Enthusiasts and Grudge bearing critics were left bewildered as Senator Bukola Saraki surprisingly dropped the bombshell to call off his 2015 presidential ambition, instead, preferring to stick out his neck for the unity of the country and progress of his party-APC. Rather than a wait-and-see attitude, former governor has submerged himself in the 2015 project for change by promising the youth to get actively involved in the process that will ensure the emergence of a true democrat sensitive to the daily plight of the common man.
This significant decision has been greeted by well meaning Nigerians and political pundits as a positive signal on the seriousness of the opposition party to close rank and choose a consensus candidate agreeable by all within the ambit of democratic culture.
In a very long time, this perhaps, is the very first time most Nigerians will take to various media platforms to express their contentment on the pleasant news that broke on a sunny Monday afternoon. Furthering the advocacy for change, Bukola Saraki, the Chairman Senate Committee on Ecology and Environment stated that the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable as the country prepares for the 2015 general elections. In his part speech Saraki said ‘’this is the time for every patriotic politician to situate his personal ambition in the context of the country’s overall interests’’.
The news, to say the least, was received with mixed feelings among his young and upwardly mobile supporters, who took to the social media platform on twitter in an emotion laden tweets to show solidarity for the people’s senator. Below are a few tweets extracted from Bukola Saraki’s timeline.
‘’Bukola would have made a good president, but only one man can emerge. Good to know APC has wealth/ depth of Presidents’’ – @BJCares
‘’Sir, i am in support of your aspiration and Interest And also APC In particular because i want a better future for myself’’ – Hardelola06
‘’I have seen, read and met a lot of politicians in my life but some stand out as deft and erudite in many ways, one of such is @bukolasaraki’’ – @SLIMPROFILE
‘’The decision of @bukolasaraki to not contest for the APC presidential ticket must be commended. Thats a huge sacrifice’’ – @Nedunaija
Personally, just as many Nigerians have aired their voice on the commendable move by the two term governor of the state, instinctively, i feel the time is ripe for every Nigerian desirous of change to pitch their tenth where economic progression and reduction of large scale corruption is guaranteed.
Although his earlier intention to run for presidency has sparked off excitement among various youth groups, his declaration to step down has further endeared him to the teeming youth populace for his generosity; a trait very unfamiliar among Nigeria politicians.
While many are of the believe that his withdrawal from the presidential race has cleared the coast for the likes of General Muhammadu Buhari, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Rabiu Kwakwanso, Saraki was quick to dismiss that his decision was borne out his personal conviction and not necessarily a deliberate attempt to endorse a more popular candidate.
True to his words, the press statement had me pondering on the negativity and injustice our beloved country is currently subjected to, the closing phase of his speech was enough to ignite the passion in me to broaden my horizons to see beyond what is convenient versus what is right.
The reasons highlighted by the Senator coupled with the unsatisfactory level of governance in Nigeria by the present administration were fitting and leaves much to be desired in our quest for a way out of the quagmire. To further buttress an already disseminated message to Nigerians, the former President, Olusegun Obasanjo also took to the media to ease down inundated calls by those loyal to the president to seek forgiveness on behalf of the PDP and return to the ruling party. In a swift response, Baba as he’s fondly called asked the party to do the ‘’needful’’ citing immorality, integrity issues and high profile corruption perpetrated by the Jonathan led government as his major concerns. This statement of fact vindicates Bukola Saraki on his earlier assertions and negates whatever the Jonathanians have in their armour in defence of their impunity.
Recognising the distinguished Senator’s move to step down, Muhammadu Buhari, the people’s general also eulogised Saraki and enjoined other politicians to emulate the good gesture demonstrated in the interest of the country. “There is no doubt that Saraki is eminently qualified to run for president going by his enviable achievements as Governor of Kwara State, being the heir of the political dynasty of the famous majority leader of the Second Republic Senate, Dr Abubakar Olusola Saraki, of blessed memory and the decisive role he played in enriching the APC with progressives from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).’’Buhari said.
No doubt, the first step in world peace is to defeat the enemy of indifference, Bukola Saraki has written his name in gold, in the folklore of the opposition party stamped in the mind of Nigerians to be remembered for many years to come.
Wale writes from Lagos
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