Friday 3rd August, 2023.
Posted by: Prince Ahmed Hassan (TOHA)
BY: PROF. MIKE A. A. OZEKHOME, SAN, CON, OFR, FCIArb, Ph.D, LL.M, LL.D, D.Litt.
Ozekpedia has, in the last four weeks, dealt with “Buharocracy” as a
concept of government that is antithetical to democracy and its tenets. The
first three trenches were titled: “How Buharocracy put Nigeria in
Throes”. The fourth tranche was advisedly titled: “Buharocracy: Know Ye
the Concept?”. Today, Ozekpedia rolls out the fifth part which is titled,
“Ozekpedia and The Toxicity of Buharocracy”.
For those who have not been following these series, Ozekpedia (2023) is
my newly coined neologism modeled after Encyclopedia (1751-1772);
Smithsonia (1846); Wikipedia (2001); Scholarpedia (2006); Legalpedia
(2007); Europedia (2008) and Osepedia (2021). Ozekpedia has now
debuted in 2023.
As promised in our last outing, we shall henceforth “take a peep into
some specific instance of the use, misuse and negative impact of
Buharocracy, instead of democracy”.
OZEKPEDIA AND THE TOXICITY OF BUHAROCRACY
The behavior of a man becomes his mark in the long run.
Do you really know Buhari? If yes, how much of him? What qualities does
he possess? Have you ever heard about the term Buharism? I have now
renamed it “Buharocracy”. The latter concept is wider and deeper. I would
take you down historical memory lane, albeit briefly, to fathom a one time
dictator that bestrode the narrow world of Nigeria like a colossus, while “we petty men walked under his huge legs and peep about to find ourselves
dishonouurable graves” (Cassius to Btrutus in Julius Caeser, by William
Shakespeare, Act I Scene II).
It was Jakande, who first used the term “Buharism”, after his incaseration
ordeal. This was what happened. Recall that upon assumption of office as
military Head of State, Buhari – then within his thirties – arrested all former
public officers and dumped them into military detention. On a certain day in February, 1984, Brigadier Tunde Idiagbon, the then Chief of Staff and
second-in-command to Buhari (the brain box of the Buhari military junta),
announced that three (3) Governors of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN),
had allegedly confessed to receiving monies amounting to #2.8 million
from a French Company – Bouygues Nig. Ltd. He hinted that they would
be charged before the Special Military Tribunal. This unverified statement
of Idiagbon was publicly refuted by Chief Obafemi Awolowo – the then
leader of the UPN. Upon trial, Chief Bola Ige of Oyo State, and Adekunle
Ajasin of Ondo State, were discharged and acquitted. Olusegun Onabanjo
was convicted for alleged knowledge of the donation to the party. It was
established that Idiagbon had lied to the nation; but who had the guts or
kidney to tell them that they lied to the nation? Moreso at in a time when
embarrassment to public officers was made a crime pursuant to Decree
No. 4 (Public Officers Protection Decree)?.
It did not simply end there. In a bid to cleanse his party’s name from oozing
the mess, Awolowo (ever so strong in principles) published the entire
accounts of the party (UPN). He noted that contributions were received by
the party; and that the Lagos State Government had contributed 20 million naira. Buhari promptly arrested Lateef Jakande – the Governor- for no
reason, other than daring to reveal Lagos’ own contribution. Jakande would
have rotted in Buhari’s military gulag into which he was clamped if not for
the hand of fate that brought the Buhari dictatorial military regime to an
abrupt end. Talk about Deus Ex Machiina. It was when Jakande was
released and he addressed the press, that he used the term, – Buharism.
“Buharism” – a disastrous ideological mantra based on executive
lawlessness, religious fanaticism, high – handedness, ethnic jingoism and
sheer ignorance is what I have now turned into “Buharocracy”
“Buharocracy” is the art of practising all other “crazies” such as
Selectocracy, Judocracy, Electionocracy, Executocracy and legislotocracy.
It is a pretentious tendency, clothed with devilish, janus-faced wield of
power. It is anchored on anti-democratic practices by a clamorous and
vainglorious demagogue. It is a form of government that is shambolic and
duplicitous and signposts ignoble show of national ignorance and global
failure. The concept is bad for all intents and purposes. Let us take a look
at some specific instances.
PRE – 2015 AND THE ECLIPSE OF NATIONAL DISASTER
Before May 29, 2015, Nigeria was governed by Dr. Goodluck Ebele
Jonathan – after his 2011 presidential victory. I would not say Nigeria was
at it’s best; but the economy was manageable, fair enough for habitation
and good living. It overthrew South Africa as the biggest economy with over
$500 billion rebased economy. But, the administration was greeted with
rising insecurity and insurgency – especially in the North East- which was
believed by close watchers to have been orchestrated by persons that
desperately wanted the government to fail at all cost, so as to remove Jonathan from power. The abduction of 276 Chiboks girls by the Boko
Haram was the last straw that broke the carmel’s back. It finally sealed the
fate of the Jonathan administration. There was therefore the urgent need
for an alternative government. The alternative came under the guise of
“change”. But, did we know the change?. Did Nigerians care to know? I
think not. How I wish Nigerians could foresee the 8 years of Buhari’s
disastrous misgovernance of Nigeria. I had warned serially and continually.
But, Nigerians, like the Bourbons of European history who learnt nothing
and forgot nothing, paid deaf ears to me. Like the Egyptian king Ramesse
II. (c. 1279- 1213BC), Nigerians chose to be deaf. By the time they woke
up from their cocooned deep slumber, it was too late to ward off a ferocious
dictator dressed in the beautiful garb of white babariga and sokoto.
Buhari has, surprisingly, beaten his chest many times, trumpeting his
purported achievements.
In his response to Bloomberg’s questions published on June 21, 2022,
Buhari said that his administration will be leaving Nigeria “in a far better
place than he found it.” Did I hear him well? Is it Nigeria from planets Mars,
Neptune, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn or Uranus? I do not. Or do you?
But one this is clear to me, Behari was certainly not referring to our mother-
Earth planet.
He blurted out, narcistically, as usual: “We leave Nigeria in a far better
place than we found it. Corruption is less hidden for Nigerians feel
empowered to report it without fear, while money is returned; terrorists no
longer hold any territory in Nigeria, and their leaders are deceased, and vast infrastructure development sets the country on course for sustainable
and equitable growth.” … In the area of corruption, as you are all aware, I
am determined to ensure that we do not have a repeat of what has gone on
in previous administrations and we have taken a strong stand against
pervasive corruption.”
These words of a true posear and an obviously unfulfilled despot, defile the
many facts that stare Nigerians in the face. He spoke exactly the opposite
of what is on ground. The words also defy scriptural admonitions.
The Holy Bible admonishes, “Let someone else praise you, and not your
own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.” – Proverbs 27:2 (NIV).
Islam’s Imam Ali (A.S) said, “a man who praises himself displays his
defiency of intellect.” In the same vein, Imam Malik was more pungent,
“verily, when a man starts praising himself, then his honour will leave him.”
There are many reasons why people resort to praising themselves, such as
Buhari did and still does:
1.) They lack confidence in their abilities and judgement; as they have a
low esteem.
2.) On the other extreme, they may have too much and overblown
confidence in their abilities and judgement.
3.) They need compensation over their low esteem through validation and
praises from others.
4.) Such persons are arrogant and prideful: have a narcistic personality
disorder, with an inflamed sense of self-importance that requires constant
admiration, attention and praises.
What could be the reason for Buhari’s vainglorious self – praises? I do not
know. Or, do you? Your answer may be good as mine.
To hit the nail on the head of the nuclueos of this discourse, an analysis of
the tripodal agenda of the Buhari – led administration in comparison with
the pre – 2015 status would help out. But it should be noted that, at the very
early stage of his administration, I had pleaded; even admonished him; but
all fell on deaf ears. – https://ww.nairaland.com/2416049/buharis-first-30-
days-office/1 ; Buhari’s First 30 Days In Office Dismal, Uninspiring –
Ozekhome – Politics (2) ; June 30, 2015;
“https://www.premiumtimesng.com/features-and-interviews/195427-how-
others-view-the-present-government-part-2-by-mike-
ozekhome.html?tztc=1; How others view the present government (Part 2),
By Mike Ozekhome; December 25, 2015”. Some Nigerians – sycophantic
Buharists and Buharadeens-had bayed for my patriotic innocent blood.
Most later recanted, called me and apologized. Some still do today. Let us
take some samples of his performance c.
THE ECONOMIC MELT DOWN THAT WAS BEYOND REPAIRS
During his first term as President, after making three executive orders, the
economic environment became more toxic and more unconducive for
investors. Major economic indicators such as unemployment, oil depletion, capital flight, dis-investment, etc, surfaced. I would blaze through the GDP and Inflation rates in the last 8 years.
GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP)
The growth of Nigeria’s economy dropped drastically during the fourth
quarter of 2015, from 2.84 percent to 2.11 percent; and in the fourth quarter
of 2016 to 0.36 percent. In the second quarter of 2016, the economy
worsened and a decline of – 2.06 per cent was recorded. Hence, the first
ever recession experienced since 25 years’. In the third quarter of 2016, a
decline of – 1.3 percent was recorded. The first quarter of 2017 saw the
growth of our GDP at – 0.92 per cent, the remaining quarters growth rate
were at 0.72, 1.17 and 2.11 respectively.
There was a real economic turn down in 2018. The GDP growth declined
and never rose above 2 percent. In 2019, the GDP growth rate was 2.21%,
a 0.29 increase from 2018. In 2020, it reduced to -1.79%, a 4% decline
from 2019. In 2021, the GDP growth rate was 3.65%, a 5.44% increase
from 2020.
Our GDP continued reducing and wallowing in the aqua of uncertainty till
Q3 2022 growth rate recorded a decrease by 1.78% points from the 4.03%
growth rate recorded in Q3 2021 and decreased by 1.29% points relative to
3.54% in Q2 2022. However, quarter-on-quarter, real GDP grew at 9.68%
in Q3 2022, reflecting a higher economic activity in Q3 2022 than the
preceding quarter. The World Bank forecasts the Nigerian economy to
grow by 2.8 percent in 2023, down from 3.3 percent in 2022. What a pity! Is
this how a country grows and develops? Whoever eventually emerges
president after the Presidential Election petition hearing is surely going to
inherent the abysmal and wanton failure of Buhari, his predecessor. May
God help us.
INFLATION
It is the consensus of reports that after Buahri took over as President in
2015, inflation rate rose from 9.0 per cent to 9.2 per cent in June of that
year. By November and December, 2015, it was already 9.37 and 9.55,
respectively. In 2016, we witnessed our first recession due to decline in oil
and non oil businesses. Before the end of 2017, the inflation was measured
at an alarming 8.72 per cent.
It was only in 2018, that the country did not record consecutive rise of
inflation. However, the year ended with an 11.28 and 11.44 per cent rise
within November and December respectively. In 2019, the inflation rate
increased in January, through April and May; and then the borders were
shut down by the Federal Government under the guise of fighting criminal
smugglers. This caused unbearable hardship and suffering to Nigerians.
Inflation still rose during the closure. In the wake of 2020, the world was
greeted with the unwavering and unsavory effect of the Covid 19 pandemic;
shutting down the entire global economic affairs; leading again to another
recession. By the middle of 2021, inflation hit about 18.17 per cent.
Inflation continued till 2022, and by November, it hit had 21.47 per cent. By
April this year, inflation was 22.22 percent. Thus, the administration
recorded the highest inflation at its tail end. Could this be deliberate?.
Fellow Nigerians, No be juju be that? I do not know. Or do you?
NIGERIA: A GRUESOME CRIME SCENE UNDER BUHARI
Buhari’s administration inherited the Boko Haram which was then the
predominant security challenge in Nigeria. While death from Boko Haram
insurgency has reduced drastically, there has been an upsurge of other
violent crimes such as armed bandits, violent herdsmen, ransome-taking
kidnappers, deadly armed robbers, unknown gun men and other non-state
actors, that threaten and challenge Nigeria’s sovereignty and suzerainty.
Before now, we were only afraid to travel through the Northern routes. But
today, we are all afraid to travel through the North, South, East and West.
This is because, anything can happen, as the roads are quite unsafe.
Imagine a country were military officers are kidnapped, military colleges are invaded, a train station is invaded and people kidnapped, without
government intervention. Cases of broad day light robbery, amongst
others, have been common place.
Between 1st of January and 31st July 2021, at least 279 government
institutions were confirmed attacked. The deadly operation of unknown gun men and the discovery of death bodies in the South East is another major challenge. The robbery attack on the office of the Chief of Staff to the
President showed that even the presidency was not secure. Sometime in
2021, about 807 students were kidnapped. See my writeup then:
“https://saharareporters.com/2021/02/28/807-school-pupils-stolen-under-
buhari-hope-nigeria-itself-wont-be-abducted-ozekhome; 807 School Pupils
Stolen Under Buhari; Hope Nigeria Itself Won’t Be Abducted? – Ozekhome;
February 28, 2021”.
Buhari was that President that never knew what was going on in his
government. He denied knowledge of almost anything and everything.
Some Nigerians started thinking he was deaf because, he was always
missing in action. See my intervention:
“https://thenigerialawyer.com/insecurity-president-buhari-missing-in-action- his-capacity-has-been-tested-ozekhome-san/; Insecurity: President Buhari Missing In Action, His Capacity Has Been Tested — Ozekhome, SAN; April 28, 2021. Methinks he was sleeping, so I called for his wake. –
https://thisnigeria.com/wake-up-president-buhari-from-his-deep-slumber-
self-denial-ozekhome/; Wake up President Buhari from his deep slumber,
self-denial – Ozekhome 29th April, 2021”. The Universities were no longer
safe for Nigerian students; coupled with neglect of settling the long-drawn
strike issue between the FG and ASUU. Armed banditry and kidnapping
became the order of the day. See “https://nigeriannewsdirect.com/nigerian-
universities-kidnapping-and-banditry/; Nigerian universities, kidnapping and banditry; December 10, 2021”. School children were kidnapped from
Universities; and their parents were forced by kidnappers to purchase for
the sustenance of their children for the purpose of ransome, bags of rice;
beans; millet; tomatoes; tarodo; palm oil; pepper; vegetable oil; salt; sugar;
onions; vegetable; and even magi cubes and locust beans. Nigerians never
had it so bad.
The Nigerian Security Tracker of the Council for Foreign Relations reported
that, 63, 111 Nigerians were killed since the Buhari administration took off:
27,311 during first term; and 35,800 during the second term. Yet, this was
an administration that spent up to eight trillion naira (N8tn) in the last eight years on defence budget alone. From further conservative report by the
press, at least 21 people were killed every day during Buahri’s 2,555 days
in office!
In 2019, Nigeria was ranked 3rd below Afghanistan and Iraq out of 138
countries in the Global Terrorism Index. Again, Nigeria was ranked the 14th
most fragile country in the world and the 9 th in Africa, according to the
Fragile States Index. That same year, Nigeria also ranked 148th out of 163
countries in the Global Peace Index, far below former war-ravaged
countries like Sierra Leone, Liberia and Rwanda. Thus, the citizens
clamoured for the removal of the Service Chiefs due to zero performance
after so many setbacks, uncertainties, deaths, mayhem, arson etc. Nigeria
under Buhari was simply a grisly crime scene. Period.
