Few years ago, one of my student stood up in the
middle of a lecture and asked, ‘Sir, who owns
Nigeria?’ I was teaching a topic on colonialism
and it could have been easy for me to answer, the
British, but that would have been appropriate if
only we were still under colonial rule. Its been
decades since we exchanged the union jack for
the green and white flag to enjoy self-
government.
The question though simple to a layman, is
pregnant with meanings. First, this student
having assessed the society he lives in, have come
to question the principle of democracy, the mode
of governance and the political power play in the
process of winning election. He has come to doubt
the overblown theory of self governance,
independence and strength of an elected political
office holder. He sees an illusion in democracy
and as a world of make believe, where twisted
public perception either true or falsereign
supreme. He sees the people as a pawn, played
and tossed by some power brokers towards a
selfish end.
Few days ago, Nigeria went to the poll in an
election that saw the incumbent President,
Goodluck Jonathan losing the race for a return
ticket to the opposition candidate, General
Muhammadu Buhari and in an unprecedented
reaction that shocked the world, Mr. Jonathan
conceded defeat saving Nigeria, West Africa and
by extension the entire continent from going into
flames.
Celebrating Buhari’s victory
With the emergence of General Buhari, the word
on the street of Nigeria now is victory. The
people seems to have found hope, placing upscale
level of trust on the war veteran to make life
better as soon as possible.
Indeed, the masses have cause to rejoice. The
government of President Jonathan haven’t had a
direct bearing on the people onthe street. He has
shown lackadaisical attitude to the safety of the
people, especially those in the North East and
only woke up from slumber at a rather time too
late. His leadership ability also shows one who
isn’t total in control of government, he shows
traits ofindecisiveness, more than needed
patience, making the electorates get bored of his
government.
But while the people continue to rejoice over
what they termed ‘Our votes, counts’ it is
imperative to state without holding back that the
defeat of Goodluck Jonathan isn’t the victory of
the electorates. Yes, the people voted for a man
of their choice but the question of who/what
made that man their choice remains unanswered.
The need to have Mr. Jonathan out of Aso Rock
became heightened on 31st August 2013 when
seven Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party
and the former Vice President walked out of the
party’s convention, hence forming the ‘New
PDP’. It should be noted that even though the
opposition parties had already merged to form the
All Progressive Congress (APC) the effect of an
opposition party wasn’t so impactful until the
NewPDP joined it. For those who understand a bit
about Nigeria’s presidential power play, some of
the key factors that determine the making or
marring of any occupant of that position is his
relationship with the ‘Five Pillars’ of Nigeria
namely General Theophilus Danjuma, Ibrahim
Babangida, Emir of Kano, Olusegun Obasanjo and
the Oil Mafias. Unfortunately for President
Jonathan, all these individuals stood against him.
Some may argue that the records of General
Buhari and his undoubted anti-corruption stand
gave him the edge against the President but
these individuals must ask themselves if these
records were not in public domain when he
contested and lost the election three times?
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for sixteen
years has had the opportunity to govern the
country not because it is well structured or so
accepted but because the real owners of the
country still controls the party. The moment
these individuals lost their proxy grip, the party
became a shadow of itself.
Democracy is about public perception, it is the
ability to sell yourself to the electorates and
make them believe in your plans but that’s where
it starts and ends. The ability of the people to
understand, accept and believe in this messages
resides exclusively with some set of individuals.
The March 28, 2015 presidential election wasn’t
won in polling booths and through ballot papers
but at a round table meeting where the best of
wine and foods were served.
General Muhammadu Buhari may seem to
represent the desire of the electorates but that
can only be proven with decisions he makes within
the first few months of his administration.
This is a victory for democracy, it is a good step
for politics but it isn’t a victory for the people
per say but rather a change of garment for the
‘Five Pillars’.
Adekoya Boladale, @adekoyabee, is a political
scientist and scholar on good governance, a social
commentator and consultant on political and intra
governmental affairs.




http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/04/buhari-this-is-not-the-peoples-victory-by-adekoya-boladale/

i believe nothing will change in term of economy and national development. crime rate and petty corription will increase. tinubu and new cabals will device new methods of looting. buhari cannot solve nigeria problems. by dec 2015,people will start complaining about him.

the only change is power has returned to the north and will hold on to it till end of world.

thepathologist:
i believe nothing will change in term of economy and national development. crime rate and petty corription will increase. tinubu and new cabals will device new methods of looting. buhari cannot solve nigeria problems. by dec 2015,people will start complaining about him.

You couldn't have said it any better.

Succinctly put.

i believe nothing will change in term of economy and national development. crime rate and petty corription will increase. tinubu and new cabals will device new methods of looting. buhari cannot solve nigeria problems. by dec 2015,people will start complaining about him.

give this guy a bottle of malt
He is a prophet

Hmmmm yorubu call you (ojogbon)

As far back as 2015 you predicted this??....Hope this person is safe or who ban am??....God bless you wherever you are!!...You are the real MVP!!

i believe nothing will change in term of economy and national development. crime rate and petty corription will increase. tinubu and new cabals will device new methods of looting. buhari cannot solve nigeria problems. by dec 2015,people will start complaining about him.