Muhammad Bello: Not Third-Term Bid Sycophant

By

Abubakar G. Ya'u

Despite the critical situation and the socio-economic problems in the country, one needs to think of positive changes from the Aso Rock so as to uplift the living standard of Nigerians.

In fact, instead of the government to partake in fi nding lasting solution to the problems, it is unfortunate that politicians add more to the suffering of the teeming less privileged Nigerians by infesting another cankerworm of third term bid just for their selfish interest.

It is on record however that during the 2003 elections, a lot of riggings were done allegedly by the ruling party Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP). In fact, if the 2003 elections were said to have been rigged, I believe a lot of cautions would be taken by the people of the country to avoid its re-occurrence in 2007.

Even though, no one can confirm as to whether President Obasanjo has called off his intention to continue as president of the country in 2007, as he continues to play with the intelligence of the people of the country, I believe readers can observe some concrete symbols or signals as to that effect. However, it is unfortunate that there are some governors in the country who, due to their selfish interest and greed to remain in power, are in total support of the third term agenda. I really consider most of those governors in support of third term as being corrupt, even though they have no alternative but to do so in order to avoid a situation whereby they will face some impeachment threats may be from even the presidency.

I must express my special thanks to the Kano Elders Forum, Kaduna state House of Assembly, CNPP, MRD and MDD for putting pressure immensely to abort the agenda. As Nigerians, we always give ear and hearken to the voices of mercy from the few courageous Nigerians who remain firm in their struggle and belief in the sustenance of democracy despite the intense pressure from top government officials.

The country will never fail to remember the contribution of people like Alhaji Muhammadu Bello, the current Kano state commissioner for environment who, with no fear, b ecame the first commissioner in Northern Nigeria to reject the agenda with his vocal voice of human interest. Alhaji Bello has a unique position on working hard to ensure protection of people’s interest first and struggle to defend their right of having a transparent leadership come 2007 particularly at the national level. This ideology has made Muhammad Bello to continue to support Gen. Muhammad Buhari , ANPP presidential candidate during the 2003 elections. He was one of those who struggled to ensure that the party nominated him (General Buhari) as its candidate in the 2003 elections as well as the forthcoming presidential election in 2007 for General Buhari's competence and merit.

According to Muhammad Bello, if the party national chairman, Chief Don Etiebet continues to make some statements in support of the third term agenda, it means the chairman is not working for the party’s interest, but for those in Aso Rock.

Unfortunately, even among governors of the ANPP controlled states, there are those who are making frantic efforts to prevent Buhari from emerging as the party’s flag bearer in the forthcoming 2007 presidential election. May Allah destroy this plan, Amin.

Moreover, it is my candid opinion to assert that if politicians in the country will borrow a leaf from Hon. Muhammadu Bello, who was the former ANPP chairman in Kano state, certainly the country would be put to the path of proper development. I really consider this gem as a champion of democracy who dedicated his whole life, time and resources to the promotion and sustenance of democratic principles.

A Buhari loyalist, Muhammadu Bello believes in justice, equity and fair play in politics. These principles of his have made him again an upright man who sees nothing good in third term, because, to him the agenda is quite undemocratic and against the country’s constitution.

I think I am right if I say that General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida is now loosing his esteem in the eyes of Western, international and other organizations, and even the neighboring countries because we are all witnesses to what happened during his regime.

In fact, he kept postponing the handover date at that time. He kept playing it Maradonic and then refused to hand over to a democratically elected civilian administration.

It is on this note that I look at it more appropriate to appeal to President Olusegun Obasanjo not to borrow a leaf from General Babangida. Let Mr. President hand over to a civilian successor for the sake of peace and development of the country. Mr President should not be afraid to hand over power in 2007 because, I believe, there are competent hands who can lift the nation better than the way he (President Obasanjo) did. I am sure General Buhari will be the suitable next president.

Indeed , all visionary people in this country will really support an observation made by the indefatigable former ANPP chairman and now commissioner for environment in Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Bello that the third term bid is a disease which should be prevented. And let me repeat, General Buhari is the most competent to lead the country in 2007.

I now recall an observation also made by the former ANPP chairman in Kano that Muhammad Buhari had served better in PTF when he was its chairman and when as governor in the former Borno state as well as when he was a petroleum minister. The track record of these achievements is there on ground. Muhammadu Bello, who was sharing some experience with us, was optimistic that within the short period General Buhari spent as Head of State in Nigeria, he was able to leave some befitting legacies in the area of discipline and war against indiscipline. Nigerians also were encouraged to go back to farm. This is because he (General Buhari) knew that one day, the oil itself may constitute a problem to Nigerians. Of course, now we, especially those of us Northerners, are suffering from some form of maltreatment from the oil resource agitators as we are today considered as parasite. Let us now also embrace agriculture as being practiced in the olden days and also make use of our abundant natural resources so that we can remain as contributors to the nation in terms of resource control or management.

Still, Muhammad Bello, who this piece is dedicated to, was quick to oppose, like I mentioned earlier those governors in support of third term plan. According to Muhammadu Bello those governors are doing so without support from their people. This is true in all ramification because, even those members of the National Assembly who are in support of the agenda could not boost of contacting or consulting people of their various constituencies. They amass wealth to the detriment of the people they claim to represent. It is obvious that the poor are dying while the rich cannot sleep at night because of night marauders. In fact, to say there is poor security in the country is to state the obvious. Our roads have turned out to be the death trap due to serious dilapidation which makes the activities of the men of the underworld easy at night.

However, the solution in my opinion is seen in what Muhamamd Bello observed as Nigerians should rush to vote for Muhammad Buhari as president come next year. Also, pressure groups, like MDD and MRD should rally their activities round General Buhari for better service to the county.

Politicians in the country should join hand with the progressives  like Muhammad Bello for the sustenance of Nigeria’s democracy, and I believe this effort will bring transparency, good governance and accountability in the country.

A human right activist, Muhammad Bello, we remain loyal to you and we believe that your struggle is for the masses particularly less privileged in the society. May Allah guide us in our effort to re-engineer our society.