The 2015 general elections will be conducted in less than nine months from now when Nigerians will be expected to vote for their leaders. It will be a period for enormous decision and I have mixed feelings against President Goodluck Jonathan.
I’m a victim of the Jos 2008 crisis which did not only make me a squatter but loser of property worth over N8 million. I have almost become a vagabond or destitute amidst plenty for which President Jonathan has shown no sympathy or assistance.
The 2008 Jos crisis caused monumental havoc on the lives of many Nigerians in Jos, Plateau State. Lives and property were lost. Owners of these properties are no better than refugees because, over 10 years after, they are still squatters.
Like many victims, I did not lose my house because I was remotely connected with the crisis. Neither did the commissions that investigated the cause of the crisis found me guilty of any offence. Above all, I was not residing in Jos as such, a victim of circumstance.
I, along with other numerous victims, were made to fill forms and gave or quantified extent of our losses. This process gave hope to victims for assistance. An NGO did same and registered all the victims but nothing and no word has been received over 10 years after the crisis. This is dehumanization or insensitivity of the leadership to the plight of citizens.
I hold no one responsible for my predicament other than President Jonathan because, besides as President, he serves as a father who should have concern and sympathy over the predicament of his son or children. I am not asking for compensation but assistance. In 2011, I voted for him based on his capability and I have seen no mistake in my decision except this case.
The inaction of Mr. President has become an obstacle to me towards living a better life as a humble citizen. It has also denied me the love which Mr. President should have for citizens of his country. As an abandoned or rejected citizen who enjoys franchise like other citizens in the country, my predicament should be top in my 2015 Presidential mandate.
I have no quarrel with his administration. It has performed well and brought succour to Nigerians in many ways that must be acknowledged and appreciated by all. However, no judgment is critical and subjective like personal judgment hence my mixed feelings about him, come 2015 general elections – to vote or not to vote for Jonathan.
My greatest fear, and genuinely conceived too, is this and I make bold to state it before 2015 unfolds, the President turned deaf ears and disguised against my predicament in his four years tenure, how am I sure that the same silence will not trail me if he secures another four years term?
I want a President who will remain conscious of the fact that he has taken oath to protect and defend lives and property of the citizenry of his country, who will always regard the welfare of the citizenry high and accord it top priority. He should be one to bring smile in the faces of the people and not anguish.
If there is anything like injury of democracy, my predicament is borne out of democracy shortfalls and the grievous injury that I shall continue to nurse and wail against with loudest voice until it is cured democratically as enshrined and exhibited in any democracy.
Daniel Nyam Gwash,
Gombe
