it right in Nigeria, it is going to impede the advancement of all Africans. As a scholar, he understands these dynamics and he will take steps to reposition Nigeria in the comity of nations.
environmental pollution in the Niger Delta. From your own perspective, what will the Niger Delta look like in the next four years of a Jonathan government? A: Remember, the president is from the Niger Delta. His policy now is focused on a systematic transformation of the Niger Delta to ensure that lives are enhanced and protected, and the ecology remedied. What is important here is that the
Q
multinationals that have been partly responsible for the environmental degradation in the Niger Delta will be part of this cleaning-up programme. Te first step of the president in
attaining his vision for the region is to sustain the peace; the second step is to ensure that development follows immediately; the third step is to make sure that development is sustained and enhanced, so Nigeria can be stronger.
Q Q “Jonathan will be a president owned by the people, a
president made possible by the people. Here is a man who was a teacher, who became a technocrat and then a deputy governor. In 12 years, he has risen to be Nigeria’s president.”
a teacher, who became a technocrat and then a deputy governor. Within the space of 12 years, he has risen to become the president of Nigeria. Tis is no doubt a combination of providence, hard work, and the will of the Nigerian people. His will be the foundation of a
stronger democracy for Nigeria. He will focus on the country’s development, on the rehabilitation of the collapsed infrastructure, on education, on health reforms. He will not only do this for Nigeria, he will be a pivot for West Africa in general, and the whole of Africa. He believes that if we don’t get
Te president has outlined his ideas and programmes
for national growth, are all these achievable? A: Te president never makes promises he cannot keep. He is one man who promises less and does more.
What new horizon is Jonathan opening up for the Nigerian
youth? A: If you look at the population of Nigeria, 50% is below the age of 19. If you look at the statistics, you will find that the majority of Nigeria’s 150 million people are poor. Nigerian youths have to stand up and be counted on the side of job creation, the defence of their rights, poverty alleviation and the eradication of illiteracy. Te energy of the youth is what
has always built communities. If you don’t harness the energy of the youth and channel them into building a new Nigeria, then you have failed. Dr Jonathan recognises and respects this critical segment of society – the youth. And he will not let them down.
New African June 2011 | 53
You are a renowned activist who has fought against
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