Buhari: The auspicious president vs the avid citizenry

Just months ago, almost a year, when the politicking system was on, people were blindly eager for change shouting and roaming round the nation for the support of their choice, and fortunately, it became a success, as the most chosen and auspicious presidential aspirant was elected, president Muhammad Buhari, Commander in-chief of the armed forces […]

Just months ago, almost a year, when the politicking system was on, people were blindly eager for change shouting and roaming round the nation for the support of their choice, and fortunately, it became a success, as the most chosen and auspicious presidential aspirant was elected, president Muhammad Buhari, Commander in-chief of the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Taking over his opposition, Goodluck Jonathan, who peacefully give in to defeat becoming the first of its kind in the history of Nigerian politics – where a sitting president was defeated.
Speaking of President Muhammadu Buhari, this man had made it marked on his forehead the sign of fidelity and trustworthiness, a symbol of a patriotic and true leader. These, all to the credit of his incorruptible personality Nigerians obliged to entrust him as their change agent, then voted him into office.
Today, many Nigerians are beginning to cut off the long rope of excuses they have been extending to the federal government and demanding a lot of explanation on the way the government system runs – from the excessive travelling he constantly engaged in and all aspects of what’s being seen on ground. This, I once recall telling a friend that; Buhari should limit his tongue on what he say to Nigerians on campaign grounds, believe me or not, Nigerians still counts on his words of campaign promises and will only spare him air to breath when he delivered at least seventy percent of that. His military saint-dom tactics differ from the civilian rule and he should clearly have it in mind that this era, is the time that will determine his ability in dealing with difficult situations. This reminds me of Mr. Femi Adesina’s article: “A new sheriff is in town”, enumerating all Mr. President’s capabilities from head to toe.
Unfortunately, I was recently taking by surprise to hear that president Muhammadu Buhari had opened up to tell Nigerians in Diaspora that he sometimes wondered to himself why fate would deal him such an unruly deal – making him president at a time when the economy is plunging; that he prayed for Nigerians who would suffer the consequences of the circumstances. And I said, this is a whole heck of mistake, if I were him, and would have the ability to reverse my words, I would have admitted I got a tongue slip, because, many would get it wrong as he’s beginning to give up to the haunting challenges his government is facing. And what to justify that would be the handing the country over to the vice president in an acting capacity for just a five day leave, which is also the first time in history Nigerian president is handing to the vice president the country in an acting capacity.
So, my word to Mr. President is he should know that: Leaders are not bond to neither complain nor show their submission to any form of difficulty, leaders should expect even the unexpected at all times. And since we Nigerians see him as a professional and he admits that, then the downfall of oil price and other challenging factors does not mean the system cannot run. We are aware of the whopping sum received from the treasury single account and other financial cases in the country. Where and how are they managed? Buhari owe Nigerians an explanation, big time!
Salim Umar Ibrahim is a freelance writer. He can be reached on 07032965551