A LETTER OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE PRESIDENT

A LETTER OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES: Dr. GOODLUCK JONATHAN (A REMINDER)

Dear Dr. Goodluck Jonathan,  

Niger Delta International Initiative (NDII) is using this medium to congratulate you for your performance so far as the President of Nigeria. NDII wishes you God Blessing and healthy wisdom to address with urgency the challenges ahead of you in the next four years.     

NDII has written many articles stating the numerous problems confronting the masses and the nation, which requires your urgent attention.  Mr. President you have to be more aggressive and act fast because the Nigerian masses are stressed to the limit due to poverty and under-development.  These pressing multifarious problems are challenges for you and your administration in the next four years. 

It is a golden opportunity for you to be the President of this great nation call Nigeria .  It’s an avenue for you to shine and make history not only in Nigeria but internationally if you can sincerely address these pressing problems confronting the masses and the nation.  Also, it is an avenue to prove to the world that Nigeria is governable and not drifting towards a failed state.  Specifically, the problems in Nigeria are political crisis, the religious crisis in the North, the Niger Delta crisis, and lack of the Rule of Law, social and economic under-developments.  Mr. President, Sir, as a matter of urgency please set the necessary machinery in motion to make the people happy by initiating programs that will provide them with basic needs of life that they so much desired.

One of the solutions to Nigeria problems, NDII believes require a practical approach in infrastructural development (development in education, energy, transportation, roads, railways, waterways, housing, healthcare, information technology, water supply, agriculture, financial institutions including micro financing, etc.) or by practically addressing the Seven-Point Agenda initiated at the beginning of the previous political dispensation. 

Mr. President, the nation needs a radical approach towards infrastructural development in all sectors, which will promote safety and security, social and economic development and create jobs, especially for the youths.  The effect of high rate of unemployment has been linked to armed robbery, kidnapping, sabotaging pipeline and other social vices in the nation.  Most of the culprits are the unemployed youths.

As a way forward to actualize social and economic developments in the nation, NDII suggests to you Mr. President to initiate National Public Works Program (NPWP) or Jonathan’s Project (JP) to create employment for millions of Nigerian that are without work.  The program should cover renovation/rehabilitation of hospitals, schools, recreation centers and parks.  Also, the program should include construction of new housing in rural and urban cities and the renovation of old ones.  Furthermore, the program should cover renovation/rehabilitation of railroads, highways, rural roads, streets, waterways, irrigation, dredging, reclamation, and rehabilitation of erosion and oil degraded sites, environment and sanitation control in rural and urban cities, etc.  The above program should be given high priority with regard to economic and social development, job creation and crime reduction.  The execution of this program will promote and provide favorable environment for investors.  In addition, implementation of this program will promote safety and security in the nation.  NDII acknowledges that economic and social development does not happen overnight but through gradual process, hence the above program is a long-term project.  As noted, the above program has been neglected and abandoned for the past fifty years; and will require a long period of time to fix.

This program should be in collaboration with the Local Governments, State Governments, the Federal Government and industries in Nigeria, specifically the big corporations through their respective Corporate Social Responsibility ( CSR ) department.  The big corporations in Nigeria are required to actively participate in this program so that their businesses embrace responsibility for the impact of their activities on the environment, consumers, employees and communities.  Furthermore, the big corporations should proactively promote the public interest by encouraging community growth and development.

As noted by NDII, poor infrastructural development is an issue that affects everyone whether you are rich or poor.  Our infrastructural system reflects how we define ourselves as Nigerians – who we are, what we are and who we will be.  Continued inaction or slow pace in infrastructural development poses serious cost for everyone.

Those costs are human and financial, felt by millions of people at home, and those abroad who endure years of separation or deferred dreams.  Also, it affect millions more hardworking families whose wages are depressed due to lack of efficient infrastructural development in the nation.  That’s why infrastructural development is an economic imperative and an essential step needed to strengthen our middle class, maintain the existing industries, create new industries and new jobs, and make Nigeria remains competitive in the global economy.

Mr. President, because this is such a tough problem-one that politicians in the Local governments, State governments and Federal government have been either exploiting or dodging: this change has to be driven by people like you.  Mr. President, the Local governments and State government won’t act unless you lead.

Sir, if you’re to do something about this critical issue, support and implement NDII’s call for a radical infrastructural development program for the betterment of the nation.  

Also, NDII suggests that Mr. President through the Attorney-General of the Federation call to order the 36 Governors and 774 local Government chairmen with regard to their mal-administration and financial recklessness over the state and council resources.  The 774 Local Governments and the 36 State Governments should judiciously apply their resources to projects and programs for sustainable development in the Local Government areas and States.  As noted, social and economic development cannot be achieved in the nation without the Local Governments and the States Government taking active role in the national developmental goals.  The nation cannot achieve tangible development, if the 774 Local Governments and the 36 State Governments are not committed to their responsibilities.  As of date, the Local Government cannot effectively play its role as agent of development at the grassroots, in spite of huge monthly allocations from the Federation Account.  The Federal Government cannot develop the nation alone.  The above setbacks are created due to lack of accountability in the nation.  Today, more than 60% of Nigerian wealth is illegally in foreign nations and in the hands of the past and present government officials.  The nation can’t socially and economically develop if the trend continues.  

Mr. President, the high poverty and illiteracy level in the nation are causing the insecurity in the society.  The issue of safety and security should be address in line with promotion of literacy and awareness among adults and children, most especially, those in the Northern part of the Nation.  Education of our children should be made free and compulsory up to secondary school level.  The recent massacre in the North could be partially attributed to backwardness, mass illiteracy, lawlessness and lack of effective communication in the society.  Also, the massacre could be attributed to the inefficiency of the law enforcement agencies in discharging their duties.

Mr. President, we know you cannot resolve all these multifarious problems for the next four years because these infrastructural decays have been going on for the past fifty years; and will require a long period of time to fix.  However, NDII wishes to suggest that you and your leadership work selflessly and relentlessly in order to reduce the poverty level among the masses by making use of the high quality human resources at home and abroad.  These individuals are required in all key positions in the nation from the banking sector to the judiciary, the law enforcement agencies, Local Governments, States Government and the Federal Government.  It is time for Nigerian leadership and stakeholders to promote the appointment of competent hands to decision making positions based on merit.

Additionally, Nigerians must change their attitude to the country because of the poor work ethics that now characterize the work force in the nation.  Based on the creative and dynamic people that we are, the general state of despair must give way to one of hope and the self belief that we can build a great nation.  It should be noted that the change we want, the change we desire and the change we must have must begin with each and every one of us making a conscious and committed effort to make Nigeria a better nation.

In order to achieve your goals, please Mr. President devoid yourself of sycophants and avoids recycling of senior citizens in your administration.  At the end of the day, these incompetent individuals will criticize and condemn you.  Please Mr. President, do not recycle senior citizens because there are many vibrant and hardworking Nigerians that are more than willing to work with you.  This is 21^st century and Nigerians expect 21^st century results, which are not attainable from the recycled senior citizens.  Additionally, Mr. President, you are in charge and the overall boss.  Therefore, Sir, do what you believe is right to move the nation forward and reduce the poverty level among the masses. 

As noted by NDII, the problem in Nigeria is exacerbated by poor and corrupt leadership from banking sector, the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, Local Governments, States Government and the Federal Government.  This problem can be resolved by addressing the issue of lack of the Rule of Law, which breeds excessive corruption.  On the other hand, corruption creates poor leadership and poor performance, lack of accountability and fiscal irresponsibility, poverty and unemployment, low economic productivity, marginalization and neglect among others.  Sir, initiate a National Legal Reform Programs.  NDII believes that the promotion of the rule of law is the most effective long-term antidote to the most pressing problems facing Nigeria today, including poverty, Niger Delta crisis, ethnic and religious violence, endemic corruption and disregard for human rights.

Mr. President , Nigeria needs effective judiciary and effective law enforcement agencies.  Up-to-date, the judiciary and the law enforcement agencies are non-functional.  Effective judiciary and effective law enforcement agencies will lead to develop, livable and safe society.  Nigeria would develop only when the issue of corruption has been seriously tackled, which requires effective judiciary and effective law enforcement agencies.  To this end, NDII highly suggests that the Federal Government seek external assistance from Britain and the United States of America in training and restructuring the judiciary, the police department, the road safety department, the customs, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), etc.  The retraining of the law enforcement agencies at the least will reduce police brutality and jungle justice on defenseless citizens as seen in the religious crisis in the North.  The revitalization of the Rule of Law is required to address the abuse of power by high ranking government officials including the Governors, the ministers, the commissioners, local government chairmen, etc. and reduce excessive corruption, which is now a culture/the way of life in the nation.  

Please Mr. President, either dissolve EFCC or restructure the agency.  For now, EFCC is a child’s play and a joke, so also is Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).  This is true because there are many scapegoats and many sacred cows in the nation, the agencies are not fair and they are bias.  We can’t win the war on corruption if the trend continues, and social and economic developments in the nation will be elusive.

Mr. President, the resolution of the religious crisis requires strong involvement from all stakeholders concern.  The resolution of the crisis will come through good preaching in the Mosques and Churches instead of preaching hatred.  The resolution will also come through mass education and awareness (knowledge), specifically, the education of the youths in the northern part of the nation.  As the saying goes, knowledge is power.  Additionally, the religious crisis in the north can be resolved when the religious leaders and politicians sponsoring these evil activities are identified and brought to book. 

Mr. President, the crisis in the Niger Delta region requires strong involvement from all stakeholders concern (local and international companies, Local Governments, States Government and Federal Government).  The resolution of the crisis will come through implementation of the Niger Delta Master Plan, and through mass education and awareness.  Sir, enough of seminars and conferences on Niger Delta crisis, it is time for practical approach to the crisis, which requires immediate implementation of projects and past recommendations in the area.  The lack of implementation of the past ideas and recommendations are major obstacles in developing the area, and it’s due to the caliber of individuals in decision making positions assigned to the area.  

Sir, the resolution to the Niger Delta crisis, the social and the economic development of the region requires discipline, sacrifices and strong commitment from the decision makers in the Local Governments, States Government, the Niger Delta Ministry and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and it requires urgency (a speedy and simultaneous process of development).  Also, the resolution requires priority settings with timeline or deadline for completion of projects, and goals setting (short-term goals, mid-term goals, and long-term goals).  In addition, the resolution requires fairness from the stakeholders, large scale capacity building, accountability from the leaders, peace in the region (youths have to shun violence, kidnapping, hostage taking and sabotaging pipelines), and the resolution requires the rule of Law and cooperation of the locals.  

Additionally, Mr. President, the crisis in the Niger Delta region can be resolved when the local chiefs, individuals and politicians sponsoring these evil activities in the region are identified and brought to book.  Economic and social development does not thrive under violence. 

Nigeria should elect and appoint credible individuals to leadership positions.  Some individuals in decision making positions or leadership positions are under-qualified, incompetent and they lack substance.  Economic productivity cannot be achieved if the best candidates are denied appointments for less qualified persons on account of their religion, regions or tribe.  The issues of giving priority to Godfathers should be checked in order to advantageously utilize our quality human resources outlet.  

Mr. President, electoral reform is required to assist the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to achieve the agency’s goal in performing a genuine election.  Electoral reform will promote the election of credible individuals to leadership positions and prevent the mediocres from achieving their selfish goals.  As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure.  As such, Nigerians need transformational leaders with the capacity, commitment and courage to drive the essential reforms required to place Nigeria on the path of sustainable social and economic developments.

Stable energy supply as noted by NDII is the key to development, especially in manufacturing industries and other related industries, healthcare systems and educational systems.  Stable energy supply is a motivation for investment and promotes job creation, at the same time reduces crime rate.  Today, the nation has no stable energy supply.  

Mr. President, NDII observes that Nigeria is proposing nuclear energy for her power supply.  The proposal is a great and giant idea because nuclear energy produces huge amount of electricity.  However, if as a nation, we cannot manage the hydroelectric dams, the refineries, the coal plants and the railway system, etc. in the country, how do we manage a nuclear plant?  Nigeria is not in a position to manage nuclear energy plant because of the high safety risk involved and based on the nation’s history of poor management of projects.  As noted, nuclear plant is more detail and more complex than refineries and hydroelectric dams, and requires skilled and disciplined professionals.  A meltdown at a nuclear plant could be catastrophic, and handling the radioactive waste is another problem.  The accidents at Three Mile Island in USA, Fukushima Daiichi in Japan and Chernobyl (a Soviet nuclear plant) should not be forgotten.  Let us learn by example and not through the hard way.

Sir, the risks of Nigeria going nuclear as a source of electricity may outweigh the benefits unless we address the issues of giving priority to Godfathers, tribe, religion and region (zoning) in appointment to key professional positions, and correct our past mistakes in managing projects.

Mr. President, Coal is the major source of electricity in many western nations.  The problem with coal is its effect on global warming, which give nuclear energy an advantage.  Nuclear energy does not emit greenhouse gases from plant operations as opposed to coal, oil and natural gas.  NDII suggests that Nigeria invest in solar, wind, hydropower, fuel cell energy (Bloom Box Energy) and other renewable energy sources for the national energy future.  Alternatively, Nigerian should invest in fossil fuels (oil, coal and natural gas) as a source of energy as long as we control the methane and carbon dioxide that are generated in order to promote Green Technology. 

Mr. President, in a recent meeting between UN climate change panel and other climate experts: renewable energy sources such as solar and wind could supply up to 80 percent of the world’s energy needs by 2050 and play a significant role in fighting global warming.  Developing countries are encouraged to take advantage of the new technologies.  There is a call for deep reductions in use of non-renewables in order to keep temperatures from rising more than 3.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2 Celsius) above preindustrial levels, which could trigger catastrophic climate impacts.  The call is an invitation to governments to initiate a radical overhaul of their policies and place renewable energy center stage.  In addition, there is a growing global awareness about the potential for renewable energy and the opportunities are tremendous.  However, NDII observes that the setback of these technologies is the development of new infrastructure.  As noted by NDII, the best conditions exist in Nigeria for renewable energy deployment.    

Mr. President, most projects (the hydroelectric dams, the refineries, the coal plants and the railway system, the iron and steel industry, etc.) in Nigeria failed due to poor human resource planning and management.  Sir, appropriate corrections are required to achieve good management practices in the nation.  

Conclusively, Mr. President, although, these problems are numerous they are not insurmountable.  However, these problems, which include social development, economic development, peace, safety and security in the nation, cannot be achieved if corruption, greed, nepotism, religious and tribal sentiments prevail over national, state and community interests.   

NDII challenges the leadership of Mr. President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and the Nigerian stakeholders to be aggressive and take radical approach in addressing the nation’s problems for the interest of the masses and the Nation at large.  Mr. President, majority of Nigerians and international communities are in your support.  Mr. President, NDII encourages you to be more aggressive, take decisive action on corruption, and let your performance speaks for you.  Sir, the ball is in your court.

Good Luck and Remain Blessed, 

      Electronic Signature: /Chukwuma O. Nwaonicha/