiscal policies and multiple taxes that are stifling the business environment. These Executive Orders on suspension and deferred commencement of some taxes will provide the necessary buffers and headroom to businesses in the manufacturing sector to continue to thrive and expand.

15. To strengthen the manufacturing sector, increase its capacity to expand and create good paying jobs, we are going to spend N75 billion between July 2023 and March 2024. Our objective is to fund 75 enterprises with great potential to kick-start a sustainable economic growth, accelerate structural transformation and improve productivity. Each of the 75 manufacturing enterprises will be able to access N1 Billion credit at 9% per annum with maximum of 60 months repayment for long term loans and 12 months for working capital.

16. Our administration recognises the importance of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and the informal sector as drivers of growth. We are going to energise this very important sector with N125 billion.

17. Out of the sum, we will spend N50 billion on Conditional Grant to 1 million nano businesses between now and March 2024. Our target is to give N50,000 each to 1,300 nano business owners in each of the 774 local governments across the country.

18. Ultimately, this programme will further drive financial inclusion by onboarding beneficiaries into the formal banking system. In like manner, we will fund 100,000 MSMEs and start-ups with N75 billion. Under this scheme, each enterprise promoter will be able to get between N500,000 to N1million at 9% interest per annum and a repayment period of 36 months.

19. To further ensure that prices of food items remain affordable, we have had a multi-stakeholder engagement with various farmers’ associations and operators within the agricultural value chain.

20. In the short and immediate terms, we will ensure staple foods are available and affordable. To this end, I have ordered the release of 200,000 Metric Tonnes of grains from strategic reserves to households across the 36 states and FCT to moderate prices. We are also providing 225,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer, seedlings and other inputs to farmers who are committed to our food security agenda.

21. Our plan to support cultivation of 500,000 hectares of farmland and all-year-round farming practice remains on course. To be specific, N200 billion out of the N500 billion approved by the National Assembly will be disbursed as follows:

-Our administration will invest N50 billion each to cultivate 150,000 hectares of rice and maize.

-N50 billion each will also be earmarked to cultivate 100,000 hectares of wheat and cassava.

22. This expansive agricultural programme will be implemented targeting small-holder farmers and leveraging large-scale private sector players in the agric business with strong performance record.

23. In this regard, the expertise of Development Finance Institutions, commercial banks and microfinance banks will be tapped into to develop a viable and an appropriate transaction structure for all stakeholders.

24. Fellow Nigerians, I made a solemn pledge to work for you. How to improve your welfare and living condition is of paramount importance to me and it’s the only thing that keeps me up day and night.

25. It is in the light of this that I approved the Infrastructure Support Fund for the States. This new Infrastructure Fund will enable States to intervene and invest in critical areas and bring relief to many of the pain points as well as revamp our decaying healthcare and educational Infrastructure.

26. The fund will also bring improvements to rural access roads to ease evacuation of farm produce to markets. With the fund, our states will become more competitive and on a stronger financial footing to deliver economic prosperity to Nigerians.

27. Part of our programme is to roll out buses across the states and local governments for mass transit at a much more affordable rate. We have made provision to invest N100 billion between now and March 2024 to acquire 3000 units of 20-seater CNG-fuelled buses.

28. These buses will be shared to major transportation companies in the states, using the intensity of travel per capital. Participating transport companies will be able to access credit under this facility at 9% per annum with 60 months repayment period.

29. In the same vein, we are also working in collaboration with the Labour unions to introduce a new national minimum wage for workers. I want to tell our workers this: your salary review is coming.

30. Once we agree on the new minimum wage and general upward review, we will make budget provision for it for immediate implementation.

31. I want to use this opportunity to salute many private employers in the Organised Private Sector who have already implemented general salary review for employees.

32. Fellow Nigerians, this period may be hard on us and there is no doubt about it that it is tough on us. But I urge you all to look beyond the present temporary pains and aim at the larger picture. All of our good and helpful plans are in the works. More importantly, I know that they will work.

33. Sadly, there was an unavoidable lag between subsidy removal and these plans coming fully online. However, we are swiftly closing the time gap. I plead with you to please have faith in our ability to deliver and in our concern for your well-being.

34. We will get out of this turbulence. And, due to the measures we have taken, Nigeria will be better equipped and able to take advantage of the future that awaits her.

35. In a little over two months, we have saved over a trillion Naira that would have been squandered on the unproductive fuel subsidy which only benefitted smugglers and fraudsters. That money will now be used more directly and more beneficially for you and your families.

36. For example, we shall fulfill our promise to make education more affordable to all and provide loans to higher education students who may need them. No Nigerian student will have to abandon his or her education because of lack of money.

37. Our commitment is to promote the greatest good for the greatest number of our people. On this principle, we shall never falter.

38. We are also monitoring the effects of the exchange rate and inflation on gasoline prices. If and when necessary, we will intervene.

39. I assure you my fellow country men and women that we are exiting the darkness to enter a new and glorious dawn.

40. Now, I must get back to work in order to make this vision come true.

41. Thank you all for listening and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

22/07/2023

Jonathan in Cambodia, charges world leaders to seek peace through functional democracy

Former Nigerian President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has charged global leaders to seek to enthrone peace in the world through the practice of true democracy and people-oriented leadership in their respective countries.

Dr. Jonathan also made a case for good governance, which he described as the trigger for political stability, progress and inclusive development, adding that world leaders should commit to building on the common ground of promoting a democratic culture anchored on justice and solidarity among all peoples.

The former President stated this on Saturday in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, at the International Leadership Conference, jointly organised by the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP) and the Asian Vision Institute (AVI).

Speaking on the need for true democracy, Dr. Jonathan noted that when citizens are allowed to freely exercise their electoral mandate, they would be voting for lasting peace and sustainable development and standing up against repression, dictatorship and abuse of the rights of citizens.

The former President who spoke a day before the Cambodian general election, said further: “We are all happy to be here today and we will be glad to witness the good people of this great country exercise this democratic right on Sunday, to elect the leaders of their choice for the next governance cycle in Cambodia.

“I urge world leaders to truly imbibe and embrace these principles of true democracy by not just overseeing routine elections but conducting elections that are free, fair, inclusive, transparent and credible towards placing governance at the service of the people and establishing a culture of global peace and harmony.

“Frankly speaking, talking about elections, it is important to note that election value chain through voting in the field, processing and collating of results to announcement of the outcomes, and in some countries, the judicial procedures where the processes go through litigations, must be built on a solid foundation of justice for democracy to function effectively.

“The International Summit Council for Peace, ISCP-Africa, which I chair, will continue to advocate for a democratic culture rooted in free, fair elections, rule of law and good governance.”

He further charged world leaders and nations to foster mutually beneficial cooperation and interdependence in the interest of global wellbeing and harmony. He said: “The world will be better for it when we commit to building on the common ground we all share as one human family and promoting greater solidarity among all peoples.

“On this note, let me remind all of us that before COVID-19 Pandemic, some nations had been under the impression that they could survive solely on their own. However, the COVID-19 experience has made it very clear that the whole world must work together for the peace and security of humanity. Of course up to this time, many nations are still struggling to recover from the harmful effect and deadly impact of the pandemic. The experience has indeed demonstrated the need for inter-dependence, mutual prosperity and shared values as enunciated by the Universal Peace Federation (UPF).”

19/06/2023

The Unique Beauty of Nigeria’s Democracy

By Wealth Dickson Ominabo

Twenty-four years into the fourth republic, democracy has become a prevalent term in Nigeria's socio-political discourse. It encompasses multiple meanings, interpretations, and diverse understandings, shaped by various factors such as social background, education, profession, and personal experiences.

For some individuals, democracy revolves around social and economic rights, the well-being of citizens, and the government's ability to positively impact their lives and livelihoods. To them, democracy loses its meaning if it fails to address their needs, alleviate poverty, provide security, and fulfill their basic requirements.

On the other hand, for some people, democracy primarily concerns human rights and civic participation. They view any violation of human rights as a threat to democracy and the denial of citizens' freedom to engage in civic activities as a political evil and an invitation to anarchy.

In recent times, electoral manipulation and other forms of electoral malpractice have been regarded as democratic sins that challenge the state’s sovereignty. Elections in Nigeria have become a significant means through which citizens exercise their sovereignty. Consequently, any attempt to manipulate the democratic process often leads to tensions and instability.

In Nigeria, elections have historically fueled national unrest, dividing the nation into winners and losers, traitors and patriots, enemies and friends, supporters and opponents. Twenty-four years into the fourth republic, many Nigerians still question whether democracy is truly being practiced or a makeshift arrangement established by the elite to foster national reconciliation and peace.

Unfortunately, democracy in Nigeria continues to face obstacles. Elections struggle to establish credibility, social justice remains a distant dream, and peace and security are elusive expectations.

Nigeria's democracy possesses its own distinctiveness and peculiarities. It is a political enterprise, a source of both good fortune and misfortune, a theater of conflict, and at times, a sepulcher where destinies, hopes, lives, and dreams are buried.

Nigeria's democracy is like a movie, with men and women merely playing their roles, entering and exiting the stage; one individual assuming multiple parts throughout their lifetime. Today's governor could become tomorrow's president, yesterday's journalist might turn into tomorrow's propagandist, and the patriot of the past could become an enemy in the future. These transformations are not necessarily due to changes in character but rather influenced by the circumstances and roles assigned to them at a particular time.

The recent valedictory sessions of the Ninth National Assembly highlighted some of the challenges to Nigeria's democracy. The assembly, often referred to as a rubber stamp, saw many lawmakers struggling to articulate their contributions to the nation. Some resorted to inanities, while others shed tears and accused the citizens and the rest of the country of being unfair to them. Senator Adamu Bulkachuwa, during his valedictory oration as the Senator representing Bauchi South in the Ninth National Assembly, even counted one of his contributions as persuading his wife, who served as the president of the court of appeal, to influence judicial decisions in favor of his colleagues.

Bulkachuwa's admission did not come as a surprise to many Nigerians, who were taken aback by the extent of his sincerity in openly revealing one of his political tactics. This incident highlights the deceptive nature of Nigeria's democracy, where hidden agenda, waves of political maneuvering, and undercurrents exist.

Nigeria's democracy has become a commodity where power can be acquired and maintained through financial means. The political landscape operates like a marketplace where trade and unusual business practices thrive. Whether it's at party secretariats, rally grounds, party conventions, legislative houses, or government offices, most policies are influenced by exchanges of offers and acceptance.

The beauty of democracy is often used as a national cliché by Nigerian democrats to describe the inherent virtues and positive aspects.

A beautiful democracy does not hide; it earns admiration from all. A beautiful democracy is fair, peaceful, just, and self-assertive. Its courts serve as temples of justice, where judgments are not miraculous or mysterious but based on sound principles.

In a beautiful democracy, the integrity of the ballot is protected, ensuring its safety and security. It remains impervious to threats or compromises by thugs and individuals driven by monetary interests. Democracy should not be explained through endless concatenation and vain rhetoric. Instead, it should be simple and straightforward—a path that, once taken, brings about meaningful change.

The task facing the new governments at various levels is to enhance the beauty of Nigeria's democracy. This involves making democracy less complex and ambiguous. Democracy should be explained through good governance, sustainable development, mutual prosperity, justice, equity, and a sense of hope that resonates throughout the nation. These are the qualities we aspire to witness from democracy and all those in positions of power who are beneficiaries of the ideal.

Voice of Wit

17/02/2024

16/02/2024

20/11/2023

13/08/2023

31/07/2023

22/07/2023

19/06/2023

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share