There is a Buhari in All of Us By Abdulahi Haruna Haruspice
(An Address l on the occasion of the Public Presentation of His Book ‘The Buhari In Us’ on Tuesday, 22nd June, 2021 at the Nigerian Army Resource Center, Asokoro, Abuja.)
It’s my pleasure to welcome you all to this auspicious occasion. Today’s event is divided into two layers. The first layer is the official presentation of the Book, “The Buhari In Us.” The second layer is the public lecture whose title has been meticulously crafted as “The Role of Nigerian Youth in Policy Formulation, Governance and Leadership” to be delivered by the youngest Governor in Nigeria, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, who recently celebrated his 46th Birthday.
The book, we are here to unveil today was written in 2018. However, time and providence have dragged its public release to this very moment. As you know, in between then and now, a lot has happened; many things have changed, but the original intent remains the same.
It is said that consistency defines the character of man; if you cannot sustain the drive that will bring a dream to fruition, it is better never to engage in the futile voyage.
Since 2003, I have been stuck to the ideology and character of Muhammadu Buhari. I have lived in his image and sold to sundry his many unique and sterling qualities as exemplified in his enviable leadership style, calm mien, determination to right the wrongs and his strong will to position the country on the path of righteousness, progress and prosperity. Since that time to this moment, I have only met him once, and it was a fleeting moment.
How did I get consumed by the phenomenon called Muhammadu Buhari? In my secondary school days, I stumbled on a book whose title I can’t remember, but written by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. In that book, he described one man in superlative adjectives and that man happens to be Muhammadu Buhari. So mesmerized was I by Obasanjo’s verdicts that I asked my Uncle, John Sule, “Who is Buhari?” Beaming with smiles, Uncle John referred to a scenario in 1983 where Buhari deducted N1 from workers’ salaries at the beginning of his government following the financial crunch he met on ground. To the consternation of all, Buhari later ordered the refund of these deductions. Since that time, Uncle Sule remains an unrepentant follower of the man Buhari!!
That I am tied to the apron of Buhari’s ideology is not by happenstance, it is a deeply rooted conviction, not motivated by the exigencies of today. It is a legendary decision that dates back to history. I have seen those who shouted Buhari in 2015 through to 2020 all backtracking. According to them, he hasn’t met their expectations. Therefore, this time, they are no longer Buharists. Such a character inconsistency, such an erratic manifestation, such an unsteady conviction.
Those who retrace their steps in the middle of a journey are not to be trusted in whatever capacity. Support for a candidate is never for the immediate gains but what lies ahead. So, because your marriage, for example, isn’t going as expected, the best decision is to walk out of it? This is what separates me from others. I go with you to the end and never halfway.
President Muhammadu Buhari may means different things to different people, but for “us”, he is a phenomenon, a movement and an ideology. His ideological values are ingrained in his policy directions, decisions and approach to handling national issues.
The “US” in the book title does not only represent my sentiments, it captures the minds of millions of Nigerians who love integrity, accountability, sincerity, simplicity and the all other virtues that Buhari exemplifies; those ethics and values that were conspicuously disdained and discarded by those in the corridors of power.
Ladies and gentlemen, of what use is this book, you may ask. No doubt, this book will be useful to those who have incredible love for President Buhari, not because he is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, but due to their innate love for what he stands for. It will also serve as a good reference material for those whose understanding of Buhari is based on mediated, flawed and highly biased media spectacles and narratives sponsored by the beneficiaries of the displaced old order.
To replicate my conviction about the phenomenal Buhari and to sustain his ideology, I will be inaugurating the Buhari Emerging Leaders and Legacy Organisation (BELLO) – a hub for leadership training, think tank and corps of young Nigerians whose leanings will be tied to the Muhammadu Buhari ideals of Honour, Action, Revolution and Integrity. The proceeds from the launch of this book will be plunged into the running of this hub. I kindly implore that you all donate generously to this vision.
Dear patriots, do not begrudge me for my choice, this is my decision. Be like me, identify that individual that gives you confidence and eulogize him to high heavens.
I want to thank you for honouring me with your esteemed presence. This is an endorsements to my person. I promise you one thing, I will never betray your confidence in me, as my legacy will surely be your pride.
Finally, do always remember that there is a Buhari in all of us!!!
I am Haruspice and Muhammadu Buhari is my obsession.
Abdullahi O Haruna
Author, The Buhari In Us
22nd June, 2021.
