I would have loved to write about more than one president on this subject. Maybe consider both sides of the coin, or just the same side, but two different people. Since the prompt suggests one, I'll make the uneasy choice. However, the particular president I'll be discussing here had an unusual path into power. One that saw him pass through another president to attain that grand position of leadership. That other president; Umaru Musa Yar’adua, is one I would have loved to talk about as well. It's been a long while, but I believe the name remains unforgettable.
As much as I'll be talking about former president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, I won't fail to acknowledge Umaru Musa Yar’adua for the man he was and the impact he had in his short unfortunate tenure. He was a leader with proven integrity and concern for the country and the masses. I can't say he doesn't have some things to be criticised for. Posterity, however says well of him, and it's evident by how much good is said about him to the bad. His story might not be loud, but it remains a memorable one.
It was also important to consider that because of how Goodluck Ebele Jonathan came into power. It was unfortunately through the demise of Umaru Musa Yar’adua, while still in power. I was a boy when these events unfolded. The public concern and questionable future of the nation was managed well by Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who took over, being the vice president and thus, next in line. Going back to learn of his leadership journey to that point and then his impactful reign left him etched in great memory among many, though still alive.
History and the words of citizens show that after the 2015 election which he“ lost,” life hasn't been the same in the country. Those who were witnesses know the favourable cost of living then. His tenure brought significant growth to Nigeria’s economy, growing it to the largest in Africa. He was a promoter of democratic values, peace integrity, and considered national interest. Many who experienced his leadership tenure can attest to these things. But yes, there are things to be said of his administration in the other sense.
The major defining problem of his tenure was the insurgency which came into scene that period. The overwhelming nature of the attacks from terrorists through the birth of “Boko Haram” was a great bone in the neck for his administration. He tried, but more was required from the concerned citizens. That eventually stood as a point of campaign against him. He “lost” the next election and peacefully handed over power to the incoming president. That act itself solidified his life and leadership service, perhaps even more than his presidential reign.
Alongside good qualities and deeds towards a better country, for the betterment of the citizens, this particular act made him memorable, not just to citizens but also to the international society, earning him a peace award later on. Of course, that's what he was supposed to do, but that act wasn't a character trait of leaders here or on the continent as a whole. Peace and the safety of the citizens mattered more than his political ambition. Some called him a weakling for that, but he did what was necessary. Today, he remains respected and memorable.
