Thursday, 17 May 2012
Littleman Muhammadu Buhari By E. C. Ejiogu
Muhammadu Buhari
By EC Ejiogu
Time and time again, my good friend Sonala Olumhense (SO) has gone on and on, and on to proclaim and advocate handing back the reins of political power in the Nigeria project back to confirmed autocrat, Littleman Muhammadu Buhari. SO’s persistence has been such that anyone who lacks knowledge of his pedigree and antecedent as a decent man, could with reason derived from his self-appointed advocacy role for Buhari interpret his devotion to the cause of bringing the autocrat back to power as the outgrowth of monetary or material inducement. But one like me who has known SO personally and from close quarters since 1984 when I was a fresh-mint university graduate, can attest that he’s not only simply incorruptible, he’s indeed beyond reproach when it comes to monetary/material inducement for his views and the way he peddles them.
The only problem that I see with SO is that he is roundly dedicated to the Nigeria project. Elsewhere, he will be called the quintessential patriot. But when it comes to the Nigeria project, nothing can be more demeaning than calling someone like SO a patriot. This is in the sense that for reasons that derive from the foundational maladies that afflict it, Nigeria is only fit for what it has represented ever since it was cobbled together by the British, i.e. a den and roost for evil men and women, autocrats, dictators, and the clueless who misrepresent themselves as leaders.
But if I must excuse SO’s on-and-on advocacy for the Littleman as a potential savior of the Nigeria project, the latter’s inclined fixation on returning to power cannot be excused. His track record is clear indication that he is an evil, sinister, and treacherous character whose sole desire is to perpetuate an obnoxious contraption and use it to hold the Igbo and any other nationality especially from the lower Niger from charting the path of self determination.
By the way, with all respect due a friend, I must add that SO’s devotion to the Nigeria project as it is presently structured and his conviction that therein lies the redemption of every distinct nationality, which was forced to constitute it could qualify as pathological altruism—“the idea that when ostensibly generous “how can I help you?” behavior is taken to extremes, misapplied or stridently rhapsodized, it can become unhelpful, unproductive and even destructive”.
Which brings me to two core queries that advocates of the Nigeria project have refused to attend to: Where is that voluntary covenant, which binds the distinct nationalities that inhabit the Niger basin in the Nigeria project? Why then must anyone insist that the nationalities must continue to allow themselves to be entrapped in the Nigeria project even as it is evident that it hinders their progress? I hope SO doesn’t retort with: For unity’s sake!
SO’s more recent outing was his call on the Littleman to come out of hiding and mount what he believes would amount to much needed opposition to Goodluck Jonathan’s make-believe government. Well, well-said. But only if the Nigeria project were a functional state and political economy to boot, and also, if the Littleman himself were a democrat. Does anyone still remember the ancient philosopher’s mantra that says, ‘a good man lives in a good state’?. The Littleman man is neither a good man, nor is the Nigeria project a good state. How then would he be capable of providing an opposition therein? Who made a gift of a coat to Mr. Toad? In and by itself, it will be an aberration for an autocrat to provide an opposition. Even more so, in a contraption like Nigeria that was conceived and brought into existence as a den for the practice of autocratic authority. Just one more: Since the modern era, has anyone seen where a backward group or clique has mid-wived development or progress in society? If you’re in doubt, take a look back, and you will see the roadway of history littered with the pathetic sight of decades of dominance in the project by a backward group, and even some cliques.
Littleman Buhari’s antecedents have shown that he hasn’t deviated from his ancestral pedigree. His ancestors were autocrats who lived and thrived on the hegemony they erected in the greater upper Niger and relied on to dominate and exploit others. He was born and socialized in the same autocratic social milieu, which nourished him and he still thrives in it. It reflects on his public life. Samplers: Did you know that Buhari was one of the senior army officers who sustained a running complaint to Olusegun Obasanjo in 1980, only a few months after he shooed the former’s kinsman, Shehu Shagari into power in 1979 to the effect that he was funding the Police Force better than the Army? That same lack of respect and aversion for the tenets and norms of democracy manifested in 1981 when as a division commander he disobeyed legitimate order from his commander in chief and violated an age-old tenet of healthy civil-military relations in society, which stipulates the subordination of the military at all times to civilian control, by launching “a hot pursuit operation into Chad on his own responsibility” in 1983. He recounted that with pride in a 1993 interview to a newsmagazine. He later capped his subordination with the overthrow of that hapless cabal headed by Shagari on New Year’s Eve 1983. Many wouldn’t forget his often-mouthed arrogant slogan throughout his dictatorship that epitomized his disdain for popular will and concern: “I’m not running for re-election”.
He runs for election this time simply because it is roundly impossible for him to author another coup d’état to catapult himself back to the reins of state power in the project. His legendary desperation and disregard for tolerance became evident again this last time when he resorted to incite his supporters who unleashed mayhem on innocent Youth Corps members mostly from the lower Niger after he was out-rigged by the despicable PDP.
Someone like the Littleman who claims that he is averse to the patronage-clientage system—that, is exactly the other name for what is being called corruption, which afflicts the Nigeria project—that nourished him all his life is yet to account for where he derives the funding that goes into his serial quest to assume state power again. If he is the democrat that he is being made to resemble, why not join up the on-going popular clamor for a sovereign conference to realize a legitimate state through the restructure of the Nigeria project?
Buhari’s messianic-tinged support for the perpetual existence of the flawed Nigeria project is his own indictment as evil in perpetuity. His new-found democratic and anti-corruption claims don’t add up. They are at best, dubious and fictional.
Let no one misinterpret my serious misgivings about the Littleman as an endorsement of Goodluck Jonathan. If at all, the two of them are on different sides of the same coin—a counterfeit.
The only thing I see in and about Buhari whenever I look is his unbridled desperation to reclaim state power in the project and use it for what his ancestors did in the upper Niger more than two centuries ago, which he tried his hands at in the period 1983-1985, i.e. to cow and repress with a characteristic recklessness all in the bid to buy additional lease on time and life for the Nigeria project.
Who would argue reasonably that a Republic of Biafra, which showed exceptional promise in the overall during its short existence, could not have been producing Nobel Prize winners in the requisite realms today, if it had been allowed to survive? It is heart-breaking therefore that on the Eve of the Nobel awards, someone still thought that a Muhammadu Buhari has any positive role to play in the Nigeria project. Tukiakwa!
●E. C. Ejiogu, PhD; is a political sociologist. He is the author of The Roots of Political Instability in Nigeria, published in March by Ashgate Publishing Ltd.
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Little professor
Submitted by Bala zibya (not verified) on November 21, 2011 - 01:08.
It seems like one of d writer's relatives was killed or suffered during d post election violence in d north. It was unfourtunate, they nearly killed me too but 2 place a confirmed selfless national leader 2 dis ridiculous tirade is even much more unfortunate. I hope d union disolves in peace.
@KENETH : Still waiting so Please paste the story here
Submitted by tundemash (not verified) on October 13, 2011 - 08:11.
@KENETH
How difficult is it to paste the story you wanted me to read here. The story of major Jokolo and the 53 suit cases. Even if you can't find the real thing you can paste Ali Baba and the 40 thieves story just to back up your allegations at least. Not pasting anything at all would make you look stupid; making allegations based on rumours heard in molue buses or under Ikeja bridge.
@KENETH : Please paste the story here
Submitted by tundemash (not verified) on October 12, 2011 - 16:54.
@KENETH :
Please paste the story you want to go back and read here so we all can read it !!!
TUNDEMASH
Submitted by KENETH (not verified) on October 12, 2011 - 14:12.
By your logic ADCs do not have time for themselves and must guard their bosses even when they sleep. Go back and read the story and you will see the connection between then Major Jokolo and the mysterious 53 suitcases. It will not be surprising if you were actually involved in that show of shame. The issues you enumerated were there long before Jonathan came on board and they will not disappear overnight. I do not recall their having been eradicated under Buhari otherwise they would have become history by now.As always, everybody is concerned about the state of affairs in the country.So stop sounding as if you are the most affected person. Some of us do not know the way to Aso Rock and we do not care but we believe that the President should be allowed time to implement his plan. The air has been polluted with people whining for a man who has been repeatedly rejected at the polls and will continue to face the same fate even if it were possible for elections to be held on a daily basis.
@KENETH : If you are corrupt and indiscipline, Buhari might (2)
Submitted by tundemash (not verified) on October 12, 2011 - 11:29.
@KENNETH
I guess the story has changed as the years rolled by. The story then was an Emir brought in 53 suit cases but in year 2011 according to St. kenneth, it is Buharis's ADC ..... so who was guarding Buhari when his ADC had to travel abroad to bring in suit cases ?
I bet it looks like you actually know much more than the stories in the newspapers and it would benefit everyone and the society for you to spill out everything that went behind the back.
But if all you know is just same story flying in the softsells, then you haven't got anything additional, i advise you just crawl back into that hole you came from.
I don't see the issue with Buhari as he isn't the guy you voted for and is in power now if not that the litlle mind, Ejiogu, wants to advertise his book and needed someone much larger than him to tag along with. Issues burning now are oil-subsidy, corruption, road fixing, electricity.. can you ask your Jonny man to start some work on those please
TO : TUNDE MASH AND EMMY
Submitted by KENETH (not verified) on October 11, 2011 - 12:38.
Tunde, the 53 suit cases containing illicit currency notes brought in by Buhari's ADC when Nigeria changed money to you cannot be classified as corruption. Remember that he who gives approval to another person's action is taking responsibility for that action.Buhari did not admonish his staff when the scandal broke out. Instead, it was the Customs Officer who bore the brunt of his anger for trying to stop an illegality.
Emmy, in those days for one to get an import license within six months called for getting the involvement of an emir or some "powerful alhaji". This meant the addition to the colony of parasites as these "interveners" were compensated with places on boards or share holding in companies without their investing one brass kobo of their own money. If Buhari's policy had continued the effect on the local industries would have been pretty negative. Ghandi did not kill the Indian local industry. Indians still import but pay high import duty on anything brought in.
Sycophants 2....
Submitted by emmy (not verified) on October 10, 2011 - 18:20.
@ Keneth
If the tempo of embargo on importation had been maintained, it would have caused the country to be self -sustaining and translate to good balance of trade via the exportation of goods and services. Ghandi did it Indian and it worked when importation of cloth was prohibited.
Sycophants....
Submitted by emmy (not verified) on October 10, 2011 - 18:19.
@ Deri
Buhari overthrew democratically elected government of Shagari because he saw the government was corrupt and wanted to eradicate or at least curtail it. That was why he launched Why Against Indiscipline. Yes, you're correct; Nigeria is the only country in the world where leaders are not held accountable for their misdeeds because of the zones that they hail from, that is why all your leaders in the south south are still gallivanting till now despite the deal they have been cutting with Shell and Chevron to the detriment of you guys. I don't know what Babatope did, but he showcased the stuff he is made of when he partook in Abacha's government, based on that he must be extremely corrupt. Buhari is not perfect, but he is capable to dealing with corruption which is the country chief problem. Sycophants like you should also be behind bars because you’re part of the reason this country is not making progress.
@@M J Doko : Buhari should not be suing a nonetity PhD
Submitted by tundemash (not verified) on October 10, 2011 - 16:57.
@M J Doko
Buhari would be making this PhD (Professional Help Desk) nonentity popular by suing him. He's just looking for a way of selling the obviously junk he said he wrote in March. How come SR does not charge those who fraudulently use their website to market? PhD holders like him and Jonathan make foreign inistitutions question the quality of Nigerian University education.
Jonathan with SSS and police at his beck and call ought to have proof of the so-called incitement and should be charging Buhari to court but I bet Jonathan and his hangers-on know better that these numskulls who live their lives on rumour and hearsays.
A PhD holder who can't research and show proof, what an idiot !!
@KENETH : If you are corrupt and indiscipline, Buhari might not
Submitted by tundemash (not verified) on October 10, 2011 - 16:47.
@KENETH
If you are corrupt and indiscipline, Buhari might not be your cup of tea!
Buhari sectional ? hmmmmm .. name me just one former or present Nigerian ruler is "sectional" using the basis you used in assessing Buhari.
Nice to know, in all your mark down for him, you couldn't hang corruption on him. Name me also just one former or present Nigerian ruler is who has not been associated with corruption !
A very sad piece
Submitted by M J Doko (not verified) on October 10, 2011 - 15:17.
My Advice will be to Buhari and not you Dr. Ejiogu. Your write up is populated with insinuations and slanders against the person of Buhari and his family, evident by lack of facts to support them. Consequently I will simply ask that Buhari contact his Lawyers forthwith. According to you "...His legendary desperation and disregard for tolerance became evident again this last time when he resorted to incite his supporters who unleashed mayhem on innocent Youth Corps members mostly from the lower Niger after he was out-rigged by the despicable PDP". This is a dangerous statement like several others in the write-up. You should be made to take responsibility for this sensational and emotion filled piece.
WHY PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC PARTY, PDP, DID NOT WIN THE APRIL 2011 P
Submitted by rev fr kenneth evurulobi (not verified) on October 10, 2011 - 14:58.
Buhari scares Ejiogu
Submitted by Ali (not verified) on October 10, 2011 - 14:06.
I see no reason why a person would hate Gen Buhari like this other than the fact that his record of discipline, integrity, hardwork, patriotism and nationalism is intimidating, especially in a country like Nigeria where those qualities are most scarce. Ejiogu and his likes find the existence of an incorruptible person like Gen Buhari incredible. But the records still don't lie!
@ IBRAHIM SAAD: WHICH BUHARI IS THIS?
Submitted by KENETH (not verified) on October 10, 2011 - 13:39.
The draconian policies of Muhammadu Buhari gripped Nigeria with hardship. Essential commodities virtually went beyond the reach of ordinary folks like us. Factories came to a halt because of stringent import license requirements which became a major source of corruption.Importers had a difficult time as Nigerians were barred from traveling out with any amount of money. Military arrogance and brutality reached their zenith. People, especially rural dwellers, who had no access to banks lost their lives earnings when the currency was changed.The humiliating treatment given to Ekwueme who was a mere "yes man" compared to Shagari's comfort was nothing other than sectionalism. Buhari did not transform the North Eastern State to any paradise. Rather, I hear people praise Musa Usman. When the man and his cabal of unrepentant supporters want him to die in Aso Rock, the question arises, what does he have to offer? It is already time out for Buhari.
Okonronkwo is right - it is a marketing gimmick
Submitted by Dim Nnamdi Ojukwu Azikwe (not verified) on October 10, 2011 - 11:00.
Yes, Okoronkwo, it is all a cynical marketing gimmick!
It is a growing sickening trend nowadays for morally bankrupt people, whose publications would have otherwise been ignored, to seek cheap publicity for their forthcoming publications in this cynical and satanic way - i.e at the expense of others!.
Since this unscrupulous pseudo-intellectual Igbo ragtag clearly wanted to publicize his book launch in that despicable way, he must have devilishly calculated that GMB would be the ideal victim, for maximum shock and impact - he could not generate as much fury and outrage if, for instance, he were to use OBJ, IBB, ATIKU, or even GEJ, for this purpose, as none of them is as credible as GMB!.
And SR provides the ideal medium - popular and free!
But he may never enjoy whatever extra royalty he would earn at the expense of the people's general, ameen.
This is the most stupid article I've read on this site
Submitted by AU Citizen (not verified) on October 10, 2011 - 10:44.
This Ph.D moron first suggests that a fellow journalist has only praised Buhari because he collected a bribe or was promised one. What a materialistic, shallow & typically igbotic way to think.
Then he criticises Buhari for driving Chadian miscreants past Nigeria's borders. What do you prefer? That these Chadians keep coming into Nigeria & creating mayhem as they're currently doing - villagers slaughtered in their beds nightly for keeping cattle. How soon before they start to invade the cities & towns? And on and on he goes, like an incoherent moron. It's the likes of Ejiogu that have ruined igboland and polluted Nigeria with their lack of morals & principles. Buhari is worth a billion of you and your fellow littlemen.
WELL DONE DEMOCLES!
Submitted by IBRAHIM SAAD (not verified) on October 10, 2011 - 08:04.
THIS WRITER HAS TOUCHED A RAW NERVE. AT A TIME WHEN NIGERIANS FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE HAVE SEEN WHAT AN INCOMPETENT MORON WE ALLOW INTO ASO VILLA, AT A TIME WHEN NIGERIANS ARE FULL OF REMORSE FOR NOT STANDING BY BUHARI, THIS GUY IS COMING TO INSULT THEM. PEOPLE HAVE COME TO UNDERSTAND THAT UNTHINKING PUPPETS OF THE IMF CAN DO THE UNTHINKABLE OF REMOVING SUBSIDY. EVERY ONE IS NOW PREPARING FOR THE IMPACT AND THE CONSEQUENCIES AND THEN THIS INSULT. DEMOCLES THANK YOU FOR GIVING A VERY WITTY AND SHARP REBUKE. I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THIS GUY IS NOT A PhD.
@Azibaola Ukuejea: a little mind writing about a little man
Submitted by tundemash (not verified) on October 10, 2011 - 00:26.
@Azibaola Ukuejea
Well almost everyone, cutting across ethnic lines, who has commented on this topic here sees the tribal sentiment the author was disguising and that is essentially what i discussed in my response ..... if u can't see it , i am not surprised based on your antecedent.
If you and the author, still attribute your failures in life to failure of Biafra or Buhari, then it's too late for you guys. May i remind you that Kalu, Ibori, Alamseigha, Jonathan, OBJ, Oyinlola, Odili, who stole their states and the country blind are not northerners; the rogues cut across ethnic lines so the author claiming if Biafra had been, it would have been world class is only a mirage; the Kalus, Iboris, Jonathans, Alamehighas would have raped it blind too with the active support of sycophants like you !
So a little mind writing about a little man is such a parody !!
Empty Verbiage
Submitted by BEN UYI (not verified) on October 9, 2011 - 23:08.
It pains me to read how a so called Phd holder will publicly and wrongly express his bigot and hatred for a Man like Buhari, who is undoubtedly one of the best and corrupt free leader Nigeria has ever had. And who history shall soon prove to be the president Nigeria never had. Im equally surprised that this bigot called Ejiogu even preached division by calling for the success of Biafra.Your write up is nothing but an expression of parochial sentimentality and an empty verbiage.
@Solaside, if the globe had
Submitted by Deri (not verified) on October 9, 2011 - 22:57.
@Solaside, if the globe had an award for hypocricy, u and Buhari would have been nominated for one. Was Buhari not in charge of Roads and Hospitals in PTF, where his annual budget, surpased that of the ministry of health and works since independence? What did he do with the Benin Ore road and health. Are you not aware that ministers from the ministries mentioned above, were going cap in hand to beg Buhari for funds? Let him show us his legacy in the PTF. Some of you just want to climb on the back of Buhari to empty the vault, because he is one person who often looks the other way while his pals like Dr. Hassan sign off cheques for him. Instead of taking care of the health sector, he was busy releasing funds to Al Mustapha to buy houses for the boys. Let Buhari be truthful to himself for once and let us into how he has been funding his campaigns for over 12yrs. And if he had no skeleton in his shagari cap why did he refuse to appear before the Oputa panel-was it because of GEJ or OBJ?
Tribalism trumps Education
Submitted by Damocles (not verified) on October 9, 2011 - 20:46.
Patriotism is being proven to be a priceless virtue by Nigerians. It is mildly amusing to me to hear sectionalists argue that if they were simply allowed to leave Nigeria, all problems will be solved. Myopia is the bane of Nigeria's existence. Nigeria is on its knees today BECAUSE OF THE CHARACTER OF ITS PEOPLE.Now this writer tells us that this same people with the same character will do better if they were allowed to go it on their own. I will try and keep my comments civil, but people from a certain SECTION of Nigeria need to let "sleeping dogs lie". Nigeria will not be breaking up any time soon, but a WHOLE LOTTA looters are fixing to get shot.Nigeria's flaw is that 3 major elements required in a Democracy are missing: Liberty, Equality, and Justice. But help is on the way, ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, this illegal PDP govt will be abruptly ended, and all ruling elite traitors will be brought to book. I believe in destiny, and Biafra, Odua, or Arewa is NOT DESTINY
What a waste of time
Submitted by SaharaDesert (not verified) on October 9, 2011 - 20:11.
What a waste of time
E C Ejiogu, how much bribe did you collect?
Submitted by Goodluck "Dumbo" Jonathan (not verified) on October 9, 2011 - 19:20.
How much money did you steal this past election? Did you collect enough from the money spending jamboree that Jonathan engaged in to steal the elections? E. C. Ejiogu, you are a disgrace for even comparing Buhari with an incompetent thieving mediocre like Jonathan. Just so you know, Buhari is that one Nigerian that can stop the current set of thieves running this country right now. Jonathan ranks in the annals of the worst to rule Nigeria. Buhari, on the other hand, is a true patriot that will remain atop your lies and the evil that your cohorts are meting to the poor people of this country. If Buhari becomes President today, your ilk, Jonathan and his kleptomaniac governors will run out of this country. E C Ejiogu is a disgrace.
CAN AN EX-BRUTAL DICTATOR BE DEMOCRATIC?The Buhari factor
Submitted by osita DKA (not verified) on October 9, 2011 - 18:14.
The problem with Buhari is his past military and political exploits,he cannot win the trust of the southern portion of the country.He should retire and maybe history will find a way of vindicating him,at the moment he is not politically viable on a national level.
comment on buhari and biafra in reply to the phd holder
Submitted by abdulhamid g. mohammed (not verified) on October 9, 2011 - 17:32.
with this kind of phd holders,there is no hope or future for nigeria,I thought.
Education reshape human being,bestow on him reason,just and do away with premodial sentiment
Sentiments.with knowledge one learns to be objective in his analysis of events,but unputchnetely
Your phd degree is nothing but an apology to nigerian universities.
A MILLION EJIOGUS CAN'T MAKE ONE BUHARI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by sad sam (not verified) on October 9, 2011 - 17:31.
A little man feels 'great' by calling a really great man 'liitle.' This is a classic case of inferiority complex.
Our people say that it's when the young man has washed his hands that he can eat with the elders.
But Ejiogu thinks it's when he has insulted the really great than he can feel he's great.
Talk is cheap. One million Ejiogus cannot make one BUHARI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Let Ejiogu, with his fake PhD, tell us what he has done for his country, or even his village, then we can listen to him.
Nonsense and ingredients!!!!
PHD - Professional Help Desk
Submitted by H. Okoronkwo (not verified) on October 9, 2011 - 16:34.
EC Ejiogu, Dr of rats and rabbits. Who works as a PHD (Professional Help Desk).
How would we have know that this goat published a book in March of this years if he did not criticize SO in SR.
MUHAMMADU BUHARI
Submitted by Tafidan DDAJI (not verified) on October 9, 2011 - 16:25.
Whether anyone likes it or not,MUGAMMADU BUHARI is one of the best living.Going into archives to digest the history,after Pa Michael Imodou,Ahmadu Bello Sardauna,Zik,Awo,Aminu Kano,Ramat Murtala and Tunde Idiagbon,no one,dead or living can be equated with MUHAMMADU BUHARI in terms of patriotism and integrity.Buhari is ofcourse a no nonsence elder statesman and evidences abound.MUHAMMADU BUHARU is being hated for his stand points:his lust for Nigeria detriment to the liking of the old order.All decisions taken by his administration between 1983-1985 were in the best interest of the nation save the intervention of reactionary individuals.But they are reaping what they had sowed.And Allah will surely catch up with them.
little man muhammadubuhari by E.C Ejiogu
Submitted by kabiru (not verified) on October 9, 2011 - 16:17.
Well E.C Ejiogu so called PhD holder,i may advice the univesity that awards you such a degree to withdraw it because it will be shameful for them to see this your myopic write up by the so called PhD holder.
