Jonathan Not A 'Father', Must Be 'Born Again' — Dino Melaye

A former member of the House of Representatives, Dino Melaye, condemned President Goodluck Jonathan for failing to speak about the missing Chibok Girls in his 54th independence speech.

Melaye, who organized a protest with a civil rights organisation, Citizens Arise Movement of Nigeria (CAMON), at the Eagle Square, Abuja, yesterday, said the President shows he is not a 'father' and needs to be 'born again'.

"He is not the father of the nation because no father will have missing children, 219 of them, and would carry on as if nothing is amiss," Punchquoted Melaye as saying.

"We are here to tell the President that he needs to be born again."

The former lawmaker said it was unacceptable that the plight of the missing girls was obviously not a priority.

“But the President has forgotten the welfare of the Chibok girls. He has forgotten the welfare of missing Nigerians," he said.

Melaye argued that, as the President, it is his duty to ensure the safety of Nigerians.

“He swore to protect the lives and security of Nigerians on May 29, 2011.

He held the Bible and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Section 14 of that constitution is very clear, that the security and welfare of the people will be the primary objective of government.

In a statement distributed during the protests, CAMON said Nigerians want President Jonathan to "behave like a true Commander of the Armed Forces."

“We are here to say that Nigerians are disenchanted and disillusioned about the state of affairs in the country. Nigerians are yearning for good governance.

"Nigerians are demanding government with Capacity to perform."