President Buhari does not expect Nigerians to appreciate him when he leaves office, but only for them to realise that he has done his own measure of best. Having been a minister and second term as President who had gone through the system but came out with excuses and to ask the question, ‘what else can I do with this country. Instead of asking what have I done to this country.
They are made for the minds, as courage is in the soul, so also is age. For some old age is cheer providence, but to others it is no guarantee for efficiency. While nostalgia is seen and described as a denial of a painful present, old age is the only disease that no one is looking forward to being cured.
President Muhammadu Buhari anxiously looking forward to his exit from office as age is telling on him from working long hours every day. But despite being a governor, a minister and now second term as president, Buhari’s old age should have been a good national asset but unfortunately it is now a concern.
A fortunate member of the prestigious lineage of citizens. Fate decided him to be part of Nigeria tales, where true federalism is a scarce commodity in their own line and type of politics. He is among very few with such privileges that enjoyed and gone through Nigeria’s system but left with little or no good impact.
Men of his vintage ought to have retired long ago. But as the head of this regime which many described as a case of typewriter engineer trying to fix a computer system. Though, he claimed not to be expecting any appreciation, but only wants Nigerians to say the truth that yes, this man did his best but too meagre by size and outdated in strategy.
As he looks old, old age is now closer to him though he may look young, but young age is too far from him. Seventeen months is really and truly far away as age is fast rounding up on him. The president said many of his colleagues were enjoying their retirement but he can only for now hope to emulate them which can only happen in the next 17 months.
When his tenure ends, what else can he do with this country, a question he is now asking himself after refusing to listen to good advice given him earlier. Though, he doesn’t expect any appreciation from Nigerians… despite being the president which he claimed to be lots of hard work. But he asked for it and so cannot complain, the president agreed with his fate either.
But flaws in unpleasant imaginations of those who sometimes find it difficult to cope with the present. President Buhari’s confession or lamentation about his age is seen by many as an ironic notion that a different time period may be better than present one.
Fate or his resignation to it. Refusing to change non-functional strategy and plan caused many confusions. But not surprising. when his doctor’s advice is coming from mechanical engineer adviser, while that on the economy are from novices.
Many now see the age of the Daura man as a serious concern that Nigerians must take not only notes but start taking immediate actions. Because even before the time to make it retirement, Baba Buhari is anxiously ready to play with this with no cure.
Incredible truth, being honest is getting revealed. He said about his age, ‘yes, I see my colleagues, they are now resting and I assure you that I’m looking forward to the next 17 months when I too would have to be less busy. The age is telling on me. Working now for 6, 7, 8 hours a day in the office is no joke’.
With many pointing out that from the beginning of the regime, instinct has been missing. Though, he may have the right experience, but only instinct can connect with logic to create perfect intuition. Now, his regrets are of many shapes and sizes, after closing the borders with Benin and Niger Republic, but he now accepts in reality that the weapons used by bandits, kidnappers and boko haram are coming from our own armouries.
But he saw himself succeeding so clearly that it became a moment in his time. He had to but simply to wait and prepare for it like a bus scheduled to a station, as he is moving forward with confidence that his retirement days will surely arrive.
Though, President Buhari does not expect Nigerians to appreciate him when he leaves office, but only for them to realise that he has done his own measure of best. Having been a minister and second term as President who had gone through the system but came out with excuses and to ask the question, ‘what else can I do with this country. Instead of asking what have I done to this country.
Despite giving his best, he can only hope that after leaving, Nigerians will reflect and at least show some appreciation. Though not expecting any gratitude, what he is expecting is for Nigerians to agree and say yes, this man has done his best.
While hoping to leave a more secure Nigeria than what it is right now, we all wish him happy landing into retirement because such confessions are the beginnings of farewells, though it is rather surprising that it surprises many.
Adetunji Ayobrown
