The latest press statement by Lai Mohammed of the Action
Congress of Nigeria, in which he claims, wrongly as always, that the
Jonathan administration is “descending into despotism,” represents yet
another attempt by the ACN and its spokesperson to stand the truth on
its head and indulge in the politics of abuse. They should not be
allowed to get away with their perfidy.
President Jonathan is a democratically elected leader who is
running a people-oriented, inclusive and progressive government. Under
his watch, Nigeria’s democracy has been consolidated; the scope for
human freedoms has been further expanded and there is respect for due
process and the rule of law. Ordinary Nigerians appreciate the fact that
they have a President who is humane, disciplined and focused.
Does Lai Mohammed know the meaning of the word, despotism, or
is he just throwing the word around for onomatopoetic effect? He and his
sponsors are in fact beneficiaries of the openness and freedom that
this administration promotes. The paradox is that those who do not allow
freedom and equality in their own party or backyard, those who are well
known as self-proclaimed Godfathers and closet despots, are the same
ones who are now quick to accuse others of despotism. The ACN should
start by removing the log in its eyes. President Jonathan is not a
despot. ACN is the real abode of budding despots in Nigeria.
The Transformation Agenda which Lai Mohammed tries to pooh-pooh
is a well thought-out blueprint on the basis of which this
administration continues to serve the interests of the people and move
the country forward. The evidence of the Jonathan administration’s
achievements is visible in many aspects of Nigerian life and society:
from agriculture, to aviation, the economy, job creation, power,
industry, trade and investment, transportation and others. No amount of
name-calling or partisan criticism will distract the government’s
attention, just in case the ACN assumes that its persistent distortion
of the facts will achieve that objective.
The ACN’s allegation that there is a disagreement between the
Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi is also wrong-headed and
mischievous. Governor Amaechi has publicly stated that this particular
allegation is a piece of fiction created by certain persons and the
media. We insist that President Jonathan is not engaged in any quarrel
or dispute with Governor Amaechi. And it is wrong to use the matter of
the aircraft that was grounded by the aviation authorities to concoct
stories of persecution.
The institutions involved have offered reasons publicly why
they took their decision with regard to the unlicensed aircraft, which
in any case is an asset of the state, not the Governor’s personal
property. The President has nothing to do with that incident.
The ACN claims that there is “a growing propensity to stifle
the freedom of expression and freedom of the press.” The report by the
Committee to Protect Journalists which the ACN quotes is not a comment
on government-media relations in Nigeria. This administration sees the
media as a strategic partner in the business of nation-building. The
government not only enjoys a robust relationship with the media, it
continues to encourage the freedom of expression and of the press.
Lai Mohammed tries to substantiate his dubious claim by seeking
to build something on nothing. He tries in vain. The truth is that the
Nigerian media is pluralistic, vibrant, independent and free; it has
grown in scope, size and in terms of the freedom to practise under this
administration.
All lovers of democracy must join us in reminding the ACN and
its spokespersons that they cannot pull down this house with mere
spittle because our democracy is strong and solid and the man at the
helm of affairs is a democrat and a progressive leader.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
May 5, 2013
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