One can understand the many reasons for we not rising from the bed of true Democracy Day celebration and being keener to see Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, his cabinet that enjoyed the existence of people of high temerity, and People Democratic Party vacate the State House after sixteen years of clinging to the national seat where the fate of the nation is decided. Of course, he never knew that when a king has good counselors, his reign is peaceful. Yet, it is high time we allowed the new government celebration euphoric dust to settle. If not yet settled, we should allow it to be done quickly without much ado. Enough of the ‘Buhari won – Jonathan lost’ unending brouhaha that rented the air – especially the social media – and cease not to fade away any time from now. You should plan of recovering from your long-time insomnia due to ‘you can’t wait to see May 29’.
We have been magnanimous enough in making Buhari/Osinbajo win and All Progressive Congress (whether you support it or not). From nationwide political campaigns to the presidential election – been dogged despite postponement from February 14 to March 28 – and formally ushering him into Aso Rock on May 29, 2015. We were the horse that took him to the battle field and did the election fighting for him.
The birth of a baby calls for a massive celebration in the neighbourhood. Right from the conception day to the naming feast, it is the act of congratulating the parents all through, not minding their affluence or financial deprivation. In cases of primogeniture, it is presumed that the party is marked in a flamboyant style. Once the naming ceremony is over, the next time a guest sees the happy mother would not be a congratulatory conversation, but, an inquisitive conversation rallying around the growth and development. Hence, it is expected of the baby to directly and indirectly convince the crowd that graced his naming party that s/he has come to stay and fulfill the reasons for his or her existence. This illustration can be annexed to that of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, GCON. The contrast is that neither were they the first President and Vice-President of Nigeria but the foremost that is believed to bring our dear country from the messy state. Of course, we did wrapped both generously even before winning. Especially Muhammadu Buhari.
Still lingering in the state of joy would be seen as the excessive intake of the #Change euphoriant. From now till next year, you can decide to cover your eyes with the ‘Buhari won –Jonathan lost’ veil and fail to realize that we really need to move beyond it. Sincerely, no more time for the famous political hashtags #FeBuhari, #March4Buhari. However, we can allow #MayBuhariPerform or #MayBuhariSucced for the rest of May. Trust Nigerians, our prowess in forming hash-tags with the months cannot be underrated. We are brilliant at it. But, can we stop the hashtags till 2019. At least, that is when we shall decide again who rules again. Leave #BuhariOsinbajo2019. The performance will tell us if we are to do it.
If truly you know that the country is stomach-filled of Buhari/Osinbajo excitement and hungry of developments then, you should know that our work is to make them work diligently and not effortlessly. And stop the praises to run without limits. Thus, #ChangeWorkBegins should be the next on social media for hashtag lovers. If we don’t let these people realize that the ‘WE THE PEOPLE’ has clearly stated in the 1999 Constitution have the power and they are accountable to us, then we are at the brink of going further in underdevelopment. Hence, the right to say #FailGetKicked without fear.
There is no need in highlighting the problems of the country. There is no gainsaying that Jonathan underperformed. At least millions of Nigerians can’t be wrong. Even kids understood the trend.
Nigerians, don’t be overwhelmed with the shouts of Jonathan lost till the end of the year, it is of no essence. Dr. Goodluck Jonathan is now far away from the seat of power even if he decides to stay in Abuja or few miles away from State House. We can’t deny that his administration gifted the new one serious national headache. Rumour or no rumour, it is apparent. Yet, it would be credulous of us to help in blaming the mistakes of the present to the past. Don’t let us be deluded with the fact that this is the first time APC is holding on to national power. Buhari is the President not APC. Afterall, Buhari was once the Head of State. Not minding that it was undemocratic, he knew what governing a country is. And that Osinbajo was a head Pastor in the Reedemed Christian Church of God, is okay enough. At least, he was a leader to a congregation of humans. Leading a nation is a daunting task, his experience would help.
Also, in ending the ‘Buhari won – Jonathan lost’ dance, embrace political opponents and help in achieving a better Nigeria – it is necessary and not optional. If Obanikoro of PDP could hug Amaechi of APC on May 28, 2015, then you have to show the spirit of peace and unity. Forgive them by pick their calls, unblocking them on Twitter and Whatsapp, invite them on BBM and re-adding them on Facebook since you removed them for not supporting your opinions. Don’t be chilly. Let everywhere be peaceful because the ruin of a nation begins from the home of its people. Unity is strength, division is weakness.
However, no matter how you make a sound critique of the present government, it will be nonsensical if you are the problem of yourself, cahoots in an organisation and a scourge in the society at large.
Nigerians, just as the man is the central pole of the house, we need not overemphasize that Muhammadu Buhari is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Seriously, enough of ‘Buhari won – Jonathan lost’ dance.
Ayorinsola Obisanya.
Twitter @fabobisanya
Views expressed are solely that of author and does not represent views of www.omojuwa.com nor its associates
