28 Jan 2007 |
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Muhammadu Buhari, The Real Deal Ebi Bless Asain I, like most pundits subscribe to the belief that Nigeria is an on-going experiment. Unfortunately, the experiment is being conducted in a worn-out laboratory called political wilderness, where those who have led the experiment so far are not only old, but unreliable, degenerate, morally bankrupt and clinically dysfunctional. Furthermore, these pundits argue that this Nigeria’s version of mad political scientists/leaders ought to be rounded-up, quarantined for their own safety as well as that of the wellbeing of the entire country.
Millions of Nigerians not only remember, but believe wholeheartedly, in what he did in the past and are convinced that he has what it takes to articulate a far and inclusive vision for Nigeria. A vision many believe will take Nigeria out of her morass and into the global community of nations where our respect will be earned not only by what we can do at home but on the world stage. His supporters within and outside the country believe it is in Buhari that Nigeria stands a better chance of meeting her incredible potential. Back in 1983 when I first met him, every inch of his six foot plus frame cut a striking impression. He looked humble and unassuming, yet the latent heat of his toughness and ambience had a commanding presence that was electrifying. His convictions as well as passions then were all centered on the common good and things larger than himself. And there is nothing to indicate that his commitment to make Nigeria a better place for all has taken a different trajectory since then. {mosgoogle right}While Buhari’s antecedents and pedigree are noteworthy, many still ponder if he can reel in Nigeria’s many intractable problems if and when he becomes the next president. For those who believe he can and that he is the real deal count on many factors. First, that he has demonstrated the courage and the political will in the past to dare Nigerians to believe in themselves. So, for a brief moment in time he led the nation to wage a serious war against indiscipline and made many to believe that Nigeria is our only country, that our collective fortunes are not embedded in our stars but in ourselves. It was in Buhari’s tough love together with late General Tunde Idiagbon’s no nonsense frown that the nation began to appreciate discipline as an integral part of true nation building. Secondly, Buhari’s honesty, integrity and courage, a well publicized part of his character, places him head and shoulders above many politicians in the nation’s crucial fight against endemic corruption in high places. Reputed to be a man of his words, his oft stated resolve to take the war against corruption to its logical conclusion is believable and should not be taken for granted. Even Buhari’s critics and those who love to hate him agree that under Buhari, the words ‘sacred cows’ could well be expunged from the nation’s political lexicon. It is on this score many believe a Buhari presidency will be defined. Finally, a presidency that the whole nation believes in and where all stakeholders in the nation have a genuine sense of belonging. Nigeria, held hostage for the past eight years by a presidency that has lost its moral compass and continues to insist on spelling transparency, accountability and honesty backwards and throw the rule of law to the dogs, Nigerians heightened sense of self renewal can be understandable. It is for this reason that Buhari’s trinity of intangibles (honesty, integrity and courage) and his capacity to inspire a whole nation as a man to be trusted becomes crucial in broadening the spirit of accommodation needed in all branches of government. A Buhari presidency can not help but lead with harmony as opposed to the present dispensation that, for the most part has led with shameless acrimony. For a man not known for his vengeful heart and who’s ego is not as bloated nor insecure, it is believed that Buhari will not make enemies out of those who hold opposite views from him. That his class and dignity will not allow him to debase the office of the presidency. Given his credentials as a person of honor, as a politician and as a leader that has given so much service to his country, the temptation to hold brief for him as an angel is tantalizing. But the fact remains that he is not. As a military Head of State he was a dictator and not all his actions were above board. Even so, despite his shortcomings, it must be noted that on Buhari’s watch, the country did not have to import refined petroleum products as our refineries produced at full capacity. Under Buhari Nigerians did not have to troop to South Africa, Israel, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Ghana and all over the world to die in their hospitals. Under Buhari, pilots did not have to land their planes on herds of cows on the Runways of our decaying Airports. Under Buhari, there was no mass exodus of Nigerians out of the country. During Buhari’s leadership Assassinations Incorporated was not a cottage industry. The Buhari military government gave Nigerians a better lease on life than what is obtained now. Then, Nigerians from far and wide, in all walks of life, were still proud to call Nigeria their home. The question then arises: can this Buhari perform any worst than president Olusegun Obasanjo? In their time, Buhari and Idiagbon were seen as the arrow head of a revolution committed to changing the country by all means necessary. You may fault their tactics but not their vision, drive, beliefs and results. When Obasanjo recently commented on the fact that only a handful of the nation’s 36 governors were performing, he failed to mention to his listening audience that their non-performance is a huge reflection on him as well, that these governors are also from the Peoples Destruction Party. Obasanjo’s bloated ego failed to let him be contrite and tell his audience that for eight years he had provided the most shambolic leadership in the history of Nigeria and that he had performed worst than most, if not all of the governors. As a result of Obasanjo’s lack of integrity, honesty and courage, he failed to identify himself with these governors as the human faces of all the ugliness, all that is wrong with Nigeria. While Obasanjo was taking kudos for his horrible presidency, the United States Intelligence Chief, John Negroponte in an unclassified report to the White House had this to say: “Abuja has been unable to stem rising lawlessness and insecurity in its oil- producing region, and the Nigerian population is increasingly demoralized from worsening living conditions in the face of much publicized improvements in the country’s macro-economic indicators.” The report went on to say, “Nigeria’s fragile democratic transition is in danger of collapsing in the coming months.” In the midst of abundance and riches , the nation’s soul is ripped and her heart is bleeding. The children are crying, “where is Mandela, where is John Rawlings they ask?” But a man is coming. He is a Mandela and John Rawlings put together. He has touched all our lives before . He will be the engine of redemption for Nigeria’s twist of fate and tragic story of dreams, hopes and progress deferred. His name is Gen. Muhammadu Buhari. On May, 2007, in his acceptance speech, he can finally tell us………….. Let me dry your tears, weep not my child, Nigeria. This article is dedicated to all the victims massacred at Odi and Zaki-Biam. That their lives will not be in vain because Nemesis is a living spirit for Justice that is sure to come in its time. Minnesota, USA
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It is for this reason that the expected second-coming of retired Gen. Muhammadu Buhari is pregnant with a lot of optimism and gaining momentum. The spirit generated by his coming is both refreshing and infectious. Suffice to say that Buhari’s increasing popularity transcends religion, age, gender, ethnic, tribal as well as ideological divides.
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