Voting in Nigeria in 2019

Sir: Indubitably, Bukola Saraki represents politico-economic darkness, but, if Iyiola Oyedepo were not blind, how could he have joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) of the President, General Muhammadu Buhari (GMB), that is perpetrating carnage, genocide, and economic destruction of Nigeria? Evaluate my position, objectively: only an imbecile, a moron, or a self-seeking person would not see that GMB, Saraki, APC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) symbolize politico-economic darkness, and their retention in power beyond 2019 will spell worse misery for common Nigerians. A Yoruba traditional philosopher, Motẹ́wọ́ọlá, who is a Gẹ̀lẹ̀dẹ́ singer from Ado-Awaye, Oyo State, sang to the effect that afternoon and night are darkness for a blind person. Oyedepo and his group are guided by their own stomachs.

How sustainable are 36 states and 774 local government areas, when many state and local government workers are not paid as due, monthly? Yet, GMB, Saraki, Dogara, and others are indifferent to restructuring, and perpetuating war against Boko Haram that did not attack anybody until attacked, while stocking their own accounts with huge amounts of money. To allow the PDP to hijack the Third Force coalition will be unpardonable. Why should the same dramatists’ personae be allowed to continue dribbling Nigeria with disorder, politico-economic might is right, and self-aggrandizement? Umaru Musa Yar’Adua initiated the unjust war against Boko Haram, aggravated by Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan, and worsened by GMB who added protection of Fulani herdsmen terrorists.

Given all of the foregoing, any Nigerian who supports GMB to serve third term presidency for the northwest will not be forgiven by posterity. Whoever does not go out to vote for rotational presidency will also not be forgiven by posterity, because Nigeria is not sustainable without adherence to her federal character policy. We should pray that the Third Force coalition would present someone supportable from the north-central. Common Nigerians should never again be deceived by empty promises. I told GMB in 2015: “Nigeria is war weary; stop war with Boko Haram.” Like Jonathan, he ignored me, and promised to defeat Boko Haram in six weeks. Count the costs in human lives and economic resources, 2015 till date. In December 2017, GMB went out of his way to buy warplanes from America, without legislative approval. Donald Trump was so happy he invited GMB for tea in the White House. But that has strengthened Boko Haram and its allies, and many civilians and security operatives have been paying for GMB’s insensitivity.

Prof. Oyeniran Abioje, PhD, University of Ilorin.