The North was one when there was no conflict between Christians and Muslims. When there was no conflict between the ethnic groups,example Zango-Kataf. All these ethnic and religious conflict started under General Babangida. The minor Tiv/Fulani conflict then, was well managed. Anybody talking of Northern unity today is living in the past. In 1979, Shagari won the entire 10 northern states. No northern Muslim candidate can do it today. The North today is as divided as ever due to religion and ethnicity. The political arithmetic has changed. For GEJ,he has dug in like an infantry brigade waiting for Northern Muslim candidate. Trenches ,land mines,obstacles,heavy guns all mobilized. This is in the form of CAN, Northern CAN,Traditional rulers,media,boko haram propaganda against the northern elite (who keep acting GJ;s script), financial muscle,playing up religious differences in the north and enhancing southern solidarity. The chances of a Northern Muslim candidate defeating GEJ now is slimmer than 2011. This is because they were no defined strategy to counter his propaganda. Also no thanks to Boko Haram. Boko Haram has destroyed the North politically and even economically. No thanks to the non thinking Northern Elders Forum and the Arewa Consultative Forum, who keep making statements that promote southern solidarity. The way out is to acknowledge these shortcomings and take decisions that will counter the GEJ/PDP strategies. The easiest way to defeat GEJ/PDP and move Nigeria forward (including moving the North forward) is to pick a candidate among Fashola,Amaechi,or Adams Oshiomhole. Any other candidate would find it extremely difficult though not impossible.
Posted on: Thu, 05 Jun 2014 11:41:32 +0000