2011 ELECTION: BUHARI MAY BE COUNTING ON INTEGRITY

The guts of General Mohammadu Buhari (retired), the CPC presidential flag bearer, go beyond borders. He was in the race to preside over a democratic Nigeria in 1999, 2003, 2007 and now 2011. He promised never to go to court if he transparently and fairly loses.

Buhari formed a political party (CPC) few months ago. Many people including yours sincerely dismissed him as a joker. But today I have changed my perception of the man. CPC has grown within this short period, challenging older parties namely PDP, ACN and ANPP, which he belonged but left because of what was termed ideological differences.

His ‘personal’ party has moved to great participatory one unlike the ACPN that belongs to the Kwara strong man, Senator Olusola Saraki. Saraki had formed and kept in his closet the ACPN with the connivance of his son Governor Bukola Saraki. Today it has been dusted up with the aim of making daughter Senator Gbemisola Saraki the next Kwara State governor?

Another reason Buhari is winning more hearts is that of good articulation in choosing those that would help him realize his dream; a dream that would witness more cleansing in the nation as he did when he was Nigeria’s military Head of State. With Prince Tony Momoh and Pastor Tunde Bakare, etc, Buhari has people of his pedigree.

He is not afraid that those with ill-gotten wealth can congregate and ensure that he did not win the election; to their faces he promised them hard time and would ensure they returned the looted funds, if he becomes the President. Again Buhari has also strongly advocated true federalism that many are craving for and promised removal of immunity (read, impunity) clause. He seems also not to be a do-or-die politician like former president Obasanjo. He believes in rule of law hence he followed all his lost election cases calmly, allowing their outcomes to be; whether properly delivered or not. But what he would not condone this time is rigging in the forthcoming elections; he has asked people to give jungle treatment to any rigger. Clear conscience fears no accusation, one may say.

President Jonathan should borrow a leaf from Buhari whose State of origin (Katsina State) received him (Jonathan) peacefully on Wednesday January 15. Jonathan should caution his Bayelsa State people that had stoned Buhari during his visit there to desist from repeating such now that the proper electioneering campaign is in progress. If what happened then to Buhari should repeat, Jonathan should be squarely held responsible.

Dr. Peter Kosowei, Plot 849 Abuloma Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.