Transparency And Accountability Therapy is Needed in Nigeria
Dr. Jonathan, in your role as the Nigerian President, you appear to be trying to figure out if the gift of tolerance, patience, equanimity and coolness which seemed to have guided you through out your educational and political life will work for you at this time, on a national level.
The answer is No. The country is yearning for an impatient leader.
It appears you have come with a very different purpose to help the Nation renew itself. This is a good thing.
Nevertheless, the national mindset is so damaged, that as a result, it is rapidly acquiring the international reputation of being simply politically crazy.
In this regard, you are trying to figure out what is going on inside the national psyche, and what characterizes the wounds that are apparent in the politics and economy of Nigeria.
It appears that you are doing this through slow but strategic interventions which will extend the recovery time in a society like Nigeria. Why? Because the floodgates of one stressor or another continue to open up incessantly.
Nigeria has long since turned its mental and psycho-political alliance away from Britain to America. In the last six months, through the advocacy of persons like Nuhu Ribadu and yourself, the passive approach to issues has been replaced with a more urgent type of readiness. There is no going back.
Racing Against the Clock
Remember, Nigeria recently established a Bi-National Commission with the United States of America to promote high-quality political and economic governance.
Politically, and under your watchful eyes and lens, Nigeria is racing against the clock of internal and external pressure. For the good and protection of the common man and woman, the U.S., as part of its strategic framework, will continue to apply mounting pressure on you. They do this with other problematic countries by such means as inspiring praise, diplomatic pressure, the open smile, and of course, by way of scare tactics.
America, sometimes works in an unusual manner, and as long they have signed the agreement of shared responsibility with Nigeria, they will work to protect the common people of Nigeria, and as such they will keep up the political and diplomatic pressure on you, even if it makes you uncomfortable.
This is the reason Nigeria needs a quick dose of a form of political therapy, which I call Transparency and Accountability Therapy (TAAT). Mr. President, this is something you could pass on to many in the leadership.
Here is why this type of therapy is crucial at this time. You cannot receive special attention as evident by your recent White House visit, utter promises of change in terms of fighting corruption and not demonstrate a nerveless and a very strong approach to repairing the traumatic atmosphere that now marks the Nigerian society. No one will be convinced.
Traumatic events in Nigeria have brought significant abuse and neglect to the people and to almost every institution. Nuhu Ribadu, a man trusted by Nigerians at home and abroad, and by the sole remaining superpower – America – remains a great Nigerian Hope, and you, Sir, have yet to boldly and publicly put him to any public use since his recent return to the country. Mr. President, what and who are you waiting for?
As a reminder, the U.S. recently gave you a personal audience and a mouthful of advice as well as many Nigerians in diaspora who saw much hope in you. They are all waiting on this delicate matter.
Every reasonable person and America will continue to observe your next actions, but meanwhile, the political pressure on you will continue indirectly and directly.
Transparency International and UNODC Reports
Just a few days ago, a report from a Berlin-based organization, Transparency International, reminded America that Nigeria, one of their major African partners, remains among the top six most corrupt nations out of a list of 180 nations. Again, that is, Nigeria.
There is also a new statement reportedly supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) which concluded that the most corrupt institution in Nigeria is the Police Force. Now, these issues must be a matter of great urgency for you and your administration.
Mr. President, these security issues are detrimental to the internal economic development and international investment in the country, matters you need to comment upon soon.
As usually expected in a Presidential Democracy, your personal and direct comments on these issues remain essential. You can communicate with the people in many ways. It is time to start reaching the people directly, by radio, television and the Internet, assuming there will be sustainable electricity.
Sir, this brings up another point, that is the manner by you and other senior Executive officials frequently speak through a representative. Could you please put a stop to this invisible style of communication?
As donor nations like the U.S. watch your leadership approach with regard to high levels of corruption such as the Halliburton and Siemens scandals, Nigerians at home and abroad are also watching. One realistic and rapid way you can prove to these observers the gravity of these matters to you is to publicly order your Ministry of Justice to fully act on them and bring a report on your desk on a set date.
For every day that passes without your open comment on these matters, leaves room for you to be viewed with a sense of political mistrust.
This could result in a state of political despair, on your part, something you certainly don’t want as you may be already experiencing a sense of disgust over these current and mounting problems.
Mr. President, here is another realization, this Nigerian mentality of foot-dragging on every issue must stop. It is time to develop a new mindset, now that timing is very important to the nation’s overall functioning, and please do not say you are working on African time!
Your place in this anti-corruption war is to openly come before the people and the world, and stand between the Chief Prosecutor Mrs. Farida Waziri, the Head of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and Justice Emmanuel Ayoola, the Head of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission.
It is time you openly recognize the efforts they are making towards the nation’s sanity. It is time for you to openly come out and express your support for the risks they take , stand with their personnel and assure them of your maximum support, and your stand of neutrality and as well as those of your officials on every investigative outcome.
It is not enough to say the investigative bodies do not report to you; you are not a ceremonial Head of State!
Sir, in an Executive Presidency, every enforcement matter and all executive agencies are under your command. Sir, be more careful about how you or your representatives make these unusual comments to the public, and let’s hope you are defining your political growth through the study of past and current executive presidencies.
There is no doubt that you are aware of these matters, as evident by your higher level of schooling. All you need is to show a diligent approach to issues that matters to the nation and a protective mindset on behalf of the people.
The 2011 Election – A ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ is Needed
In an extraordinary country like Nigeria, at least election-wise, it is essential for you to know that there is very limited time left to objectively engage in the 2011 electoral planning, as it relates to collaboration, preparation, and debate.
Sir, by the way, what is delaying a ‘yes or no’ answer from you with regard to your potential candidacy?
Dr. Jonathan, it is OK to fantasize about this great position, but it is time to confront your self on this issue of whether ‘Jonathan will run or not run’. There is no reasonable excuse so far why you are defying democratic expectations and realities like this type of decision, none.
Sir, only you can put a finishing thought on this issue. Particularly, at a time when the spiritual and sectarian elements of a Tribal Democracy seem to be at war with the libertarian and autonomous tenets of any Political Democracy.
Nonetheless, it very therapeutic for every Nigerian and the international funding sources to Nigeria to know the President’s priorities on this matter, in order for the country to know if it is going forward or backwards. Sir, how about telling everyone today?
Even a little hint from you is every bit as important in order to ensure that there is no apprehension of extraordinary havoc like the North and South zoning/rotational adversity, inflaming the country into a state of political divide and instability with possible consequences as a civil war or military intervention. God Forbid!
Dr. Jonathan, please promise to all of your aficionados or admirers that the therapy of transparency and accountability as noted here, will be put to use. Hopefully, the country will be on the road to permanent healing. Sir, this can only occur by initiating this therapy on yourself, and paving the way for it to be absorbed by the people.
Sir, you have to use these therapies in an on-the-spot way and aggressively, as well as in an unwavering manner in order to show healthy breakthroughs for the people and help better the nation’s image in front of your international supporters.
Mr. President, this is the time to use the two edged combination therapy, as the country is in need at this time. You need to vigorously become proactive on these matters not in the manner of sensitively extending your hands as if you are reaching into a freshwater of fishes; but in an explosively and out rightly manner since anything about Nigeria requires a daring move. This will to enable you elevate the depressed state of the people, and bring closer all those who currently identify with you.
Mr. President, as you are quite aware of a few days ago, a Presidential Proclamation 7750 that was signed into law in 2004 by former President George W. Bush is now in full view in
Nigeria, at a time when you are occupy the Presidency.
The Proclamation is for the purpose of denying foreign corrupt leaders and their families’ entry into the United States of America.
Recently, it was invoked by President Barack Obama on your former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoakaa. This new stand must be very relieving to the people especially coming from their African son, at least partly.
There is more to come, a promise he made to the African people during his visit last year. Sir, you ought to personally comment on this important occurrence, then good faith Nigerians and America will openly know you are in the same mindset with them.
As you may be aware of the Proclamation law was reportedly once used on a co-former Governor, Joshua Dariye of Plateau State.
One would have wished that summary judgments like these are coming directly from you on a frequent basis towards those Nigerian Leaders with known histories of corruption.
Accounting for Undue Wealth
These corrupt elements are seen freely using their blemished or tainted monies, and openly moving in and out of Nigeria, with convoys of police as security protection. Also, many of their children and families resident overseas enjoying better residences, good air and adequate schools.
Sir, by the way it is time for the Nigerian ‘big’ or rich person to stop using members of the Nigerian Police Force as private guards and start using security officers from private companies, as guard. Sir, please stop this absurd practice!
Also, another task, Sir, is for you to issue an executive order which will show to the public the general or the basic annual or monthly salary of a senior official like a President, a Vice President, a Minister, a Governor, a Judge, a Director General, a Military Head, a Law Enforcement Chief (in the Police, Immigration, Customs, etc), including the allowances for newspapers, drivers and domestic servants (things that you should put a stop to).
Sir, the release of this information on compensation is essential in order to judge their overly expansive lifestyles compared to their salary.
In order words, where did the money come from especially if their annual income is basic as expected in an emerging or developing nation like Nigeria?
As you know, many of these characters are doing their best to delay their so called court cases in order to weaken the court proceedings and devalue the case(s).
Sir, the Nigerian leadership is mired in corruption and must be seen for what it is. You need to really go after it with workable and drastic solutions. This is because without a swift, open, and short and long term problem-solving type treatment, just talking, or using a spokesperson as you often do, will do nothing to solve these problems.
Sir, it is time for a blended type of public service personnel and leadership. You will agree that the present multi-layered problems have been handled by the same people and the same old methods.
The use of the same people and methods, and expecting a different result is nothing short of self delusion on the part of every one.
Nigerians in Diaspora
Sir, you should make an appeal for the return of Nigerians in diaspora serving as career and public service workers across various areas of local, State and federal offices in advanced countries, America especially.
This is how you create blended leadership, bringing in en masse, individuals familiar with the type of governmental system now adopted in Nigeria, the American executive, political and economic type of governance.
They will be joining others already deep in the old Nigerian way of administration, who should not be in fear of been replaced from their comfortable positions.
The only change is that these in coming professionals and experts will come in with experienced and up-to-date skills in relevant areas like: Procurement, Military, Police, Waste Management, Emergency Management, Objective Journalism, pollution Control, Disaster Management, , Erosion Control, Office Management, Housing Management, Road Management, Aircraft operation, Behavioral health, Correctional Management, Building Management, Banking, University Management, Clinical Nursing, Postal Management, Hospital Management, etc.
They should not come in a singular manner as the goal is for you to get them into the country in large numbers, and let them flood the public service.
As long as you have adopted an Executive-styled system by virtue of the Nigerian 1999 Constitutional Government, you should acquire people who are already experienced in this type of governance.
Sir, as you may know, they will need some flexibility on your part in terms of age limitations as some of them are already in their late 30s, 40s, 50s and even 60s. Special modification in the Nigerian civil service rules could accommodate some who want to apply for transfer of service from their documented career positions for the purpose of continuity or retirement.
Some may need very little money to move back with their families and settle. This has been done before in the 1960s and 1970s, and every one saw the great strides the country made on till the Armed Forces took their different turns in annihilating many civil advancements.
Sir, also put into your head, that these Diasporan Nigerians will save the country from great cost as they are used to doing many things on their own. They will be driving their own private cars, and ironing their own clothes. They will rent their own residences, dust/clean their homes, and do the baby sitting of their children. They will be guarding their own homes as they are likely to seek and procure licensed guns when they reach home.
Sir, as long as Nigeria is a part of the global networked world, linked by communication networks, social networks, trade and banking, you must address these issues forcefully, using the therapies of transparency and accountability.
If not be ready to face a forceful-type of global treatment usually administered to societies where awful leadership is greeted with impunity and people are ruled with the spirit and acts of indifference.
All in all, it is time for an up-to-the-present system of engagement and to achieve this let’s put to use the Transparency and Accountability therapy.
~ By John Egbeazien Oshodi, Ph.D, DABPS, FACFE John Egbeazien Oshodi, Ph.D, DABPS, FACFE is a Clinical/Forensic Psychologist, and the Associate Dean of Behavioral Science , North Campus, Broward College, Coconut Creek Florida. joshodi@browad.edu
Nigerian low income earners deserve more pay
