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BUHARI'S DEMOCRATIC RULE: A EUPHEMISM FOR DICTATORSHIP

By Nnaemeka U Trump
Media Freelancer
Strategic And Critical Thinker

Ordinarily, a shift from the worst form of government; military despotism, to a widely adjudged best political system; democracy, was exhilarating to most Nigerians. It elicited high expectations from people, but somewhat confused expectations. From democracy the people expected all that were absent from military rule. The last set of military leaders (Buhari inclusive) were disgustingly and nauseatingly corrupt. They ran Nigeria aground, ruined every public institution and brought untold hardship on the people. So, from democracy, the people anticipated a resuscitation of the country's institutions left in comatose by military rule, the revamping of the economy and a conspicuously palpable improvement in their quality of life. Ordinarily, democracy should offer much more than these mundane.

As I sojourn in the political space of Nigeria from 2015 through 2018, I can't help but feel very concerned about the future of the enclave called Nigeria. My fear and frustrations are grounded in what appears to be a trend in this country under Buhari, which is founded on what I would describe as "eroded or jagged democracy", whereby virtually all the core democratic principles have been so corroded, impaired and replaced with dictatorial tendencies and principles. Our hard earned democracy has been under a serious threat since 2015 till date. Nigeria is fast drifting from a sane, free and responsible clime, into one that is putting the whole future of the land into a land of insane, irresponsible and uncertain future.

This sad sociopolitical reality of today, which is clearly produced by incompetent/clueless presidency vis-a-vis the gullible few that still supports him, is at the heart of the violence that is killing Nigerians in endless bloodbath everyday, and one that is making Nigeria to be identified, from every corner in this planet as the most violent country on the planet earth with the most unruly leader. Virtually, it is a non -state situation tantamount to a state of nature in which people generally satisfy their immoral impulses and often act as they please instead of as they ought. Where is Nigeria headed to with this awful sociopolitical, and anti democratic environment? Isn't this outright dictatorship that Nigeria has so much fought against and avoided for so long and which is now being unconsciously entertained?

It can reasonably be argued that freedom of expression is one of the vital dividend of democracy. But is there truly democracy when they is hunger and excruciating poverty in Nigeria? As the saying goes, "the root of bo***ge is poverty and the root of poverty is ignorance". Invariably, no one bottled up by the fetters of poverty and ignorance can exercise his right of free speech. It means nothing to a man whose self confidence, dignity or sense of worth is so totally eroded by poverty and its attendant deprivations and humiliation or to the ignorant that can neither read nor write. Therefore, the foundation for freedom of expression is liberty from poverty and ignorance. It goes then to mean therefore that there is no dividend of democracy under the watch of Buhari, because Buhari has remained scornful of the will and aspirations of the people.

Sadly, a few dissent voices has decided to play party politics by wickedly supporting Buhari and his anti democratic body language and practices, rather than defending democratic principles and practices which of course ought to be the first parameter and guiding principle and compass for governance. I am certainly displeased and will keep writing strong worded articles against this anti people cm anti democratic government of Buhari which has brought nothing but pain, division along ethno religious line, excruciating hunger and poverty, unemployment, non stop bloodshed, institutionalized corruption with impunity, political persecution of dissent voices and many other anti democratic principles/practices. Fact is that I am mad as hell. I'd like to think that Nigeria is still a Democratic Republic! Well folks, time there say are changing and certainly not in a good way. Don't people read or follow the news beyond NTA, Channels or AIT infotainment? Never mind answering that question. Its rhetorical.

I designate the process of political change that has taken place in Nigeria since 1999 as "democratization". This term refers to something that is ongoing and as used here, signifies a transition away from a dictatorial rule. It however reflects political scientists' evaluation that changes in government while important do not always rise to the level of full fledged democracy. This view accords with those of analysts such as William Minter who accessed the struggle for democracy in Nigerias still unresolved. While it is true that democracy is by definition works in progress -- journeys as opposed to final destinations. Some democracy like Nigerias under Buhari appears to be farther from their destination than others. Under the immediate past administration of president Goodluck Jonathan, Nigerias democracy was actually on the right cause, though not necessarily a full fledged democracy but it was at least a thriving one. What we saw in 2015 was a transfer of power from a democrat to a very corrupt retired military General, which has left the country's rocked by official corruption, poor economic performance, human rights abuses, political persecution, tribalism, bigotry, insecurity, bloodshed on daily basis, stealing public funds with the highest impunity, jingoism and austerity measures against oppositions.

The drop that led to the spillover from the glass, as far as am concerned, can be traced to 29th May, 2015 when General Muhammad Buhari (Rtd) a dictator and a man with unquenchable penchant and flare for bloodshed and corruption was sworn in as Nigerias president. Buhari gave room to all the numerous anti democratic and anti social cleavages which has garnered much presidential backing and has been reinforced and magnified by executive rascality through Buhari's ethno-religious bigotry.

What is left of Nigeria's democracy has been stampeded since Buhari came to power. Since coming to power, Buhari has grossly failed to adjust his leadership style to the tenets and imperatives of civil democratic rule. Democratic consideration is in the parlance of conflict management, "the process of progressive elimination or minimization of force and coercion, extreme repression, and related negative conflict management techniques antithetical to democracy. No such minimization or elimination of force or coerciveness has occurred under Buhari. Additionally, as his frosty relationship with the National Assembly illustrates, General Buhari tends to command, rather than conciliate or compromise.

If democratic consideration as some political analysts may argue, occurs when democracy becomes so broadly and profoundly legitimate and so habitually practiced and observed that it is very unlikely to break down, then the present situation in Nigeria under Buhari is nowhere near democratic consolidation. I was very perceptive back then in 2015 when I foresaw these problems, remarking upon the questionable fairness of 2015 election, Buhari's military background, his pro northern body language, genocidal instinct, religious extremism, his tendencies for usurpation/breech of constitutional processes, and his wicked demeanor for repression. The temptation to rely primarily on repression rather than dialogue is still a major setback and threat to democratic consideration within the purview of Buhari's administration.

Personally, I hate it, and it makes me go crazy when people (few anyways) thought of Buhari as a man with integrity. I laugh most derisively at the mention of that. History books has taught me that dictators, prefers a delicate touch, they look for titles that has dignity, historical resonance and universal meaning; and you can agree with me based on realities on ground that the so called man of integrity ascribed to Buhari is nothing but a dictatorial gimmicks and hoax aimed at hacking the psyche of the few gullible Nigerians.

Given the lack of courage and /or patriotism on the side of the National Assembly, Buhari has made the constitution a mere piece of paper. Buhari has decided and proven that the constitution holds no water and does not apply to his presidency. For instance, Buhari's unilateral approval of $487 million for the fraudulent purchase of Tucano war plane from USA ditching the approval of the National Assembly, several disobedience to court orders, refusal to heed to the recommendations of the senate on Magu (the ceremonial EFCC Boss), even after indicting reports from the office of the NSA etc. If all these does not qualify Buhari as an anti democratic agent and a dictator nothing will.

In conclusion, of course we already know what our problems are and the causal element behind the upheavals and turbulence in Nigeria. Let us not forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy is not president, governors, senators and government officials but the voters of this country. The pertinent question therefore is, are you a voter? Have you secured your voter card? We should however know that our voter card graduates us from being mere followers to being part and parcel of government and governance. It is also important to be conscious of the fact that untouched democracy and freedom will fade in the sun of inactivity and inattention. There is great personal meaning to democracy, and it is under our care to advocate it, protect it, and embrace it.

We can not be too selfish or partisan when it comes to preservation of democracy. We need to look to the future. What do we want our communities, our youths, our government, and our mission to look like in 100years from now? What do we want to be remembered for? It is not just democracy for today. It is democracy for the future. To preserve it, we need to think ahead and work for future generations. Democracy takes all generations. For younger generation, history needs to be learned and understood in other to gain the context of why our participation is necessary. Youthfulness isn't an excuse to shed responsibility, just as security isn't a reason to squander it. Being a youth requires a dutiful spirit of responsibility, hard choices and work. It is therefore time to be decisive and to make the hard choice of preserving and defending our young democracy from comatose, and 2019 offers us the best opportunity.

By Nnaemeka U Trump
Media Freelancer
Strategic And Critical Thinker

IGBOS AND THE UNFAVORABLE NIGERIAN SYSTEM: A CLARION CALL FOR A REENFORCED PARADIGM SHIFT

The Time Is Now Or Never

By Nnaemeka U Trump
Media Freelancer
Strategic And Critical Thinker
Email: [email protected]

Time, experience and history has taught me a great deal of lessons over the years; mostly tough times. And my principle, perspective or philosophy of life have over the years gone through redefinition, refined and given a new sense of comprehension each time I am faced with adversity, trial or challenges. And over the years, I have come to the practical knowledge of how and why we must learn how to use any sort of challenge, trial or tribulation we encounter as stepping stone to our next level. The worth of a man or a people is best defined in the days of adversity. It is therefore very timely that Igbos unite in one accord to make the best out of this age-long sociopolitical and economic woes and ordeal.

It is time for self examination and sober reflection. A time to question why we are so marginalized and courageously insist for answers. I have always questioned myself that if we are being subjected to such a deplorable and unjustifiable situation and ridiculously constrained to take such excesses from the malign and hostile Nigerian system at this epoch of modern civilization; how much more our generations to come would have to go through in this vindictive, reprehensible and sacrilegious contraption? This is one thought that I face with great trepidation and discomposure. We must not only unite and do everything possible to demystify and unriddle our predicament; but must proffer a workable way-out from this over dramatized Igbo sociopolitical and economic woes.

A conference or colloquium of all Igbo sub-nationalities exclusively born out of genuine and patriotic concern for Igbo nation may not be a bad start. It is a fact that some may argue that similar pan/pro Igbo conferences and fora have been held in recent past both locally and on the international level, but has roundly and/or relatively failed to nip some of these key grievances and concern on the board. I take exception and beg to differ from those who hold such erroneous and mundane view. Every fora, conference, organization or group have in one major way or the other contributed in no little measure toward addressing some of our people’s predicament. Some of our political, religious and traditional leaders have made a great deal of sacrifices that most of us may not be aware of towards ameliorating most of these issues. Credit and reference must be given to some of these worthy leaders as it is certainly not all political leader that is a self-serving leader.

Alliances have to be formed across board and social strata or echelon. The regional alliance, charisma and prestige of old eastern region must in all sincerity be reactivated in the most formidable manner. I must thank very immensely the crop and quality of governors we have in all the Old Eastern region states. I salute their pro people allegiance, leadership maturity and ingenuity to come together to revive South East and South South Governors’ Forum with a viable regional economic development plan and a focused and phenomenal vision for the overall development of old eastern region. I very well urge the governors of our south east and south south extraction to bond even more for the very sake of liberating our people from all the persecution and injustices being perpetuated against them.

The ugly situation we’ve found ourselves in the Nigeria contraption should serve as a great source of motivation rather than demoralizing us towards politically and economically emancipating our people. Our leaders still have a lot of role to play. They have to genuinely show concern and determination toward midwifing this proposed paradigm shift from where we are and where we want to be. Our people however have their own role to play. A new orientation and rallying ideal that will further bond our people towards a common goal of a water-tight unity, love and genuine patriotism for one another and Igbo nation must be born; and spearheaded by mostly our religious, traditional and political leaders and institutions.

It is time to bring every possible option on the table that would ultimately remove this veil of slavish and inhuman subjection of our people. Our survival instinct must be perpetually put on a state of constant consciousness if we must overcome and triumph. It is no time to apportion blames but time to apportion and allocate work and evolve methodologies that would certainly see us through this sea of persecutions. We must always remember that if we fail to standup now; our heritage may be eternally damned; but may the gods and our heroes past forbid that...Amen!

By Nnaemeka U. Trump
Media Freelancer
Strategic And Critical Thinker
Email: [email protected]

2023 PRESIDENTIAL RACE: THE QUESTION OF IGBO PRESIDENTIAL MANDATE IN 2023 WILL MAKE OR MAR THE ACTUALIZATION OF BIAFRA

By Nnaemeka U Trump
Media Freelancer
Strategic And Critical Thinker
Email: [email protected]

There is unarguably no group of Nigerian ethnic nationality, region, or people who are badly hit and thoroughly dissatisfied with their position in the scheme of things in Nigeria as the Igbos. It is glaringly obvious that the Igbo people of South East region of Nigeria has faced more sociopolitical and economic persecutions and afflictions far more than any other region, ethnicity or people in Nigeria. History is replete with countless unimaginable cm unjustifiable traces of injustices, sheer hatred, acrimony, killings and other inhuman atrocities exclusively targeted against the Igbo people.

It is however a truism and evidentially a statement of fact that the Nigerian system was deliberately and technically designed after the Biafra war to not only stampede and impede any attempt by an Igbo man or woman to make progress beyond the set limit by the vitriolic and vindictive Nigerian system; not even allowed by the corrupt system to put to effective use the many potentialities and ingenuities that obviously abound or predominantly prevalent among the Igbo people. It is also a statement of historical fact subjection to more than enough historical evidences that a section of the country has vowed that Igbos will never produce the president. But ironically a more valid statement of fact that over 98% of Igbos and over 78% of other Nigerians are in total consensus that equity and fair sense of justice demands that Igbos should be allowed and supported to produce the president come 2023. And it is also a far more practicable statement of fact that any day Igbo political, sociocultural, religious and economic leaders rationalize to team up with the people to get justice for themselves; that very day Nigeria will seize to exist (and the power play of 2023 presidential race remains a key determinant and factor to that effect).

The question of Igbo presidential mandate of 2023 may finally lead to the total disintegration of Nigeria for good. The incredible ingenuity and the resurgence of the Igbo people during and after the Biafra war should serve as a veritable evidence or tip of an iceberg of what Igbos are capable of when they are united in one accord. Nigerians must support Igbos to produce the president in 2023 so that Igbos will be determined to make Nigeria work again rather than quitting the so far unworkable union.

The dilemma of the Nigerian situation is that a group of unpatriotic Nigerians or some persons have started throwing up some gimmick, raising some rubble and political wild cards aimed at stealing the Igbo presidential mandate of 2023, without recourse or consideration of its undeniable impending implications. Allowing or buying into this grand scheme and mechanization of some of these political scavenger and opportunists to scuttle national arrangement of Igbos producing the president come 2023; will certainly serve as a veritable source of sociopolitical and economic turmoil that will not only obstruct the existing democratic arrangement, but will definitely trigger a trajectory that will give the Biafra agitation more substance, credence and possible independence.

Nigeria is still going round the circle of sociopolitical and economic frustration and mirage simply because Nigeria has deliberately and grossly underutilized the enormous potentialities and ingenuity of Igbo people; ridiculously to the detriment of the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria. Self-hating and unjustifiable envy have been our greatest impediment to sustainable growth and development as a people. Jingoism and ethnic bigotry has done more harm and damage to our socialization and political psyche. It is time to rise above such frivolities and support an Igbo presidency come 2023 for the benefit of all and for the ultimate sake of Nigeria’s continuous unity.

It is very obvious that Nigeria is her own impediment to meaningful growth and development and a viable/competitive economy that will create jobs, and export more than she imports. I dare to question the rationality behind the thinking faculty of those who would rather see Nigeria crippled and crumbled than to tap into the potentialities of Igbos for the overall good of not only Nigerians but Africa and the entire black race. If as it is largely agreed that Igbos has the magic wand to thrive where others fail, to survive astonishingly through the severest of adversities and are pro development; why then have Nigeria failed to leverage on this conspicuous advantage to liberate herself from this age long self-perpetuated sociopolitical and economic affliction and ordeal?

It is high time we dare to ask some critical, crucial and cogent questions if we must get it right. Since Nigeria got her independence in 1960, about 60years ago, what major institutional, structural or infrastructural landmark have we made or achieved as a people? Are we sincerely and genuinely focused on building a truly one united, prosperous and equitable nation or are we still busy foolishly fighting, hating and promoting injustice and marginalization of one people against the other? Do we truly wish to continue to exist in this unworkable state of affairs or are we determined as a people to explore better avenues or options that will open up new horizon and frontier for sustainable development and a prosperous nation? For the sake of equity and unity and if we truly want to see Nigeria survive and work for good, all well meaning and patriotic Nigerian must jettison our political, economic, social, religious, regional or cultural affiliations and other road blocks to rally round the Igbo presidential mandate of 2023.

Supporting Igbos to produce the president in 2023 remains the most potent option to remedy the heightened Biafra agitation in Nigeria and across the globe. There is no gain saying that an Igbo presidency of 2023 will go a long way to ameliorate most of the ill-feelings, persecution, bad blood and injustices meted and still being perpetuated against the Igbo people, and will most importantly give Igbos not only the sense of belonging which obviously have been lacking since independence in 1960; but will certainly give the Igbo people a relatively valid reason to reconsider their quest to exit Nigeria.

Nevertheless, patriotic Nigerians who have the peace and unity of Nigeria at heart must call Tinubu and Elrufai or any other person nursing presidential ambition from other region come 2023 to order. An Igbo man must become the president come 2023 or Nigerians will experience what it means to confront a truly united Igbo people determined with unconquerable spirit to get justice for themselves either way. Equity and fair sense of justice demand that Igbos are no slave to anybody, people or region. And we bountifully deserve and eminently qualifies for every rights and privileges including producing the president come 2023 which is sacrosanct.

In conclusion, any attempt or orchestration to mischievously steal the Igbo presidential mandate come 2023 will certainly trigger a disastrous and sophisticated intrigue of high degree of complexities that will definitely see to the possible end of Nigeria as one nation. The Igbo presidential mandate of 2023 is a task that must be successfully achieved, else Nigeria will be in grave danger of disintegration. Nigerians should know that Igbos will no longer tolerate and will not condone anything shot of producing the president come 2023. We have been so marginalized that we certainly will not take it beyond 2023. Whenever I hear anyone argue for, support or deny the persistent ethnic persecution of Igbos, I feel a strong impulse to see such persecution and affliction tried on such person or people. Even if one choose to look the other way; no one can ever say that he or she didn’t know of how timely and equitable it is for Igbos to produce the president come 2023.

By Nnaemeka U. Trump
Media Freelancer*
Srrategic And Critical Thinker
Email: [email protected]
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