Tough decisions Jonathan needs to take now (2)

[Idang Alibi]

If I were President Goodluck Jonathan, the number two item on my developmental agenda will be an immediate return to the Five Year National Development Planning of old. I wish to say it with all sense of responsibility that the type of planning we are living by now is a big joke and it will not take this nation anywhere. We can continue to delude ourselves that we are currently the three fastest developing economies in the world after China and is it Mongolia or Vietnam. I think we are doing ourselves great harm when we rely on statistics from the World Bank and foreign rating agencies who tell us that we are making giant strides.

What some of these people use statistics to do is quite harmful to our national development aspirations because it misleads us and gives us a false sense of security. What they do basically is to take the increased volume of crude oil which we export now because of amnesty to the Niger Delta militants and which is sold at a very high rate now and from which we rake in millions of dollars every day and divide it among our population. The result of such simple addition and division is the highly misleading impression that we are fast developing.

We of course know that this is not the case. We should not be misled into a false sense of prosperity because of the reality that our country has the highest rate of disparity in income among the population in the whole world. The political elite, bureaucrats and the elite business class take about 80 per cent of the resources of this society so using per capita calculation to determine our 'fast growth' is a monumental fraud. The fact that while we are said to be among the fast growing economies of the world and the rate of poverty among our population is growing rather than decreasing, easily exposes this fraud.

What we are seeing today is what some radical political economists call growth without development. There is an increased volume of money in the economy quite all right but this quantum of money does not translate into socio-economic amenities that have brought better life to a greater majority of the population. There is no regenerative investment with the large volume of money we earn from crude oil daily to guarantee what I will call real growth.

I am not an economist or a development expert but as a concerned patriot and a fairly enlightened member of this society, my instinct tells me (based on the objective reality on the ground now) that we will not become one of the 20 most developed economies in the year 2020, just eight years away, if we continue with this ad hoc, haphazard type of national planning we are engaged in. In fact, we will not even join the league of the 50 most developed economies in the next 50 years if we continue with this system whereby neither the government nor the citizenry is clearly aware of just which direction the country is headed.

I am not aware of any country, whether ancient or modern, which became developed without a leader or series of leaders sitting down to do the ''vision thing'', that is, plan which direction their country will go and what needs to be done by all and at what time and in what order to reach the desired destination. The success or failure of individuals or nations is hinged on how well or how poorly their planning has been.**There is a maxim among development experts that ''proper preparation (planning) prevents poor performance''. Can we now see why Nigeria is not making much progress? We should return immediately to the development planning model of the past which gave us gradual but steady and easily measurable growth and development. That incrementalism is to me far better than this 'fastest developing' thing we want to achieve with no concrete planning which no one can see or, more importantly, feel.

*FCT Minister, criticism and a rash of initiatives

One of the most challenging ministerial portfolios in the country is, without doubt, that of the Federal Capital Territory. Anyone who is handed that portfolio should realise that he has not been invited to merely ''come and chop''. Rather, he is invited to gird his loins and come and work until his bones begin to ache him or else risk biting criticism from some of the most caustic tongues in the land, some of whom have migrated from their states to become residents in this land of opportunity.

Abuja is easily one of the fastest growing cities in the country. The challenge of meeting the socio-economic needs of the ever-increasing population is enormous. The man or woman who is FCT Minister must, therefore, demonstrate that he has the ability to think on his feet and work round the clock to satisfy the many and varied desires of various classes of residents. Failure to be seen as a man of action, a man of courage, creativity and initiative will attract vicious criticism. The present minister, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has attractedd a fair measure of criticism because he is perceived as trying too much to satisfy the needs of the political class, especially his former colleagues in the National Assembly and to show his gratitude and loyalty to President Goodluck Jonathan over and above seeking to attend to the welfare needs of all the residents, especially that of the ordinary people.

What is heart-warming is that in response to the tonnes of criticism that has been his lot in recent times, the man has not remained impervious or defiant. Rather, he has chosen, correctly, to come out with some bold initiatives which, if he applies the right*finishiatives,*will give him a good name among Abujans. I am referring here to his plans to open up ten new districts by the next three years. Already, work is said to have started with five. This development is sweet music to the ears of many Abuja residents who want this city which is already bursting at the seams to be opened up for business and residential habitation.

The idea of a Public Private Partnership to help in developing the city also needs to be saluted. Since government alone cannot develop Abuja, it makes sense to partner with private concerns that are willing and able to do the job. I have also heard of the land swap model, the idea of using land as asset, to lure private developers to participate in the urgent and necessary business of making Abuja an affordable place for all classes of the citizenry. Many of us who have chosen to make this lovely city our home are anxious to support the minister if he continues to come up with more ideas that can make this place become more comfortable and affordable.

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[ariteni]

I agree in toto that planning holds the key to future development but your piece lacks necessary empirical and statistical basis. Where did you get "ad hoc, haphazard type of national planning"? If you are not seized of details of an issue, you have no ground to castigate. There is a whole Ministry of National Planning in Abuja and I don't think all they do there is eat groundnuts. The tough decision to take on National Planning is to Plan, Plan and Plan!

[ariteni]

Idang, Congrats!!! Our President Dr Goodluck Jonathan whom the kids relish calling "clueless" is rated one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World!
See Below:

Goodluck Jonathan
President
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By ELLEN JOHNSON SIRLEAF Wednesday, Apr. 18, 2012

JOSEPH PENNEY / REUTERS
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Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan exemplifies the African political renaissance at a time when the people of the continent are starting to reap the fruit of their resources and their hard work. President Jonathan, 54, possesses the qualities needed at this moment of great challenges, having come to power at a crucial moment in the history of Nigeria. The country has grown out of its past of corruption, mismanagement and brutality, but the foundation of good governance is still fragile.

In two short years, President Jonathan has shown the same dexterity he demonstrated as governor of Bayelsa, the same ability to find the remedies to the many complexities of running a nascent democracy. He has spearheaded the fight against corruption and turned Nigeria into an example of good governance. He has also made a significant impact on consolidating peace and security in West Africa. From the onset of our own crisis, Liberia has benefitted from the support of Nigeria. President Jonathan not only upheld the trend but added to it. With leaders like President Jonathan, Africa is sure to move toward prosperity, freedom and dignity for all of its people.

Johnson Sirleaf is the President of Liberia



Read more: http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2111975_2111976_2112110,00.html #ixzz1sPdVcQWl

[Century]

Time Magazine has listed President Goodluck Jonathan as one of the 100 Most Influential Persons in the World.

Jonathan is the only African leader named on the list which was published on Wednesday.

The citation on Jonathan, written by the President of Liberia, Johnson Sirleaf, noted that, "Jonathan exemplifies the African political renaissance at a time when the people of the continent are starting to reap the fruit of their resources and their hard work. "

She wrote: "President Jonathan, 54, possesses the qualities needed at this moment of great challenges, having come to power at a crucial moment in the history of Nigeria. The country has grown out of its past of corruption, mismanagement and brutality, but the foundation of good governance is still fragile.

"In two short years, President Jonathan has shown the same dexterity he demonstrated as governor of Bayelsa, the same ability to find the remedies to the many complexities of running a nascent democracy. He has spearheaded the fight against corruption and turned Nigeria into an example of good governance. He has also made a significant impact on consolidating peace and security in West Africa.

"From the onset of our own crisis, Liberia has benefitted from the support of Nigeria. President Jonathan not only upheld the trend but added to it. With leaders like President Jonathan, Africa is sure to move toward prosperity, freedom and dignity for all of its people."

The list also includes United States President Barrack Obama; U.S Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton; American billionaire, Warren Buffet; German chancellor, Angela Merkel; President of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde; Iran's spiritual leader, Ayatollah Khamenei; Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu; footballer, Lionel Messi; Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff; new North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un; Syrian President Bashar Assad; American Republican presidential candidates, Mitt Romney, Ron Paul; pop star, Rihanna; fashion designer, Sarah Burton; and Chinese heir apparent, Xi Jinping.

The list was chosen through voting by Time readers from around the world.

[Century]

Time Magazine has listed President Goodluck Jonathan as one of the 100 Most Influential Persons in the World.

Jonathan is the only African leader named on the list which was published on Wednesday.

The citation on Jonathan, written by the President of Liberia, Johnson Sirleaf, noted that, "Jonathan exemplifies the African political renaissance at a time when the people of the continent are starting to reap the fruit of their resources and their hard work. "

She wrote: "President Jonathan, 54, possesses the qualities needed at this moment of great challenges, having come to power at a crucial moment in the history of Nigeria. The country has grown out of its past of corruption, mismanagement and brutality, but the foundation of good governance is still fragile.

"In two short years, President Jonathan has shown the same dexterity he demonstrated as governor of Bayelsa, the same ability to find the remedies to the many complexities of running a nascent democracy. He has spearheaded the fight against corruption and turned Nigeria into an example of good governance. He has also made a significant impact on consolidating peace and security in West Africa.

"From the onset of our own crisis, Liberia has benefitted from the support of Nigeria. President Jonathan not only upheld the trend but added to it. With leaders like President Jonathan, Africa is sure to move toward prosperity, freedom and dignity for all of its people."

The list also includes United States President Barrack Obama; U.S Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton; American billionaire, Warren Buffet; German chancellor, Angela Merkel; President of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde; Iran's spiritual leader, Ayatollah Khamenei; Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu; footballer, Lionel Messi; Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff; new North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un; Syrian President Bashar Assad; American Republican presidential candidates, Mitt Romney, Ron Paul; pop star, Rihanna; fashion designer, Sarah Burton; and Chinese heir apparent, Xi Jinping.

The list was chosen through voting by Time readers from around the world.

[ariteni]

President reacts to Times Magazine rating
From JULIANA TAIWO-OBALONYE, Abuja
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Photo: Sun News Publishing
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President Goodluck Jonathan has described as humbling his inclusion in Times Magazine's 100 influential people in the world. He said the inclusion was a push to enable him to do more for the country despite the distraction and challenges.

He also said the fact that it was the votes from people was inspiring and would make him re-double his efforts at implementing the Transformational Agenda and re-dedicate himself to the task of leading Nigeria to fulfill her potential as one of the world's leading economies in the not too distant future.

In his remark on his facebook page, Jonathan said, "My attention has been drawn to a publication in the highly influential Time Magazine on my inclusion in this years edition of 'The 100 Most Influential People in the World' list."As the list is compiled from votes received from the public, I am humbled by this gesture and would want to thank all Nigerians, Africans and citizens of the world who voted for my inclusion in the 2012 list.

"Let me also thank Time Magazine for this worthy project intended to encourage and inspire readers to work for a better world. To me, this is a vote of confidence and also a pointer to what is possible in our country and our continent. "This honour, unexpected as it is, only inspires me to re-double my efforts at implementing the Transformational Agenda and re-dedicating myself to the task of leading Nigeria to fulfill her potential as one of the world's leading economies in the not too distant future.

"Regardless of distractions, our relentless pursuit to secure life and property; the provision of electricity for human and industrial use; access to quality education and health for our citizens; rebuilding and providing needed infrastructure; the fight against corruption and poverty; self-sufficiency in basic food among others for our people shall remain our focus. Once again I thank you."

[eire]

do you not have to be influential in your country first?
Is GEJ respected in Nigeria, especially the North?
I know mallams more influentials that that moo

[eire]

do you not have to be influential in your country first?
Is GEJ respected in Nigeria, especially the North?
I know mallams more influentials that that moo

[datuouwadaberechi]

do you not have to be influential in your country first?
Is GEJ respected in Nigeria, especially the North?
I know mallams more influentials that that moo

thank you o jareh eire!!!! you are talking about north keh? even in his own village, is he influencial? unless one may be counting the church that was recently built there in his name....otherwise, which kin influence?

time mag may have voted him influential indeed, its not difficult for them to do that based on their own peculiar assessment criteria. and i bet you, it was done "tongue in cheek"
when a guy presides over one of the most corrupt government in africa, is he not influential? even objectively speaking, when a guy presides over the largest black nation in the world, to whom the world is looking for the upliftment of the black man, would he not be influential? when a guy presides over an economy solely dependent on large and very large deposits of an essential energy source, which within the said economy, is barely regulated, but rather a free-for-all, would he not be influential among ppl who want to him to influence a lot of stuff for them?

i dont feel his influence in my home state which is barely 300 miles from his home capital. i understand he was boooed the other day during an outing. was he not stoned in zimbabwe, abi na kenya? which kind of influence made him carry almost a whole village as protection during his last trip to sokoto?


anyway, i suppose there is positive influence and negative influence. i would certainly agree that he is probably one of the most negatively influential ppl on earth. THAT, I CAN AGREE WITH!!!!