Yar’Adua: Take the Path of Honour and Morality
It has now been over 60 days since President Umaru Musa Yaradua left Nigeria for Saudi Arabia and throughout this period there has been no video or audio communication with the Nigerian people. Many important events requiring the President’s response and attention have taken place without a single reaction from him.
Nigeria has no President and as former President Obasanjo eloquently stated in a recent interview:
“…if you take a job, elected, appointed whatever it is, and your health starts to fail and you will not be able to satisfy yourself and the people you are supposed to serve, there is the path of honour and morality that you should take.”
Crisis is a common occurrence in many Nations, rich and poor, developed and developing and when we elect our leaders we fully expect that they will be strong-minded and able-bodied to guide us through the most difficult times. We also expect our leaders to address us directly and offer assurances to the fact that crisis situations will be kept under control. Sadly this has not been the case in Nigeria and President Umaru Musa Yaradua has not addressed Nigerians even once throughout the 7 major crises that we have experienced in the last 60 days.
1. Bauchi Riots
This event saw the brutal murder of over 70 Nigerians in a bitter religious clash with widespread destruction of property. The President’s response – None
2. AbdulMutallab Incident
A misguided Nigerian youth, radicalized in the UK, and trained in Yemen attempted to bomb an American airliner on Christmas day. As God would have it he failed in his attempt and was arrested. The President’s response – None
3. Nigeria’s Blacklisting
The country was “racially profiled” by the United States and added to the watch list of terror nations. The President’s response – None
4. Niger Delta Kidnappings
Militant groups from the Niger Delta have resumed kidnapping activities. They abducted foreign nationals from Britain and Colombia and within the last 48 hours have captured another group of Nigerian workers, threatening and terrorizing our citizens in broad daylight. The President’s response – None
5. Earthquake in Haiti
When Haiti’s earthquake struck, world leaders rallied to come to Haiti’s aid, sending food, troops, rescue equipments and money. These leaders understand the importance of lending a helping hand in time of crisis. The President’s response – None
Not even a message of condolence from the President of the largest black nation on earth to the people of Haiti, from his new Federal Capital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Although some reprieve did come from Vice President Goodluck and Governor Fashola of Lagos State who sent $1 million to Haiti for relief assistance; and from many well meaning Nigerians who have donated to the crisis in cash and in kind. Specifically commendation goes to Prof. Pat Utomi who moved quickly to arrange an airlift of non-cash supplies from Nigeria to Haiti. May God continue to bless and replenish everyone that has shown kindness.
6. Mass Layoffs
At a time of global financial difficulties and rising unemployment, Nigeria’s economy, and especially its banking sector has taken a difficult hit. This has led to mass layoff of workers who must now enter a tough job market and seek ways to earn a living for themselves and their families. This is indeed a painful time for many Nigerians and there are no assurances that the Yar’Adua administration is working to better the economy for the future. Our people are bearing the economic burdens of a failing government and struggling to make ends meet. The President’s response – None
7. Jos Crisis
Barely one month after the Bauchi events, riots have erupted in Jos leading to the loss of over 300 lives. This has been a sad blow to the Nation and unfortunately, we have witnessed the same crisis repeat itself over again, because no one ever got sanctioned for this irresponsible conduct under Yar’Adua’s watch. The President’s response – None
This administration has done nothing to break the cycle of pain, suffering and destruction of life and property in Nigeria, and unwilling to do so.
Nigeria is greater than any one man. We can no longer endure an absent President and a dysfunctional government. It is time for Umaru Yar’Adua and his family to take the path of honour and morality and hand over power to Vice President Goodluck Jonathan so that Nigeria can have the fully functioning government that it deserves.
Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai was the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (2003-2007).
Вас посетила просто блестящая идея…
Many important events requiring the President’s response and attention have taken place without a single reaction from him.
Nigeria has no […….
Да, это вразумительный ответ…
Many important events requiring the President’s response and attention have taken place without a single reaction from him.
Nigeria has no […….