On new types of opportunism

It is, however, not the intention of this piece to join issues with Bakare on why he parted ways with President Jonathan or his intention for befriending him in the first place. In the interview, he did not however say that the President offended him in any way but it is obvious that in Nigeria […]

It is, however, not the intention of this piece to join issues with Bakare on why he parted ways with President Jonathan or his intention for befriending him in the first place. In the interview, he did not however say that the President offended him in any way but it is obvious that in Nigeria of today, politicians of Bakare’s mould are opportunists.

In the said interview, Bakare claimed that President Jonathan does not support the restructuring of the country and that he does not support true federalism. He also claimed that the President supports a culture of impunity and that he doubts the sincerity of the present administration in the clean-up taking place in the banking sector of the economy. He said the Jonathan/Sambo ticket is unpopular among Nigerians.

Nothing can be farther from the truth. It is on record that Jonathan has been the champion of restructuring and a strong promoter of true federalism but as guaranteed in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.  The states as constituent units of the Federation are independent, virile and are working.

The President is also an irrepressible believer in the oneness, unity and stability of this country. He should, however, not succumb to the antics of arch tribalists, sectionalists and anarchists who profit from fanning the embers of disunity in the country.

The President has often said his administration is built on the principle of the rule of law and has kept faith with it to the extent of even congratulating the opposition who got to power in some states on the strength of judicial decisions even when the verdicts went against his own party.

The restructuring and clean-up taking place in the banking sector of our economy has been nationally and internationally applauded. Confidence has been restored and the banking sector is better for it.

The massive turn out of Nigerians everywhere the campaign train of President Jonathan and his Vice President Arc. Namadi Sambo went to attests to their wide acceptance by the teeming population of this country and I am sure the President is appreciative of this.

It is obvious that Bakare is a green snake in a green grass and his pretentious postures in the past are nothing but antics of a power seeking and power hungry individual hiding under the cloak of the cassock and human rights campaigns

Now, Nigerians are not fooled by his posturing but at the same time, there are concerns being expressed about the presidential ambition of Bakare and his principal-Muhammadu Buhari.  Questions: what did Buhari forget in the State House that he is coming back for more than 28 years after serving as Head of State?

Secondly, what is Bakare’s experience in governance and administration to qualify him to be Vice President of a country as complex as Nigeria?  A critical analysis of the second question brings out in much bolder relief the viability of the Jonathan/Namadi Sambo presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party, given the experiences of the duo. The ticket, as reasoned in many circles, is a child of destiny and Nigerians should confirm it by their massive votes.

Architect Nwabineli contributed this piece from Abuja. E-mail: [email protected]