Tom Inko –Tariah is the Director-General/National Coordinator of the Goodluck Development Foundation (GDF). In this interview with BODE OLAGOKE, Inko-Tariah believes terrorism cannot divide Nigeria and that the country is moving in the right track to becoming one of the top 20 economies in the world
On the security situation in Nigeria
My view of the security situation in the country can be seen to be a form of regional turbulence currently in the airspace, but we believe that it is going to get calm soon because the security agencies are working round the clock to put an end to this menace bedeviling our society. I must commend Mr. President for his efforts at making sure that peace returns to the country. Terrorism is not a good thing and nobody should support it. It is my belief that people should adopt dialogue in resolving conflicts.
On the other hand, we are also pleading with our fellow brothers who now trade as insurgents to sheath their swords and embrace peace. There is no way two wrongs can make a right. Let them come out and work hand in hand with the Nigerian government to develop our great country Nigeria, because these senseless killings will not take us anywhere. They should bear in mind that this evil called terrorism cannot break Nigeria. It is very important not to forget to pray for our missing girls and our security agencies too.
Assessment of the nation’s democracy
Democracy in Nigeria is improving as the day goes by, despite the challenges which we are presently experiencing. I believe we shall get to the promise land soon. Democracy is been experiencing its bloom especially the right to air your views no matter whose ox is gored by way of the freedom of expression. In fact it is a clear indication that we have moved to another milestone unlike what it used to be in the past. We are moving in the right direction as we are working towards achieving a totally transformed nation. With the ongoing national conference it is my belief that most of our differences would be resolved and we would continue to live together as one. Our nation’s democracy would continue to wax stronger and stronger by the special grace of God.
View on President Jonathan’s administration
The president is doing perfectly well in terms of transforming the country, and I quite admire his determination to have a very good country we shall be proud to call our home. Despite the activities of agents of darkness, all we can do is to pray for them to see the light. Dr Goodluck Jonathan’s government still boasts of a mind blowing record of positive development and achievements.
Nigeria’s reputations in the comity of nations have improved tremendously, our Per Capital Income, Gross Domestic Products (GDP) have all tripled. Nigeria is now the preferred investment destination in Africa which can be evidenced in the recent world economic summit in Abuja. It goes a long way to show that the President is doing perfectly well. He tried to be very humane in his policies by ensuring these policies have positive impact in the lives of the masses. I employ all Nigerians to rally round and support Mr President to build a strong foundation for this country.
Main objective of the foundation?
The main objective of our organization is to carry out activities that shall guarantee a change of attitude and mindset amongst the citizenry thereby having a new Nigeria through this social re-engineering. Our core objective remains charity and humanitarian activities with which we intend to reach out to the less privileged in the society, to ensure reduction in poverty amongst Nigerians.
Is it a social political group or does it have any political connotation?
Our NGO Goodluck Development Foundation (GDF) is wholly a charity and humanitarian group; it is nonprofit making, non political and non religious. We are not a political group at all; we shall carryout humanitarian services that will improve the living standard in our society by meeting the basic needs of the people.
As it is, how many people have you been able to impact positively?
We have carried out various charitable and humanitarian activities ranging from prison and hospital visitations, medical missions to communities, visit to orphanages and counseling and career guidance for students etc. Of recent, we carried out a medical mission at Emakalakala where so many people with eye defects were attended to and medication administered. Other communities we visited had the widows and elderly provided with basic economic needs. At some other instance, we partnered with other associates of ours to train the youths on sustainable skills in different fields of endeavour.
How do you draw your membership?
Forms are gotten from our various state and local government coordinators at the various states including FCT. The forms are free for all those who want to become members and volunteers as care ambassadors. Our members shall conform to high moral standard of good character in the society. We have a Board of Trustees, the National Executive Committee which comprises of the director general, deputy director general, secretary general and the various executives. We have the zonal coordinators in the six geopolitical zones of the country, states coordinators and their executives as well as local government coordinators and their executives too.
What are your plans for Nigeria?
As you can see, some of us have been bestowed with a large heart by our creator; in fact, I remain grateful to God Almighty. I stand on the mandate of our creator wherein He has mandated us to show care and love to our neighbours. Our various mind-blowing projects shall promote love, tolerance and togetherness amongst Nigeria.
Motive
The motive of this organization can be derived from the positive attributes of my mentor Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan whose humble lifestyle has influenced humanity a great deal. His positive attributes and disposition to the less privilege has greatly inspired so many Nigerians both far and wide. It is my belief that adoption of DrGoodluck Jonathan’s life style would greatly impart on Nigerians if we must live together as one family called Nigeria.
How long has the NGO being in existence?
The NGO has existed for more than five years now, and had been busy sensitizing Nigerians especially through the social media. We have the zonal coordinators in the six geopolitical zones, states coordinators, local government coordinators and local government secretaries and executives which cut across all segments of the society.
Advice to politicians ahead 2015
My advice to the politicians is that they should all try to be calm, play the politics with maturity and discipline. They should avoid use of thugs to rig elections. If an election is conducted they should allow the appropriate authorities to count the votes. It must be one man- one vote. My advice for those contesting is to have patience and not to resort to violence when they lose elections. They should all learn to follow the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln.