With the formal launch of its series of rallies in support of President Goodluck Jonathan, intended to prompt him to seek re-election in 2015, the non-governmental organisation called Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) has further lifted the veil that had hitherto helped to conceal Jonathan’s ambition, even though his dream had never really been hidden. Of course, TAN’s August 16 campaign in Awka, Anambra State, which was revealingly tagged “Nigerians Demand” and was targeted at the Southeast, could not have been speaking for Nigerians as was suggested. But the incorrect and misleading sign-post could be excused because such is the way of politically-motivated communication, especially when those behind it are swimming against the current.
By the time the group’s next rally aimed at the Southwest comes up in Ibadan on August 23, followed by the Southsouth edition on August 30, only the stubbornly naïve would still believe that TAN is not externalising what is perhaps Jonathan’s deepest desire, which is to remain in power at least for another four years. Other rallies are scheduled as follows: North-central, September 9 in Minna; Northeast, September 20 in Gombe; and Northwest, September 27 in Kano.
For the avoidance of doubt, TAN’s expressed objective is “the continuation of transformation by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ).” In its view, Jonathan’s “sterling human qualities, democratic credentials and landmark accomplishments” are “currently under-marketed and under-advertised”; and this has “given rise to the persistent false narrative about his leadership standing, and a myth that TAN has set out to deconstruct for Nigerians and the international community to know the truth and live by it”.
Interestingly, TAN’s moves coincide with a thought-provoking action by the presidency, which has inaugurated an 11-member committee to coordinate the seemingly innumerable opportunistic groups backing Jonathan for re-election. The President’s Political Adviser, Prof. Rufai Alkali, who introduced the team, said: “As 2015 approaches, we note that the circumstances and fundamentals facing us are somewhat different. The opposition is different; the political landscape is different; the players are different and the issues are different.”
Alkali continued: “To address these issues, the reorganisation of the Goodluck Support Group (GSG) has become imperative. I have, therefore, decided to set up a special GSG reorganisation committee to study all issues concerning the organisation and propose a reorganisation structure that will allow us position for 2015.” The screening and evaluation of the various Jonathan support groups for accommodation under the GSG umbrella, he said, will be carried out in the six zonal centres set up by his office.
Considering the scale of the preparation indicated by these developments, it is both puzzling and laughable that the character whose interest is being promoted by these activities continues to pretend that he may not be interested in a second term as president after all. In the light of all that is visible, Jonathan’s attitude is nothing short of self-deception, if he thinks that the people are in the dark.
There is a certain reptilian sneakiness to his conduct in respect of whether he intends to run for president in next year’s general elections. What is he waiting for, particularly given all the signs that continue to betray his aspiration?
