Apart from the expenses and national political relevance (to name two of many) of being a nuclear power, Nigeria has the potential to be a global superpower. We have resources – human and natural – and the motivation to improve our country. When I say “our”, please note that this does not include those at the helm of leadership (at any level) who continue to waste our precious resources in order to line their pockets and support their prebendalist networks at the expense of the majority of the marginalized populace.

After suffering a brain drain, Nigeria has so much to gain from the “brain gain” that is awaiting. The Nigerian (and African) Diaspora have a major role to play in the progress and development of Nigeria and Africa. This is no understatement.

I understand that Nigeria is still an ‘unstable’ country in many respects, but I remember a comment Dr. Ali Mazrui made at his book launch at the Africa Institute of South Africa (in 2005 if I recall correctly). His comment centered on the imbalance of power relations and why the West does not want other countries to have nuclear power – to continue the power struggles and imbalance and to keep Africa on its heels.

I agree with his view because if African countries were to get their acts together and create a “United States of Africa” envisioned by Nkrumah and Qadafi, then the power imbalance of the world will shift with Africa at the helm of leadership – or as a very competitive force. If Nigeria can better itself and lead the way, then I do not see why not. After all, North Korea is always taken seriously!

Ideally, it would be lovely to live in a nuclear-free world. Yet, I continue to be a skeptic. If politics favours countries with nuclear power, let Nigeria get its act together and then, “o jare”, leave Nigeria alone.

Jonathan will be a historic president if he spends his energy on electoral reform. He will not achieve much on energy reform and on the other items in his agenda. It is clear that he means well. But there is simply no time to make a significant difference in any of those other issues in his wish list….unless of course he is playing for 2001.

Whatever the case, he should choose his fight with one eye on history. He may yet in his short presidency make a greater name for posterity than those that misruled for a longer time.

I think the positives in his remarks and promises need to be acknowledged and every effort be made to help him do the best he can.