Essay
By Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN
INTRODUCTION
IN the first scene of this piece, we discussed the essence of power from various perspectives: religion (the Bible), poets, statesmen, politicians, musical artists and kings. We rounded it up with a brief reference to the legacy of the immediate past Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
In this scene, we continue our discussion of President Buhari’s legacy: the last-minute contracts which he awarded and appointments which he made, the loans taken and approvals (for payment of judgement-debts) which he procured (from the Senate). We crown it all with the import of his expressed desire to go on post-retirement exile (to Niger Republic!) – alluding, in the closing remarks – to its poignancy as an expression of the impermanence of power. Please, read on.
PRESIDENT BUHARI: FROM YESTERDAY’S STRONGMAN TO TODAY’S VANISHING ACT! (continues)
In the realm of politics, power is as transient as a fleeting breeze. It is capable of elevating one individual to the highest echelons of authority, only to swiftly deposit them back into the dustbin of history. As Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari prepares to bid farewell to his tenure, the ephemeral nature of power becomes a glaring reality. Ephemerality stares him in the face. In a race against time, the president now finds himself compelled to attempt making amends so as to leave a lasting impression in the dwindling moments of his authority.
As the sun sets on Buhari’s presidency, the weight of unfinished matters, agenda and unfulfilled promises looms large. He is worried stiff. He says he will run and join his kiths and kins in Niger Republic as a safe haven if he is disturbed in Daura. He means it. He has done so much for the poverty-stricken country using Nigeria’s scarce resources to develop the country. The ever-watchful eyes of the public have always witnessed the rise and fall of leaders grappling with the complex web of power dynamics that define their poor tenures. Buhari, too, has experienced the fickleness of authority; He now understands that time waits for no leader.
In the face of his imminent departure, by constitutional effluxion of time, Buhari is desperate to utilize the remaining days of his vanishing presidency to attempt to make amends and do what he could not do in 8 years. He is now actually aware that his legacy will be shaped by whatever actions he can take within this remaining short span. The concept of a political “swan song” becomes a rallying call for him, as he races against time; against the clock. He now seeks redemption and a chance to reconcile past missteps. Can he do this successfully? I do not think so. Or, do you?
BUHARI’S LAST MINUTE BAZAAR OF CONTRACTS AND APPOINTMENTS
The tabloids and front pages of our social media timelines have been abuzz with reports highlighting a common trend of Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), along with some Governors, engaging in last-minute appointments, humongous expenditures and award of contracts in hundreds of billions.
It was expected that the President and Governors should gracefully wind down their activities and leave certain crucial decisions for their incoming successors. This approach is important to prevent the imposition of projects that may be considered insignificant by the new administration; avoid policy reversals that could negatively impact various stakeholders; and maintain a stable and predictable investment and business environment.
Unfortunately, this ideal scenario now appears to be fading away faster than politicians’ promises after elections. Such hurried decisions often overdue, but they also tend to create predicaments for the incoming governments.
Imagine the shock and angst of a Nation discovering that, a mere 19 days before President Buhari was set to depart office, reports emerged on May 10, 2023, revealing his request for Senate approval of an $800 million loan from the World Bank. The purpose? To finance the National Social Safety Network Programme, aiming to soften the blow of fuel subsidy removal! Gosh!
Apart from the undeniable fact that such a loan would further burden the country’s already towering debt, the timing of the request, so close to the expiration of Buhari’s regime, raised eyebrows and sparked concerns among many Nigerians. It appears to be an act aimed at placing cherry on top of his presidential sundae just before handing over the baton.
One cannot help but wonder if this trend of last-minute borrowings is an attempt to leave a lasting legacy, or simply an act of great mischief, reminiscent of a student pulling an all-nighter to finish an assignment due the next morning. Either way, it certainly puts more suspense and uncertainty on the minds of an already drama-filled realm of Nigerian politics.
Renowned legal luminary Chief Afe Babalola SAN, the esteemed founder of Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), has expressed strong disapproval of President Muhammadu Buhari’s proposition to the National Assembly regarding a fresh $800 million loan aimed at funding the National Social Safety Network Programme (NSSNP). He wondered how Nigeria can be declared bankrupt and still borrow more money. He advised the NASS to reject the request.
Furthermore, during a meeting chaired by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on April 19, 2023, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) granted approval for numerous contracts amounting to over N100 billion.
President Buhari and his ministers have also authorized contracts exceeding N3.7 trillion in the final stages of his administration, specifically between March 20, 2023, and May 14, 2023, and after the conclusion of the general elections. Only few days ago, Buhari wrote to the Senate to approve $800 million from the World Bank to allegedly finance the National Safety Net Programme- to support poor and vulnerable Nigerians through bank cash transfers. Mr President sir, why not leave this for your successor. Where have you been sir?
Only in December, 2022, the NASS approved Buhari’s #819.5bn request for domestic loan. And just on May 4, 2023, the “yes sir” and “Take-a-bow” worst Senate in Nigeria’s legislative history, since the time of Nnamdi Azikiwe and Dr. Nwafor Orizu, approved Buhari’s #22.7 trillion, CBN’s “Ways and Means” loan request just 26 days before quitting!
In a display of consistency, President Buhari has been skillfully curating an ensemble of individuals to occupy various esteemed positions. Just last month, he skillfully reassembled the Board of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, unveiling the dashing James Akintola as the new Captain at the helm.
Not stopping there, he cunningly selected the retiring Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Garba Baba Umar, to take on the pivotal role of Senior Security Adviser on International Police Cooperation and Counter-terrorism in the Office of the Minister of Police Affairs. It’s almost as if President Buhari possesses a knack for handpicking the “finest” talents in his twilight.
And just when you thought his appointing prowess had reached its zenith, news broke of the appointment of Toyin Madein as the new Accountant General of the Federation following the vacancy for a year due to the suspension of the former AGF, Ahmed Idris, amidst allegations of a staggering N109 billion fraud.
On May 23, 2023 (less than one week to go), President Buhari not done has formally communicated with the Senate to approve humongous sums to settle judgment debts amounting to $566,754,584.31, £98,526,012.00, and N226,281,801,881.64, allegedly owed by the Federal government. Promissory notes are the means of payment. This is well over 500 billion. Where have Mr. President and the Attorney-General been? Who are these judgement creditors? Which courts gave the judgement? Were there any appeals or agreements entered into? Why now for God’s sake? Why not leave it to the next administration since government is a continuum?
As the curtains drew inexorably to a close on Buhari’s tenure, the circus-like atmosphere began to fade. The contracts, the loans, the appointments, the sudden remembrance of existing “debts” due, all remain as reminders of a complex dance between fleeting power, strategy, and public perception. Only time would reveal the true impact of these decisions and whether they would stand as a testament to effective governance or a captivating yet ultimately hollow performance. Do you know the impact? The lives of Nigerians yet unborn have been mortgaged.
BUHARI’S MIGRATION FROM ONE ‘NIGER’ TO ANOTHER
President Buhari’s threatened migration from Nigeria if he faces too much disturbance after his tenure reminds us of the ephemeral nature of power. Buhari’s audacious proclamation to leave Nigeria if “disturbed too much” after his tenure is reminiscent of a fleeting magician who mesmerizes the audience with grand illusions, only to vanish when the curtain falls. It begs the question: does his commitment to the Nigerian people only extend as far as his political reign? True leaders stand with their nation, through thick and thin, rather than making flighty escape plans. Is he afraid of the apparition of his woeful below average performance? Is it not this same Buhari that one Mallam …. tracked from Lagos to Abuja to celebrate his victory? Is it not the same President that …, rode a bicycle from Kaduna to Abuja to herald his victory? How the cookies crumble! How the mighty are fallen!
President Buhari’s offhand remark about leaving Nigeria if disturbed after his tenure reveals the transient nature of his power and its tenuous grip on the nation. Leadership requires steadfastness, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the people. By hinting at an escape plan, Buhari inadvertently highlights the frailty of his connection to Nigeria and raises doubts about his dedication to the challenges that lie ahead. In the end, a true leader must weather the storm and stand strong, rather than evaporating into the ephemeral mist of fleeting power. President Buhari fails again and again to rewrite his poor history of governance.
ADMONITIONS
POWER IS INDEED EPHEMERAL
There is no man that has rules for ever, every king must have a heir – because nobody is immortal. If we can view life as power, then we would know that, one day, just like life goes – power disappears. The rise and fall of great empires men – should teach us about the ever changing nature of power.
LEAD FOR THE PEOPLE AND NOT SELF
Leaders now go into power with the mindset of enriching their family, friends and generation. To many, it is – let us go and take my share. This a bad practice and ideology to follow. A study of all people-oriented leadership ends well – with great appreciation from the people. Little wonder some politicians are not re – elected on several occasions.
LEARN FROM MISTAKES OF PAST LEADERS AND NOT YOURS
It is only a fool that would want to get his finger into the fire, after witnessing his neighbour’s get burnt by the same attempt. History is important. If you do not study history, you cannot shape the future. We should always endeavour to read antecedents of past leaders and their mistakes so that we can correct our paths.
THE LAW OF KARMA IS REAL
Whatever goes around comes around. Whatever you sow – so shall you reap. It is a natural law. Men of power have always reaped what they sowed. We should learn that.
POWER INTOXICATES
There is a saying that, “apart from the occasional saint, it is difficult for people who have the smallest amount of power to be nice.” I would say no more on these.
CONCLUSION
It is not a mistake that God gave us dominion over the world. We must be wary of power. We must strive to exercise it for the benefit and survival of humanity. Power is ephemeral; it does not last. It comes and goes. Therefore, men of power must try to acknowledge this fact and guide against intoxication. Power has made and marred many great men. We must accept this truth or face the bitter aftermath of our actions. (concluded).
A.
– July 31, 2023 @ 14:56 GMT |
Tags: Prof. Mike Ozekhome
