Buhari's Sallah message: Matters arising
By SAKA RAJI AUDU
"You made a choice in 2003 and you have seen the result of what you elected. Now, it is time again for election, I urge you to elect a credible leader. I also urge you to ensure that no rigging is perpetuated at the polls.” This was the sallah message to the people of Kano state attributed to the ANPP presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) on Radio Freedom.
Statement like the one quoted above could mean different thing to different people depending on one’s understanding. It is like poetic interpretations where knowledge of various devices is required for one to appreciate the central point of a message. There is no doubt that since the speaker was addressing the people of Kano state; he was definitely referring to their leader (s) that was also elected in 2003. So, what does the statement mean or imply on the hard-working governor of the state?
To some people, the statement does not give tacit approval to Shekarau for his second term ambition to continue with his superlative achievements for sustainable development. To others, Buhari’s message to the people of Kano state further strengthened Shekarau’s choice of 2003. “You made a choice in 2003.”That choice is Shekarau. “And you have seen the result of what you elected.” You have seen the achievements and fruits of your election. So, go ahead and elect him again as a credible leader. I also urge you to ensure (as in 2003) that no rigging is perpetuated at the polls because the same people that attempted it in 2003 are back for a repeat.
Buhari could not have meant otherwise because he knows that as a presidential candidate of an opposition party in the same political party with Shekarau, his attempt to be contrary will mean shooting himself on the foot. In any case. Buhari has no reason whatsoever to go against Shekarau no matter how ingrate he is. This is because Shekarau has done unprecedented favour to Buhari towards realizing his second time presidential ticket. For those that might have forgotten or refused to understand the stark realities of things, let them know that aftermath of 2003 general election, during the trying period of Buhari, Shekarau was the only ANPP governor that was always at the court with him to ensure that justice is done. The bill, the energy, the time and the risk involved were all to the detriment of Shekarau.
Again, among the seven ANPP governors that were elected under the threshold of SAK, two openly challenged the candidature of Buhari until they were seriously begged to step down. Two defected to other political parties aid two were indecisive. It is only Malam Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano state that stands tall and remains steadfast and resolute for the cause of the party and Buhari. He does not believe in the game of hide and seek. This is evidenced during the party primary in Abuja on December 18, 2006 when Shekarau was seen moving up and down like an ‘errand boy’, trying sincerely and honestly too, to lobby and woo support for Buhari candidature. This action should never be regretted no matter what happens as it has come to pass.
Hitherto, during the party national convention that saw the election of Chief Edwin Ezeoke as the party national Chairman, the Kano TBO told Buhari and perhaps he might have accepted their story that Shekarau and other governors aided the success of Ezeoke against his choice of Mike Ahamba. How comes now that Buhari picked the same Ezeoke that he was allegedly not comfortable with, as his temporary or permanent running mate. How comes that so soon Buhari has seen the beauty of Ezeoke, again the alleged choice of Shekarau and other governors during ANPP chairmanship convention in Abuja? One had expected the infamous Kano chop-ter of TBO that seems to lack the dynamics of political campaign to tell Buhari to reject Ezeoke because he is enemies’ choice. They can see that there is no permanent enemy but permanent interest in political issue and any other issue of that matter.
Now that Buhari has collapsed the TBO into ANPP Campaign Organisation, one can now conveniently advise Buhari to beware of the fact that not all those that cry to him saw hell. Most of them shed crocodile tears in order to use his name of ‘Mai Gaskiya’ to milk him dry. I am honestly making this plea because I would not like Buhari to loose again no matter the rigging machinery of the national ruling party. If he hopes to make any difference this time around, he should avoid hitting his legs twice over the same stone. A man of his type should avoid making sarcastic and controversial statements that are capable of jeopardizing his political interests. I want Buhari to understand that his controversial statements also played fundamental role in robbing him of his presidential ambition in 2003. This must not be allowed to happen again no matter the cost.
In Nigerian politics, we know that it is not over until it is over. Buhari should therefore stop thinking that his name can make others win election when the same name robbed him of victory in 2003. Ordinarily, it is not wise for a man to create wealth while the man remains poor? Agreed that Kano is Buhari’s political base. But he should not allow another man’s interest to destroy his only egg in the basket, Malam Shekarau should be left alone to complete the work Allah (SWT) has sent him to do for the good people of Kano state. Definitely, Kano alone cannot make any difference to Buhari presidency. He requires two-third majority of the country to win the election. He should therefore consecrate his energy, time and resources to other states of the federation that also require his services at national level. I would like the ANPP Campaign Organisation (Not TBO) to ensure similar campaign network for Buhari as that of Ahmad Sani Yariman Bakura whose campaign machinery dots every remote village of the federation. This would certainly not be possible if they continue the TBO shadow of misleading Buhari against perceived and imagined foes.
Most importantly too, Buhari should he glad that he has person like Shekarau in Kano who is projecting the good name of ANPP through his various unprecedented achievements. I know that it is not easy to appreciate and recognize one’s enviable success in any field of endeavour especially in a country where desperations and personal interests reign supreme. Even the Prophets sent by Allah (SWT) had to grapple with the evil machinations of the people.
We have a perfect example of the Prophet (pbuh). The entails of a camel were said to be placed upon his head; his feet bled; his teeth was fractured; he was besieged in a mountain pass until he was forced to eat tree leaves; he was driven out of Makkah; his front tooth was broken in battle, his innocent wife was accused of wrongdoing seven of his companions were killed; he was bereaved of his son and of most of his daughters, he tied a stone around his stomach because of hunger and he was accused of being a poet, a magician, a soothsayer, a madman, and a liar - all at the same time. Yet, Allah protected him throughout these severe trials and tribulations. Prophet Zakariya was killed, Prophet Yahya was slaughtered, Prophet Moosa was afflicted with great trials. Prophet Ibrahim was thrown in the fire (may peace be upon them all). and the Imams - most reputed theologians and scholars and leaders followed their footsteps. Caliph Umar was assassinated, as were Uthman and Ali (May Allah be pleased with them all). Many scholars of the past have been flogged, imprisoned or tortured.
So, Malam Shekarau should not be bothered of any false accusations, hatred, malign, instigations or treachery for seeking second term against the backdrop of his good work and achievements in his first term. After all. Allah says in the holy Qur’an 2:214 “Or think you that you will enter paradise without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty, ailments and were shaken.” One is also glad that Shekarau does not allow any form of ill feeling and wrong accusation to detract his mission and vision for the people of Kano state. He should continue in the same spirit because as he said, power belongs to Allah (SWT). He knows who, when, how and where to give power.
I strongly advise the ANPP presidential candidate to regard Shekarau as a man that was able to deliver the dividend of democracy to his people through ANPP. Buhari should therefore, do what he did in 2003 by also asking the people of Kano without contradiction to ensure another victory for Shekarau so that he can continue with the good work he has done for the next four years. This is because, it is not wise for a man to support someone who has not achieved and dumps him after he has achieved. Such attitude is unheard of and has no space in any political ideology of human existence. If not Shekarau, who else that has got ANPP ticket and credible enough to win the April 14, 2007 governorship election in Kano state.
In view of the foregoing therefore, the sallah message to the people of Kano state attributed to Buhari should have read. ‘’You made a choice in 2003 and you have seen the result of what you elected. Now, it is time again for election, I urge you to re-elect Malam lbrahim Shekarau as your leader to continue with his good work. I also urge you to ensure that no rigging is perpetuated at the polls because those who tried it in 2003 are back for repeat.” Any thing short ot this would amount to anti-party activity on the part of the ANPP presidential candidate, which no one expects such to happen.
Allah Ya Maimaita mana!

Saka Raji Audu wrote in from Kano and can be reached at sakaraj@yahoo.com