29 September 2010 By Saka Raji
Audu Nigeria is on the match again. In
about some month's time, her citizens will be going to
poll to elect persons of their choice that would lead
them in the governance of the country, at least, for
the next four years. It was fifty years ago Nigeria
got her independence from her British colonial
masters. Since all these years, the country has been
on the search for good governance. She moved from one
system of government to another including
parliamentary, military and presidential systems. For
the past eleven years, Nigeria has been practicing
presidential system of government based on popular
participation called "democracy." This system of
government, according to American definition, is a
government of the people, by the people and for the
people. In order to achieve this concept of democracy,
parties are formed based on ideological inclinations,
upon which each political party seeks to administer
the people of the country. America, the architect of
modern democracy, practices two party system of
government namely, the democrats and the republicans.
Nigeria however, due to her peculiarities, practices
multi-party system of 52 registered political parties,
with fractured ideologies. This makes it easy for its
practitioners to hop from one party to another with
reckless abandon in search of greener pastures. Frankly speaking, the story of
leadership governance in Nigeria since 1999 has been a
sad point of reference. In spite of the human and
material resources Nigeria is endowed with, the
country is still walloping in miasma of hopelessness
mainly due to corruption, greed, sentiment, avarice,
nepotism, mutual suspicion and gross indiscipline
among the leaders and the led. As a result of these
unfortunate situation, every one groans on daily
basis. These normally lead to one form of crisis or
the other. As a result of the flip-flop
policies of the government in the areas of education,
health, energy and power, security, industry,
agriculture, etc, things become nosedived and
abysmally unregulated. The country is so much in mess
today that both the rich and the poor adopt spurious
survival strategy and engages in short-cuts as means
of survival. It is the responsibility of government to
engage and empower her citizens particularly the
youths in self reliance and qualitative education.
Sadly enough, the government seems to give credence to
militancy, political thuggery, electoral frauds and
illiteracy, all of which are capable of degenerating
into a bleak future. Leadership position of any
given office is very cumbersome because it entails
responsibilities that only the principle mind can
carry. It is not easy to be a leader. Any one who
thinks that leadership is easy only believes so in
terms of leadership without responsibilities. In any
case, I do not think that leadership without
responsibilities is required in any society, if the
essence of leadership is to serve people and the
entire society for progress. Most of our Politicians and
office seekers are being stimulated in their political
participation by their desire to project and some
times, promote their selfish goals and values and not
by a sense of civic duty to serve the interest of the
community. Their desire is to gain reward through
political participation. They are never interested in
the service to the people but how to amass wealth to
the detriment of the people they pledge to serve. The essence of any leadership
position is to use one's experience to create enabling
environment for the survival and development of a just
and balance society, a society devoid of rancour and
unwholesome practices, a society that is ridden of
corruption and bigotries, a society that is built on
trust and sincerity of purpose and indeed, a society
where ethnic and religious differences does not
matter. In order to create this type of good
atmosphere, every leader uses guiding principle as a
basis of carrying out political, economic, social and
cultural responsibilities. The practice of democracy,
as the late revolutionary Malam Aminu Kano once
remarked during the first republic politics, has
resulted to massive corruption and abuse, and the
alienation of people from government. Indeed, since
the present political dispensation began in 1999, our
politicians and party leaders have extorted money from
government contracts, waiting to purchase erectors and
votes when the time comes so that they can continue
milking the country dry. It is also a sad note to observe
that the past leaders that caused severe havoc to
Nigeria's socio-economic and political advancement are
staging a come back to cause another heavy devastation
to the country. We must try to uncover such leader and
avoid them fooling us again. We should also tell them
that we have competent men of God and integrity that
have also been tested and trusted and among them we
expect the people of Nigeria to decide who should hold
their trust in 2011 poll. We should be bold to point
out that despite all unfortunate problems of Nigeria
lingering around, one is convinced that there is some
one that could still do the country good if given the
chance. This is where the present people's governor of
Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau as alternative
remedy to the problems of Nigeria comes to play. Indeed, we are optimistic that
with Shekarau's kind of leadership, especially when
one looks at his unprecedented achievements he
recorded for the people of the most populous state,
Kano, there is no doubt that as a new generation
politician; he will be able to get rid off the age
long political and socio-economic problems that have
been bedeviling the country. As a gentleman of
impeccable character, he cannot allow any social,
political and economic convulsions to continue to
happen to Nigeria and Nigerians. As a matter of fact,
there are so many things that differentiate the
governor of Kano State from most of his colleagues in
other states of the federation. It is this distinctive
approach to issues that any one who truly has concern
for Nigeria should ensure Shekarau's choice for
President in 2011. This is chiefly because, to move
the country out of her socio-economic and political
quagmires, we require leaders that have the fear of
God, no matter how little. We need leaders that truly
represent the yeaning and aspirations of Nigerians,
irrespective of tribal, religious and political
affiliations. We need leaders that strongly believe in
the unity of our diversity. We need leaders that are
consistent in tackling problems and issues rather than
parochial sentiments. We need principled leaders that
can stand on their oars and call a spade a spade, not
minding who is involved. One of these hard-to-get
leaders that have distinguishably carved a niche for
him self is Malam (Dr) Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano State.
Who is this man? What are his achievements, his awards
and recognitions and why people want him to be the
next President of Nigeria are the central focus of
this book. You would also like to read what Nigerians
say about this man of honour and integrity. On assumption of office in 2003,
Mala Ibrahim Shekarau set out some agendas to achieve
in the areas of security, education, housing, water
supply, sustainable food-production, human
development, health care delivery, economic
empowerment, boosting of trade and industry, urban and
rural developments, roads and environmental
protection. The Shekarau administration did not leave
any one in doubt in regards to the realization of
these agendas in view of his various achievements he
has recorded since he became the sixth Executive
Governor of Kano State. According to the Governor of
the most populous state of Nigeria, he said "the Kano
society I envision is that of discipline, God-fearing
and well educated, a society with a compelling sense
of community." In order to move Nigeria out of
her socio-economic and political quagmires, the
country requires leaders that have the fear of God, no
matter how little. She needs leaders that truly
represent the yeaning and aspirations of her citizens,
irrespective of tribal, religious and political
affiliations. Nigeria needs leaders that strongly
believe in the unity of her diversity. Indeed, the
country needs leaders that are consistent in tackling
problems and issues rather than parochial sentiments.
We need principled leaders that can stand on their
oars and call a spade a spade. One of these hard-to-get leaders
that have distinguishably carved a niche for him self
is Malam (Dr) Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano State. An
in-depth discourse of this man's display of high level
of leadership acumen will certainly suffice why he won
the hearts of the people, due mainly to his impeccable
political disposition that has cut across all strata
of the country. He has successfully completed seven
years in the good governance of the state and has
transformed Kano State from neglect to recognition,
from instability to peaceful co-existence, from weak
infrastructure to solid one, from structural
decoration to both human and structural developments
and from indignity to human dignity and respect. All
these transformation would not have been possible
without the political will, vision, mission, foresight
and fear of God in the art of governance which are
also required for the progress and advancement of the
Nigeria. Among his pairs, even in his
political party, he is one of the few Northern leaders
that stands tall and has remained focused, not minding
the activities of some political detractors. As a
detribalized man of substance, he has been able to
bring together the different ethnic groups in the
state without favour or bias. This is why since he
came to power some seven years ago; both the indigenes
and non-indigenes in the state have been living
peacefully together without any form of molestation,
unlike what was obtainable before his coming as
governor of the state. Not even the implementation of
the Islamic legal system- the Shari'ah has affected
the co-habitation of the divergent faiths in the
state. This is because, contrary to the negative
thinkers, the government of Shekarau has painstakingly
ensured that the practice of Shari'ah in Kano, is
within the ambit of the law, which gives room to other
faiths to practice their faith as they deem fit
without hindrance. Shekarau's societal reorientation,
its impact on the attitude and behavioural change of
his people, his inclusion of non-indigenes in the
state affairs, his hard-to-provoke peaceful mind, the
reduction of ethno-religious discrimination and above
all, his penchant for accountability and transparency
have all accounted for the relative stability, peace
and harmony in the state. Other impressive achievements of
Shekarau as the governor of Kano State since 2003 are
initiation of independent Power Plant (IPP) project,
rehabilitation of rusted water pipe, rehabilitation of
rural and urban roads, establishment of Hajj
Commission, promotion of the Islamic legal system,
Shari'ah, introduction of dress code in schools,
establishment of anti-corruption agency in the state,
checking out social corruption through the State
Censor's board, creation of employment opportunity in
the civil service, upgrading the status of Malams and
Ulamas, rehabilitation of roads in highly dominated
non-indigene areas in Sabon Gari, enhancement of human
development drive, provision of adequate
fertilizer/subsidy to farmers, rehabilitation of
rounds about within the metropolis, successful conduct
of the local government election in November, 2007,
none interference of media contents leading to freedom
of expression, rehabilitation of mosques across the
state, enhanced the status of traditional rulers and
teachers in the state, sponsoring of indigent students
abroad for further studies, provision of working tools
to security outfits in the state for maintenance of
law and order in the state, establishment of Hisbah
guards/commission, free feeding for the less
privileged, trade conflict resolutions in the state
and abolition of hospital cards. The government of Shekarau also
performed well in the establishment of urology centre
, sitting of new singer Market known as Kanawa
International Market, opening of fish market at Anguwa-
uku distribution of laptops to secondary teachers and
members of the State Government House Press,
renovation of General Hospitals in the state,
promotion of Corporate Social Responsibility, Hosting
the first Kano Business submit, settlement of
entitlements of opposition councilors, which the
previous administration of the opposition party
refused to pay, sanity to urban planning and
management, financially prudent through publication of
monthly revenues and expenditures, settlement of heavy
outstanding pension to pensioners in the state,
inclusion of non-indigenes in his government by
appointing three non-indigenes as Special Advisers,
employment of medical doctors, nurses and paramedical
staff, establishment of women affairs and social
welfare ministry, decongestion of prison through
review of cases, prompt and regular payments of
salaries, pensions and gratuities, renovation of many
health centres, initiation of mass-housing scheme with
outside experts to undertake, supply of rural
electricity to six villages, sponsoring patients
abroad for medical treatment where the need arises and
renovation of Government House to its befitting
status, construction of dilapidated industrial roads
in Bompai, Sharada and Challawa areas, renovation of
Director of Press Office after 40 years of negligence
and donation of Permanent Orientation Camp to NYSC in
the state. Shekarau also worked hard for the
accreditation of all the thirteen (13) Academic
Programmes of Kano State University of Technology,
KSUT, provision of basic health equipment, drugs and
renovation of many health centres in the state,
increase in Students Scholarship, settlement of about
N1billion debt inherited from KASCO, establishment of
Rural Electrification Management and State
Environmental Board and establishment of Project
Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate to enhance
probity and accountability. The people of the state
are also happy with Shekarau government for its prompt
intervention and resolving the issue of the Pfizer
tragedy in favour of the victims. Shekarau government
also immortalizes the late first Civilian Governor of
the state, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Rimi by naming the
state City Television, CTV 67 after him as it is now
known as Abubakar Rimi Television, Kano. The former
club road was also named after the late pioneer
industrialist in Kano, Alhaji Sani Marshal whose
contributions to the development of the state is
legendary. In the field of sports, the
government of Malam (Dr) Ibrahim Shekarau sponsored
about fifteen (15) journalists for coverage of
international competitions. These international events
are Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt in 2006, Ghana in
2008, Angola in 2010 and the world cup in South
Africa. All these were done to motivate the practicing
journalists and also help them in advancing their
career. All these achievements resulted in the various
awards and recognitions of Malam Ibrahim Shekarau by
various ethnic groups across the country and beyond. The 2011 general election is
gradually approaching the corner. Already, we have
begun to witness some crop of politicians, both
retired military and civilian personnel are getting
ready to compete for the number one seat of this great
Nigeria. It is also our collective knowledge of the
various trials and tribulations this country has
undergone in the last 50 years of our nationhood. It
is however appalling to all of us that at 50; we are
yet to discover ourselves and our mission. We are supposed to be the giant
of Africa in every aspect of human endeavour, be it
education, power and energy, agriculture, health,
security, transport, employment generation, etc. In
spite of the different measures adopted by various
leaders in actualizing all of the above areas, the
story has been the same as nothing has been
achieved. I have been to hamlets, villages and towns
in both northern and southern parts of the country;
the story of suffering has been the same. Today, Nigeria has no national
carrier of her own airline. What happened to Nigerian
Airways? The oil God dashed us for our benefit has
been cornered by few individuals and their cronies. It
is just recently we are told that our foreign reserves
stand at a peanut of $5.5 billion and that only three
states would be in position to survive the deficit
since the federal allocation to the three tiers of
government in Nigeria would no longer be forthcoming.
All these are as a result of deep seated corruption,
nepotism, animosity and greediness that have been
pervading the system. Corruption is so high in our
country that it appears that the agencies charged to
fight the menace are getting defeated. The poverty
rate is getting high on daily basis. What about the
religious bigotry and ethnic chauvinism that have some
time disrupt our peace and are still remain a
cankerworm to our nation building? Most of our
industries that offer employment opportunity to our
teaming youths are now ghost of their former selves
because it seems the government has no plan for
industrial development. Thus, our agile and employable
youths have now been thrown into the life of
hopelessness. This has made them vulnerable to social
convulsion in the society. Many of these frustrated youths
have no choice but to serve as political thugs just to
keep body and soul together. Some of these youths are
further lured into armed robbery and other social
miscreants. As a result of the government flip-flop
policies, the people that are still very lucky to be
working in the few remaining private industries are
not finding it easy as they have become slaves in
their mother land. For how long shall we continue
with all these as a result of bad but wicked
leadership and its maladministration? Some people
might think that they are not affected because they
gain from the spoil of office, but what about the
majority of the people that live in squalor and from
hand to mouth? What about those who cannot afford two
square meals? Are they not also fit to survive? By May 2011, the national ruling
party, PDP will be twelve years in governance. What do
we have to show case or justify this long stay? Apart
from the religious and ethnic manipulations that have
caused the nation more harm than good, what has the
ruling party achieved for the common man, I mean the
down trodden and the have-nots? Is it the GSM, the
tariff of which is at cut-throat and can only be
afforded by bourgeois class and its fellow travelers?
Look at our federal roads, highly
dilapidated and causing accidents and deaths. What
about the educational system that is in state of
hopelessness? Look at the performances of our children
in schools and their final exams. If the teachers and
students cannot afford two square meals, how can they
teach and learn? Yet, billions of the country's
resources have gone to private pockets who are mostly
government functionaries. Why are some people
desperate to be in government today? It is because
they are not going there to serve but they feel that
to be in government is the only sure way to siphon
public funds. This is why we have reported cases of
corruption in the government circle. The performances of PHCN are
nothing to write about. Every home, office and
business centre is powered by Chinese generators.
Still, the noises and heavy smokes these generators
exhume have been endangering lives. At present, both
the government and the captains of industries do short
cut to survive. They have both engaged in operation No
Mercy. Unfortunately, the masses that are trampled
upon pretend that all is well as a mark of survival
strategy. What do we do and what is the alternative to
all these ills that are seriously affecting our
advancement, bearing in mind that countries like
China, India and Korea have changed for good? Nigeria
can also make such change, based on determination and
sacrifice. The time has come to make the
change unless we want to continue pretending and
suffering. We have honourable men and women that can
serve as alternative remedy for the country. So, if we
really want to move out of the quagmire and woes the
present national leadership has visited Nigerians in
the last eleven years of our democracy, we should rely
on the man of hard work and integrity whose seven
years of purposeful leadership in the political
volatile state of Kano has brought succour, peace and
tranquility to the good people of the state. Therefore, Malam (Dr) Ibrahim
Shekarau, the Atun nuse of Ede land in Oshogbo, the "Onwa
Na-Etiri Oha I" of Eha in Enugu and the Sardaunan Kano
is one good person both in character and integrity
that can change the ugly statusquo. We note with
nostalgia the reduction in the crime rate and social
convulsions in Kano under his administration. People
are impressed how he put checks on the bastardisation
of the society values that are fast being eroded by
alien culture. He knows what it means to be educated.
So, he invested heavily and paid high premium on
education by providing enabling environment for
learning. These and many other progressive values are
the type of change he should bring to the door steps
of Nigerians when he becomes the President of Nigeria
on May 29, 2011.
When God has destined a man to
become some thing in life, no man born of a woman can
do otherwise. Any one who tempers with God's creation
will be doing more harm than good to oneself.
Likewise, whoever appreciates the will of God will
undoubtedly have cause to be happy for his life. The
name, Malam (Dr) Ibrahim Shekarau, is no longer
strange in the Nigerian government and politics.
Shekarau is a household name hat hardly a kindergarten
(nursery pupil) would forget. The journey of fame by
Shekarau did not just start today as a governor of the
most populous state of Nigeria from Kano. Those who
know Malam Ibrahim Shekarau very well will correctly
attest to the fact that the man has been an impeccably
transparent and a humble man of substance. There is no
other way to summarise and describe the true colour of
Shekarau than these two basic attributes inherent in
him. It is therefore, normal for a hard working man
blessed by God, to be envied by lazy and never-do-well
people in the society. This is why it should not
surprise any one that in spite of some pockets of
envies against the wonderful performances of the
Shekarau led administration in Kano State, the
governor's rising political profile continues to wax
stronger and stronger. First, he came into politics as
a poor honourable gentle man and then popularly won
the governorship election in 2003. Secondly, with his
high rated achievements, he won his second term
election as the governor of Kano State, a feat that no
incumbent executive governor of the state has ever
achieved in the history of Kano government and
politics, thereby breaking the much dreaded Kano
political jinx. Thirdly, in addition to lots of
awards and recognitions given to Shekarau within and
outside the country, he is the only serving governor
for now that has received traditional titles from the
three main geo-political ethnic groups namely; Enugu
from the East; Osun from the West and Kano from the
North parts of Nigeria. Still, Shekarau is the only
governor from the northern dominated Muslim states of
the federation that recognizes and allows
non-indigenes participation in his government,
attached with remarkable portfolios. Recently, some
ethnic and religious chauvinists in the country were
surprised at Malam (Dr) Ibrahim Shekarau for honouring
an invitation to a Christian gathering in Kano, where
he delivered sermon on the importance of peaceful
cohabitation of the two main religions in the country.
Perhaps, those who thought
otherwise never realized the fact that Malam (Dr)
Ibrahim Shekarau was elected Governor by both Muslims
and Christians in the state; and as leader of all,
attending an open Christian gathering at the popular
New Road, Sabon Gari, Kano on invitation should not be
any thing for one to be astonished about. However, in
a country where religious and ethnic intolerance
features prominently in every aspect of people's
endeavour, it takes dose of courage for a leader like
Malam (Dr) Ibrahim Shekarau to take such an
encouraging bold step. In any case, if our leaders in
Nigeria can emulate the type of Shekarau's virtue a
little, the sky would have been the limit for the
country's socio-economic and political progress and
advancement. Thus, a leader as Governor Shekarau with
these unbeatable records of achievements deserves
nothing but recognition, encouragement and support of
the people. This is why I think the progressive minded
people of Nigeria want him to be the President of the
country in her next political dispensation. According to the late Premier of
northern region and Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Alhaji
Ahmadu Bello Sardauna, he said," Here in the Northern
Nigeria we have People of Many different races, tribes
and religious who are knit together to common history,
common interest and common ideas, the things that
unite us are stronger than the things that divide us.
I always remind people of our firmly rooted policy of
religious tolerance. We have no intention of favouring
one religion at the expense of another. Subject to the
overriding need to preserve law and order, it is our
determination that everyone should have absolute
liberty to practice his belief according to the
dictates of his conscience…" We can now see why
Shekarau, as a detribalized leader, does not
discriminate, which accounts for people of different
races, tribes and religion living together peacefully
in the state, at least for the past six years. As a result of Shekarau's
sterling qualities in traditional leadership; civil
service, development strategy, religious issues,
consolidation of community and high quality values and
symbols of leadership as espoused by the late Sardauna
of Sokoto, the Kano Emirate Council saw him as most
suitable to assume the traditional title of Sardaunan
Kano. According to the emir of Kano, Alhaji (Dr) Ado
Bayero, he said that "the conferment of Sardauna
traditional title on Kano State governor, Malam (Dr)
Ibrahim Shekarau was based on the numerous development
projects executed by his administration. Since the
demise of Sardauna of Sokoto, Kano Emirate Council has
been looking for a patriotic citizen who could fill in
the vacuum left by the late Premier of the Northern
Region. Malam Ibrahim Shekarau deserved to be
conferred with the title of Sardauna because of his
great achievements in humanitarian services in Kano
State. Kano Emirate Council has three classifications
of title; one is for the Royal family, second is for
those considered to be friends to the emirate who help
in Jihad, like Madaki, Makama, etc; and the last one
is for those great people who contributed a lot to the
development of the people and the society at large.
Malam Ibrahim Shekarau falls under the last category
considering the gigantic projects he has executed and
what is currently doing."The revered emir was not
alone in the assessment of Malam (Dr) Ibrahim
Shekarau's performances." His Royal Highness, emir Ado
Bayero was not alone in the assessment of Governor
Shekarau's performances. Chief Olu Falae, a one time
Presidential candidate of All Nigeria's People's
Party, ANPP said "Shekarau is a straight forward
politician whose services are dearly needed by the
country. I appreciate the courage, zeal and commitment
with which Malam Shekarau is governing Kano.
Shekarau's achievements in the last six and half years
are outstanding. A chieftain of the People's
Democratic Party (PDP) and the Governor of Niger
State, Dr. Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu, OON (Talban Minna)
also stated that "I am optimistic that this
recognition will not only spur you, but strengthen
your contributions with determination to serve the
good people of Kano state and humanity in general." Alhaji Shehu Yusuf Kura, a
Journalist and leading member of the "Shekarau
Political Action Committee makes his input when he
said that "Shekarau has the capability to unite the
people of Nigeria. He is a unifier of all opposition
parties. He is humble and above all accept new ideas
and always ready to work with genuine ideas that are
not even his. Sen. (Dr) Saidu Umar Kumo (Garkuwan
Gombe), former National Secretary, ANPP equally gave
his verdict on the Sardaunan Kano when he state that
"the conferment of this exalted title to one of the
outstanding leaders of the moment is most noble and
honourable. His Royal Highness has done us proud by
recognizing our illustrious leader. It is a testimony
to the new challenges awaiting Malam. It is our hope
and prayer that Malam Shekarau will not relent in his
efforts in serving Kano State, Nigeria and indeed the
humanity." The former National Chairman of
ANPP, Chief Ume Eze-oke, succinctly stated that "the
conferment of the Sardauna title on Governor Shekarau
was an indication that the race to take over Aso Rock
had begun in Kano. …..given the achievements recorded
in the state, there was a need for Governor Shekarau
to replicate the achievements nationally." Even one
Mr. Sule Yahaya, one of the admirers of Governor
Ibrahim Shekarau sent an email to my box where he
stated that "I read with delight the decision of the
Kano Emirate Council to confer on H.E the title of
Sardaunan Kano. The council is wise in its choice of
Malam .Ibrahim Shekarau for the befitting honour and
the recognition of his sterling qualities and
visionary leadership style. Shekarau really deserves
the honour because as at now he remains among the very
few people in the country that matched the exceptional
qualities of the late Sardauna. HRH and indeed the
emirate council deserve the commendation of all for
the well-deserved honour to this dynamic, enviable,
resourceful and shining star of the state." It would be recalled that the
renowned noble laureate, social critic and play Wright
of international repute, Professor Wole Soyinka, the
Kongi had even before the conferment of Sardauna title
on Governor Shekarau saw the handwriting on the wall
when he said that the purpose of his visit, "was based
on the determination of the governor as a person who
finds honour in respecting the mandate given to him by
Kano people and therefore, he deserves to be highly
commended. The Professor pointed out that as
a person who has been so passionate to democracy "we
symbolically and morally lend solidarity to people
like Governor Shekarau for his wonderful performances
among other things that is why I am in Kano."
Professor who observed that the country is in a great
danger of losing its democratic directions as there
was a determined effort by the then Obasanjo
administration to turn the country into a one party
state, said this development must be fought for the
country's political progress. He went ahead to
describe Governor Shekarau as "the last man standing
in his northwest geo-political zone." A well respected media columnist
with the Sun newspapers, Mr. Femi Adeshina commented
on the man, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau in his back page
column of 28th May 2010, titled, "Shekarau: the last
man standing" as follows: "When he retired from the
civil service as a permanent secretary, he had no
house of his own. He still lived in a rented
apartment. Why? Major part of his earnings had been
given to charitable and religious causes." "When he
went into politics, and decided to run for governor,
he had no vehicles to prosecute the campaign. He did
most of it on foot, from house to house like an
itinerant preacher. When his friends and well- wishers
eventually contributed cars to the cause, buying fuel
was a problem. There was a time he went on campaign
outside Kano metropolis, and the car ran out of
petrol. The candidate was stranded, and had no money
to refill his tank. A supporter came to the rescue." "Also, hear this. His party, the
All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) had a national
programme in Sokoto. Till the morning of the event, he
was not sure he could attend. But at the nick of time,
a friend made money available. On the way to Sokoto,
he had a burst tire, and by the time he bought a new
tire and tube, attended to the welfare of his
supporters, he had nothing left to pay the hotel bill.
The candidate called on most of his old friends in the
old city, but by a quirk of fate, they were all out of
town. How does he check out of the hotel without being
disgraced? Eventually, some one bailed him out of the
predicament." "The story of Malam Ibrahim
Shekarau is like something straight from an
inspirational book. It is the classic from grass to
grace tale, the story of a man who knows what it is to
suffer lack, to have serious need, and to be at one's
wits end due to financial deprivation. Have you been
in such a fix before? Then, it gives you a kinship
feeling, camaraderie with Shekarau. You feel this is
one man who knows what the ordinary people go through,
he's been through it, he itches just like us and
scratches as hard. He's really one of us." "As a senior civil servant,
Shekarau had no money, but he had plenty goodwill. So
much was the love people had for him that by year 2000
three clear years before general elections, Rabiu Musa
Kwankwaso, the incumbent governor, was rabidly and
mortally afraid of him. He then began to toss Shekarau
around, moving him from one position to the other,
even demoting him in the process. And one distraught
messenger in the man's former office declared: "By the
grace of God, you will be governor; you will take over
from him." Three years later, the prophecy came to
pass." "Wouldn't you want a man like
Shekarau to be your president? I sure do. He knows
where the shoe pinches. He's been in the valley of
life. He's been on the mountaintop. He has suffered
lack, he has known plenty. He knows how to abase, and
how to abound. And most importantly, he has kept his
contact with the people, the very lifeblood of his
ascendancy to power. See how he has personally handled
the issue of victims of the Pfizer drug test, and
you'll appreciate what I'm talking about." "Before 2007, there was a giant
size jinx in Kano, which no one had been able to
break, not even a colourful politician and crowd
puller like Abubakar Rimi. No governor ever had a
second time. But Shekarau did it. He came, he saw, he
conquered. Next year, he will conclude his second term
in office, and is now eyeing the presidency. Why not?
For a change, let one of us, who has known lack;
ascend to the highest office in the land. God is the
one who raises and dethrones kings, He's the one who
takes the lowly, and installs such in elevated
positions. Let God do it for Shekarau." "This sharia apostle, religious
fundamentalist? How can he lead Nigeria? Zealotry is
different from fanaticism. In fact, we should be
afraid of the man who has no zeal for his religion.
But I believe Shekarau has come a long way, and you
can now call him a moderate. " "Last November, the Pentecostal
Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), had a crusade in Kano, a
thing unheard of in the past. Remember how German
evangelist, Reinhard Bonnke, was evicted from the city
with fire and brimstone in the early 90's, for daring
to preach Christianity in the Islamic stronghold.
Well, PFN was given permission to hold the crusade,
with Pastor William Folorunsho Kumuyi of the Deeper
Life Bible Church as the preacher. Shekarau attended,
and spoke for many minutes. Quoting from both the Holy
Bible and the Quran, he exhorted the people on the
need for love, understanding, and mutual respect. In
Kano? Surely, a watershed in our lives as a people." "Power rotation is an issue in
the country today. Like I've always said, I'm not a
sympathiser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and
I do not subscribe to most of its principles and
policies. But willy-nilly, all Nigerians (or rather,
majority) have become sucked into the power rotation
policy of the party. Eight years for the North, eight
for the South, till every constituent part has ruled,
and then the process is deregulated. We leave it to
market forces (or political forces, if you like), and
the president can then emerge from any part. By then,
we would have dispelled the suspicion that some people
were born to rule, while others were born to be
serfs, hewers of wood and fetchers of water." "Shekarau is of the ANPP. But
hear his view on power rotation, as stated in a recent
interview: "I am sure if it was the ANPP that came to
power in 1999, and had eight years shot at the
presidency, it would have found itself in the same
predicament. If a southerner had ruled in the ANPP for
eight years, naturally people will say let it be a
northerner that will come to rule next… maybe by the
time we rule over three, four times, then we will
graduate out of this zoning. It will no longer be a
question of which zone you come from, it will be a
question of the credibility of the individual I think
we will come out of it". Exactly what I believe. And
that is why, for the past six weeks, I've been asking
the North to put its best foot forward in 2011. I
believe the region should produce the president, as
the South had done between 1999 and 2007. The
president doesn't have to be a member of PDP, just
like Shekarau is not, and has vowed never to be. At a
time ANPP governors were falling like ninepins,
crashing like a house built with spittle, Shekarau
stood his ground. In the last dispensation, Saminu
Turaki of Jigawa and Adamu Aliero of Kebbi defected to
the PDP. Attahiru Bafarawa of Sokoto went to form the
Democratic Peoples Party (DPP). In this epoch, we have
seen Mahmuda Shinkafi of Zamfara and Isa Yuguda of
Bauchi decamp. The ANPP (as APP then), which had nine
governors in 1999, has now dwindled to three: Shekarau,
Ali Modu Sheriff of Borno, and Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe.
You never knew who would crumble next. But Shekarau
came out boldly to say if he ever left the ANPP, he
would first resign as governor. No wonder, Nobel
Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka visited Kano, and called
the governor 'the last man standing.' He praised the
courage of conviction displayed by Shekarau, and
recommended it to other Nigerian politicians." "When Dr Danladi Sankara, the
then National Vice Chairman of the PDP (North) invited
the Kano governor into the PDP, hear what the man
said: "I swear to Almighty God that even if I will be
the last person to remain in ANPP, I will not decamp
to any party. I will rather resign from politics
completely than to betray the trust given to us by
Kano people on the platform of the ANPP." Won't you
like this kind of resolute person as your president?
At least, in this country, we've had leaders who swore
in the name of Allah (Insha Allah) and deceived us.
When we see those who anchor their convictions on God,
and stand by it, we should appreciate and celebrate
them." "I have been to Kano. I have seen
the strides in road construction, healthcare,
education, human development, and in many other areas.
In 2006, I wrote the piece, 'Footloose in Kano,' and
described what I saw in the city. But, perhaps, most
significant is what Shekarau has done with water.
Between 1932 and 2003 (more than 70 years), successive
governments could only provide 120 million litres of
water per day from three waterworks. Within two years
of getting to power, the Sardaunan of Kano built
waterworks that produced 150 million litres daily.
What is democracy, if not positive impact on the lives
of the people? However, two possible areas of
weaknesses in the Shekarau dream. ANPP, once the
nation's second largest party, is no longer the
livewire it used to be. It is now a weak platform for
national aspiration." "Secondly, Kano politics.
Shekarau is said to have endorsed Salihu Sagir Takai,
as his successor, and a lot of dust is being raised.
Can he mind the politics of succession, and also mind
the race for presidency? Will one not be a distraction
to the other? It depends on how soon and fast cohesion
can be returned to the ANPP in Kano." "I say it again. I don't mind
this kind of president. For a change, let's have
people we can believe implicitly, whose words we can
stand by, and upon. Not those who bid us good morning
and we go to check the sky to see if we are not really
in the evening hours." It beats one's imagination that
when it comes to the matter of electing President of
Nigeria, most Nigerians do not have the grip of who
really to choose as their candidate for the coveted
seat. This factor of inability to make good choice had
often led to mediocrity, incompetence and retardations
of Nigeria progress when compared with other third
world countries. The consequence of this has also been
of great burden on both Nigeria and Nigerians. It is rather very unfortunate
that at 50 years of our independence and 11 years of
our uninterrupted democracy, Nigeria is still
walloping in abject poverty, corruption, nepotism,
ethnicity, sectionalism, illiteracy and other
unfortunate ills that have bedeviled the country.
Sadly too, the military class that had had cause to
truncate our democracy had also contributed immensely
to the socio-economic and political woes that have
become Nigeria today. The tragic part of it all is
that we hardly reflect on these sordid experiences and
these have made us to always stumble over the same
stone many times without number. As a result of the many good
things Shekarau did for the Kano masses, the Kano
Pensioners in particular contributed money to purchase
the second term governorship form for Shekarau to
contest. In spite of all sorts of blackmails by some
of his party caucus and the PDP to cripple the second
term ambition of Shekarau, he went, saw and conquered
at the poll. This was how he broke the Kano political
jinx. No one can therefore pull down
any person God has exalted. Whether or not Shekarau
can win the presidency of this country is a matter of
divine decision. If ANPP decides to choose Shekarau as
her flag bearer for 2011and heaven backs it up, no
mortal can do otherwise. As a Nigerian and a humble
servant to his people, Shekarau has the track record
that qualifies him for any political position in this
country. No individual or group of people, no mater
how highly placed and powerful they are, should think
that they can take decision(s) against the wish and
desire of the entire populace. In view of this,
Shekarau stands a good chance of winning the election
of 2011 as the President of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria if his party nominates him since he is
healthy, energetic, project and human oriented, and
prudent in financial management as well as enviably
transparent in all his dealings. Nigerians need
nothing less than these qualities. My Dear Compatriots, this is your
chance to dethrone the bad guys who had been making
life extremely difficult and miserable in Nigeria. We
must abhor our defeatist tendencies where we always
think that bad leaders with connection can always
carry the day. This is not true because by thinking
such, we tend to compromise our existence and that of
the future generation. The journey is not going to be
easy if truth must compromise our existence and that
of the future generation. The journey is not going to
be easy if truth must win. We are bound to be called
all sorts of names for even making attempt to support
a just and sincere person. Don't mind them, it is part
of their strategy to make one feels guilty of sins one
has not committed so that one would leave the good
cause. Since Governor Shekarau came to
power through the ballot box in 2003, we have been
able to debunk all fictitious allegations against him
by the desperate oppositions. We are still ready to do
the same any time they come back again with their
subterfuge. Dear compatriots, this struggle to ensure
Governor Shekarau's success for 2011 presidency is
neither for Shekarau nor his political party. It is
for the emancipation of the people and their future
generation. So, we should not care about what the
opposition would say about us. As Shekarau clocks
seven years of purposeful and dynamic leadership as
Governor of Kano state, we salute his courage,
determination and doggedness in his governance. We are hoping to see that these
attributes of good leadership is transformed to
national integration and governance. My dear
compatriots, please, communicate these messages to
every one that is interested in progress, stability
and development of the country, knowing full well that
with all these in place under Governor Shekarau as the
president of Nigeria come 2011, Nigeria will be a safe
heaven for both present and future generations. With
God, nothing is impossible and we strongly believe
that the Almighty God is on our side. In this world,
no one can achieve fame without being discredited by
the people, particularly the anti-progressive elements
in the society. Indeed, Nigeria political settings are
often characterized by envy, jealousy, hatred,
animosity and sentiment. According to one of the
sayings of the last Prophet of God, peace and blessing
be upon him, "this world is like a prison yard for the
righteous."It is a fact that no one wants to be seen
as being bad but at the same time, it is difficult for
a good and righteous person to live in this world
without being envied and discredited by some people. The history of great and
successful men is some times narrated in different
forms, depending on the mindset of the narrator.
Naturally, justice demands that every one should be
fair in whatever one does or says about others.
However, the dirty politics of Nigeria does not seem
to respect the fact about being just. Even the
architects of the country's independence of 1960 as
Nnamidi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Aminu
Kano, Herbert Macaulay, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, etc
were not free from the hands of bad and envious
politics in Nigeria. As we know, the envious spends
his days destroying himself by feeling sorry for that
which he could not achieve but others have. He feels
sorry and regretful and desires all people to live in
misery and infliction while plotting to deprive them
of their happiness. What is more? Envious make the
fortune of others their goal. They apply every method
to deprive others of their fortunes. They are prey to
their lowly wants without realizing it. The envious
manifest their evil intentions by spreading rumours,
accusations and lies about the envied ones. If they
feel that their lusts are not satisfied by doing this,
they may even go as far as to encroach upon their
freedom or even deprive them of the right to live just
to fulfill their endless want. In Nigerian politics, it is not
easy for a pious, straight forward and Godly person to
join politics. It is like a white horse passing
through a dark society. When Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, a
simple, honest and dignified teacher went into
politics in 2003, he was convinced of the fact that he
was going to liberate the people of Kano State and
correct the various anomalies in the governance of the
state. Shekarau simply had mission and vision to
accomplish, even if it means subjecting himself to
trials and tribulations. God, who knows the good mind
of Shekarau, helped him to win the governorship
election of the state in 2003, in spite of his
financial incapacitation. The people's governor
dedicated his first term of four years to human
development and awoke the people's consciousness on
societal reorientation popularly called "Adaidaita
Sahu" There are other marvelous achievements Shekarau
recorded in his administration between 2003 and 2007
as compared to what his predecessors did. As we know, Nigeria is such a
wonderful country and whose wonderful people hardly
recognize men of hard work but of hopelessness. So, it
did not amuse any visitor that witnessed the gang up
and various conspiracies against Shekarau's second
coming in 2007. His offence was simply that he had the
courage to serve the people particularly the masses in
a society where capitalism ought to be the dominant
paradigm. In order to put a full stop to Shekarau's
masses oriented programmes, a high level of
conspiracies and media hype were launched by the
oppositions and authoritarians parading themselves as
democrats who today hop from one party to another. As soon as Shekarau got the nod
of his people to go for second term in 2006, both
internal and external traitors began to manifest. The
media mercenaries with no conscience were equally
drafted to join the war against Shekarau's second
term. It is often said and it is a fact that a man
with God is the majority. It was therefore not a
surprise that despite the unjust role of Nuhu Ribadu's
kind of EFCC to scuttle Shekarau's chance, Obasanjo's
treacheries, TBO's antics and some media hype against
the humble Shekarau, he went into the second term
election and came out unscathed with victory. Even
when it was glaring that Shekarau won the election,
the shameless oppositions never gave up. They took
Shekarau to both the election tribunal and Appeal
courts. Still, Shekarau walloped them. The question is
this, is there any mortal that can undo what God has
done? The answer is No and shall continue to be No. Shekarau did not bother himself
with all these antics but continued to give dividends
of democracy to the people of Kano State. According to
the Newton's first law of motion, every action must
attract equal and opposite reaction. Thus, those who
ganged up against Shekarau's success for no just cause
other than political differences, sentiments and
nepotism had their own turn of stress. In spite of all
the abracadabra and political intrigues orchestrated
by some few disgruntled elements against Shekarau, the
man was able to triumph over and above his detractors.
This is principally because falsehood and lie no
matter how cleverly packaged cannot stand the test of
time. As the 2011 general elections
close by, the general public is daily treated with all
sorts of information, most of which are nothing but
mere attempt to destroy and malign opponents to
satisfy what William Shakespeare referred to, in one
of his works "HAMLET" as "vaulting ambition." In the
past, Malam (Dr) Ibrahim Shekarau has undergone some
trials and tribulations in the hands of those who do
not simply want him to succeed as a leader. As the
humble governor prepares to end his second term
leadership in Kano and is being called to vie for 2011
presidential election, the oppositions and
anti-progressives would like to come out again with
the same subterfuge to undo the governor's
presidential ambition. Thus, it is instructive to
review some of these past insinuations and concoctions
against the personality of the humble and dignified
Shekarau aimed at putting the record straight before
any right thinking person who hopes to vouch for Malam
(Dr) Ibrahim Shekarau as a leader at the national
level. On the issue of the 2003
fertilizer contract, investigation was carried out and
on 4th October 2004, the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC) exonerated the Kano State Government
of any under-the- table deal in the fertilizer
contract. A BBC programme monitored in Kano, quoted
the then EFCC Chairman Ribadu as saying that neither
Governor Ibrahim Shekarau nor any member/official of
his government was involved in any shady deal in the
fertilizer scandal. Ribadu said that investigations
conducted by his commission showed that the government
was innocent of any blame in the contract. The EFCC
Chairman then commended the Kano state Governor for
his transparent and honesty in the running of Kano
government. At the heat of the matter in 2007, Ribadu
re-emphasized the innocence of Shekarau on 27th
February 2007 via the interview he granted to media
Trust, publishers of the Daily Trust. In the said
interview, Ribadu bared his mind on his so called
indicted politicians. According to Ribadu, "all
allegations against Governor Ibrahim Shekarau could
not be proven." In March 2007, just a month to
his second term election, there was also an
insinuation by some anti- Shekarau in the media that
the governor operates series of foreign accounts.
Those behind this defamation of character have been
charged to court and the matter is still on course
with competent law court in Kano. Again, in the early hours of
April 13th, 2007 when the cocks crow. Nigerians were
shocked to their marrows by the news of the tragic
death of the revered Islamic Scholar, the late Sheikh
Mahmoud Ja'afar. This cleric of national and
international repute had just been assassinated by the
forces of darkness in cold blood, while leading the
early morning Subhi prayer. That was more than two
years ago, a day to the governorship and state
assemblies' election in Nigeria. Except for the brain behind the
dastardly act, every one else was touched by the
callous and horrendous assassination of Sheikh
Ja'afar. We all know and believe that life and death
belong to the Almighty God, the knower of hidden and
unhidden things and nothing happens without His
knowledge. It's in respect of this belief that people
mourn and wait patiently; hoping that one day, either
here or hereafter, the forces of darkness that
perpetrated the heinous crime would be exposed and
shamed. In April 2009, exactly two years after the
assassination saga, our sensibilities were insulted
again, adding salt into injury. What happened? Two
notorious media outfits, one in America operating
online and its sister newspaper in Nigeria operating
from Kaduna came up with story, attributing the
killers of the late Sheikh Ja'afar to the government
of Kano State without concrete fact or plausible
evidence. After a tormented journey of
falsehood and malicious publications about who killed
or sponsored the assassination of the late Sheikh
Ja'afar by the notorious online publisher and the
Desert Herald, the former Inspector General of Police,
IGP came up with the fact of the matter, exonerating
Governor Shekarau of having hand in the murder of the
late Sheikh Ja'afar, describing Sahara reporters
online publication as having no iota of truth. Here is
exactly what the IGP said, "police investigation has
revealed that Governor Shekarau, the Emirate Council
and the Freedom Radio were not behind the killing of
Sheik Ja'afar."There is no iota of evidence of the
involvement of Governor Ibrahim Shekarau and the Kano
Emirate Council in the killing of Sheik Ja'afar Adam."
He said the deceased was killed by four assailants
while he was leading Morning Prayer at Dorayi Juma'at
Mosque in Kano on April 13th 2007. He said police investigation has
revealed that prior to the death of the Sheik; he had
received series of death threats from different
quarters both written and verbal, including the
receipt of a shroud (burial cloth). He said the
threats were extended to his followers too. He said
the Sheik was also alleged to have been attacked in
June 2006 while preaching at Indimi Mosque in
Maiduguri, Borno State. The Inspector General of
Police stated what happened concluding that with the
following facts. (1) The internet publication was
authored by a faceless writer, as the Islamic body
alleged to have originated it dissociated itself from
it completely. (2) All the signatories to the document
who claimed to be students and sympathizers of late
Sheik Ja'afar do not exist as efforts made to contact
them yielded no positive results while none of them is
known to the Usman bn Affan Islamic Trust of the late
Sheik. (3) The alleged confessional statement by the
faceless Tijjani Garba is a false document, as it bore
no address and was neither on a police statement form
nor endorsed by any police officer," he said. He said the characters referred
to as Alhaji Abba Gana and Malam Tijjani Garba cannot
be traced, pointing to the fact that the interned
publication was sponsored merely to create an
atmosphere of tension and chaos in Kano. He said for
the purpose of emphasis, the nexus between the
magazine of the berretta pistol recovered at the scene
were late Ja'afar was killed and the berretta pistol
without magazine recovered from the enclave at
Panshekara Kano where the rampaging suspected
fundamentalists were overpowered by the joint military
and police team, strongly supports the interference
that Sheik Ja'afar killers were among those killed by
the joint military/police team at the fundamentalist's
enclave. With the above revelations from
the police authority, we note that both the Desert
Herald and Sahara re porters are chronic liars and
that all what they published in the matter concerning
the death of late Sheikh Ja'afar are false and pure
figment of their imaginations. This means that the two
media have really misguided and deliberately led their
readers astray through false publication. It is
therefore clear that both the Desert Herald and Sahara
reporters have never wished Nigeria and Nigerians well
except their parochial and narrow minded interests. Again, In December 2009, some
ANPP caucus met and reviewed Shekarau's performances.
They concluded that Malam Ibrahim Shekarau is really a
man to be trusted, having been tested. As a mark of
respect and solidarity, they further agreed that
whoever the governor pointed to them as his successor,
will be supported. This open remark was in view of the
too many people that were already eyeing his seat come
2011. The governor seemed not to agree with this.
Instead, he told them to go and do research so that
they can come up with a candidate among themselves.
The ANPP caucus meeting in the state, which included
most of the 2011 governorship contenders of Shekarau's
seat, insisted that Shekarau must show them the way.
After a wide range of consultation, the governor broke
the ice to endorse one of the contenders in the person
of Alhaji Salisu Sagir Takai, a former Commissioner in
the administration. Suddenly and surprisingly too,
the same people that insisted on the governor to lead
the way for them on the person that he would like to
succeed him revolted against his endorsement. The
moral question involved in this issue is this. A
leader of any type ought to be honest, truthful,
reliable and steadfast. If this is the basic fact,
then how comes about the double standard position of
supposedly 'would be governors' that seem to have
eaten their vomits? What were they thinking when they
publicly asked the governor to endorse somebody for
them? Do they think of the serious political
implication of their renegade action? Does it mean
that they are not honest, truthful, reliable and
steadfast? If this is the case, what is the moral
justification about their wish to take over the honest
man's seat in 2011? This alone amounts to self
disqualification and a failure of the litmus test on
reliability and trust. By Shekarau's endorsement of
Takai, he is simply saying that look, this is what you
asked me to do and therefore, this is my preference
but he is subject to confirmation through free and
fair primary election. He did not say that Takai must
be accepted at all costs. If the governor could allow
free and fair primary election in 2007 between him and
his former deputy in the person of Engr. Magaji
Abdullahi, why should he not allow same for Takai and
others? There is therefore, no doubting
the fact that Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, Sardaunan
Kano, Atun nuse of Ede land in Oshogbo and Onwa
Na-Etiri Oha I of Eha in Enugu has so far justified
his seven years in office. He has diligently played
his part to make Kano and his people great and he is
willing to stage the same wonderful performances in
every nook and cranny of the country when elected as
the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in
2011by the grace of the Almighty God, the uncreated
creator, the knower of hidden and unhidden things and
the most high. This shall come to pass, no matter the
gang ups, conspiracies, treacheries and wanton
desperations of any opposition against the man of the
people. One of the big challenges
confronting elections in Nigeria is the credibility
question. Most of the country's election beginning
from 1960s has been marred by electoral frauds. In
1979, during the second republic, there were lots of
political upheavals occasioned by heavy rigging and
manipulation of election results. Have you heard about
the crisis between Omoboriowo and Ajasin that nearly
wiped out the people of Ondo state? The phenomenon
called electoral malpractices has been the major
threat to the credibility of the country's general
election. One of the excuses advanced for
the cancellation of the June 12, 1993 presidential
election by Babangida administration was hinged on
heavy electoral malpractices and rigging. The same
electoral frauds were recorded in the 2003 and 2007
general elections. These electoral frauds have often
led to mistrust and apathy in the outcome of election
results, thereby creating animosity, ill-feelings and
mutual suspicion among the electorates. Electoral malpractices or frauds
or irregularities are practices perpetuated by
politicians, their agents as well as the agents of
government to undermine the electoral laws in order to
give way for certain people that would place them
above the other in order to forcibly achieve electoral
victory. It is an electoral cheat or favour to get
unnecessary electoral advantage at all costs. These
malpractices are often committed after an inducement
in form of bribe or loyalty to secure victory by hook
and crook. Some of these electoral malpractices
include: " Stuffing of ballot
papers " Inflation of election
results " Declaration of false
election results " Forcing some one to
vote against one's wish " The use of under age
for voting " Stealing and
hijacking of ballot boxes " Proxy voting " Possession of
sensitive electoral material before the election time " Declaration of
election results while voting is still in progress " Voting beyond the
stipulated time limit " Voting beyond the
stipulated time limit " Canvassing for votes
at the polling venue " Molestation of the
electorates at the polling station while the election
lasts " One man, many votes,
etc. Depending on the magnitude of the
electoral offences, each of the aforementioned
electoral misconducts is capable of undermining voting
and if not properly checked, will certainly affect the
outcome of the election. Therefore, it is the duty and
responsibility of impartial government, Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC) and their agents
to checkmate the electoral frauds so that at the end
of the day, the true choice of the people is elected
and declared as winner. This will go a long way in
preventing crises and litigations that may jeopardize
peaceful atmosphere required for the progress of the
country. Conversely, the effort of the
government to check electoral malpractices can be
complemented by her citizens who are also in position
to avoid being used to perpetuate electoral frauds for
their selfish and primordial interests should
understand that they do not need to do so if really
they mean to serve the people. The past records and
manifestoes of every person aspiring to the position
of leadership should be enough to sell the candidate
to the electorates. Purchasing dangerous weapons for
idle youths to fight for one's electoral victory has
nothing to do with democracy except for demo-crazy. As
a result of some people's crude desire to ascend to
leadership by force, they employ all sorts of coercive
means just to get what they want through boycott of
the laid down rules. The government some time does not
help matters when it comes to the issue of electoral
frauds and violence. The interest of government has in
many cases than one undermined free and fair electoral
contest in Nigeria. If we all allow the interest of
the country to take precedent over and above
individual's personal interests, credible election
would be achieved. People should also avoid
desperation to win election at all costs. If one does
not win today, one may win some time next time. Given
the proper education required, democracy is such that
people do not need to be at each other's throat for
election to be won and lost. Because the youths are
deprived of the required education and education, they
become vulnerable and susceptible to being used for
electoral malpractices and violence. Same thing goes
to the politicians who engage the supposed leaders of
tomorrow in violent act. Experience has also shown that
the so called foreign observers of Nigeria's elections
have also contributed in non-attainment of free and
fair election in the country. Some of these observers
have certain interests they would like to defend. What
about the media lopsided coverage of election
proceedings? In their attempt to defend and protect
the interest of media owners, election reports tend to
be diluted before it is disseminated to people. The
issue of money politics in Nigeria is another
cankerworm that has always threatened the country's
free and fair election. Those who have no focus and
agenda on why they want to lead others normally make
use of their stolen money to induce electorates in
order to buy their conscience for votes. This type of
negative attitude is against free and fair election. What about the activities of the
judiciary that deliberately connive with dubious
politicians to issue court injunctions restraining the
announcement of election result? Many people have used
their influence, their money and their political power
to change the cause of justice in their favour. Thus,
what we some times have in this country is not the
rule of law but the rule of influence, the rule of
money and the rule of political powers. These are the
various challenges before the 2011 general elections,
which should be tackled heads on. When Mr. President
Goodluck Jonathan went to France in the first week of
June 2010, he assured the world that he would ensure
credible election in 2011. That is as far as he is
concerned. It is left for other stakeholders such as
the media, the electorate, the judiciary, the INEC and
the politicians to follow suit in making and
fulfilling pledge for credible election in 2011. This
is because it is only by achieving free, fair and
credible election that Nigeria and Nigerians can have
their desired leader who has fear of God and believe
in equity, justice, transparency and development.
These are the cardinal principles of Malam (Dr)
Ibrahim Shekarau. In conclusion, there is no doubt
that Nigeria requires a credible, detribalized, honest
and sincere President in 2011. We have attempted so
far to justify the choice of Malam (Dr) Ibrahim
Shekarau for 2011 presidential poll. His various
pedigrees are legendary and credible enough to ensure
his victory. We however do not rule out envy,
jealousy, hatred and animosity on the part of the
oppositions. These are expected in a society where
greed, avarice, sentiment, desperation and primordial
interest exist. But Nigerians should understand the
fact that they cannot continue to recycle leaders that
have brought the country into her present messy
situation and made people's lives miserable in spite
of the available resources. Nigerians should begin to
redefine their future by looking at a leader that can
truly stand for them in terms of economic revival,
employment generation, and political stability, and
social rejuvenation, ethnic and religious tolerance.
This is why the man, Malam (Dr) Ibrahim Shekarau
should simply strike our mind. Thank you all. God
bless Nigeria and Nigerians. May He accept people's
choice of Malam (Dr) Ibrahim Shekarau as Nigeria's
President in May, 2011. Saka Raji Audu writes from
Kano and can be reached on his email:
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