Jonathan gets knocks over claim of economic ‘resurrection’

President Goodluck Jonathan says the Nigerian economy has “resurrected” and no longer under any form of threat on the domestic front.

Jonathan  also  argues that the recent rebasing of the country’s Gross Domestic Product, which saw Nigeria overtake South Africa as the continent’s largest economy, is a sign that the country is not grappling under the pangs of recession.

The President adds that he is convinced that with the feat Nigeria achieved as 26th largest economy in the world, his government will “triumph over” insurgency.

Writing on his Facebook page on Sunday, in commemoration of the Easter celebration, the President also appeals to Nigerians to render him and the security agencies necessary assistance in the fight against terrorism.

He says, “Our economy was recently recognised as the largest in Africa, meaning that we have resurrected from the effects of the global recession and domestic challenges as a result of the hard work of all Nigerians.

“The divine exhortation demands that we be conscious of events around our neighbourhood and not leave security to the government and security services alone but report suspicious activities to law enforcement agents.

“I have no doubt that we shall triumph over our present challenges and make our country one of the greatest nations on earth.”

But the position of the President about the state of the economy has drawn sharp criticisms from many Nigerians who accuse him of being economical with the truth.

Many of the President’s Facebook friends say his claim about the resurrection of the Nigerian economy at a time both small scale and large scale business enterprises are being powered by generators could best be described as an irony.

A student,  Wisdom Umina, notes that the gains in the economy, the President is referring to, is only seen in the lives of few who pilot the affairs of the country.

On the President’s Facebook page, he writes, “What an irony, Mr. President. Our economy is growing, yet our citizens are living in abject poverty. It pains me a lot each time I go through your manifestos. Why are you brainwashing Nigerians? Of what relevance is the said economic growth without a corresponding development in the lives of majority of our people? Is that not the paramount objective of any responsible government? Enough of this hyperbole!”

For Kingsley Igbinake, the President’s boasts about Nigeria being the largest economy in Africa is a “fallacy” and his continued reference to it in his public communications shows that he is “detached from reality.”

Igbinake adds, “Is it not a shame on this government that it cannot guarantee the majority of its citizens potable water? This is a big shame on you (Jonathan) and your government.”

Also, as the criticisms became fiercer, some Nigerians living in states where there have been recent cases of insurgency and deadly clashes took to Jonathan’s Facebook page to fault his claim.

 A civil servant based in Makurdi, Benue State, Geoffrey Gbidye, asks the President’s advisers and cabinet members to explain the true state of affairs of the country to him.

Querying the President on how he came about his indices, Gbidiye asks, “Economic resurrection when there is no light, when unemployment is at its peak, insecurity pervades the clime with attendant bombing, kidnapping, and there is constant clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers! Mr. President , choose the path of honesty and let’s take this nation to the promise land.”

Also, a technical officer attached to the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Borno State, Baba Kolo-Ahmodu, argues that the President must have been referring to another economy and not that of Nigeria.

“Mr. President,  we have accepted your Easter wish. However, I want to know which economy you are  talking about, sir. I hope it is not the same economy where people shed tears almost on a daily basis over the menace of insurgency; and where unemployment and poverty reign supreme. Jonathan needs to wake up from his slumber,” Kolo-Ahmodu says.

Summing up the concerns  by many Nigerians online, a Lagos-based information and communication technology entrepreneur, Adaobi Joseph, writes, “With all due respect sir, Nigerians need more than words these days. We’ve heard enough from you, it’s time you put your money where your mouth is! Enough of the big words and consolation.

“When we say goodbye to our spouses who travel, how do we know it won’t be the last time we ever get to see them? When we drop our kids off at school and kiss them goodbye hoping to see them at the end of school hours, how do we know the school will still be standing when we come to pick them up?

“When we fight tooth and nail to get into the university and come with out with good grades, what’s the guarantee that we won’t be roaming the streets in search of jobs for the next 10 years? You see Mr. President, talk is cheap. Besides, how happy do you think this Easter is going to be for the families of the Borno schoolgirls who were abducted since last week?”