No normal person will want to see the President being pelted with anything, not even scented rose petals if it is not with good intentions. This must be discouraged by talking to all people in an enlightened manner not by stigmatizing some and dignifying some based on emphasising religious, tribal and regional sentiments. I have seen campaigns where even US politicians were pelted with stuff ranging from eggs to shoes and they simply moved on. However, I have not seen where the supporters have raised as much falsified dust as GEJ supporters are doing. What many GEJ supporters are doing by insulting others for such misconduct on behalf of the President is further dividing this great country across regional, religious and tribal lines. While President Jonathan understands that in politics he needs everyone even those pelting at his convoy, his followers are busy insulting people rather than engaging in actions that will endear the President to even those who currently do not want to vote for him. They can only make GEJ lose more support by their resentment of the North or actions of very few people from the North. However, they can make him win by showing love to all and extending a hand of friendship to even those they presume are their enemies or with the born to rule mentality. I referred to the pelters as few because out 19 states, this event only happened in 3 and even then in a small corner in these 3 states. No doubt this must be discouraged but not by insults. Buhari has been called names, insulted and vilified. Till today he is suffering from the hands of many who do not like him but he has not relented in extending an arm friendship to even those from other regions who completely dislike him for religious reasons or wish him dead or even tried to bomb him. His followers may have been largely uneducated from the North but he has managed to even win the hearts of the educated and non Muslims through his persistent show of dignity to all. He has continuously dignified people who are skeptic by being as transparent as possible and that he means well for all of us despite their suspicions. No wonder even those counted as PDP bad eggs today are willing to vote for him. No wonder the Asiwajus, Atikus and El-Rufais who said terrible things against him have joined his train to ensure it moves and wins the race despite all odds. Yes many of his followers were from the North and many are Muslims, but Buhari knows his winning cannot be actualised by only those whose support he has in full in 2007 or 2011. The Southwest have refused to vote for him in 2011 despite his alliance with them and their leaders. That did not deter him, he still managed to ask for another alliance and another chance. Today the APC has become a formidable opposition and a huge worry for the ruling PDP. All manner of unhealthy politics, immoral and unethical strategies are applied to ensure he loses. His background investigated and dug over and over and things private and personal about him were brought to light and knowledge of the public without shame or restrain. But the man has remained relentlessly consistent. No national leader has been so investigated in the history of this country like Buhari. Discrediting him has become the theme of the day, yet he remained resolute. If anyone means well for this country and its masses, it is high time things change for everyones good. My take is simple, let those who want GEJ to win emphasise less on what will create more distaste for the President while on campaign through their utterances. Let them avoid the double standards in trying to promote him. Let them avoid lies, cheap slander and blackmail. This way they can show the world that Nigeria is ripe for a clean democratic process. Let them be advocates of fairness and justice. Let them be seem to be in the fore front for the quest for a free and fair election by 2015. Let them be strong enough to allow the will of the people be effective despite their ability to control the military and police as well as manipulate the electoral processes. Let them be bold to accept GEJ has erred during his 6 year tenure and try to reposition him within the few weeks remaining to win rather than fan the fires of hate, regionalism, tribalism and religious intolerance. Let them know that by their actions they are breeding chaos for the future. Let them avoid tagging the opposition as the violent group despite having no proof. Nothing ignites more anger in a man like to be accused for actions he/she has nothing to do with. But, they have the chance to help make a better Nigeria and not to destroy it simply because they think they cannot have. Things may sway their way, it is not too late, they can still make the Presidents name be written in Gold in the history of the great country or perhaps be dragged to the mud. The choice is theirs.
Posted on: Sat, 24 Jan 2015 13:02:39 +0000
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