Yar’Adua and politics of issues
ACHO ORABUCHI
Dallas, Texas
Thursday, March 29, 2007
“Example is not the main thing in influencing others, it is the only thing." –Albert Schweitzer
That’s
precisely why Governor Umaru Musa Yar’Adua has captivated the interest and
admiration of many Nigerians, especially those in the Diaspora. Overwhelming
number of Nigerians has joined hands to mobilize support for Yar’Adua for the
next president of Nigeria. It’s believed that Ya’Adua is a symbol of public
service and an epitome of integrity and credibility that has eluded the Nigerian
ruling elite for so long.
Undoubtedly, Yar’Adua has been a successful governor who has served the citizens of Katsina State with integrity and sincerity. As a governor, he elevated his state in the areas of infrastructure development, quality education, improved healthcare system, quality water supply, improved supply of electricity, construction of network of roads, and much more. Yar’Adua ensured that the workers in Katsina State receive their salaries on time. He typifies responsive and selfless public servant.
Yar’Adua, a cultivator of moral authority, once said, “The very essence of my existence is to serve God and humanity. I think people should know that you derive the greatest satisfaction from serving others rather than serving yourself.” In other words, he’s responsive to the masses, especially those weary, thirsty, and poor yearning to be freed from the bondage therein. He pledged that under his leadership Nigeria would have a diversified economy that would increase the productive capacity of its citizens to create wealth.
Well, the current electioneering process has unsuspectingly exposed qualities of many Nigerians to the masses with heightened awareness. Nigeria would have denied the masses of knowledge of Yar’Adua, who has been serving humanity diligently but quietly.
Interestingly, though the detractors of INEC have a knack for unfairly painting morose pictures of the commission in its ability to conduct fair, free, and violence-free elections, yet the commission has taken series of bold actions to force the candidates to campaign on issues and demonstrate their credibility. The commission has uncannily elevated the electioneering process as it has unwittingly but substantially advanced an issue-oriented campaign in Nigeria at an imaginable level. The commission has directly or indirectly forced the candidates to appeal to the voters by discussing pertinent issues as it might be the only to win in a general election. So, it is not by accident that the current electioneering process is charged with issues.
Even at that, a few candidates actually discuss substantive issues. On the other hand, Yar’Adua seized the opportunity to advance the centerpiece of his campaign: the eradication of Corruption, Unemployment, and Poverty—I call it (CUP). He has meticulously unveiled preliminary programs to curb CUP as he frowned at the existence of corruption, unemployment, and poverty amid the abundance of natural and human resources with which Nigeria is bestowed. Undeniably, Yar’Adua’s campaign is replete with issues such as education, agriculture, corruption, poverty, supply of electricity, healthcare,
Unfortunately, high cynicism, corruption, unemployment, and poverty (HICCUP—mine) coupled with dilapidated infrastructure, abysmal levels of education and healthcare sectors continue to affect the economy of Nigeria depressingly. However, Nigeria has hope in Yar’Adua. In one of his remarks, Yar’Adua said, "… if you are corrupt, just pack and go. If you are corrupt, you are corrupt and anytime any of our candidate is found wanting we will deal with him or her ruthlessly and resolutely."
Also, in one of his recent rallies he reminded Nigerians about how richly the country is endowed with resources and he was seemingly telling the masses that there was no reason for the country to be ranked one of the poorest nations in the world. Similarly, he seemed to conjure a gleaming hope for all Nigerians when he said, "I want to ensure that Nigeria joins the 20 most advanced countries in the world. Let me assure you, we are going to succeed in this mission. I pledge to Nigerians that I, Umar Musa Yar’Adua will be a servant to the country. We will industrialize Nigeria. It will be my life. It will be my thinking, whatever I do.” That was a monumental statement!
Yar’Adua, the first graduate to lead Nigeria, has the ability to turn the hiccup in our economy into an engine that would propel to global competitiveness. Based on Yar’Adua’s antecedents, the electorates are safe to trust him. He’s sincere and credible to maintain his promises.
He has pledged to revamp education, implement free and qualitative education, improve agriculture, work to massively reduce corruption, unemployment, and poverty. Also he vowed to review the constitution, Land Use Act and constructively deal with the perennial problem of Niger Delta.
Nigeria and its electorates have in the past witnessed campaigns for various offices devoid of substantive issues. Not anymore! The current electioneering process has winnowed the field with issue-laden blower as the election day approaches. The current campaign of Yar’Adua for the presidency has obliterated the phenomenon where candidates’ concern was only to clinch his party’s nomination and leave it up to the party’s logo to win the general election. Again, not anymore! None of the old political tricks seem to resonate any longer; in fact, they seem not be the electorates’ palate.
In his reticence-outlook, Yar’Adua has the aura of responsiveness to exude the whiff of a sweet reek of new Nigeria with new ideas. Not only that Yar’Adua is truly imbued with politics of ideas, but also he has the moral authority unite the nation for a common purpose!
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