Director of media and publicity for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organisation, Femi Fani-Kayode has joined President Goodluck Jonathan in congratulating the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari of All Progressives Congress (APC) for winning the March 28 Presidential election. Fani-Kayode made it clear that all the attacks he launched on General Buhari during the campaign period were not personal as he was just doing the job that was assigned to him. Addressing newsmen today in Abuja, Fani-Kayode commended and congratulated General Buhari for winning this election. “We have conceded that we have lost. We acknowledge the fact that we fought a good fight. We do not have any fears about the future. We did the right thing during the campaign. We have no regrets about our candidate or the way in which we conducted our campaign and we will live to fight another day. “There was absolutely nothing personal as regards this Directorate or myself. I had nothing personal against anybody. I was simply doing my job for which I have no regrets and I wish them well and I sincerely hope that they will take Nigeria to a level that we can all be proud of.” Fani-Kayode acknowledged that PDP fought a virile, strong, aggressive and very effective campaign on behalf of the party’s candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan “and we put the case to the Nigerian people as to why we believe that he ought to have been elected as President for a second term. “We are very proud of the efforts of our President and of our party and we are also very proud of the efforts of every single one of those who participated in the Presidential Campaign Organisation. As a Directorate we could not have asked for anything more in terms of support and encouragement from our colleagues and comrades within the party and the Campaign Organisation. He also commended President Jonathan for having the courage to concede that he has lost the election at the earliest moment and also for being able to stand up and rise above party politics and being able to speak like a statesman. The PDP Presidential campaign spokesman called on Nigerians and the PDP supporters to stand firm and continue to support the democratic process and to agitate for a better Nigeria. “We urge them to continue to support our party, the PDP as best as they can even though we lost this election. We ask them to co-operate with the incoming government and to remember that we are first and foremost Nigerians before anything else.” This is even as he asked Nigerians to do everything possible to keep the peace in this country and to keep the country moving forward. He said that in every election, there will always be a winner and a loser, adding: “it is a mark of our humanity and it is also symptomatic of the type of people that we are and who we are that when the time comes we can say we fought a good fight but we lost. “And having lost, it does not mean that it is the end to the world, it just means that we need to re-group, re-organise ourselves and begin the process all over again because another elections will come in a few years time. And that is where we are today.”
Nigeria President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari has assured President Goodluck Jonathan that he would get nothing from him other than understanding, respect and cooperation as the nation begins a journey to transition from one government to the other. In a statement, General Buhari praised President Jonathan whom he said engaged in a spirited campaign and became a worthy opponent. “I extend my hand of fellowship to him. I look forward to meeting him soon as we plan the transition from one administration to another. He will receive nothing but understanding, cooperation and respect from me and my team.” The President-elect on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) recalled that at exactly 5:15pm on Tuesday, President Jonathan called to congratulate him on his electoral victory, asking all Nigerians to join him in congratulating and appreciating Jonathan “for his statesmanship.” Full text of General Buhari’s statement goes thus: At exactly 5:15pm this (Tuesday) evening President Jonathan called to congratulate me on my victory. For this I want all Nigerians to join me in congratulating and appreciating Mr President for his statesmanship. President Jonathan engaged in a spirited campaign and was a worthy opponent. I extend my hand of fellowship to him. I look forward to meeting him soon as we plan the transition from one administration to another. He will receive nothing but understanding, cooperation and respect from me and my team. The good people of Nigeria, answered the call of history. When the account of this fine moment is written, it will be said that it was the people themselves who led this nation to democracy. You stood in line patiently for hours in the sun, rain and then in the dark to cast your ballots. Even when the vote was extended to Sunday in some places, you still performed your civic duty. You did so peacefully. You voted with your heart. Your vote affirms that you believe Nigeria’s future can be better than what it is today. You voted for change and now change has come. INEC has released the official results of the Presidential election. INEC has declared that I gained the most votes with the required spread and thus won this election. In a more profound way, it is you, Nigerians that have won. The people have shown their love for our nation and their belief in democracy. The declaration of INEC accurately reflects the will of the people. While there might have been some logistical obstacles and irregularities associated with the exercise, the result shall stand as what the people want. I thank all Nigerians who have made this day possible. Our country has now joined the community of nations that have used the ballot box to peacefully change an incumbent President in a free and fair election. To me this is indeed historic. Most people will welcome the result because it is the one they voted for. Others will naturally be disappointed. I ask that we all be circumspect, respectful and peaceful in these times. This was a hard- fought contest. Emotions are high. We must not allow them to get the better of us. This is not the time for confrontation. This is a moment that we must begin to heal the wounds and work toward a better future. We do this first by extending a hand of friendship and conciliation across the political divide. We hope and pray our friends in other parties reciprocate. I thank all the members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for their commitment and their hard work through the formation of the party, the campaigns and the Presidential elections. Let me equally extend my appreciation to the MEDIA, Civil Society and the Security agencies for their selfless service. The International press and our friends abroad deserve special commendation for their support throughout the process. We promise a robust and dynamic engagement with your countries in matters of mutual interest to nations. In the interim, I call on all Nigerians to be law abiding and peaceful. The eyes of the world were focused on us to see if we could vote in a peaceful way and carry out a representative election in an orderly manner. You have proven to the world that we are a people who have embraced democracy and a people who seek a of government by, for and of the people. We have put one party state behind us. You have voted for a party and president that will serve and govern but never rule over you. Change has come. A new day and a new Nigeria are upon us. The victory is yours and the glory is that of our nation – Nigeria. I will make a more formal address to the nation tomorrow (today) after receiving the certificate of return from INEC. May God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. General Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, President Elect, Federal Republic of Nigeria. [myad]
They bombed his convoy in an attempt to get him out of the race… They vilified his religion… They sponsored hate documentaries on AIT & NTA to assassinate his character… They criticized his age… They forged medical reports alleging that he suffers prostate cancer and acute asthma… They claim he does not possess a leaving school certificate… They paid for front-page newspaper advertorials to wish him dead… They tried to procure black-market court rulings to stop him… They caused him untoward trauma with painful reminders of the death of his daughter and ex-wife. Indeed, they did everything. But alas, none can reverse the decree of Allah. Whatever Allah has released, none can withhold… and whatever He withholds, none can release. He gives power to whom He wills, and takes it from whom He wills. After trying repeatedly for twelve years, General Muhammadu Buhari finally wins the presidential election. In truth, Allah is with the patient. I shed tears in joy and ecstasy for General Muhammadu Buhari. History has been made in Nigeria. I thank Allah for keeping me alive to witness it. I thank Allah for making me a part of it. Change is here. Change has come. Dear General, may Allah help you live up to the high expectations of the long suffering masses of our country. May Allah help you to be a leader for both the rich and the poor, and not only the cabals… May Allah help you to be the best president Africa ever witnessed. In your story lies immense lessons for each and everyone of us who are eye witnesses and ear witnesses to this uncommon and hard-won victory. Our Lord, praise is Yours… abundant, pure and blessed praise. Praises plentiful and blessed as to fill the heavens and the earth and whatever lies between them, and whatever else You please. You (Allah) are most worthy of praise and majesty, and what the servants have said – we are all Your servants. O Allah, there is none who can withhold what You give, and none may give what You have withheld. And the might of the mighty person cannot benefit him against You. General Muhammadu Buhari, president-elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, kindly accept my hearty congratulations! Abu Bilaal Abdulrazaq bn Bello bn Oare
From the announcement of the March 28 Presidential election early today by the chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, it was clear that General Muhammadu Buhari won the election by whiskers.
He won by managing to secure more than 25 percent of votes cast in 24 states, thereby escaping a run-off vote. To win the election, Buhari had needed more than 50 percent of the total votes nationally – and take at least 25 percent of the vote in two thirds of the states.
Nigeria’s electoral commission officially declared Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the election, defeating incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan.
Buhari beat Jonathan and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) by more than 2 million votes. He received 15.4 million votes to Jonathan’s 12.9 million.
Buhari was declared the winner after he gained 2.7 million more votes than his rival, incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan. [myad]
Muhammadu Buhari who has just emerged as Nigeria’s President-elect, is a retired Major General in the Nigerian Army. He was Head of State of Nigeria from 31 December 1983 to 27 August 1985, after taking power in a military coup d’état. The term Buharism is ascribed to the Buhari military government.
He ran unsuccessfully for the office of President in the 2003, 2007 and 2011 elections. In December 2014, he emerged as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the March 2015 elections. Buhari won the 2015 general election, defeating the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan. Buhari is a native of Daura in Katsina State. He is of Fulani ethnic background.
Buhari has stated that he takes responsibility for whatever happened under his watch during his military rule, saying that he cannot change the past. He also describes himself as a “converted democrat.”
Marriage, family and personal life
Muhammadu Buhari was born on 17 December 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, to his father Adamu and his mother Zulaihat. He is the twenty-third child of his father. Buhari was raised by his mother, after his father died when he was about three or four.
In 1971, Buhari married his first wife, Safinatu (née Yusuf) Buhari (First lady of Nigeria, December 1983-August 1985). They had five children together, four girls and one boy. Their first daughter, Zulaihat (Zulai) is named after Buhari’s mother. Their other children are Fatima, Musa (deceased), Hadiza, and Safinatu.
In 1988, Buhari and his first wife Safinatu were divorced. In December 1989, Buhari married his second and current wife Aisha (née Halilu) Buhari. They also have five children together, a boy and four girls. They are Aisha, Halima, Yusuf, Zarah and Amina.
On 14 January 2006, Safinatu Buhari, the former first lady, died from complications of diabetes. She was buried at Unguwar Rimi cemetery in accordance with Islamic rites.
In November 2012, Buhari’s first daughter, Zulaihat (née Buhari) Junaid, died from sickle cell anaemia, two days after having a baby at a hospital in Kaduna.
Early career
Buhari joined the Nigerian Army in 1961, when he attended the Nigerian Military Training College (in February 1964, it was renamed the Nigerian Defence Academy) in Kaduna. From 1962 to 1963, he underwent officer cadets training at Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot in England.
In January 1963, Buhari was commissioned as second lieutenant, and appointed Platoon Commander of the Second Infantry Battalion in Abeokuta, Nigeria. From November 1963 to January 1964, Buhari attended the Platoon Commanders’ Course at the Nigerian Military College, Kaduna. In 1964, he facilitated his military training by attending the Mechanical Transport Officer’s Course at the Army Mechanical Transport School in Borden, United Kingdom.
From 1965 to 1967, Buhari served as Commander of the Second Infantry Battalion. He was appointed Brigade Major, Second Sector, First Infantry Division, April 1967 to July 1967.
Buhari was made Brigade Major of the Third Infantry Brigade, July 1967 to October 1968 and Brigade Major/Commandant, Thirty-first Infantry Brigade, 1970 to 1971.
Buhari served as the Assistant Adjutant-General, First Infantry Division Headquarters, from 1971 to 1972. He also attended the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, India, in 1973.
From 1974 to 1975 Buhari was Acting Director of Transport and Supply at the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport Headquarters.
He was also Military Secretary at the Army Headquarters from 1978 to 1979 and was a member of the Supreme Military Council from 1978 to 1979.
From 1979 to 1980, at the rank of colonel, Buhari (class of 1980) attended the US Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in the United States, and gained a Masters Degree in Strategic Studies. Upon completion of the on-campus full-time resident program lasting ten months and the two-year-long, distance learning program, the United States Army War College (USAWC) college awards its graduate officers a master’s degree in Strategic Studies.
Other roles include:
General Officer Commanding, 4th Infantry Division, Aug. 1980 – Jan. 1981
General Officer Commanding, 2nd Mechanized Infantry Division, Jan. 1981 – October 1981
General Officer Commanding, 3rd Armed Division Nigerian Army, October 1981 – December 1983
Northern counter-coup of July 28, 1966
In July 1966 Lieutenant Muhammadu Buhari was one of the participants in a coup led by Lt-Col Murtala Mohammed that overthrew and assassinated Nigeria’s first self-appointed military Head of State General Aguiyi Ironsi who assumed leadership of the Nigerian government after a failed coup attempt on January 15, 1966 which overthrew the elected parliamentary system of government of independent Nigeria (also known as first republic). Ironsi’s assumption of Nigeria’s leadership was technically another coup following the January 15, 1966 coup. Other participants in the July 28, 1966 coup included 2nd Lieutenant Sani Abacha, Lieutenant Ibrahim Babangida , Major Theophilus Danjuma, Lieutenant Ibrahim Bako among others. The coup was a reaction to the January 15 coup where a group of mostly Igbo led by Major Chukwuma Nzeogwu overthrew the democratically elected government of Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. Many Northern soldiers were aggrieved by the murder of senior politicians, Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, northern regional premier, Ahmadu Bello, and four senior officers, Brigadier Zakariya Maimalari, Colonel Kur Mohammed, Lt-Cols Abogo Largema and James Pam. The counter-coup was very bloody leading to the murder of mostly Igbo officers. Among the casualties were the first military head of state General Aguiyi Ironsi and Lt Colonel Adekule Fajuyi, the military governor of the Western Region.
Governor of North Eastern State
In August 1975, after General Murtala Mohammed took power that year, he appointed Buhari as Governor of the North-Eastern State, to oversee social, economic and political improvements in the state.
In February 1976, the North Eastern state was divided by the Military Government into Bauchi, Borno and Gongola states. In August 1991, Yobe state was created from Borno state, while Gongola state was split into two states, Taraba and Adamawa. In October 1996, Gombe State was created from Bauchi State.
Federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources
In March 1976, the Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo, appointed Buhari as the Federal Commissioner (position now called Minister) for Petroleum and Natural Resources. When the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation was created in 1976, Buhari was also appointed as its Chairman, a position he held until 1978. During his tenure as Commissioner, 2.8 billion Naira allegedly went missing from the accounts of the NNPC in Midlands Bank in the United Kingdom. Former President Ibrahim Babangida allegedly accused Buhari of being responsible for this fraud.
However, according to the Modalities for Coordinating Nigeria’s Anti-Corruption Strategies, Constructive Engagement Vol.1 No.1, (2009), in 1983, Shagari administration inaugurated the Crude Oil Sales Tribunal of Inquiry, headed by Justice Ayo Irikefe, to investigate allegations of N2.8 billion misappropriation from the NNPC account. The tribunal however found no truth in the allegations even though it noticed some lapses in the NNPC accounts.
Head of state (1983–85)
Economic policy
In order to reform the economy, as Head of State, Buhari started to rebuild the nation’s social-political and economic systems, along the realities of Nigeria’s austere economic conditions. The rebuilding included removing or cutting back the excesses in national expenditure, obliterating or removing completely corruption from the nation’s social ethics, shifting from mainly public sector employment to self-employment. Buhari also encouraged import substitution industrialisation based to a great extent on the use of local materials and he tightened importation.
However, Buhari’s bid to re-balance public finances by curbing imports led to many job losses and the closure of businesses.
Buhari broke ties with the International Monetary Fund, when the fund asked the government to devalue the naira by 60%. However, the reforms that Buhari instigated on his own were as or more rigorous as those required by the IMF.
Other economic measures by Buhari took the form of counter trade, currency change, price reduction of goods and services.
Foreign policy
Buhari’s military government continued largely with the foreign policy it inherited from Shehu Shagari. In January 1984, in his new year broadcast speech, Buhari stated that he would maintain and enhance diplomatic relations with all countries and international organisations such as the OAU, UN, OPEC, ECOWAS and the Commonwealth of Nations. He also stated that he would honor all treaty obligations entered into by previous governments, which he did.
Buhari’s foreign policy also focused on Africa, mostly Nigeria’s neighbors due to financial commitments.
1985 coup and detention
In August 1985, Major General Buhari was himself overthrown in a coup led by General Ibrahim Babangida and other members of the ruling Supreme Military Council (SMC). Babangida brought many of Buhari’s most vocal critics into his administration, including Fela Kuti’s brother Olikoye Ramsom-Kuty, a doctor who had led a strike against Buhari to protest declining health care services. Buhari was then detained in Benin City until 1988.
Buhari’s admirers believe that he was overthrown by corrupt elements in his government who were afraid of being brought to justice as his policies were beginning to yield tangible dividends in terms of public discipline, curbing corruption, lowering inflation, enhancing workforce and improving productivity. Ibrahim Babangida justified his coup d’état by saying that Buhari failed to deal with the country’s economic problems and promised “to rejuvenate the economy ravaged by decades of government mismanagement and corruption.” However, Babangida’s military government also failed to deal with Nigeria’s economic problems and failed to rejuvenate the economy.
Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund
Buhari served as the Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), a body created by the government of General Sani Abacha, and funded from the revenue generated by the increase in price of petroleum products, to pursue developmental projects around the country. A 1998 report in New African praised the PTF under Buhari for its transparency, calling it a rare “success story.” However, the same report also noted that critics had questioned the PTF’s allocation of 20% of its resources to the military, which the critics feared would not be accountable for the revenue.
Political career (2003–)
In 2003, Buhari contested the presidential election as the candidate of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP). He was defeated by the Peoples Democratic Party nominee, President Olusegun Obasanjo, by a margin of more than eleven million votes.
On 18 December 2006, Gen. Buhari was nominated as the consensus candidate of the All Nigeria People’s Party. His main challenger in the April 2007 polls was the ruling PDP candidate, Umaru Yar’adua, who hailed from the same home state of Katsina. In the election, Buhari officially took 18% of the vote against 70% for Yar’Adua, but Buhari rejected these results. After Yar’Adua took office, the ANPP agreed to join his government, but Buhari denounced this agreement.
In March 2010, Buhari left the ANPP for the Congrss for Progressives Change (CPC), a party that he had helped to found. He said that he had supported foundation of the CPC “as a solution to the debilitating, ethical and ideological conflicts in my former party the ANPP.”
Buhari was the CPC Presidential candidate in the 16 April 2011 general election, running against incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu of Actioon Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and Ibrahim Shekarau of ANPP. They were the major contenders among 20 contestants. He was running on an anti-corruption platform and pledged to remove immunity protections from government officials. He also gave support to enforcement of Sharia law in Nigeria’s northern states, which had previously caused him political difficulties among Christian voters in the country’s south.
The elections were marred by widespread sectarian violence, which claimed the lives of 800 people across the country, as Buhari’s supporters attacked Christian settlements in the country’s center regions. The three day uprising was blamed in part on Buhari’s inflammatory comments. In spite of assurances from Human Rights Watch, who had judged the elections as “among the fairest in Nigeria’s history”, Buhari claimed that the poll was flawed and warned that “If what happened in 2011 should again happen in 2015, by the grace of God, the dog and the baboon would all be soaked in blood.”
However, he remains a “folk hero” to some for his vocal opposition to corruption. Buhari won 12,214,853 votes, coming in second to the incumbent president Goodluck Jonathan of the PDP, who polled 22,495,187 votes and was declared the winner.
2015 Presidential election
In the run up to the 2015 Presidential elections, the campaign team of incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan asked for the disqualification of General Buhari from the race, claiming that he is in breach of the Constitution. According to the fundamental document, in order to qualify for election to the office of the President, an individual must be “educated up to at least School certificate level or its equivalent”. Buhari has failed to submit any such evidence, claiming that he lost the original copies of his diplomas when his house was raided following his overthrow from power in 1985.
Buhari ran in the 2015 Presidential election as a candidate of the All Progressives Congress party. His platform was built around his image as a staunch anti-corruption fighter and his incorruptible and honest reputation. However, Buhari stated in an interview that he would not probe past corrupt leaders and that he would give officials who stole in the past amnesty, insofar as they repent.
In January 2015, the insurgent group “The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta” (MEND) endorsed Buhari in the Presidential race, saying he is the best candidate to lead the country.
Thanks to the help of Gilbert Chagoury, a Lebanese-Nigerian businessman and friend of APC leader Ahmed Tinubu, Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign was run by former Obama campaign manager David Axelrod and his AKPD consultancy. Gilbert Chagoury allegedly used his relationship with Bill Clinton to persuade Axelrod to take on the job of advising Buhari.
In February 2015, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo quit the ruling PDP party and threw his support behind the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket.
On March 31, incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan called Buhari to offer his concession and congratulations for his election as president; he will assume office on 29 May 2015.
Security challenges
In 2012, Buhari’s name was included on a list published by Boko Haram of individuals it would trust to mediate between the group and the Federal Government.[72] However, Buhari strongly objected and declined to mediate between the government and Boko Haram. In 2013, Muhammadu Buhari made a series of statements, when he asked the Federal Government to stop the killing of Boko Haram members and blamed the rise of the terrorist group on the prevalence of Niger Delta militants in the South. Buhari stated[73] that “what is responsible for the security situation in the country is caused by the activities of Niger Delta militants […] The Niger Delta militants started it all.” He also questioned the special treatment including millions of money those militants received from the Federal Government and deplored the fact that Boko Haram members were killed and their houses destroyed. The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, emotionally reacted to the statements made by the retired general and called for his arrest.
In May 2014, in the wake of the Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping, Buhari strongly denounced the Boko Haram insurgency. He “urged Nigerians to put aside religion, politics and all other divisions to crush the insurgency he said is fanned by mindless bigots masquerading as Muslims.”
In July 2014, Buhari escaped a bomb attack on his life by Boko Haram in Kaduna, 82 people were killed. In December 2014, Buhari pledged to enhance security in Nigeria if he wins the general elections on 14 February 2015, which were later rescheduled for 28 March 2015. Since this announcement, Buhari’s approval ratings reportedly have skyrocketed amongst the Nigerian people (largely due to the incumbent Goodluck Johnathan’s apparent inability to fight Boko Haram’s brutal insurgency). Buhari has now made internal security and wiping out the militant group one of the key pillars of his campaigning.
Freedom of religion
On 4 January 2015, Buhari stated that he favoured freedom of religion that every Nigerian should be free and secure to practice their different religions. Buhari said, “Religion must never be used as an excuse to divide us, oppress others or gain unfair advantage. All my life I have expressed the belief that all Nigerians must worship God according to their wish”.
Buhari has denied all allegations that he has a radical Islamist agenda. On 6 January 2015, Buhari said “Because they can’t attack our record, they accuse me falsely of ethnic jingoism; they accuse me falsely of religious fundamentalism. Because they cannot attack our record, they accuse us falsely of calling for election violence – when we have only insisted on peace. Even as Head of State, we never imposed Sha’riah.”
Awards
Major-General Buhari (Ret.) has received several awards and medals. In alphabetical order they include:
Congo Medal (CM)
Defense Service Medal (DSM)
Forces Service Star (FSS)
General Service Medal (GSM)
Global Seal of Integrity (GSOI)
Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (GCFR)
Without prejudice to whatever legal or other lawful challenges that President Goodluck Jonathan and his people might institute as part of his reelection effort, let me in the meantime congratulate the winner of the election, General Muhammadu Buhari.
General Muhammadu Buhari’s story is one of the most inspiring stories to come out of our nation. Rejected as a military leader for running a government that had no regard for people almost thirty years ago, Buhari worked his way back tirelessly through the tortuous democratic route.
For the past fourteen years, he’s joined others within different political parties and formations not only to actualize his ambition to return as a democratic president, but also actively participate as a stakeholder in the democratic life of the nation.
True, Buhari’s politics is not everyone’s cup of tea, but at this point, that is not the issue. I for one have been one of his most strident critics and I’m sure that won’t change very much, depending on how he chooses to operate as president; but, at this point, all he needs is our support.
Buhari has very dated views about the economy and social relations, but we must expect that a huge and influential section of the national coalition that worked to get him to Aso Rock would work on these rough edges and prevail on him to brush up on what he needs to brush up on and dump what he needs to dump.
Now that he has been elected, outside the partisan fog, we need to give Buhari a clean slate and not judge him on his past, because that is what the democratic project demands. The majority of Nigerians who voted for him are not fools. They know precisely who he is and what he stands for and have chosen to go with him, irrespective of what the rest of us think of President Goodluck Jonathan. We, the minority have had our say; but we must allow the majority to have their way.
President Jonathan has done pretty well in resuscitating agriculture and the real sectors and he’s also invested a lot in education, infrastructural development and a lot of other things. Buhari and his team must build on these. He must avoid the politics of religion, because as we can see from the Boko Haram menace, the surest way to get Nigeria destroyed is to encourage religious or ethnic politics.
Bola Tinubu would be quite influential in the incoming government. I salute his political sagacity and ability to work through the system to help achieve this victory for his party, but I’m no fan of his economics, cash and carry and accumulation politics. It’s one thing for him to economically colonize Lagos and the APC-controlled states, but quite another to think such a formula can be applied to Nigeria as a whole. He has to give the presidency and vice presidency room to breathe, because if he overplays his hand, Nigerians would not hesitate to let him know that he is no God.
For Buhari, his first task is to do away with his messianic complex. Of course, the expectations are quite high, but he has to responsibly manage those expectations and the mantra of change he’s dropped on people’s lips. Indeed, there are things he’d promised in the course of the campaign that are plainly impossible, but now that he’s about to get back to government in a democracy, I suggest he sets up a national policy review council made up of Nigerian experts in every field and opinion leaders to sit down with him and his team between now and inauguration to take a close look at what the situation is with out finances and performance updates in every sector with a view to keeping those things that needs to be kept, continuing with the laudable ones already started and cutting out waste and corruption where necessary. For me, he needs to forget the highfalutin proclamations in the APC manifesto and focus proactively on what exactly exists on the ground. In short, he has to hit the ground running, because no one will accept his age as an excuse.
Most importantly, Nigerians must now be very careful. There are many disgruntled elements out there in high places thinking this is an opportunity for them to foment trouble. Some of these persons have no respect for democracy and would think nothing of scuttling it. But if we do not encourage them or listen to them, they would remain powerless. Individuals and communities must therefore watch out for them.
We must continue to let Nigerians know that we are all one. True, some of us might see some ethnic and religious elements in the result of the election, but that is natural. The better way to look at it is that there is a lesson here for us all. That lesson must help to improve our democracy, rather than diminish it. We can only improve it if we appreciate that whoever is at the top only has four years or less to show us what he/she can do.
The power remains in our hands to send an incumbent president packing. If we have done it with a Jonathan that has the best democratic temperament amongst all Nigerian leaders, we can do it with anyone.
In our new vibrant Nigeria, Buhari’s honeymoon might be over, even before it starts, because if there’s any lesson to learn from this, it is the fact that Nigerians are not afraid of change, even where they have no idea where it would take them.
President Goodluck Jonathan has thanked Nigerians for the opportunity for the opportunity given to him to serve the country as President.
“I thank all Nigerians once again for the great opportunity I was given to lead this country and assure you that I will continue to do my best at the helm of national affairs until the end of my tenure Fellow Nigerians.”
President Jonathan, who contested the last Saturday election under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and lost to the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari said that he is happy to leave the legacy of the expansion of democratic space for Nigerians to participate in the process.
In a personal message, the President recalled that he promised the country free and fair elections and that he has kept his word.
“I have also expanded the space for Nigerians to participate in the democratic process. That is one legacy I will like to see endure. Although some people have expressed mixed feelings about the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), I urge those who may feel aggrieved to follow due process based on our constitution and our electoral laws, in seeking redress.
“As I have always affirmed, nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian. The unity, stability and progress of our dear country is more important than anything else.
“I congratulate all Nigerians for successfully going through the process of the March 28th General Elections with the commendable enthusiasm and commitment that was demonstrated nationwide.
“I also commend the Security Services for their role in ensuring that the elections were mostly peaceful and violence-free.
President Jonathan who expressed gratitude to Nigerians for turning out en-masse in the March 28 general elections, also thanked his colleagues in the PDP for their support.
According to him, today, the PDP should be celebrating rather than mourning, adding that they in the party have established a legacy of democratic freedom, transparency, economic growth and free and fair elections.
“For the past 16 years, we have steered the country away from ethnic and regional politics. We created a Pan-Nigerian political party and brought home to our people the realities of economic development and social transformation.
“Through patriotism and diligence, we have built the biggest and most patriotic party in Nigerian history. We must stand together as a party and look to the future with renewed optimism.
“I thank all Nigerians once again for the great opportunity I was given to lead this country and assure you that I will continue to do my best at the helm of national affairs until the end of my tenure.
“I have conveyed my personal best wishes to General Muhammadu Buhari.
“May God Almighty continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I thank you all.” [myad]
Former Nigeria President Olusegun Obasanjo has asked the Presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari, who is believed to have won the SaturdayPresidential election, to start binding the wounds and bitterness occasioned by the campaign and the evil disciples.
“On this occasion, the system has been unnecessarily overheated before and particularly during the campaigns when emphasis was more on trivialities and hate, divisive, undignifying and disrespectful statements and comments rather than on pressing issues requiring attention.
“I know that in victory, you will be magnanimous to start binding the wounds and bitterness occasioned by the campaign and the evil disciples.”
In his congratulatory message to General Buhari today on his victory in the presidential poll, Obasanjo made it clear that the major thing he needed to confront is the fight against corruption and carrying out of reforms in different sectors.
Obasanjo, who noted that so much harm had already been done to many national institutions, including the military, however, advised him to be magnanimous in victory.
“With so much harm already done to many national institutions including the military, which proudly nurtured you and me, you will have a lot to do on institution reform – education, healthcare, economy, security, infrastructure, power, youth employment, agri-business, oil and gas, external affairs, cohesiveness of our nation and ridding our land of corruption.
“Your varied and wide experience will undoubtedly stand you in good stead.”
The former president said that the country is blessed with men and women of goodwill, character and virtue across the board which General Buhari can mobilise to join hands with him in the reform, repairs and re-direction that will be imperative to put Nigeria back on the fast lane of good governance, unity, cohesiveness, development and progress.
According to Obasanjo, General Buhari’s victory, after three previous unsuccessful attempts, must be a great lesson to himself and for all politicians, particularly in Nigeria.
“For me, the totality of 2015 elections hold many lessons for our democracy and democratisation process, which are both maturing.”
Delegation of African Union and ECOWAS met with Presidential Candidate of APC, General Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja on Monday, 31 March 2015.
L-R: Former Liberia President, Mr. Amos Sawyyer, former Ghanaian President, Mr. John Kufuor, Muhammad Ibn Chambas; APC Presidential Candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, Bukili Mukuzi and others during a visit by the delegation that have come to monitor the Saturday Presidential and National Assembly elections in Nigeria. [myad]
Former President Atiku Abubakar and former United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan have sent a congratulatory message to the Presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari, for being elected the next president of Nigeria. They also commended President Goodluck Jonathan, who contested with Buhari and lost, for his maturity and courage.
Atiku recalled that the great Nnamdi Azikiwe once wrote that “history will continue to vindicate the just.” Your victory in the polls, with votes from across the length and breadth of our country, bears witness to the acceptance of not just our party, the APC, but also your ideology of justice, fair play and zero tolerance for corruption as the bedrock for national rebirth.
“At this historic moment, it is most important to say a hearty thank you to every Nigerian who voted for the APC. Your votes have not just elected the first opposition party into federal power, but has also set a precedent which will have positive implications for democracy across Africa.
“Dear GMB, the journey has just begun. Millions of Nigerians have put their trust in you, because they were not satisfied with the status quo. You represent the hope of a new generation of Nigerians, and you cannot afford to fail them. Our party has made a promise of change to our young people, to secure and rebuild our country, create jobs and opportunity, and improve citizens’ welfare. We will stand behind you to ensure we keep those promises, just like we did during these elections.
“Our country needs a new direction. We have voted for you, and our party won the election, but when you assume our highest office, you must become the president of not just the APC, but all of Nigeria, including the people who did not vote for you. We look up to you to heal the fractures of our country, and truly unite this country like never before.
“To President Jonathan, I want to specially thank you for conducting a historic election. Your party may have lost the elections, but you have won the admiration of the world by not interfering with the wishes of Nigerians. History will be kind to you.
“It is my sincere hope that we will all come together as one country, to build the Nigeria of our dreams. Kofi Annan wrote on his facebook wall: “The Nigerian people have spoken, and they have elected General Muhammadu Buhari. I offer him my warmest congratulations on his electoral success.
“At the same time, I wish to express great appreciation to President Goodluck Jonathan for his service to the nation and for accepting the electoral outcome in a democratic spirit.
“My congratulations go as well to Professor Attahiru Jega and the Independent National Electoral Commission for their extraordinary efforts to ensure that the elections were held in a transparent manner as well for ensuring that most Nigerians had the opportunity to cast their vote.
“My thanks extend as well as to the many thousands of poll workers, electoral observers, party agents and civil society organisations who helped to ensure that these elections succeeded despite many difficulties.
“I also commend the security services for ensuring security and calm during the electoral process.
“The Nigerian people have exercised their democratic rights. Despite the threat from Boko Haram, voters came out to cast their votes. At some polling stations, even though they were attacked, voters came back to vote. That shows the determination of the people of Nigeria to have a say in how they are governed, and by whom.
“I hope, therefore, that the will of the people will not be marred by violence in the days ahead. I call on all Nigerians to respect the results and seek redress, if need be, through appropriate and peaceful means.
“The president elect will assume office at a difficult juncture in Nigeria’s fortunes. He will need the support of every Nigerian and the international community to steer the country through these turbulent times. To do so, he must govern as the president of all Nigerians, and avoid any “winner-takes-all” tendency, while also respecting the role of the opposition.
“I wish President-elect Buhari and the Nigerian people every success as they embark on their journey of national renewal.”
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Director of media and publicity for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organisation, Femi Fani-Kayode has joined President Goodluck Jonathan in congratulating the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari of All Progressives Congress (APC) for winning the March 28 Presidential election.
Here Comes The Peoples’s General, By Abu Bilaal Abdulrazaq bn Bello bn Oare
They bombed his convoy in an attempt to get him out of the race… They vilified his religion… They sponsored hate documentaries on AIT & NTA to assassinate his character… They criticized his age… They forged medical reports alleging that he suffers prostate cancer and acute asthma… They claim he does not possess a leaving school certificate… They paid for front-page newspaper advertorials to wish him dead… They tried to procure black-market court rulings to stop him… They caused him untoward trauma with painful reminders of the death of his daughter and ex-wife. Indeed, they did everything. But alas, none can reverse the decree of Allah. Whatever Allah has released, none can withhold… and whatever He withholds, none can release. He gives power to whom He wills, and takes it from whom He wills.
After trying repeatedly for twelve years, General Muhammadu Buhari finally wins the presidential election. In truth, Allah is with the patient. I shed tears in joy and ecstasy for General Muhammadu Buhari.
History has been made in Nigeria. I thank Allah for keeping me alive to witness it. I thank Allah for making me a part of it. Change is here. Change has come.
Dear General, may Allah help you live up to the high expectations of the long suffering masses of our country. May Allah help you to be a leader for both the rich and the poor, and not only the cabals… May Allah help you to be the best president Africa ever witnessed. In your story lies immense lessons for each and everyone of us who are eye witnesses and ear witnesses to this uncommon and hard-won victory.
Our Lord, praise is Yours… abundant, pure and blessed praise. Praises plentiful and blessed as to fill the heavens and the earth and whatever lies between them, and whatever else You please. You (Allah) are most worthy of praise and majesty, and what the servants have said – we are all Your servants.
O Allah, there is none who can withhold what You give, and none may give what You have withheld. And the might of the mighty person cannot benefit him against You.
General Muhammadu Buhari, president-elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, kindly accept my hearty congratulations!
Abu Bilaal Abdulrazaq bn Bello bn Oare
Kaduna, Nigeria
asahaabah@aol.com. [myad]