Adekoya Boladale is a political scientist and
scholar on good governance, a social
commentator and consultant on political and
intra governmental affairs. He is the Convener,
Advocacy for Better Leadership (ABEL), Nigeria.
Below is an interesting article he wrote. He said
Nigeria is run by five people. 1. Gen. Theophilus
Danjuma. 2. Ibrahim Babangida, 3. Emir of Kano,
4. Olusegun Obasanjo and 5. the Oil Mafias.
Read and tells us what you think...
Buhari: This Is Not The People's Victory
Few years ago, one of my student stood
up in the middle of a lecture and asked,
'Sir, who owns Nigeria?' I was teaching a
topic on colonialism and it could have
been easy for me to answer, the British,
but that would have been appropriate if
only we were still under colonial rule. Its
been decades since we exchanged the
union jack for the green and white flag to
enjoy self-government. The question
though simple to a layman, is pregnant
with meanings.
First, this student having assessed the society
he lives in, have come to question the principle
of democracy, the mode of governance and the
political power play in the process of winning
election. He has come to doubt the overblown
theory of self governance, independence and
strength of an elected political office holder. He
sees an illusion in democracy and as a world of
make believe, where twisted public perception
either true or false reign supreme. He sees the
people as a pawn, played and tossed by some
power brokers towards a selfish end.
Few days ago, Nigeria went to the poll in an
election that saw the incumbent President,
Goodluck Jonathan losing the race for a return
ticket to the opposition candidate, General
Muhammadu Buhari and in an unprecedented
reaction that shocked the world, Mr. Jonathan
conceded defeat saving Nigeria, West Africa and
by extension the entire continent from going
into flames.
With the emergence of General Buhari, the word
on the street of Nigeria now is victory. The
people seems to have found hope, placing
upscale level of trust on the war veteran to
make life better as soon as possible.
Indeed, the masses have cause to rejoice. The
government of President Jonathan haven't had a
direct bearing on the people on the street. He
has shown lackadaisical attitude to the safety
of the people, especially those in the North East
and only woke up from slumber at a rather time
too late. His leadership ability also shows one
who isn't total in control of government, he
shows traits of indecisiveness, more than
needed patience, making the electorates get
bored of his government.
But while the people continue to rejoice over
what they termed 'Our votes, counts' it is
imperative to state without holding back that
the defeat of Goodluck Jonathan isn't the
victory of the electorates. Yes, the people voted
for a man of their choice but the question of
who/what made that man their choice remains
unanswered.
The need to have Mr. Jonathan out of Aso Rock
became heightened on 31st August 2013 when
seven Governors of the Peoples Democratic
Party and the former Vice President walked out
of the party's convention, hence forming the
'New PDP'. It should be noted that even though
the opposition parties had already merged to
form the All Progressive Congress (APC) the
effect of an opposition party wasn't so
impactful until the New PDP joined it. For those
who understand a bit about Nigeria's
presidential power play, some of the key factors
that determine the making or marring of any
occupant of that position is his relationship with
the 'Five Pillars' of Nigeria namely General
Theophilus Danjuma, Ibrahim Babangida, Emir of
Kano, Olusegun Obasanjo and the Oil Mafias.
Unfortunately for President Jonathan, all these
individuals stood against him.
Some may argue that the records of General
Buhari and his undoubted anti-corruption stand
gave him the edge against the President but
these individuals must ask themselves if these
records were not in public domain when he
contested and lost the election three times?
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for sixteen
years has had the opportunity to govern the
country not because it is well structured or so
accepted but because the real owners of the
country still controls the party. The moment
these individuals lost their proxy grip, the party
became a shadow of itself.
Democracy is about public perception, it is the
ability to sell yourself to the electorates and
make them believe in your plans but that's
where it starts and ends. The ability of the
people to understand, accept and believe in this
messages resides exclusively with some set of
individuals.
The March 28, 2015 presidential election wasn't
won in polling booths and through ballot papers
but at a round table meeting where the best of
wine and foods were served.
General Muhammadu Buhari may seem to
represent the desire of the electorates but that
can only be proven with decisions he makes
within the first few months of his
administration.
This is a victory for democracy, it is a good step
for politics but it isn't a victory for the people
per say but rather a change of garment for the
'Five Pillars'.
Adekoya Boladale wrote via
adekoyaboladale@ gmail.com . Please engage on
twitter @adekoyabee and Facebook
www.facebook.com /adekoyabee

SOURCE : lindaikeji..nl/2015/04/buhari-this-is-not-peoples-victory-by.html?m=1

Whooooow

Still waiting for the next agenda...to speak the truth,our hopes are very high!
And to be more candid,he should listern to nigerians and not to the powers that be...Anyway nigerian has learn how to remove the crown of a non-performing goverment period!

Lets wait and see in the next 6month after handing over to GMB.