CHANGE IS INEVITABLE. ALL WE NEED IS ONE MAN.

Written by Tijjani Muhammad Musa

1999 marked the beginning of the so-called 4th republic, in which Nigeria as an independent nation is trying its hands at being ruled by a democratically elected government. Out of desperation to douse the looming crisis facing the nation then, the military government under General AbdulSalam Abubakar quickly arranged and organized an election, chose another retired military General they were comfortable with and handed power over to him as a civilian president.

It was turbulent from the start as was expected, but considered a learning period, all were requested to exercise patience. And so by the end of the first 4 years, election time came with the entrance of more military persons into the Nigeria's political terrain. Among them was General Muhammad Buhari, a one time Head of State, whose tenure was short-lived via a coup in 1984, again by another military General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.

A no nonsense displinarian, Buhari ventured into politics a green-horn. He vied for the highest political seat, the presidency, against an incumbent and having come, bearing grudges from several people his earlier military rule had touched, most of the elites, victims and relatives of his tough government stance did not support him, except the masses who are what really mattered in a democracy.

That election was a testing ground for Buhari, whom many did not want in politics due to his cleanliness. His reputation as an incorruptible personality goes ahead of him. And with the new direction the country was being steered towards institutionalizing corruption, many saw Buhari's principled presence as a threat, a sort of stumbling block.

What dirty playing politicians, who deliberately play it that way to scare reputable, sound minded persons from being in politics foresee is, if the likes of Buhari should be allowed to remain in the game, many more like him will find it comfortable to enter politics and sanitize it, so their (bad political players) days would be over...

Besides, they believed politics is a dirty game and only dirty people should be seen engaging in it. Thus whoever is seen meddling in politics is assumed to be a dirty minded person, no matter his credibility. Yet, it is these same politicians who end up in decision-making positions. One can only wonder what good would come from such minds toward the people they rule over.

But, he wanted in, seeing that it is politicians who decide the fate of any people, not intellectual or sound minded and morally upright persons. So, despite his impeccable reputation, he bravely stayed in, withstood their abuses, embarrassment, bashing, smearing, image tarnishing, slander, lies and treachery, character assassination and much more all in their desperation to flush him out of "their" terrain.

A trained mind and body in resilience, he bore them all and contested in 3 different elections in 2003, 2007 and 2011, against 3 different presidents, Obasanjo, Yar Adua and Jonathan respectively, never retreating, never surrendering to the intimidation of the might and power of the day.

He was not able to become president on each occasion, not because he was not voted by the voters, nor because the candidates he contested against were more credible or better qualified than him, and again not because he has not proven legally in court with proofs and evidences that the elections were full of flaws and discrepancies to be credible, but because of the popular adage "He who pays the piper dictates the tune."

Nigeria's electoral body, though suppose to be independent and even has the word as part of its name, Independent National Electoral Body (INEC), like many government funded outfits, dances to the dictate of any president in power. Thus clearly, the body is incapable of conducting a free and fair election.

Buhari did not fail to win all the 3 other elections (2003, 2007 & 2011) he contested in, but the incumbency power and control he ran against, had denied him victory each time using the judge and jury electoral body under each ruler's absolute control and later the courts, who rather than be bold in ruling fairly based on truth findings, would choose not to "rock the boat" by unseating persons now illegitimately in power.

How possible is it for any president in power to contest for a position he so badly wants to hold on to and has full power to swing in favor of himself, yet refuse to tip the scale to make him the eventual winner, most especially here in Africa?

Obasanjo knows it, Yar Adua (RIP) knew it and Jonathan knows it too, that they never actually won those elections fair and square. In a free and fair election, all three of them (OBJ, SMY and GEJ) combined know it that they are just like the biblical Goliath, who could never ever defeat David (Buhari).

They know it, you know it, I know it and the whole world knows it, that given a neutral playing ground with unbiased umpires conducting an election between Buhari and any of the PDP candidates or even PDP the party itself, Buhari would vanquish them all by the power of the people and the power of God Al-Mighty.

This was typically exemplified in the latest and current freest and fairest election ever conducted in Nigeria's political history, which was organized and executed by All Progressive Congress (APC) during their just concluded presidential nomination primaries in Lagos in November 2014. PDP had even forgotten elections like that still existed, having "perfected" a method of imposing unpopular candidates both upon themselves internally and upon the nation externally.

Here, the man dusted contestants who came with their best in money, track records, gingered support and much more in the likes of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Governors Rabiu Kwankwaso and Rochas Okorocha and Sam Nda-Isiah. Not forgetting his earlier defeat of ex-Governor Ibrahim Shekarau and Nuhu Ribadu in 2011, when 12 million Nigerian voters casted their ballots in Buhari's favor without any coercion of federal structure or backing.

Now, the challenge is this. Can Goodluck dare it, if not because of the fact that he is at the helm of the nation's affair. Could Goodluck Jonathan be brave enough to stand against Buhari, were he not the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Force and all the Federal Government apparatus are under his power, control and disposal? He wouldn't have even dream of trying it. And this I believe with utmost conviction.

Why is it permissible in our constitution for someone in power to contest for a post he is holding without first resigning or relinquishing that position, then run for which ever office he or she desires as a neutral candidate like every other contestant? Winning under such circumstance would truly demonstrate a person's popularity among the people.

And if only that was obtainable, one is sure all the Jonathanians and Niger Deltans that are busy shouting fire and brimstone about their worst nightmare and choking fear i.e. Jonathan's exit from power and vacating Aso Rock come May 2015 would not dare say it. Yet kiss the dust of defeat he shall, even under the prevailing circumstances, before the awe inspiring Hercules of a phenomenon that BUHARI is.

Though many are afraid for their tomorrow based on fake prophesies of doom casted by soothsayers about Nigeria in 2015. We can only pray that may their mean and evil forecast return back to whence it came from and in sha Allah (so it shall BE). Nothing but good and positive CHANGE will happen to Nigeria in 2015. We are believers in God, both Christians and Muslims and in God, let the believers put their trust.

It is by God's Infinite Wisdom that He Permitted all others to ascend the throne of power and for Buhari to wait and not ascend that seat as a democratically elected president yet. It is actually in preparation for the uphill task of returning the country back from the brink, from the edge, from the abyss that we are precariosly positioned now. God Almighty Loves consistency in goodness and a man gets only what he strives for. Buhari shall triumph by the Grace of God.

Patiently he has attempted to become an elected president 3 consecutive times. 3 times he has been denied, for a purpose. The "Never give up" is the spirit of all winners, and so when the time is right, non-quitters always win in the end. So, soon Nigeria shall be set free. This nation will rise to prominence, against all odds and join other committee of nations, occupying its rightful position.

CHANGE is inevitable. All we need is one man and as ordained by Allah (God), so it shall unfailingly "BE" by His Living Grace and Power! Ameeen!

(c)2014 Tijjani M. M.
All Rights Reserved