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The Ultimate Contest of Two Katsina Titans for Aso Rock By Chinnedu O. Eboh
As the days tick out to the general elections, Nigerians are becoming increasingly concerned as to who governs the nation in the next few months. Wherever two or more are gathered, one would hear this debate, which has boiled down to two prominent Katsina sons. A tale of two men, two destinies, two options and ultimately about which of the two Katsina sons, will occupy Aso Rock. Alhaji Umar Yar'Adua, the Governor of Katsina State on one hand, and General Mohammadu Buhari, a retired Army general and former Head of State, on the other. Ideologically, General Buhari can be described as a right-wing reactionary who has contested, lost and is back to lose again for same post. Yar'Adua is a progressive democrat, indeed left of centre and best known for bringing about development of Katsina State.
I was a hapless listener to an impromptu symposium in Mama Put's place recently. While the discussion progressed, one message came out clear – Nigeria wants civil governance! Nigerians say no to totalitarianism, militarism and such other forms of oppression. This is because khaki does not change colour, it only fades. Soldier, na soldier – retired or not, says Mallam Adamu. But Emeka, who also listened keenly, added –fellow country people, we need an intelligent president, a man of his own words, not a stooge. We need a man who can stand the internal and external pressures of politics without compromising. I think only a leader with such military credentials like Buhari, can withstand such pressures. Its time we get serious! No! No!! No!!! Madam Ekaete quickly refuted. "My son, abortion is abortion, no matter its form. Had your mother aborted the pregnancy that brought you forth, you will not be here. My message is simple – whoever truncates a government without constitutional right, in an undemocratic manner, should not be trusted with power. He will do worse given the mandate. We are old enough to know who a democrat is. The truth is, Buhari aborted a civilian government because he hates civil governance; and has no respect for civil and human rights. But today he wants to democratically rule Nigeria. What a contradiction! In other countries of the world, all these coupists should have been tried and punished for treason"
To Adeyinka, Emeka could be right in a way because of personal interest. Maybe he is a soldier or one of his relative. If not, no well meaning Nigerian, in his right senses would say this. "What you sow" says Adeyinka, "is what you'll reap! Buhari needs no introduction in this country. But what can we proudly say about him? That apart from aborting a democratic government, he sent many people on exile (who wants to be an alien?), imprisoned prominent Nigerian leaders and public servants? Will you be happy with a government whose economic measures are too rigid for companies to run? Surely, this will lead to joblessness and inflation. Isn't it? Look Emeka, we want more jobs, more companies and sustenance of existing ones not closing down of companies and retrenchment of workers. Check it out! Is it in the area of freedom of the press, where journalists would dare not educate citizens on state of affairs of the nation? Should we encourage a government that would not embrace dialogue? Does it make any sense to you? Certainly not! My people, my advice is simple, your vote is your power and you must use it wisely. "This vote," continued Madam Ekaete, "is equal to four years of governance. So, think wisely and vote rightly!"
It dawned on me that Nigeria has come of age politically and such an industrious and intelligent people deserve highly educated and industrious leaders. Before I could voice out my concerns, a young lady, consuming a large bowl of rice, dodo, fish and stew, drew my attention to the INEC's presidential result of 2003 election as a testimony of our political maturity. She said to me, "No one can deceive us again, at least not now". A victory margin of about million (12m) Precisely 11,746,118, (PDP: Obasanjo 24,456,140 ( 61.94%) and ANPP: Buhari 12,710,022 (32.19%) Nigerians voted Obasanjo against Buhari becoming the president.
"What could this mean?" Oduora asked. Could it mean 11.7m charges of civil and human right abuses against the retired general? or over 11m Nigerians giving 11m reasons why Buhari should not be their president? No! maybe it means over eleven million Nigerian voices crying against dictatorship. Possibly too, it could represent 11.7m Nigerians who are aliens in other countries. But to my friend, Philip, this could mean 11.7m voices against military rule, religious intolerance, rigidity and economic inflation.
But as we got going for our day's business, Philip asked what I learnt from the scenario at Mama Put's place. Frankly nothing, I said. The truth is, said Philip, "little gatherings like these cut across the whole country. Did you notice that? And the message is handy. Nigerians are vehemently against military dictatorship. Nigeria desires a core civilian leadership and government. The best thing therefore, is to get all parties to work for the actualisation of this dream. Nigerians have tacitly zoned the presidency to the North, and apparently to Katsina State. It will be interesting which of the two Katsina sons emerges the next President. Will Nigerians vote for the humble, unassuming achiever, the intellectual visionary that seeks to eradicate poverty and make Nigeria greater by improving on the present reform agenda? Or will Nigerians go for the right-wing reactionary who promises to build more jails and erect execution platforms for as offences as minor as hemp smoking. It is as clear as night from day. Shall we therefore, cast our votes for progressive freedom and the rule of law or shall we vote for the rule of terror by the Nigerian Taliban alias General Buhari – The choice is ours!
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