Mr. Jonathan left power
over 3 years ago. There is no Nigerian president, dead or alive, whose birthday
celebration has ever resounded like his, not even the present emperor. Nature
favoured him. Some of the reasons Jonathan is celebrated are stated below:
1. He believes in Rule of
Law
This attitude is simply
shown in the manner activities around him have been conducted. Jonathan is
recorded as the only ex president in Nigeria whose wife has been under
prosecution after leaving office. His cousins and nephews are not spared. Just
recently, a court in Nigeria acquitted one of his relatives on the trump up
charges brought against him by EFCC. Despite the seeming political bitterness,
just one phone call from Jonathan to the relevant authority could have stopped
the prosecution of his loved ones, but as his nature exhibits, he would rather
allow the rule of law prevails. Even the almighty Mr. Integrity has defended
his appointed thieves even when they were caught red handed stealing public
funds. But no, Jonathan would rather strengthen institutions than create strong
men.
2. He built our democracy
Jonathan has been a toast
of African leadership because of his role in Nigerian elections. It's on record
that the freest and fairest election Nigeria has had(apart from the aborted
1993 general election) took place under his watch. His readiness to deliver the
best election began when he declined the call to sack Attahiru Jega, his then
appointee who was obviously working against his reelection. He maintained that
Jega was the most suitable umpire at that material time and, therefore, ignored
all the calls for his sack. The election went against him as speculated.
Instead of weeping, Jonathan praised himself for giving Nigeria a hope for
democracy. Under his watch, some states Governorship elections were conducted
without his interference and won by opposition parties. Same cannot be said of
this present government.
3. He is celebrated for
his "weaknesses"
Today, the same reasons
Jonathan was criticised are the same reasons he has become an international
hero. We see him as the weakest president Nigeria has ever had because of his
calm nature. But in his weaknesses, he made a point that's been archived for
generation to come. His gesture is being taught in political science classes as
examples of good democratic indices. They deny him the praises in politics but
embedded them as case studies in educational curriculum as Democratic
yardsticks.
4. He saved Nigerians
People don't understand
the impact of Jonathan's action in conceding defeat in the 2015 election. It's
widely agreed by political analysts that Jonathan helped in averting the great
loom that was to befall Nigerians. But we haven't paid attention to where the
seeming loom was coming from. Those who pretend today to be working for the interest
of Nigerians were the same persons who were set to destroy everyone should they
lose the election. Hell was ready to overshadow Nigeria. Intelligence reports
were available to Jonathan's government. The only way to have averted the
danger was to either concede defeat or sacrifice the heads of those set for
war. He chose to go in the bloodless way because according to him, "his
ambition to remain president is not worth the blood of any Nigerian."
5. He adores his wife and
respects womanhood
This is the part of his
style I love most. His fondness and admiration for his wife despite all the
insults and accusations of her expressional deficiencies is a wow. One can
hardly sight Sir J anywhere without his wife beside him. He has built his life
around his wife that sometimes I wonder whether he can survive losing his
wife.
Aside this, it's on
record that no government since the inception of Nigeria has given women
opportunity to serve in government like Jonathan's did. In 2015, he has set the
pace to increase compulsory women appointments into his government to 35%. If
not that the few women left in this present administration are battling hard,
women should have been totally relegated to the kitchen and the bedroom.
6. He is meek, calm and
humble
No one who has had
encounter with Jonathan would not sing this song. The convoy of the Governor of
Nassarawa State was once interrupted by the vehicle of a lady along the express
way. The Governor came out of his vehicle and ordered that the woman be
brutalised. He, thereafter, came on national TV to defend his callousness.
This is Jonathan whose
convoy was attacked many times in the North before and during campaigns. He
left the scenes without any form of retaliation. The president of the most
populous black nation would have razed down fire, and heaven will not fall. But
only Jonathan can be Jonathan.
To us, Mr. Jonathan
represents a bundle of peace, good news, simplicity, forthrightness, unity and
an inspiration to our generation. May celebration never depart from Jonathan.
© Itsede K. Okhai ( Itse De )