Nigeria is a big country with different people. The hard work and patriotic commitment of her citizens to their country are always the prayer for effective and successful leadership.
In his book, “The Trouble With Nigeria”, Chinua Achebe attributed the problem of this country to failure of leadership. Corruption, indiscipline and favoritism are epitomes of failed leadership.
We have been heaping a myriad of blames on the military for the backwardness of this country. However, since the return to democracy in 1999, the problem remains the same.
A stable and constant electricity supply is a big problem for us despite the billions of naira(now getting to trillions) that is budgeted for this sector. Corruption became a nightmare under Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (The Letter Writer). That was the beginning of a long story.
When Obasanjo left office in 2007, he brought in Yar’adua, whom Nigerians had high hopes of reforming the country, however, his worsening health condition could not allow him make it happen.
Shortly after, Goodluck jonathan took over. Before taking over, he had made series of promises at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatam House London. The issue of discussion that very time was all about a better Nigeria. The optimism in me that time can never be expressed. I was campaigning vigorously for a change in government.
President Buhari lamented the poor condition of our hospitals, why Nigerians travel to abroad for medical treatment, the running cost of the office of the President, his wife and the usage of government properties like the aircraft in unofficial assignments.
Let’s examine some indices.
EDUCATION
The President promised to make positive changes in the deplorable condition of the educational sector as education is the backbone of any nation’s development. Have the ASUU demands been addressed? What is the condition of our university education? Has the welfare of lecturers been addressed? Let me stop here. Further talk on our primary and secondary schools will smear the country’s face.
CORRUPTION
It is beyond jailing looters alone; it is beyond stealing public funds.
Any act of wrongdoing in a manner that is unfair to this country is corruption. We have two cases of certificate forgeries by Buhari’s appointees- a minister and the other, his Special Assistant. The Minister forged the NYSC exemption Certificate while the Special Assistant forged the WAEC school leaving certificate he used in gaining admission into University of Jos. The President is aware of this. However, despite all the available evidences, he is still working with them comfortably.
Former Secretary to Government of Federation, Babachir David Lawal was never prosecuted for wrongdoing despite his indictment by a panel. The Attorney General and other key cabinet members have questions to answer. Maina Saga and the recovery of Abacha loot constitute another blow in the face of this government.
Furthermore, there is favoritism and nepotism in this government. Tell me what has changed from the previous government. We should just look at the Chinese Railway Corporation scholarship; the selection process was not on merit. Popular online newspaper, Premium Times exposed it but what has happened afterwards?
‘BUHARISTS’
There is a group of people that support Buhari in whatever form. According to them, Buhari is infallible; he doesn’t tell lies nor make mistakes.
According to them, contesting against Buhari is a crime; and criticizing Buhari is a sin. Buhari to them, is the only alternative for this country and no one can lead this country to prosperity if not Buhari.
This set of people are divided into three:
Firstly, civil servants. Among them are those supporting Buhari because of their illegal promotions in their respective places of work. As a result, they go to any extent in defending this government.
N-Power Volunteers constitute the second set of people. They were denied permanent jobs or entrepreneurial skills with huge capital to start their businesses. Buhari ended up giving them temporary, ineffective and ill-managed jobs with 30,000 Naira stipend for two years. They have now used their 30,000 naira to buy smartphones to abuse any critic of this government. What is the fate of these young Nigerians after this government?
The last set of them are the blind ones who just love anything Buhari for no reason: the blind and ignorant love. This only happens in the North.
ON THE TORN CHAIR
Let me begin by asking what is so special in Buhari sitting on a torn chair. His blind supporters are all over the media with that picture showing the world that Buhari is running a simple and humble life.
What is so special there? Has Buhari reduced the running cost of his office? Has he abolished office of the first lady? A helipad was built in his own hometown for personal use with tax payers’ money, and huge cost in particular. He promised to improve our healthcare system but travels abroad for medical check up. Is he not betraying his campaign promise?
Tell me something special in the torn chair while wearing an expensive cloth that a common man cannot afford. Bauer Brocade Made In Germany for God sake! He is not driving beetle or flying our domestic flights. He is using Nigerian Air Force helicopter. What is that special there? Had it been he wore a Toyobo Yard, the ‘Buharists’ could go all over the media telling the world that he leads a simple life like the common man.
Unfortunately for the ‘Buharists’, the Chair was not even a torn one, the torn part of the Chair as claimed by them was just an exquisite flower design.
What is in a torn Chair?
•Adnan is a media personality from Kano, you can follow him on Twitter @adnanmoukhtar