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IBB Is A Democrat By Abubakar Adamu England
The dice has now been cast. IBB has chosen without PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) ticket to go it alone for the 2007 Presidential election. And who say he cannot choose to decide what to do with his wish in the election, whether to adopt another party or leave the project? Democracy gives the individual freedom to choose. I have also of recent baited for Dr. Orji Kalu as a potential Nigeria leader for his youthful energy and enthusiasm for change. At the time of writing this piece, Chief Kalu is not in the race, I wish him the best in whatever capacity he chose to make his contribution to the democratic development in Nigeria. To impose/anoint or bar a candidate in an election will not help democratic growth. Freedom to choose is the main theme and faith of democracy. You can love or hate Ibb; the Nigeria voters in the end should decide who our next President is.
Before I go any further, I request all patriotic Nigerians, on the eve of 2007 election to observe two minutes silence: the first minute for all those who perished or injured from both sides of the Biafra conflicts, one of the darkest moment in our history. I pray the next government will declare one day in a year as “Biafra Day” as a day of prayers and remembrance of those who lost lives during the conflict. The second minute is for agony and rage at Niger-Delta, Ogoni People, Tiv-Jukun strife, Jos, Lagos, Ekiti, Muslims versus Christians, tribal and all other conflicts.
The lost of lives and conflicts were all part of nations’ struggles to define and have a peaceful coexistence in Nigeria as a Country. Existence is what all Nigerians do daily but we also want to have a meaningful life. It will be such a shame and waste if we carry on fighting each other despite the past tragedies and current ones. We need to draw a line somewhere and begin reconciliation. Democracy has given us the opportunity to debate and argue our point of view without harassment.
The candidacy of Ibb has drawn a lot of hostile comments and commentaries, threats of legal actions and violence. I read some few comments from naijapolitics.com especially from my compatriots in USA, I think some of them, and their brains have been taken over by eating too much cheeseburgers and fries (or chips in the UK) Some of the languages used are childish and filthy, if they make similar comments about anyone in America, George Bush will probably sent them to Guantanamo Bay Prison Camp near Cuba. It is cowardice to preach violence in Nigeria when some of those guys are living under the security of the USA law and protected by the Homeland Security. However the emotions, debates and criticism are all part of democratic freedom of expression.
I have always suspect that some of the hostilities against Ibb are out of jealousy to see an individual who came from a simple background became very powerful; there is lack of respect and value on a Military career include other security services because people always refer to Ibb as just a soldier, but these men and women sacrifices with their lives for the security and integrity of Nigeria and there is class snobbery for a Man with no royal link to be more powerful than some with royalty and high titles.
As an individual IBB has not been proven guilty of any offence by a Court of Law, all we hear are stories, rumours and conspiracy theories. Recently an American Magazine listed Fidel (Castro of Cuba) among the richest Head of State in the World. The magazine made their estimates from the wealth of Cuba as belonging to Fidel because they claimed as a Communist (I prefer Socialist) leader he singularly control the national wealth. In the UK some people hold the theory of conspiracy in the death of Princess Diana. Some people forget that if you drive a car too fast and under the influence of alcohol, you will probably have an accident and die – doh!!! Does it add up or make sense to make up a story of what you do not know or understand?
President Olusegun Obasanjo (aka OBJ) has declared publicly that anyone who has proof of Ibb guilt should bring evidence of proof. We can blow all the English grammars under the sun and be academic about this matter; legally proof is needed for conviction. In Law, no one person can be a Judge and Jury, it is lazy thinking to make wild allegations without evidence. Nuhu Ribadu, the corruption tsar and the EFCC Boss also said they have no evidence traced to Ibb. What else can the Man himself say about many accusations against him? Ibb said he is not corrupt. Some people have already made up their minds and have a mindset to believe otherwise. Until there is a Court case and conviction, all allegations against IBB are just allegations. Those who make it their pleasure and game to point accusing finger at IBB can have their fun, how will they feel if a finger is pointing at them?
To criticise any government is in order and in fact be encourage from every citizen. But to criticize one individual in a government is too much ignorant of how government functions. Some of the criticisms are coming from some who claim they are educated or look intelligent. A government is not run by one person; some people have this illusion that during Ibb regime all he said goes. Decision-making process in a cabinet or Military Council is collective and the Head of the government is in fact the ‘messenger’ who delivers the group decision. In Nigeria it is hard to believe that is how a government is run and if there is a corruption or bad governance all in the government stand accused not only one. No one can convince me that during Ibb government that they were all corrupt and no one have integrity.
When the first republic of Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and the Owelle of Onitsha, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe was overthrown in 1966 by the Military, it is claimed Colonel(?) Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogu was the coup leader but General Aguiyi Ironsi was appointed the Head of State as a compromising candidate because of his compassionate leadership qualities and respect from his comrades. When Ibb and others had their coup against Buhari, he did not said make me your leader; others in the group must have seen something in Ibb to made him their leader. Ibb was in fact in that scenario chosen by a democratic process of choice by his comrades, it will be hard for some people to believe this – think outside the box, you may be liberated.
The character, integrity and the person of Ibb has been drag through the mud as some peoples sport and entertainment. Nigerians are not offered the facts but rumours and imaginary fairytales about a Man who has not take recourse by legal means on those who offend him. That is the measure of the Man’s humility and compassion. During the Obj and Vice-President Atiku Abubakar palaver, at least some photocopies of cheques were published purported as evidence against Obj. The facts proved those cheques have no Obj names but an alleged third party who may have link with Obj. Follow that logic, anyone with link with Obj assume corrupt? Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria Vice-President has close link to the President. If you point one finger at somebody, the other fingers are pointing back at you!!!!!!!!
There is a national obsession and mythology in Nigeria about Ibb, Ibb evoke passions and emotions in people, either love or hate. Some facts that even his enemies cannot denied him is that Ibb is respectful to his elders and seniors, loyal to his friends and have friends across the nationalities. The fact that Ibb gave up his PDP ticket for General Aliyu Gusua, former National Security Adviser (NSA) and Governor Umaru Yar’Adua of Katsina State, is a proof of his loyalty to a friend and brother and a sign of man of honour. Ibb is not sectarian or religious fanatic. The Man is approachable and despite his public service achievements he can meet and talk with the high and low. Comical as some Nigerians can be even Ibb’s smile is criticised by some serious commentators. They said when Ibb smile he is up to something, suspicious minds some Nigerians are. General Buhari is not smiling much, they said, he is too serious – make up your mind, men!! When even your Local Government Chairman can consider himself or herself a VIP (Very Important Personality) and become arrogant and may also think some people are beneath him or her.
People ask, why Ibb want to come back after eight (8) years in power? They conveniently forgot that Obj came back for two terms after being a Military Head of State after the death of General Murtala Muhammed. General Muhammed Buhari was also a former Military Head of State who want to come back and some former Military officers who are in or joining the race for 2007. I do not join those who believe Obj government was bad. No one government can solve all the Country’s problems; Obj made his legacy what legacy is debatable. Development and conflicts resolutions are continues act of government and politics. Even the so-called developed countries like France, USA or the UK (the best democratic in the World) still make mistake and are improving to make life better for their people.
So if Ibb desire to comeback and as a Nigerian is an opportunity to ask him all those questions you want answered during the campaigns. Some people call themselves politician or intellectual without political or intellectual know-how. If you want to join political debate understand the art and rules of politics. Making noises without understanding the concept of politics, political, politicking or political-philosophy, making a statement or analysis will be weak. In fact you do not need a degree in political science to understand politics but passion and opportunity to serve others. Ibb made the ultimate sacrifice with his life as a Soldier to help to keep Nigeria-One; I believe he has a stake in the Country as anyone else. All those who are abusing Ibb are sounding like a broken old vinyl Record, boring; we are now in the new millennium of CD (Compact Disc) Bring out, a new CD of Nigeria politics and let us debate the national issues that concern us all: development and conflicts resolutions. Many who are making the loudest noises and advocating violence live overseas and probably have not registered to vote to make a difference. Ibb is taking part in a democratic process of election, exercising his right under Nigeria Constitution and is therefore a Democrat.
I welcome sensible and mature debate on the above. If you want to abuse or insult me, do not waste my time. No one person has a monopoly of choice who governs Nigeria, Nigerians voters make the choice.
God Bless Nigeria.
Abubakar Adamu is a Transport Logistician and Freelance Researcher.
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