Muhammadu Buhari was a popular man in 2015. Goodluck Jonathan's perceived ineptitude coupled with Nigerians' dissatisfaction and disillusion with almost every facet of his governance propelled Muhammadu Buhari, then a71-year-old former military dictator who has contested three times before, into the limelight as the 'messiah'. His alleged tough stance on corruption -widely regarded to be endemic and the bane to national development - won him the hearts of many patriotic and zealous Nigerians who, for once in their lifetime, want to experience a sane, working Nigeria where government would actually be responsible to Nigerians and be responsive to their needs and yearnings, rule of law would be respected, discipline among government officials would be at premium, corrupt public officials would not be spared, and an all-inclusive government would be constituted in such a multicultural and multi-religious country like ours.
The early signs
Buhari's victory was such a relief that one might be forgiven for proposing the day of his famous victory as a national holiday. Not since the days of Murtala Muhammad had any Nigerian leader was able to garner as much support and wide acceptability (bar some southern states). Many people even trekked many miles to celebrate his victory. Buhari would've asked for heads after his victory and some of us would've given it to him with our blessings!.
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However, the euphoria that followed his victory didn't last long as it was clear from the onset that indecision would be the Achilles' heel' of his administration. This effectively gave him the nickname of "Baba go slow". In fact, it took him about 6 months to form his government (about 12.5% of his supposed 4 years in office!). His early appointments also raised some eyebrows as they were considered lopsided, and excessively dominated by people of Northern and Islamic background.
For a man who has not been able to defend himself fully from allegations of ethnic jingoism and religious bigotry from some quarters, this made e mockery of his widely applauded inaugural assertion of " for nobody and for everybody". The notion that he prioritized competency is laughable as it can be argued and proved beyond reasonable doubt that competent and trustworthy people exist in all parts of the country. Some of his early fans, including myself, had to defend him with the hope that that the trend would change. Unfortunately, it didn't.
Soon after, Nigeria was also plunged into a5n economic recession. Inflation rates were at all times high. Companies were downsizing, jobs were being lost, the irony of the "change" mantra laid bare before ordinary Nigerians. The country's currency was at all-time weak. Things were very hard for nearly everyone (except if you're Yusuf Buhari who can still afford and N56M power bike!). To be fair to Buhari, the economic downturn was not entirely his fault. Years of reckless spending, irrational fiscal policies, and imprudent debt management under previous administrations during the oil boom resulted in a recession as the 'writings were definitely on the wall' before his emergence. Coincidentally, oil prices also dropped significantly immediately he was sworn in. In fact, it was to his credit that he and his economic team successfully led the country of recession.
The President's "persistent ear infection" as it was described by the presidency (only God knows what that is) also became a source of concern for many necessitating the need for a debate as to his fitness to govern the country. As a matter of fact, he has been away for medical vacation for more than 170 days since May 29th, 2015 when he was sworn in.
The administration of the "converted democrat" as one APC campaign pamphlet described him in 2014 also failed to comply with many court orders and rulings. Notably, the failure to release Sambo Dasuki, erstwhile National Security adviser who has been accused of massive corrupt practices to the tune of billions of Naira. The excessive use of force on Shia members by security agents which can best be described modern-day genocide as contained in the resolution of the "Geneva Convention" and which should've perhaps attracted ICC, Hague. The subsequent incarceration of their spiritual leader and failure to obey court's order for his immediate release is reminiscent of the old military rule.
For a man who famously rode to victory based on his tough anti-corruption stance, his fight against corruption has been hugely disappointing. It has been accused -with evidence - that the fight is actually targeted against opposition members and disgruntled APC members. Even though a huge amount of money has been recovered through the Federal Government's cloudy Whistleblowing policy", many Nigerians considered it insufficient from a man who has promised to "unleash hell" on looters prior to his emergence.
Overall assessment
For all of his inadequacies, it's important to remember that Buhari should be considered a step higher than Jonathan's administration and if given the opportunity to choose again between them, fully aware of what's happening now, I would still have chosen him -though grudgingly. He has been able to move the country forward, though slower than one would have wanted. He has, obviously, made many mistakes and his government has been characterized by many administrative gaffes. And this is the part many of his burgeoning, overzealous, sycophantic, obsequious and bootlicking fans wouldn't want to agree. They think "Baba" is untouchable!
Buharism and fervor of Buharists.
Buharism can be thought of as a form of political, philosophical and ideological principles marked by excessive enthusiasm and often intense, uncritical devotion to the political, economic and other ideas, decisions and governance of Muhammadu Buhari. It can be liked to Hitlerism. A dangerous precedence which could undermine devotion and patriotism to Nigeria. It's a 'disease' ravaging through the country. It's highly infectious and could take away one's rationality if care is not taken. And the class of people this has infected is quite staggering. From the literates to unlettered, from students to teachers; it cuts across various religious and ethnic groups. They have vowed to always support every of his decision -regardless of how illogical they may seem.
Perhaps, how can one explain the rationality behind a group of people who hailed Buhari when Bukola Saraki was being prosecuted and still hailed him when FG dropped the case or when a minister in his cabinet caught in a certificate forgery scandal refused to resign only for her to resign two months later or when the son of a supposed prudent president crashedana N56M power bike or whenever a corrupt opposition member is being forgiven after joining APC. They are numerous and I've tried, albeit unsuccessfully, to understand their reasoning behind hailing every move of his. More staggeringly is the fact that some of them who live under $1.5 dollar a day are ready to donate to a president who can literally afford anything he wants!. They hailed him when he said Nigerian youths are lazy and also hailed him when he said they are not!
Buharism has a great implication for national patriotism as it raises people who are patriotic to certain individuals rather than the country. It raises 'sheeps' who would not critically evaluate every option available to them.
Conclusion
I like Buhari as well (some might argue against this) but I criticize him when I feel he has been wrong and I praise him for actions that are worthy of praise. For our country's sake, Buharism must die and must be replaced with critical thinking.
A "wailer", as they would say.
Hameed AkandeHameedbashiru@gmail.com
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