GEJ: Jonathan’s Government Favours Only His Family And Friends, Atiku Says

Atiku accused Jonathan of turning his administration to one of nepotism, presidentialism and ‘clientelism’ Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has accused President Goodluck Jonathan of running a government which only benefits his cronies and family members. Atiku accused Jonathan of turning his administration to one of nepotism, presidentialism and ‘clientelism.’ The former VP said this through his representative, Director-General of the Atiku Campaign Organisation, Prof. Babalola Borishade, at a press conference held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Vanguard reports. Atiku further said that the presidential system of government under Jonathan has been turned to presidentialism, in which the president wields enormous power, where he favours only his cronies. He added: “…as a result, effective accountability and representation through popular democratic participation is giving way to personal rule and single party dictatorships rooted on politics of Clientelism.” “Clientelism refers to the awarding of personal favours among patrimonial cronies. These favours take the form of public sector jobs, appointments, distribution of resources through licences, contracts and tax wavers.” “Corruption, nepotism and official impunity have brought our country down to the bottom 3 per cent in the world in terms of political stability.” “In essence, what we have now in Nigeria is a form of patrimonial democracy. This is posing serious threats to the durability of democracy.” “Not only because it erodes civil liberties of citizens, thus creating a culture of political apathy and disenchantment among them, it also severely limits the extent to which Government can be pressed to be responsive and accountable towards the citizens.” “Thus, for both of those who are inside and outside the network, the future is bleak.” The former VP is set to contest the 2015 presidential elections as a candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) if he wins the party’s primaries » .