Last week Thursday was yet another history day for Buhari’s lovers and loyalists as well as non-loyalists. It was the day the quintessential General picked his nomination form to run for the Presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for the fourth time, the first in 2003, then in 2007, 2011 and will now run in 2015. At the end of the three previous elections where he was massively rigged, General Muhammadu Buhari always makes a vow of not contesting again. But only to break that vow whenever election approaches.
Popularly referred to as the ‘People’s General’, due to his uprightness, principles, discipline, accountability, truthfulness and zero tolerance for corruption, Buhari is a retired Army General who was born on December 17, 1942. He hails from the Northern Province of Daura in Katsina State, even though he revealed that his ancestors were indeed Kanuris from Kukawa in Borno State. He was one time President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, several times military administrator of some states, minister and Head of the Petroleum Trust Fund.
To a lot of people, that is tantamount to lack of keeping promises. And I say, Lord forgives them for they do not know what we know. What we know is the fact that General Buhari is sensitive to the demands of the masses. He loves them so much to the extent that he cannot turn away the popular demand of the vast majority of Nigerians for him to contest the esteemed seat of the Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria once more.
Due to his impeccable record as a military man, public administrator, and family man, General Buhari is surrounded by people that believe in him to the extent of not letting him have any breathing space unless he succumbs to the general plea of the need for a purpose driven leadership for this country.
And so, even though he promised to not go back to active politics, he gets dragged right back into it with or against his will.
This in no little way shows the commitment, sacrifice and sense of purpose of the People’s General, who despite his age, still answers the general plea of the need for an upright and straight forward leader. At almost 80 years, Buhari is supposed to be retired from active civil life. He is supposed to be at home enjoying his grandchildren and reminiscing on the good old days, going on vacation and be at peace with himself. But no, he chose to live the life of a martyr.
I would not see myself doing that. Whatever happens, I would be retired before I am 70. I would not subject myself to any stress of either private or public life. But I am not the people’s General. I am selfish, while he is not.
The mammoth crowd at his declaration in Abuja is enough to show the world that he is indeed loved by many; the Nigerian MASSES, who see him as the messiah who will save Nigeria from moral, financial, administrative and political bankruptcy. When other politicians are hiring crowds, General Buhari’s supporters all transported themselves to and from Abuja for this singular event.
I could remember in 2011, Nigerians contributed wholeheartedly to the campaign purse of the People’s General. Meaning, the Buhari Campaign of 2011 was funded by the Nigerian masses. Such has never happened in the history of African politics. Buhari therefore remains the only politician who is funded by the goodwill and support of the general masses. Even though a former head of state, he remains poor. It was therefore a surprise to many including yours sincerely when he eventually picked the APC Presidential nomination form worth N27m.
It has to be a surprise, because all former heads of state collect on the average N23 million every month, apart from General Buhari who objected to collecting most of the allowances, insisting they were bogus and therefore amounted to corruption. He personally wrote a letter to the ministry to that effect. As a result he collects only N2.3 million a month; equivalent of 10% of what he is entitled to, which he believes is his legitimate earning.
Well, he did finally purchase the form and declared. And so, when he publicly declared that ‘he pitied himself’ because he is a man who cannot afford N27m, I also pity him because he is a man whom a lot of people expect too much of and despite his age, lay so much burden on him and will not let him rest.
These people comprise those who want to use and dump him, as is usual with most people as well as those who truly believe in him. He knows that, yet Buhari continues to plod on for the sake of those who truly believe in him. Either way, I for one would not want to be burdened with so much responsibility.
May God continue to give more life, health and strength to the People’s General.
