The responsibility of a country is not in the hands of a privileged few.
We are strong and we are free from tyranny as long as each one of us remembers his/her duty as a citizen. Whether it's to report the terrible roads on your street or a president that openly loots the treasury and then seeks to stick the masses with the bill. Speak out. Ask those questions. Demand that truth.

Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan rewarded the citizens (that elected him into office in 2011) with a New Year's day announcement that the price of fuel would more than double (from Naira 65 to over Naira 140) effective immediately.

Citizens of Nigeria are in the streets protesting despite reports of police officials shooting into crowds and killing some protesters, several factions in leadership positions within our society have also appealed to him to revert fuel prices back to the prior amount (even if only to allow for adequate planning - how can anybody think it is sane to spring a decision of this magnitude on its citizens without ample warning) but he refuses to listen.

Nigerian's are used to enduring so there is no doubt in my mind that we can bear this sacrifice, it is what we've always done on various issues ranging from power outages to dysfunctional schools. However when you examine the president's argument for increasing fuel prices, one is forced to look in the mirror and ask "Am I a fool? Was I born into slavery without even realizing it?".

I implore you to sign this petition asking for our leaders to stand up and fight corruption at its root by seeking a vote of no confidence in Dr. Goodluck Jonathan's ability to lead this country. Surely there are good people within our society who are not afraid to lead. Surely there are dissenting voices within the ruling party (PDP) that are willing to fight for the masses. Surely there are those within the opposition (ACN, ANPP, CPC) that realize this is an opportunity for them to show the people that they are on our side. Fight with us now, we are asking for good leadership (whomever you may be). If you lead us in this fight against those that would rather watch Nigerian children starve than curb their excessive spending, then we will reward you at the polls.

Democracy is not a free ride, it's not a magic bullet that will fix all our problems. However this is where we live and if we can find the courage to speak out and fight the tyrants that disguise themselves as leaders, then this is where our children will live too.

Please visit www.firejonathan.org to join in the conversation and learn more about why Jonathan's rhetoric is no different from those of past dictators.

God bless Nigeria.