I am Dr. Charles Apoki, and this message is directed at President Goodluck Jonathan, our former president.
Sir, please don’t listen to the political Oxpeckers around you. Yesterday, I spoke about these Oxpeckers—birds that perch on large animals like buffalos, rhinos, and hippopotamuses. They act like they are removing ticks, but in reality, they feed on the animal’s blood. These birds are opportunists. They look for wounds or soft spots to drain blood, sometimes introducing infections that can eventually kill the host.
President Goodluck Jonathan, I admire you greatly. I defended you even when people protested against you during your time in office. Back then, Nigeria was in a much better state than it is now. We had a higher GDP growth rate, debt forgiveness, and relative calm compared to today. The dollar exchange rate was lower, and petroleum prices were affordable. Despite all these, they protested against you, and you were pushed out of office.
You Were Fortunate
Sir, your name Goodluck speaks volumes. You were fortunate to rise from Deputy Governor to Governor, Vice President, and eventually President. What else do you need? At this stage, you have global recognition and respect. You were not perfect—no one is—but you were not scandalous either. Corruption may have festered under you, but you were fortunate to have competent people around you.
The Nigeria of today, however, is far more complex. It requires a firm hand, strategic thinking, and a strong-minded individual to tackle the numerous challenges plaguing our country.
Remember the Gang-Up
Do you remember how they ganged up against you? The meetings that were held when they shouldn’t have been? How those around you suddenly became regional, ethnic, and religious bigots? Even people from your area who should have stood by you betrayed you. The same forces are at play again.
Sir, don’t stretch your good luck too far. Nigeria is no longer the country you governed. Today’s problems are far more complicated. Boko Haram, banditry, herdsmen crises, and illegal mining have worsened. In some parts of the North, foreigners have taken over, smuggling mineral resources out of the country with ease. Small jets land in remote areas to ferry out gold and coltan.
If Northern leaders—governors, military leaders, and politicians—wanted to end banditry, Boko Haram, and illegal mining, they could do it in six months. But they are beneficiaries of these criminal activities.
The East and South Are Not Left Out
The issues in the East have grown more complicated. Even the South, where you come from, is facing its own challenges. The country’s problems are too big, too complex for you to solve at this stage in your life.
A New Generation Must Lead
Sir, our generation should step aside. People like me and you should not be recycled for governance. We need fresh minds and new blood. Look at Senegal—they are bringing in younger leaders with fresh energy and ideas. Recycling the same old leaders who carry ethnic bigotry, corruption, and incompetence will not save Nigeria.
If we cannot raise a new generation of leaders, then we have failed as a generation. I can’t compete with my own son when it comes to his area of expertise. If I have to contest with him, then I have failed as a mentor and as a father.
Nigeria Is Not a Company
Sir, if Nigeria were your personal company, would you bring back someone who was ganged up against, or would you look for new leadership? You have already played your part on the stage and scored high marks. Let others step in and take over. Don’t listen to satanic voices—these political Oxpeckers don’t mean well for you or Nigeria. They are looking for fresh blood, and they will tear your skin open just to feed themselves.
Play on the Global Stage
You have global recognition. You can play on the world stage. Write books. Share your experience. Participate in global leadership initiatives. Do not overstretch your good luck. Don’t let these political Oxpeckers push you into unnecessary battles that will only damage your legacy.
Nigeria needs a clean slate. It cannot be fixed by the same people who created the problems. Let the new generation rise up. Let fresh minds take charge.
God bless you, sir. God bless Nigeria.
I remain Dr. Charles Apoki, wishing for a new Nigeria.
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