By Mojeed Ajibola
Since former President Muhammadu Buhari breathed his last in a London hospital on Sunday, various opinions have trailed his demise like ants after sugar.
Some people, despite being aware of his shortcomings, sincerely prayed for his soul to rest in peace. They recounted his goodwill and the monumental projects he executed as Nigeria’s civilian president. They wish him well in death, knowing that every man, no matter how pristine, has his blemishes.
Others, however, are angry — and justifiably so. They believe Buhari wronged them. They recall the #EndSARS killings, the trauma caused by the new naira policy, and several awkward policies of his administration. These individuals threw caution to the wind, raining curses on the spartan life of Mai Gaskiya (the truth sayer), as his admirers fondly called him, even as he journeyed to the grave.
But here’s one thing: Buhari himself admitted that he had offended people during his time as president. In line with the popular saying that “a good leader takes his people where they ought to be, not necessarily where they want to be,” intentional leaders are expected to step on some toes, often at the detriment of public approval. So, during his farewell speech, Buhari appealed to anyone he might have hurt. He asked them to “pardon” him. He pleaded again, “Please, pardon me.” A one-time no-nonsense General, begging the people for forgiveness, is that not a twist of fate?
Where I come from, it’s believed that an offender remorseful enough to kneel for forgiveness should not remain on his knees for too long. And that is where I stand.
I mentioned the twist of fate earlier, and I feel compelled to say more about it, especially as I reflect on Buhari’s path to Aso Rock.
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After contesting the presidency three times without success, Buhari wept and vowed never to contest again. But he was convinced to try a fourth time, arguably by the current president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Against all odds, Buhari defeated a sitting president which is a first in Nigerian history. The public feared President Goodluck Jonathan would resist the outcome. But to everyone’s surprise, Jonathan called Buhari and congratulated him even before the official results were announced by INEC. That singular, unprecedented act made Jonathan a hero, and he remains one till today.
As fate would have it, Buhari completed his eight years as president and has now returned to the earth. Jonathan, on the other hand, is still alive, hale and hearty. Who knows whether he might even become president again someday. What a twist of fate that would be!
Some might argue that he’s no longer active in any political party. But remember: Jonathan achieved most of his political milestones without actively fighting for them. He became Governor of Bayelsa State on December 9, 2005, following the impeachment of his predecessor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who was removed after being charged with money laundering in the UK.
Subsequently, Jonathan was selected as Vice President under the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. When Yar’Adua passed on, Jonathan became president. What a destiny! If you ask me about luck, I’ll point you to Jonathan. Little wonder his name is Goodluck. He’s a man of fate — just like Buhari. Both have, in their own ways, sacrificed for Nigeria.
May God bless their souls.
Mojeed Ajibola writes from Ibadan.
