Precisely on Wednesday, August 27, 2008, Daily Trust featured the news “Shekarau buys N.5bn Jeeps for Monarchs”. This kind of gesture to the traditional rulers sparks off debate on whether they deserved the state of the art vehicles or not. The beneficiaries include 14 members of Kano Emirate Council and 39 district heads. Whichever angle one view the “gifts”, this piece is self centred and not about the legality or otherwise of the “Dividends of democracy” which the beneficiaries enjoyed.
If one could recall, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau when sworn in as governor of Kano state in 2003 ., stated that his role model for governance will be in line with Khalifah Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (r.a) the second Caliph of Islam. There are so many narrations that shows during his rule, state resources were shared equally, including his own share which is no more or less than what ordinary member of the Ummah will get as his own share.
Based on such narrations which are numerous, the administration of Khalifah Umar Al-Khattab (r.a) centres on equal distribution of state resources and which my governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau took as his model will not distribute only 53 brand new Jeeps to a selected few among the people of about 10 million Kanawas, as a member am asking Shekarau, when will I collect my Jeep? As I have said earlier am not in support or against the Jeeps given to the traditional rulers. I have high respect and regard to the traditional institution, which as the governor acknowledged their influence in area of maintenance of security, peace and communal cohension. They deserved more than a private jets not even jeeps if one view the responsibility they are shouldering for the society.
Your Excellency Sir, if those criticizing your kind gesture to the traditional rulers or those in support of the gesture are busy debating whether they deserved the Jeeps or not , On my part as they occupied with the debate , am raising up my pen to demand for my own Jeep in line with the tradition of the Ummah during the reign of Khalifah Umar Al-Khattab (r.a) when state resources where distributed equally . Luckily for me, you took him as your role model. Also Sir, I prefer the Jeep to be “tear leather” not tokumbo or fairly used, green in colour with all sophisticated gadget befitting such a state of the art vehicle.
As a bonafide indigene of Kano state, if millions of Kanawas are silent in demanding for their own Jeeps either out of shyness or cowardice, am demanding for mine in line with traditions of the great Sahabahs of Islam. My governor, Shekarau had chosen Umar Al-Khattab (r.a) as his role model in deeds and governance, which will make my case to be simple and am sure he is Man of his words, and surely will respond to my demand as a law abiding indigene of Kano state.
Selfishness and greed are not the motivating factor for my demand of Jeep from Shekarau rather to fulfill my obligation as a Muslim and indigene of Kano state where Sharia is applied in governance of the state and in line with traditions of the Sahabah to demand what is due to me.
My eagerness for the Jeep is enormous as I have already enroll in a driving school to learn how to drive such an exotic car as I cannot afford to employ a driver. And I have already contacted a neighbour of mine on how I can obtain a driving license and a special plate number, and another to lend me his garage to be parking my Jeep for safe keeping as I will take care of it as my new bride as they cost more than half of all the entire salaries of government employed worker of Kano state for a month, why wouldn’t I go extra mile to protect my jeep from armed robbers and car snatchers?
If out of cowardice or shyness critics and supporters fails to demand for theirs, I say no one should complain or criticize me for demanding for my own Jeep. Some will complain that am not a monarch and therefore I do not deserve a Jeep from Shekarau. Other lazy armchair critics will criticize me as seeking for a favour, a bribe or even want to be brought over by the Shekarau administration. They should all mind their own business in either supporting and praising the good works of people’s governor or continue criticizing the governor for not judiciously utilizing the billions of naira the state is earning for development. I will also advise them to speak up and demand for their own Jeeps and together we will all cruise and turn Kano state to a land of Jeeps and exotic cars.
My Jeep is my Jeep, therefore those that fails to demand for theirs should not dare ask me for a lift, and if they are not happy with my attitude, go and demand for yours.
Some might even accused me of not been realistic, to them I will say its none of my business as governor Shekarau knows what he was talking about when he promise to follow the foot steps of Khalifah Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (r.a). And for those that will quote sections of the Nigerian Constitution to block my chance of collecting my Jeep, to them I will also say the Constitution did not burden my governor with distribution of Jeeps to traditional rulers.
The Sharia Law governing Kano state and Nigerian Constitution gave all equal opportunities, even though elected officials and public office holders enjoyed special remuneration which is backed by the Constitution. But whatever the reasons for Shekarau to afford such a kind gesture to the Monarchs, all Kanawas are equally important to enjoy such a kind gesture to testify that they have also experience what is known as dividends of democracy.
To critics, my governor have achieved more than enough in all sectors of growth and development. There is clean drinking water, hospitals that distribute free drugs, employment for young and old, well equipped schools and teachers well paid e.t.c there’s more than enough and the government can now spend hundreds of millions to buy Jeeps for its Monarch. The task of governance is enormous and the governor might think that you are all contented with “A Daidaita Sahu” buses and tricycles for your transportation and you may not need Jeeps for your easier movements to conduct your day to day affairs.
As for supporters of the state government in its great stride of bringing about change and development that has never happened in history of Kano state , are also contented and would not mind out of loyalty, sacrifice and dedication even if they do not own tokumbo cars and motorcycles , they do not need the Jeeps. They prefer to continue to be transported in overloaded taxis, old buses, dare devil Achabas or even trek, for them things are moving in order.
But as for me, am looking forward to collect my Jeep as my governor is a man of his words and he led by example. With this , am looking forward to when my demand will be considered and I hope by this every indigene of Kano state will not start demanding for his/her Jeep as the waiting will be too long to meet the supply of demands by manufactures of Jeeps to every indigene of Kano state.
Shehu Mustapha Chaji
shehuchaji@yahoo.com ‘
Friday 12 September 2008
Saturday 6 September 2008
General Buhari and Tenure Elongation
Results of 2007 elections are still being contested in the courts and have led some elections to be upheld and annulled. The final verdict with regard to the presidential election is still awaited from the Supreme Court, which will either affirm or annul the election said to be won by President Umaru Musa Yar’adua.
Courts have so far annulled many elections especially those of PDP governors in states like Kogi, Adamawa, Sokoto, Bayelsa and Cross River , still in the re-run elections PDP governors were returned with even lager wining margins. These governors have indirectly enjoyed tenure elongation for more than a year.
General Muhammadu Buhari the presidential candidate of opposition ANPP in 2007 is at the centre of storm since the day INEC declared Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’adua as the winner of 2007 presidential election. Buhari, like other Nigerians, local and international observers, condemned the elections as flawed. As Usual Buhari headed to the courts to challenge the election of Yar’adua. Many Nigerians, myself inclusive, supported the idea that the courts should determine Yar’adua’s legitimacy even as traditional rulers, some Ulama’s and later his party demanded Buhari to accept Yar’adua’s election in the general interest of the North and Nigeria .
It’s now more than 15 months that President Yar’adua is occupying Aso Rock and the supreme court have not yet delivered it’s judgment on 2007 presidential election. The judgment is either of the two, to affirm or annul the election. With present realities on ground President Yar’adua will hope and pray that his election be annulled, so that as the norm of ruling PDP he can re-contest, win, and have a fresh mandate of 4 years.
Recent media reports as confirmed by aides to A.C‘s presidential candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, confirmed that there are secret talks going on between him and Yar’adua, and there are rumours going round of the possibility of Atiku Abubakar returning to PDP. With such development and with the typical Nigerian situation sooner or later the Atiku camp may withdraw its case from the Supreme Court and decamp back to PDP.
The hard nut to crack is General Muhammadu Buhari.; following his antecedents after the 2003 elections where he logically followed his case to the end at the Supreme Court. This time around from the various media interviews he affirmed his decision of following his case to its logical conclusion in the Supreme Court. As I said earlier, am one of those that had been supporting General Buhari right from when he joined politics and even propagated that he should pursue his case right to the supreme court in the interest of the masses and democracy in Nigeria. But my fears these days are many especially if the Supreme Court does annul Yar’adua’s election. Also if the apex court finally legitimizes Yar’adua’s election, what will be the fate of Buhari and his supporters in the 2011 elections?
Let’s assume that the Supreme Court annuls Yar’adua’s election and demand for a re-run. The reality on ground is whether General Buhari is ready and capable to win such election? As a start he doesn’t even have a vice presidential candidate as he and Chief Ume Ezeoke who double’s as ANPP chairman and Buhari running mate are at each others throat and by implication Buhari does not have the party’s backing. All ANPP governors excluding Alhaji Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi of Zamfara state are not in good terms with and not in support of Buhari. Governor Ali Modu Sheriff of Borno state had clearly stated that he would support Yar’adua in a re-run election, Governor Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano state has a deep animosity with Buhari and he is now concerned with how he can be ANPP presidential candidate for 2011 elections . As for Governors Isa Yuguda of Bauchi state and Mamman Ali of Yobe state even though they have not clearly stated their relationship with Buhari, but they are in support of the position of their party which accepts to be part of the government of national unity.
In such a scenario how can Buhari win a re-run election with a divided house while he has accused most of ANPP leaders and elders as merchants of PDP. Even if he wins the re-run election how can he contend with PDP controlling more than two/third of States and the National Assembly with its leadership?
In the event that Supreme Court affirm Yar’adua’s election, what will be the fate of Buhari in ANPP? Will he still contest for presidential election in 2011? And if he does will other presidential aspirants step down for him? In case they do, how sure is he that what occurred in 2003 and 2007 presidential election will not re-occur?
The ball is in the court of General Buhari to either to either bow to pressure of eminent Northerners and his party to withdraw his case before the Supreme Court and demand for concessions as it has happened in Kenya and about to happen again in Zimbabwe . If not, he should start the process of grooming his own presidential candidate for 2011 within ANPP or any other platform he might decide to use. And if he decides to pursue his case to its logical conclusion in the apex court and the court orders a re-run, it will be the greatest disservice to Nigerians if General Buhari fails to make impact and indirectly add more years to Yar’adua’s government.
Opposition parties and General Buhari in particular seem to be overwhelmed, intimidated and crushed by the PDP forces. Either of the two is the reason why PDP is having a field day , that Nigerians are contented with the way and manner the ruling party is conducting the affairs of the country or the Nigerian people are not satisfied with the qualities of those seeking to take over affairs from PDP forces . Cases in point are how people of Kano , Bauchi and Lagos states affirmed their choices even though PDP controls the apparatus of power.
As for Nigerians their destiny is in their own hands, they either tolerate the excess of ruling PDP or desire for a change. Whenever they are ready as it has happened in so many countries.
If General Buhari wants to make any impact in Nigerian politics in future, he has to look into the achievements recorded by Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Malam Aminu Kano even though they couldn’t rule Nigeria but they left a mark in history through imprints of their ideology on Nigerian politics. Why wouldn’t Buhari consolidate his ideology through grooming his own supporters and followers under his own umbrella?
Nigerians are now indifferent of the outcome of judgment at the Supreme Court as they know the realities on ground will not change the fortunes of ruling PDP. It now left for General Buhari to either accept the reality that if the court decides in his favour, indirectly he has paved the way for tenure elongation to Yar’adua and PDP. Whatever he decides the plan for the future is the most important.
Shehu Mustapha Chaji
shehuchaji@yahoo.com
Courts have so far annulled many elections especially those of PDP governors in states like Kogi, Adamawa, Sokoto, Bayelsa and Cross River , still in the re-run elections PDP governors were returned with even lager wining margins. These governors have indirectly enjoyed tenure elongation for more than a year.
General Muhammadu Buhari the presidential candidate of opposition ANPP in 2007 is at the centre of storm since the day INEC declared Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’adua as the winner of 2007 presidential election. Buhari, like other Nigerians, local and international observers, condemned the elections as flawed. As Usual Buhari headed to the courts to challenge the election of Yar’adua. Many Nigerians, myself inclusive, supported the idea that the courts should determine Yar’adua’s legitimacy even as traditional rulers, some Ulama’s and later his party demanded Buhari to accept Yar’adua’s election in the general interest of the North and Nigeria .
It’s now more than 15 months that President Yar’adua is occupying Aso Rock and the supreme court have not yet delivered it’s judgment on 2007 presidential election. The judgment is either of the two, to affirm or annul the election. With present realities on ground President Yar’adua will hope and pray that his election be annulled, so that as the norm of ruling PDP he can re-contest, win, and have a fresh mandate of 4 years.
Recent media reports as confirmed by aides to A.C‘s presidential candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, confirmed that there are secret talks going on between him and Yar’adua, and there are rumours going round of the possibility of Atiku Abubakar returning to PDP. With such development and with the typical Nigerian situation sooner or later the Atiku camp may withdraw its case from the Supreme Court and decamp back to PDP.
The hard nut to crack is General Muhammadu Buhari.; following his antecedents after the 2003 elections where he logically followed his case to the end at the Supreme Court. This time around from the various media interviews he affirmed his decision of following his case to its logical conclusion in the Supreme Court. As I said earlier, am one of those that had been supporting General Buhari right from when he joined politics and even propagated that he should pursue his case right to the supreme court in the interest of the masses and democracy in Nigeria. But my fears these days are many especially if the Supreme Court does annul Yar’adua’s election. Also if the apex court finally legitimizes Yar’adua’s election, what will be the fate of Buhari and his supporters in the 2011 elections?
Let’s assume that the Supreme Court annuls Yar’adua’s election and demand for a re-run. The reality on ground is whether General Buhari is ready and capable to win such election? As a start he doesn’t even have a vice presidential candidate as he and Chief Ume Ezeoke who double’s as ANPP chairman and Buhari running mate are at each others throat and by implication Buhari does not have the party’s backing. All ANPP governors excluding Alhaji Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi of Zamfara state are not in good terms with and not in support of Buhari. Governor Ali Modu Sheriff of Borno state had clearly stated that he would support Yar’adua in a re-run election, Governor Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano state has a deep animosity with Buhari and he is now concerned with how he can be ANPP presidential candidate for 2011 elections . As for Governors Isa Yuguda of Bauchi state and Mamman Ali of Yobe state even though they have not clearly stated their relationship with Buhari, but they are in support of the position of their party which accepts to be part of the government of national unity.
In such a scenario how can Buhari win a re-run election with a divided house while he has accused most of ANPP leaders and elders as merchants of PDP. Even if he wins the re-run election how can he contend with PDP controlling more than two/third of States and the National Assembly with its leadership?
In the event that Supreme Court affirm Yar’adua’s election, what will be the fate of Buhari in ANPP? Will he still contest for presidential election in 2011? And if he does will other presidential aspirants step down for him? In case they do, how sure is he that what occurred in 2003 and 2007 presidential election will not re-occur?
The ball is in the court of General Buhari to either to either bow to pressure of eminent Northerners and his party to withdraw his case before the Supreme Court and demand for concessions as it has happened in Kenya and about to happen again in Zimbabwe . If not, he should start the process of grooming his own presidential candidate for 2011 within ANPP or any other platform he might decide to use. And if he decides to pursue his case to its logical conclusion in the apex court and the court orders a re-run, it will be the greatest disservice to Nigerians if General Buhari fails to make impact and indirectly add more years to Yar’adua’s government.
Opposition parties and General Buhari in particular seem to be overwhelmed, intimidated and crushed by the PDP forces. Either of the two is the reason why PDP is having a field day , that Nigerians are contented with the way and manner the ruling party is conducting the affairs of the country or the Nigerian people are not satisfied with the qualities of those seeking to take over affairs from PDP forces . Cases in point are how people of Kano , Bauchi and Lagos states affirmed their choices even though PDP controls the apparatus of power.
As for Nigerians their destiny is in their own hands, they either tolerate the excess of ruling PDP or desire for a change. Whenever they are ready as it has happened in so many countries.
If General Buhari wants to make any impact in Nigerian politics in future, he has to look into the achievements recorded by Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Malam Aminu Kano even though they couldn’t rule Nigeria but they left a mark in history through imprints of their ideology on Nigerian politics. Why wouldn’t Buhari consolidate his ideology through grooming his own supporters and followers under his own umbrella?
Nigerians are now indifferent of the outcome of judgment at the Supreme Court as they know the realities on ground will not change the fortunes of ruling PDP. It now left for General Buhari to either accept the reality that if the court decides in his favour, indirectly he has paved the way for tenure elongation to Yar’adua and PDP. Whatever he decides the plan for the future is the most important.
Shehu Mustapha Chaji
shehuchaji@yahoo.com
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