Ambassador Sobomabo Jackrich is from Kalabari in Asari Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State. An ex-agitator, he is the principal of Egberipapa Leadership Foundation, which gave birth to the Network for Defence of Democracy and Good Governance (NDDGG) and Kengema Unity Forum (KUF). He has received several awards for his service to his people and the nation.
In this chat with Copy Editor Peter Ekanem, he speaks on second term for President Goodluck Jonathan; his assessment of the security challenges facing the country and how government has responded so far.
He also speaks on how Nigeria can control the influx of illegal aliens into the country among other issues. Excerpts:
What is your take on second term for President Goodluck Jonathan?
I don’t see anything wrong in the president going for re-election. We all have ambitions but there are parameters for us to measure; what qualifies an individual for re-election. So, if I may ask, has the president performed very well? If the answer is yes, then what are we talking about? The Transformational Agenda of Mr. President speaks volumes. For a country to develop all the sectors of the economy, you will agree with me that four years is not enough to correct the ills of over 50 years; the government will need to formulate policies and make laws whereby creating an enabling environment for the economy to thrive. That is why the constitution allows for a second term making it eight years in office and I believe with eight years any focused leader like Mr. President will be able to lay a good foundation for the economic transformation and industrialisation of the country so that the next administration can build on that foundation.
How will you rate Jonathan’s administration in terms of delivery of good governance?
I rate this administration 90 per cent, which is excellent. We have seen massive roads construction and rehabilitation; nine new universities have been established to address admission challenges; our local and international airports now have a new look. What about power and the revamping of the railway system; the almajiri schools, the Second Niger Bridge that the foundation was laid recently. One must not forget the rule of law; in fact, the list is endless; the Transformation Agenda of Mr. President deserves accolade as it cuts across all the geo-political zones of the country.
What is your assessment of the security challenges and how government has responded so far?
The issue of insecurity is not peculiar to Nigeria; it was not manufactured by the present administration. One will agree with me that it is a global situation but to us in Nigeria it’s new. We have never experienced it like this but the achievements of the government to me is under publicised and the media have helped the terrorists group more by publicising their activities which is their trade to instill fear in the people. But I can assure you that the security apparatuses are working and that is why most of us can sleep with our eyes close and go about our business. So, I think the situation is not as hopeless as many will want to make it look. Nigeria will surmount the challenges.
What are your fears about Jonathan’s presidency?
Instead of expressing my fears, I will say a prayer that God should not allow disgruntled politicians infiltrate President Jonathan’s camp and cause disunity that will destroy the hard work of our president. I know that President Jonathan loves this country passionately and wants to make sure it grows and takes its rightful place in the global community. But I cannot speak for everyone around him.
Do you foresee rebellion in Nigeria and how do you see to the prediction that Nigeria may likely disintegrate?
I don’t foresee rebellion; Nigerians are civilised and better informed and as for disintegration been predicted by the U.S., it would have been a food for thought but for the prompt response of Mr. President in convening the National Conference, which will enable all ethnic groups as well as stakeholders iron out issues that are militating against our unity. With this development I believe that different issues will be addressed and Nigerians will forge ahead as a strong indivisible entity.
How do we control the influx of illegal aliens into the country and boost government war against insurgents?
We need a holistic approach in checkmating our porous borders to curb the uncontrolled influx of illegal immigrants. The immigration and other related agencies should step up their game by organising a proper database of all immigrants; periodic investigations should be made about their business dealings and financial transactions. Proper checks should be made before granting visas into Nigeria like it is obtainable in the U.S. and other developed countries. We also need state of the art border control surveillance equipment and lastly the national identity card scheme should be used to create a database for all Nigerians so that security operatives can carry out investigation on individual thoroughly, if some of these measures are put in place, it will boost the war against insurgents.
How would you advise the Federal Government on steps to take against members of the Boko Haram sect? Should international peace keeping force be involved in this fight against Boko Haram?
The fight against Boko Haram is complex in nature; it can be likened to guerrilla warfare, and this is why we need a lot of intelligence gathering. I believe that is what the security apparatus is engaged in; these individuals live in the midst of the people; they don’t have special looks whereby you can identify them. It takes me back to my previous response on our porous borders. The federal government needs to tighten the security in our borders; as for international peacekeeping force to be part of this fight it is uncalled for; the Nigerian military are capable of dismantling Boko Haram.
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