From One GEJ-ANS Supporter to GMB-PYO Supporter

Dear Lola,

I was undecided but now, I fervently support GEJ. While I have nothing but respect for the good prof, I know quite well that the power resides in the office of the president. I honestly believe that GEJ is by far a better choice than GMB. I would be very happy if you can answer for me a few questions below because I refuse to be carried away by hypes;

Hello Mr. Ogbalu,

Thanks for taking the time to respond. I must confess that I wasn't expecting a query (lol). May I ask what moved you from undecided to "fervently support" a ticket that has shown nothing but bad governance. Indeed power resides with the president but Idiagbon was not dormant and GEJ, who you now support, rose to power. That must count for more than siddon look. 

You have thrown a challenge at me, I hope to respond as best as I can without having to go into an encyclopaedic research of the annals of Nigeria's history.

Why should it be Buhari?

I have followed his history and his track record. Despite religious comments credited to him, he is not a religious fundamentalist - one wife, Christian driver, Christian cook; mba he can't be as black as he is painted. I perceive him to be a genuine leader who understands leadership as well as followership. His integrity speaks for him; I don't know many former head of states who borrow to build and declare their assets. Though I don't consider my husband a prophet, he woke up one day and said, "I see that Buhari will become the next president." This was even before his nomination. Well, coupled with the divine appointment of his choice of a man who is a well respected friend as running mate, I am moved to go with his ticket than that of GEJ whose track record is hazy.

What has he done for the country in the past decade or so? We should judge him with his contributions 20years ago?

Buhari grew through the ranks as a military man. As head, he rebuilt the socio-political and economic system by cutting pact excessive expenditure. He was seemingly transparent while serving as the PTF chair. He lowered inflation and enhanced productivity. During his short term in office, the role of the VP (CGS) was defined, it was not a figure-head role. That ability to share power counts for something. Indiscipline and corruption still remains Nigeria's biggest problems; the two he set out to quell as a leader. Instead of finding a crooked way round his incarceration, he served his term as a follower and took steps to ease himself into politics. I want to believe that his administration was the first to clearly publicly declare a defined national budget.

What causes both locally and internationally has he supported or championed?

I must confess that I am not aware of tangible international causes but WAI was an initiative that grew beyond the shores of Nigeria especially when one consider that drug pushing became a punishable offence and Nigeria became delisted as traffic route. Today many Nigerians languish in prisons abroad on drug charges.

Has he played a role in the united nations or is there anything to suggest foreign policy experience?

Osinbajo has extensively. That said, Buhari maintained and enhanced diplomatic relations including honouring treaty obligations. Many before and after him come up with fresh policies. He focused more on African countries and this helped to cement the bond between our country and sister countries. His alignment of import duties and reduction of deficit went a long way.

Has he shown any evidence that he can function in a democratic setting?

The coup through which he came into power to the best of my knowledge was not one he masterminded. He was chosen unanimously to lead.

Has he shown any savvy in managing a complex human structure or organization (please don't mention PTF except you want to hear the whole story)?

I won't since you have stopped me in my tracks but a man who has been appointed to serve as Governor of States, Federal Commissioner, Head of States must have some organisational management skills that set him apart from the rest. I definitely would put his know how above that of an acclaimed doctoral degree holder who is not able to answer simple questions (calling corruption mere stealing, saying he would build walls to protect Chibok girls) or drinks himself to stupor thereby missing international meetings! I can't wait for a presidential debate to be scheduled. Of course it's not so much about talk but the level of comportment I have seen when each of them fielded questions go a long way to tells me who to choose as leader.

Or is it because he presided over a supreme  military council of under 10 people and ruled by decrees?

Or is it because he overthrew a democratic government?

Or is it because inflation was at its highest during his time(above 40%)?

What really is it about him that makes him think that he will surface every 4 years like jack in the box and want to be president?

From reports reaching me, he refrained from running this time around. We must question those who keep returning to him; I doubt that one single man with no currency capital can stampede a party into nominating him 4 times!

Even in the army where he spent most of his professional life, who are his followers? Who did he influence? Who did he inspire? How many people like him did he recreate in the army? Go read about IBB.

I have read and know a bit about IBB having resided in Minna for my youth corps. Lest I deviate, I would simply say that a man who cornered over 12 million votes in less than 6 months must have followers that believe in him.

Can he really be that good with a Godfather like Tinubu? My strong guess is no.

Is this a statement, a question or a joke? Can Tinubu be godfather to Buhari? Doubt that much. His deference to him may solely be on the equity Tinubu holds in being one of the pillars of AD-ACN which is a strong part of what we now know as APC.

Again, I am worried about sectional and inciting comments credited to Buhari and the fact that in his last campaign he did not bother to visit all of the states of Nigeria. He is campaigning to be president of Nigeria and not the northern Nigeria.

While visiting all the states is great, we cannot fault him except his campaign plan shows that he is avoiding going to regions outside his comfort zone. I have visited almost all the states in Nigeria, how many leaders can lay claim to such. How physically possible is that for a man his age especially considering he cannot boast of millions or private jets. Has GEJ visited Chibok which is a community in one state? Let's discourse and focus on substance.

My sister, I know it is not popular among the so called informed middle class but I strongly support GEJ.

My brother, just as you have queried my stand, kindly posit why you hold strongly to the support of GEJ.

Finally, allow me to suggest that APC needs to go to the grassroots NOW and not incite the masses post elections. Elections are not won on facebook or twitter.

I will ignore the reference to incitement by APC. The other day I saw a photo of a PDP team burning APC flag. Incidement or actual violence is seldom at the instance of one party or another but corruptible or disgruntled individuals. Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Buhari's erudite VP candidate in his capacity has begun grassroots campaign in Lagos and Ogun. I trust he will go beyond these states.

Regards

BR

Mike Ogbalu

Omolola Omoteso

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