A new opinion poll has shown that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, in the last few days, has bounced back. Current reports indicate that Nigerians, the international world and close watchers of Nigeria’s 2015 presidential election have thrown their weight behind the continuity of President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda.
It would be recalled that security issues, especially by the dreaded group, Boko Haram, was a major setback in the scorecard of President Goodluck Jonathan. And this was maximally used against his administration, especially by the opposition. Now the story has changed, with Boko Haram being on the run and seriously dealt with. A great majority of those who initially spoke against the second term of Goodluck/Sambo are beginning to show support for their continuation in office as against Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, the APC candidate.
The poll, carried out by seasoned journalists and members of the Association on Online Media Practitioners (APCON), led by Mr. Wole Arisekola, asked many people who they would vote for between President Jonathan and Gen. Buhari. And it turned out that President Jonathan is more popular in spite of the APC propaganda.
Acts of terrorism being perpetrated by the Islamic militant group, Boko Haram, had hitherto looked impossible to tackle in the north eastern states of Nigeria. However, the Nigerian military has not only acquired new equipment to fight the insurgents, they have begun to gain upper hand in the battle as they have recaptured cities once dominated and oppressed by the sect.
According to the Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Kenneth Minimah, the Nigerian soldiers are currently undergoing more training to face Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in the country.
The Lieutenant General said: “We are going through troubled times, but they will soon come to an end, and we shall be glad at the end. I promise you it will come to an end and we will be victorious. As a matter of fact, government troops have flushed out Boko Haram terrorists from Gulag, Madagali Local Government Area in Adamawa State, and Bara in Gulani LGA, in neighbouring Yobe State.’’ Other areas said to have been made safe again include Shikah, Fikayel, Tetebah, Buza, Kamla and Bumsa.
Additional factors pointing to the goodwill of President Goodluck Jonathan, according to the survey conducted round the country, include PDP’s anti-violence stance on matters concerning the elections. In as much as the ruling party would want to continue its transformation agenda, violence and speeches that indicate desperation are condemned by them.
The Lagos/Ibadan and Ore/Benin expressways may have also contributed. Likewise the revitalized railway system, improved health facilities, power sector, affordable public education, etc.