Mr Johnson Podar, Director
(mobilisation), of the Buhari Campaign Organisation (BCO), has said that
Nigeria’s masses were “crazy’’ about President Muhammadu Buhari because he
abhors riches and has remained a poor man after serving as governor, minister,
military head of state, PTF Chairman, and even now that he is President.
He also said Nigerians love
President Buhari because he was laying a solid foundation toward a glorious
future for country.
Podar told the News Agency of
Nigeria (NAN), on Sunday in Jos that “so much propaganda has been packaged by
the nation’s elites to make people hate Buhari. He has been vilified by people
seeking to pit the masses against him.
“But, the more they try to demonise
him, the more he is loved by the poor and the oppressed, because they know that
he is their servant and hero.”
“As a leader, once you are
contented, you can pass on that attribute to your followers which will ward off
desperation that is usually responsible for most human vices,’’ he said.
Podar said that Nigerians were
“impressed’’ that Buhari was still a poor man after serving as governor,
minister, military head of state, PTF Chairman, and even now that he is
President.
“From what we have found out, the
elites are jealous of Buhari because he has remained incorruptible. They are
jittery because he has remained on the side of the masses and has consistently
identified with their yearnings.’’
Podar said that the 2019
elections would be a straight battle between the masses and the elites.
“The masses are still ready for
Buhari. The elites are fighting against that, but the masses have made up their
minds because they know he cares for them.’’
The director said that Buhari had
delivered on his three-point agenda of ensuring security, fighting corruption
and improving the economy.
“On security, we have not
attained 100 per cent, but Nigeria is far better off than when Bujari came in.
“When we took over, Nigeria was
like a country at war. Bomb blasts were common in markets, streets, Mosques and
Churches. That situation has changed.
“In areas hit by violence, the
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), are returning to their homes. Buhari will
do even more in his second term,’’ he said.
Podar said that fighting
insecurity had been made even more by difficult by those benefiting from the
conflicts.
“There are conflict merchants who
reap from the violence. There are contractors that supply food to IDPs camps.
There are also people who sell arms to fighting groups.
“We also have people that reap
bountifully from hate, rumour and fear mongering. A peaceful society will throw
them out of business. So, you can see the dynamics and social contradictions in
this fight.’’
On corruption, he said that the
menace had never been confronted so aggressively.
“Buhari has been very hard on all
corrupt tendencies and elements. These days, people are afraid to collect
bribes because there are consequences. We have also had situations where people
denied monies and properties acquired illegally.
“It is also good to note that
Buhari is being frustrated in the fight against corruption. You recall that his
bid for a law to establish a special tribunal to handle corruption cases was
frustrated by the National Assembly.
“He (Buhari), appears to be alone
in the fight. The Legislature and Judiciary do not seem to support him. Even
members of the executive arm do not seem to be comfortable with the anti-graft
war.
“The soothing truth, however, is
that Buhari has remained committed to ridding Nigeria of corruption in spite of
all odds. That is why the masses are behind him. That is why they are ready to
make all necessary sacrifices to keep him in power.
“Worldwide, Buhari has stood out
as a man respected for his integrity. He is recognised and adored as a credible
leader. The only snag here is that many people are feeding fat on that good
name and do not share his ideals. But time is running out on such elements.’’
On the economy, Podar said that
Buhari had improved the agriculture and mining sectors and reduced the
over-dependence on crude oil.
“He has also entrenched a culture
where Nigerians consume only the things they produce locally. That trend has
minimised the tendency to import even tooth picks, as was the case in the past.
“Again, in the past, people used
our taxes to service themselves. No more. Now, our resources are being sunk
into positive projects like the Railways and the textile industries,’’ he said.
On alleged nepotism in
appointments, Podar blamed such allegations on mutual distrust among Nigerians.
“In leadership, you bring in
people that will contribute to your ideology. People that are assets. Nigeria
comes first, not where the appointee comes from.
“As a nation seeking to grow, we
must emphasise merit and avoid discrimination on the grounds of tribe, religion
or other mundane considerations.
“Credibility and competence
should be the priority. If one can deliver, where he or she comes from is
immaterial. Generally, such sentiments are whipped up by elites to divide
Nigerians. The masses must reject attempts to pit them against each other,’’
Podar said.
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Who asked u if our president is poor or rich, this alone shows how fake u are. Is poor, I am richer than President of Nigerian. How many retire General are poor in Nigeria even he was appointed as a PTF chairman after he retired as a General, so which poor are u talking about. Saints
ReplyDeleteA poor man who educated all his children in the UK, I hear you.
ReplyDelete