Even the poorest have enjoyed plenty of food this year—Coordinator, Goodluck Initiatives ‘15

Last week, to the dismay and pleasure of many, President Goodluck
Jonathan finally declared his ambition to run for re-election in
2015. Mixed feelings have no doubt trailed his performance as
president since his election in 2007. In this interview, Hajia
Bilikisu Ohiani-David, National Coordinator, Goodluck Initiatives '15
(Gio 15), fields questions on why Jonathan deserves a second term,
citing instances of his work in the lives of women and youths. It
would be recalled that Gio was one of the few groups that campaigned
for Jonathan's election in 2007.
You've always said that Goodluck Jonathan has done well for youths and
women. Now, two basic areas that even oppositions are crying foul are
security and electricity supply. With these also gravely affecting
women and youths, how will you convince an average Nigerian to still
support Jonathan in 2015?
When you talk about youths, in agriculture for example, he has touched
them through the Youth Enterprises with Innovation in Nigeria (YOU
WIN) which is the administration's job creation masterpiece. Talking
about youths again, as of last year alone, we produced 1.1million
metric tonnes through dry season rice. Now, majority of farmers and
youths from the North who usually wait for raining season before
farming, will tell you that they now profitably engage in farming
during the dry season. That alone has created job for them.
Now, talking of security, Goodluck Jonathan is in fact the first
president that has built 127 almajiri schools. This will not only
benefit these children but also help curb insecurity. Now, most of
these children know their right from left and cannot be used to
perpetrate evil.
In the area of electricity, if we choose to be sincere, we will agree
that the situation is better now.
Talking about women, Jonathan is the first president that signed into
law 35% appointment in government for women. He has been able to give
to women about 15 to 20% allocation so far and we know he will do as
he has said.
This is not just about supporting but voting. Now that permanent
voters card are being distributed, what should be the response of
youths and women?
Thank you very much. We have over 10 million members across the
country and they have their voters card and that is what we are
working on because supporting without a voter's card is useless. We
have 36 state coordinators enlightening the grassroots about what
Goodluck is doing. We know what we are saying and we are praying
Almighty Allah will empower Goodluck Jonathan to complete the work he
has started in Nigeria.
I learned you voluntarily joined Jonathan train simply because he
declared we were all one Nigeria, irrespective of ethnic diversities.
Talk, like we know, is cheap. How has he proved this oneness since
2007?
Look at what he has done with almajiris. His predecessor, late
President Musa Yar'Adua, nursed and shared this dream of salvaging
almajiris and despite his death, Jonathan has kept this dream alive.
See how he has also empowered farmers in the North to make sure
farming continues even in dry season. Even the poorest in Nigeria will
attest that there have been plenty of food for Nigerians this year
without any scarcity. This is a man from the Niger Delta, remember.
Look at what he is doing in various sectors. We know that if he is
re-elected, he will do more to unite Nigeria and that is what we stand
for; divided will fall.
He is uniting Nigeria, you claim. But how come crisis has not eluded
the North since he came into office?
A lot of people have publicly vowed to make this government
ungovernable for him. But despite these challenges, he struggles and
still succeeds in fulfilling his plans for our general good. To be
sincere with ourselves, is he touching lives in each sector of the
economy or not? Imagine the heat from oppositions wasn't there. He
would have done perfectly well.
Hundreds of lives have been lost since he came into power and there
are indicators and prophecies that this might worsen in his next
tenure. Don't you think sacrifice is a hallmark of leadership and
Jonathan should sacrifice whatever desire for power he has and step
down to prevent more deaths? He cannot dance to the
tune of enemies. He will continue to stand strong and do all he can to
fight insurgency. His zeal is to curb this glitch and we believe
things will be better if he is re-elected.