Top 10 Most Memorable Goodluck Jonathan​’s Electoral Promises

Few weeks are left before the presidential elections in Nigeria. And it is a period for candidates to assure Nigerians that they deserve this position. 

Incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan is not an exclusion. Jonathan is in the limelight, as his administration has been both criticized and praised for performance in the office.

Still, what should Nigerians expect from from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and GEJ’s second term?  Specifically, what did President Jonathan promise in the course of his campaign?

1. To uncover failures of ex-leaders

Just at the very start, at the inauguration of the Goodluck/Sambo 2015 Presidential Campaign Organisation (PCO), Jonathan vowed to expose the failings of Nigeria’s former leaders, and reinstate his administration’s commitment to the national interests.

“When we start campaigns, we will confront them with what we have done as a government, we will tell them what they did not do when they were heads of state. Some people want to still keep these children as shoe cleaners, we must lift them up. Our children should not be used as cannon folders. They should be allowed to move forward to be governors like us.”

2. To strengthen democracy

During the widely publicized Lagos campaign, Jonathan promised to “dialogue” with Nigerians, thus insisting that he is focused on advancing democratic principles in Nigeria.

And to continue fighting corruption, which is called by critics as one of the worst sins of Jonathan’s administration.

“We are building institutions to fight corruption.”

3. To rely on the youth

Same Lagos rally. Jonathan praises young Nigerians adding that they will take the country “to the moon”. According to the President, it is time to give way to the younger generation.

4. To keep Nigeria intact

Mid January the National Security Adviser and Special Adviser to President Jonathan on inter-party affairs held a Sensitization Workshop on Non-Violence in Abuja.

GEJ dismissed one of the most popular pre-election assertions that Nigeria will break up after the polls.

Hardly a promise, but more like a non-arguable assurance that the people should not fear the historical event. At least, President Jonathan seems to be confident that the base created by his administration is steady to avoid cracks.

“Nigeria will not end.”

5. To ensure completion of the started projects

Country’s leader paid an unscheduled visit to to the site of the second Niger bridge project at the Onitsha-Asaba axis. Jonathan explained that it is important for him to follow the progress with such big projects. Jonathan felt special responsibility after hearing rumours that things were not being done properly.

“I decided that I must visit the site of the second Niger Bridge to know the level of work there because some people have been saying all sorts of things, so I said I must visit the site before coming to pay courtesy call on His Majesty. Work is in prog­ress on the project.”

6. To improve healthcare services

It was the success of dealing with Ebola that added credibility to this promise. Nigeria became a good example of the African country that had managed to contain the deadly virus spread.

GEJ also attributed increase in life expectancy to the performance of his administration and said he would continue improving the level of living.

“And the government I head will not rest on its oars in improving all our health indices to make sure that Nigerians not only live longer lives, but that we live better quality lives.”

7. To bring Boko Haram to justice

Speaking during his his New Year nationwide broadcast GEJ touched upon one of the most painful issues for the nation: insurgency, that has claimed thousands of lives.

“We will bring justice to the savage terrorists known as Boko Haram. They will be defeated.”

8. To rescue Chibok girls

Not less painful matter of the school girls abduction during April 14, 2014, raid in Borno.

In the course of his presidential campaign in the state capital Maiduguri, Jonathan promised that the children would be soon reunited with their families.

“Whatever it takes to do this and to ensure the return of the Chibok girls we will do. “

9. To hand over office

The Presidential Media Chat was held February 11, after the announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) about the elections postponement. The scandalous decision generated many reactions, with some alleging that Jonathan plotted to stay longer in the office.

However, the President insisted that he was not afraid to lose.

“If the elections are conducted and I lose, of course, another president would be sworn in.”

10. To develop railway links

In one of his Facebook posts, President Jonathan disclosed his further plans, if he gets re-elected:

“Our plan, which we intend to bring to fruition with your support, is to link every commercial and administrative capital in Nigeria by rail thereby bringing our people closer. We must continue to strengthen the bond of our union.”

Only time will show who will emerge the winner of the forthcoming elections and if Goodluck Jonathan will fulfill his electoral promises, if chosen by Nigerians on March 28. Nigeria will decide, very soon!