Front Pix
Beyond Familiar Catharsis …In Defence of General Muhammadu Buhari
President Jonathan and Babangida Aliu
From all indications, Major-General
Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) does not strike me as a happy and fulfilled man. In
December 1983, along with other adventurous soldiers, with General Ibrahim
Badamosi Babangida (IBB) as rallying point, the soldier toppled elected
civilian President Shehu Shagari, who had just won re-election after a
four-year tenure.
Buhari then became the Head-of-State and
Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. But
he had barely stayed in office for about two years, when, an equally very
ambitious Babangida cut short his most priced treasure-power. Sadly, Buhari
left office without becoming a full-fledged five-star General in the army.
In contrast, the man who toppled him, in
what many perceived as a palace coup, not only attained the rank of a five-star
general, he also ruled for eight years, before stepping aside, on account of
political pressure following the annulment of the June 12 elections presumed to
have been won by late Chief M. K. O. Abiola in 1993.
Since then, Major-General Buhari (rtd) had
been in search of the only one-thing Babangida denied him, President of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria, a gesture his tormentor enjoyed even in military
uniform. But each time he tried, not only did Babangida and others spoil the
atmosphere with their presence; he ended up a loser for reasons, he hardly can
farthom.
Out of the Army, Buhari believed that he
left with his integrity intact. Perceived to be rigid and uncompromising, the
soldier considers himself as very incorruptible. In truth, many Nigerians
agreed with him during and after his
years as chairman of the Petroleum Special Trust Fund under General Sani
Abacha’s dictatorship.
For that singular attribute and driven by a
burning ambition to reclaim what former military President Babangida denied
him, Buhari has contested virtually every Presidential election, except that in
1999.
In 2003, 2007 and 2011 he contested and
thrice he lost. If, as they often say, one once beaten, should be twice shy,
what do we expect of one thrice beaten? Six times shy or twice drawn to violent
appeal? Or simply play dumb, after losing a fortune in search of political
power? He who feels it knows it and Buhari’s is indeed a painful one which
resort to Familiar Catharsis alone cannot address. It should be more.
As a growing child, my primary five school
teacher once told us of effigy pounding, a culture he said, industry workers
adopted in Japan in years past. At break-time, he said, the usually
overstretched workers were allowed a brief moment to create and assault the
effigy of their fore-man or supervisor whom they considered to be a
slave-driver. After minutes of pounding the effigy of their industrial
tormentor, they had some measure of fulfillment that they had avenged their
stress and gruesome labour, caused by their slave driver.
None of that exists in political circles or
even in industry today. Instead, such anger is expressed by way of catharsis,
most often geared towards reconciliation and settlement. However, Buhari is a
soldier, who believes that he gave most of his productive years to the Nigerian
Army, but feels under- rewarded because he was made to quit the institution not
as a five-star general but just a Major-General. And as Head of State and
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he
was also denied a much longer term, an accomplishment which Babangida and his
co-travellers caused in a palace coup.
Babangida may not be the serving President,
Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is. But the difference is not easily discernable
from Buhari’s perspective. For, while the former edged him out of power as Head
of State, the latter refused to fail in the 2011 general elections, for him to
become President. Both are denials.
It is even more so with Jonathan’s victory
because, Buhari had said, in same manner as he did earlier polls, that his shot
at the presidency in 2011 would be his last involvement in partisan politics,
convinced that he would win.
Three major variables informed his
optimism. First, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was, at the time,
embroiled in a destructive debate over zoning the Presidential slot and was
sure that if it went the way of the South, the majority North would unite
behind a popular Northern candidate, which he presumed to be himself. Secondly,
with the failure of the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to win the PDP
primaries, the loser and other powerful people like IBB, Gasau and Ciroma would
have no better choice than to leave the PDP and unite against a Jonathan
presidency, and with the advantage of more State governors from the Northern
part of the country, his elections would have been sealed. And thirdly, that
being a retired general, all serving soldiers and para-military forces would
unite behind him and prevent his disgrace in the hands of a bloody civilian
from Etueke, in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa, South-South Nigeria,
with only eight local government areas.
Against such a ‘paper weight’ battle, and
who did not appear to enjoy the blessing and support of major heavyweights like
former Rivers Governor Peter Odili, debatably, the most powerful politician in
the South-South at the time, and with a thoroughly divided South-East, Buhari
concluded that his victory was a done deal. So confident, he did not consider
as necessary any campaign visit to parts of the South and spent all his time
preaching Northern unity, without considering the fact that even Northerners
would consider other variables beyond, his largely advertised incorruptible,
rigid and uncompromising mien.
Nigerians, to his chargrin, needed a
national, and not regional and highly divisive politician. They instead
preferred one with a humble beginning, one who had felt pain and naturally
would show greater empathy and not look the other way while millions remain
almajiris (beggers) for life, in a clime
where top politicians and retired generals swam in annoying opulence and
affluence. That was in part, what the outcome of the 2011 general elections
revealed.
But so high and mighty and obviously out of
touch with reality apparently locked-up in his chosen fool’s paradise, Buhari
never saw the likelihood of a defeat in the hands of not one from any of the
major tribes. Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba or Igbo but Ijaw, and from little Bayelsa, a
‘baby-state’ created out of another minority one; Rivers, also carved out of
the former Eastern Region. Disbelief, anger and frustration at once
over-powered his faculties of political reason and so, rather than resort to
the sanctuary of harmless Catharsis he called out to war, the jobless Northern
youth. The result was the post-election violence in parts of Northern Nigeria
in which countless lives, especially those of innocent Youth Corp members were
lost and property worth billions of naira destroyed.
Since then,
Nigeria has known no peace, with one terror attack to another rocking
various public institutions and killing hundreds. Most of these terror attacks
have been traced to a fundamentalist Islamist sect now generally known as Boko
Haram.
From the condemnable bloodletting in Jos,
Plateau State, Bauchi, Borno, Niger,
Kano, Kaduna and Abuja among others, the attacks were recently shifted to media
houses, with ThisDay, The Sun and Moment as initial casualties. These have drawn
condemnations from various quarters including respected Islamic clerics and
traditional rulers. Other well-meaning patriots, statesmen and indeed political
leaders have continued to criticise the Boko Haram and joined the government in
search of solutions to the unrest that daily threatens the very fabric of not
just the nation’s unity and well-being, but indeed her civilisation.
It was at such a time that Buhari
threatened further bloodbath in 2015, should what happened in 2011 repeat
itself, meaning, may be, that should he contest again and face the same defeat,
the fourth in a row, the shame and perceived betrayal of his kith and kin, “by
the Grace of God, the dog and the baboon would all be soaked in blood.”
For this frustration–induced threat, many,
including the Presidency and the ruling PDP appear worked-up and virtually
running into each other in attempts to reply a major-general in desperate
search for democratic power, which he not only denied many, but also caused to
be incarcerated, duly elected representatives of the people in his stolen years
as Head of State.
Yes, Nigerian elections might not have been
100 per cent free and fair but that in 2011, in which Buhari’s Congress for
Progressive Change (CPC) failed woefully, was adjudged reasonably peaceful,
fair and of international standard. So, Buhari’s threat should have been
treated for what it is – the ranting of an unhappy loser still wondering why
his orders are no longer obeyed.
Buhari deserves our pity and forgiveness
because he is an angry, disappointed and desperate man in search of power. To
him, if persuasion, which he knows little about fails, violence should wipe
into line the disobedient, not considering the fact that no single individual
has the monopoly of such violent disposition. Only, others believe that peace
is more powerful than war, love, more better than hate and meaningful dialogue
more important than violence.
My Agony is that long after the post
election violence which Buhari instigated, and in which innocent corpers perished,
the Federal Government is yet to realise that the greatest incentive to crime
is the hope of escaping punishment. And since nothing happened in 2011, no
amount of vituperations on his part, would attract any reprimand. If Buhari had
been thought this much earlier, he would not have made another threat of blood
bath.
Soye Wilson Jamabo
Front Pix
DEPLOY YOUR CAPACITY, TECHNICAL KNOWHOW TO REVITALISE SONGHAI FARMS, FUBARA TELLS TASK FORCE
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that diversifying the economy of the State has become inevitable because of the need to solve the problem of food shortages while also providing jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.
These, he said, are the reasons why great care has been taken to critically look at the prospects of revitalising the Songhai Integrated Farms, which is located in Bunu Tai, in Tai Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Fubara insisted that if the problem associated with food shortages is tackled with good intent and purpose, about 40 to 50 percent of current problems of economic hardship plaguing the country and its people would have been solved.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Chairman, Mr Biedima Oliver, and members of the task force saddled with the responsibility of supervising the revitalization of Songhai Integrated Farms by its partners: Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Other members of the task force included, the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr Victor Kii; Commissioner for Finance, Barrister Emmanuel Frank-Fubara; Dr Ayebaesin Beredugo; and Mr Maurice Ogolo.
The Governor explained that it took him time to approve the constitution of the task force being inaugurated because of the ugly experience with the previous group that shown such interest.
Governor Fubara stated that a process was initiated and driven halfway into the handing over of Songhai Farms on concession to an interested partner who latter showed a total lack of the needed capacity to undertake such task.
He said, “As a matter of fact, if few of you could remember, we even conceded the place to an investor who came in after he had made his presentation, and we, believing that he has the capacity, we said okay to him, and we had already signed up.
“But something happened. He came back to tell us that he wanted us to give him a N5billion bank guarantee. We then asked him, why? If we have the N5billion, why do we need you to come and even revitalize Songhai Farms? We would have put that N5billion there ourselves. For that reason, we cancelled that arrangement.”
Governor Fubara said now that two separate companies have come together to indicate interest and given the assurance of having the needed capacity to drive the process, he is delighted to see them meeting that expectation.
Governor Fubara pointed to the expectation of the people who want to see the Songhai Farms back on stream on a sustainable basis.
That expectation, he insisted, is also what his administration wants to see actualised within its lifespan.
He noted, “We want to see food sufficiency, because we know when Songhai Farms comes on board, there will be food, which is one of the problems we are having in this country. If we are able to tackle the issue of food, 40 to 50 percent of our problem will be solved.”
Governor Fubara also stated that although he believes in the presentation made by the group and has taken their assurance to heart, but warned that he would not tolerate a repeat of what happened before.
The Governor said, “I hope your story will not be (end) halfway too. I hope you have the capacity and all the technical knowhow to handle it. It is not when we start now, after we had finished inaugurating the task force, you will come back to tell us that you need $2million. If we have $2million, we won’t need you. We will invest it by ourselves.”
Governor Fubara, however, praised the capacity of the Chairman of the task force, Biedima Oliver, saying that incidentally, he was one of the personnel that convinced the then administration to develop the Songhai Farms, and had worked with the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) to manage the project.
He said, “He knows and understands the workings of Songhai, and now that we are making you the chairman of the task force, we want to believe that you will make that place come back to life.
“I don’t have any doubt in your capacity. A few things you’ve touched, you turned them to gold. Please, bring it back to what we used to see in Songhai. Bring it back with the help of your committee.”
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will remain committed to providing all the necessary support that they may require to make their assignment a success.
He added, “So, I hereby inaugurate you. Your task is very simple: Do everything within your powers and with our support to make sure that Songhai becomes operational to the benefit, not just the people of Tai, but to the entire Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole”.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Task Force to Supervise the Revitalization of Songhai Farms with Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, Mr. Biedima Oliver, expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the opportunity and confidence reposed in them to revive Songhai Farms.
Mr. Oliver assured that they will deliver the expected goal on Songhai Farms, and doing so on time and on target so that the good people of Rivers State can eventually be happy and also benefit from the huge investment.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.
