Buhari: picking a winning team
They picked General Muhammadu Buhari because they read the mood of the nation correctly. Nigerians are more likely to go for a presidential candidate with a proven record of fighting corruption, and one who is more likely to deliver on security, power and chronic unemployment. Yes, Atiku Abubakar has money, and he was reportedly very […]
They picked General Muhammadu Buhari because they read the mood of the nation correctly. Nigerians are more likely to go for a presidential candidate with a proven record of fighting corruption, and one who is more likely to deliver on security, power and chronic unemployment. Yes, Atiku Abubakar has money, and he was reportedly very generous with it before and during the primary. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso did extremely well in Kano, and Rochas Okorocha also did not do badly in his state. My friend Sam Nda-Isaiah, though very credible, still remained an unknown entity. Any one of them would have been a credible alternative to Goodluck Jonathan. But Buhari could sell because, despite the de-branding campaign against him, most Nigerians trust him. Moreover, he would give the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) a good fight. Right now that is all most of us ask for.
However, he cannot do it alone. Sole saviours and lone rangers belong to another realm altogether; in politics he would need a formidable team. Governance is not a one-man show. His selection of a credible, winning team remains a task that must be worked out. This is the crucial next hurdle he has to cross. Both Buhari and the APC would have to handle this stage very carefully, if their broom is to sweep the PDP (and those resting under its umbrella) out of power.
First priority must be given to the selection of a credible running mate. The notion that a deputy is just a “handbag” that adds glamour to the attire is one they cannot afford. Choosing a running mate is arguably the hardest decision any presidential candidate has to take, and in a highly divided atmosphere like we now have, a very critical one. Everybody seems to be focused on religion and ethnicity. Sentiments and demographics are no doubt important, something General T. Y. Danjuma appreciated more than most when he declined to be Obasanjo’s deputy after Murtala Mohammed, when he suggested they bring in a relatively junior Shehu Yar’adua, even if they had to promote him, to appease those that felt aggrieved most. Yet other issues must be thoroughly considered as well. Buhari needs a vice presidential candidate that is likely to add millions to his votes. That goes without saying. He also needs one that is honest, credible, loyal and competent. These are the immediate requirements to be considered.
Beside all these, however, it is crucial to remember that Buhari is both fallible and mortal, and any running mate chosen (by him or for him) must be a credible alternative; one that would be acceptable to most Nigerians if the boss gets impeached or (God forbid) dies on the job.
Both Buhari and the APC must also realise that a president and his deputy are only as good as their team. The choice of the right Chief of Staff, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Security, Economic and other Advisors, as well as ministers and chief executives of critical MDAs, are what would make for success or failure. A leader is only as good as the team he puts together. A cohesive and harmonious team is critical to smooth functioning and purposeful delivery. Over the next few weeks, this presidential candidate needs to assemble a search committee of his closest advisors, and party associates, to help him put together a stable, coherent and focused team, a team whose strength and efforts he can pull together and guide them towards the common goal.
Even the security details and gatemen must be those that would suit the occasion. For far too long, our leaders have been captives of those around them, who often get to decide who they allow to see the boss, often after some handsome inducements. Many chief imams and chaplains of Aso Villa have been known to become stupendously rich acting as gatekeepers to power and contracts.
While hoping for a dream-team that would deliver us from our current hell, we still have much more to demand. To start with, we expect the party seeking to replace the PDP to be different. We cannot continue to have politicians who believe they are solely there to serve themselves. Many of those in telling us they are different, or are now “born again” should do more to reassure us. The National Assembly in particular would need to change if we are to see serious improvements in the way things are done. The state assemblies need to sit up and be accountable to the citizenry, not appear to be just appendages to their respective government houses. Corruption and indolence need to be eradicated, and not just from Aso Rock.
Not just Buhari and his team, but the APC as a party, its governors, legislators, functionaries and appointees, must all be truly different, accountable, competent and above corruption. Otherwise our expectations would be unrealisable and our hopes misplaced.
Why am I talking as if Buhari has won an election which has not even taken place? Simply because we must have hope; hope that a party which is boasting that it would be around for 60 more years, and has not done well so far, could be shown the way out. Without those seeking to lead us actually believing they can be thrown out, we may end up as slaves.
And believe me when I say that given the way oil prices are going, we better get some more serious people in charge. These ones are not just incompetent and clueless; they take refuge in denials and self deceit.