Dear Mr. Goodluck...I need some answers

Dear Mr. Acting President, what's your gameplan? Please help this young Nigerian mind understand a few issues that discourage me about the future of my beloved country:

· I understand that the flexibility of the exchange rate is a key shock absorber for the economy when foreign reserves are declining. Since the national budget depends heavily on a benchmark oil price, I am curious to know what benchmark oil price was used to set the 2010 budget considering the fact that oil prices have risen again. What are you doing to diversify our economy considering the global push for green energy and a declining oil reserve?

· The violence in the Niger Delta was quelled by an amnesty deal, and although tensions are rising again, it’s important for the government to ensure that the situation is resolved so that crude production capacity may increase. $6.3 billion in stolen oil and another $28 billion in shut in (deliberately not produced oil) obviously impacted the economic growth back in 2008. How will you deal with the rebellion and how will you ensure that the poor people of Delta (your native people) that provide our nation with such great wealth are not living in decrepit conditions?

· Electricity shortage is a major drain on the economy because of the $13.4 billion spent each year to power electricity generators. Privatization of the telecommunications industry proved successful and it is safe to assume that privatization of the power industry will yield positive results. Can you outline the steps you’ll take to resolve the electricity dilemma that demoralizes the Nigerian people? The manufacturing sector could obviously benefit from the cheap labor market but electricity will need to be consistent to entice investors and companies.

· Banking sector regulations need to be forward thinking to prevent similar scandals that involved artificially inflating the capital market (e.g. by lending money to people to buy bank stock). What financial and monetary reforms do you intend to pursue to ensure that Nigeria’s banking sector begins to flourish again? In 2005, Goldman Sachs suggested that Nigeria could become one of the 20 largest economies in the world by 2025. At this rate, I need you to convince me that they were not crazy! Can I expect us to at least make the top 100? Why?

· The federal government should cooperate (not antagonize) with Lagos state to ensure that policies are beneficial for the state but not a hindrance to the overall national economic health. Being the commercial center of the country, success in Lagos has benefits to the entire nation. Neighboring states should also begin to capitalize on Lagos’ successes so as to develop their own economies and reduce overpopulation in Lagos. How are you going to develop other areas of the country? Lagos currently houses 60% of Nigeria’s industrial investment and commercial activity. What are they doing right that you can implement around the nation?

Well Done President Jonathan, Oops Acting President!

As Youths burdened by the downward spiral of the positive indicators that depict a working nation, strode or should i say peacefully matched down the tarred roads that clad the vicinity housing the national assembly, Abuja in a bid to send a message of hope to the citizens who have almost thrown in the towel and that of fear to the Cabal that have for years dragged the destiny of our country in the canals of dread and depravity; they hoped that somehow nations were watching, people listening and actions taken to begin the rebuilding of a frail and fast failing state.

Being one of the hopeful youths, my sights were set on the Vice President cum Acting President to set into motion a mechanism that would not just make Utopia a reality in the minds and fantasies of Nigerians alone, but make such hopes and dreams a reality. This awakening could not have come on a better day, March 17th, my birthday and a day after youths took to the streets to air their frustrations and to request accountability from our leaders: The dissolution of the cabinet of the ailing and inconspicuous president Yar A'dua.Way to go Sir!

I however am not getting drunk on this new development yet until an agenda targeted at easing the distress of the Nigerian citizenry is put in place, A cabinet that respects the rule of law,genuinely cares about the populace and would be accountable to the people they are suppose to "Serve" and "Lead" as oppose to putting their selfish ambitions in the forefront, are instituted. I am an optimist and i see change beyond recognition but first Nigerians have to continuously demand accountability and shun corruption at "ALL" levels.

Hat tip once again to Dr. Goodluck Jonathan on achieving such a feat, but we plead with you that you do not tread the same path of your predecessors, but that you set yourself apart and be a vehicle and vessel that would take Nigeria to her Eldorado. Well done once again!

Seleipiri Iboroma Akobo
March,2010