Jonathan… Well Done, NASS

The unanimous resolution of the National Assembly (NASS) empowering Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to act as President and Commander-In-Chief of the armed forces pending the return of the President is a right step in the right direction.

 Though long overdue, the action could not have come at a more auspicious time than now when, the crisis that trailed the absence of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua for more than 78 days had elicited avoidable litigations of worrisome magnitude and resulted in calls for civil disobedience by some civil rights groups.

 The reason for such calls for action was understandable because of the political void created by the scanty information surrounding the true state of  President Yar’Adua’s health and the ensuing political intrigues, in apparent capitalisation on loopholes created by the 1999  Constitution. 

 Until the NASS resolution, the only thing known to many, was simply that Yar’Adua was out of the country on medical vacation at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia without officially handing over to Vice President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan or transmitting information concerning his journey to the National Assembly as required by Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution.  Even so, many others favoured Article 144 of the constitution as most applicable, stating when, under condition of permanent incapacity, the president or his vice shall cease to hold office, vis-à-vis role of the Executive Council.

 In the heat of the crisis, over which aspect of the constitution was to be applied, various groups and individuals called for an urgent intervention of the National Assembly which was, however, slow in arriving at a decision.

 But last Monday, the two chambers of the National Assembly broke the deadlock by resolving that Yar’Adua’s Vice, President Goodluck Jonathan be sworn-in as Acting President.

 Before that bold attempt, the impasse created by the President’s absence had literarily stalled major government programmes like the re-constitution of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the swearing-in of the substantive Chief Justice of the Federation and  signing of the 2010 Appropriation bill, when, and if passed into law by the National Assembly, among many others.

 This is why we commend NASS, for embracing the doctrine of necessity which enabled them to resolve that President Yar’Adua’s declaration concerning his health, on a BBC Interview Programme, duly furnished the parliament with irrefutable proof that he was on medical vacation in Saudi Arabia, and has therefore, complied with the provisions of Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution.

 Some may not agree with NASS’ constitutional interpretation.  This is understandable.  In fact, some dissenting voices have already described the resolution as illegal and capable of causing political chaos.  In like manner, many others have applauded it.

 In whichever way the NASS action is viewed, it deserves the commendation of all well-meaning Nigerians.

 That is why while lauding the lawmakers for a safe landing for an ailing President, The Tide also salutes the humility and sense of service thus far demonstrated by Acting President Goodluck Jonathan, who, in his maiden nationwide broadcast renewed his commitment to improve on power supply, consolidate the gains of the amnesty programme and also step up the fight against corruption. 

 We believe very frankly that these are some of the most pressing tall expectations of the Nigerian citizenry and going by the air of responsibility with which he stepped unto his new assignment, we are, without doubt, convinced that the nation will be better for it.

 We therefore enjoin all concerned Nigerians, with a belief in our nation’s hard earned democracy to support this present administration.

 Well done NASS. Once more, Nigerians have been assured that our democracy has come to stay, especially for the maturity and pragmatism displayed by the legislators in handling the delicate issues in order to ensure peace and good governance for the country.