A President's Herdsmen And The Little Shithole.

Nigeria is a land of the absurd and Muhammadu Buhari's Presidency has taken that absurdity to heights never imagined. Let us forget the incompetence, monumental failures in all economic sectors, nepotism and world-class sycophancy; it may take Nigeria another decade to recover from Buhari's four-year rule post 2019, and two decades if Buhari wins a second term. 

Never in the history of Nigeria has any failed Leader attracted so much patience, understanding and silence from sections of distinguished Nigerians that have been critical of all governments since 1960. We also now have a new breed of Presidential media aides that have surprisingly held their ground and in an awkward way romanticized Buhari's failures. I used the word ‘surprisingly’ because Presidential Media aides of former President Jonathan were a useless Train Wreck even though with hindsight, it is clear Jonathan’s administration recorded better achievements.

The Corruption going on in Buhari's Presidency, among his close Cabal, aides and associates has shocked the nation but instead of igniting mass outrage, what we have is limited outrage mostly on Social media, while the traditional media and larger society continue with their culture of silence. Then we have that segment of fraudulent intellectuals that find it convenient to sharply criticize 'those surrounding the President' while maintaining that the President's personal integrity is intact. In today’s dispensation, the Buck no longer stops at the Presidents’ table. Our erstwhile Activists, Civil societies, Intellectuals and Turning Point generation have shot the Buck dead on Buhari’s behalf.

In the first days and weeks of 2018, Fulani Herdsmen have shed unimaginable blood in the most gruesome manner. Now, this Herdsmen-Farmers crisis predates Buhari's current administration, it's been on for decades and previous Governments had tried and failed to provide lasting solutions. However, never in the history of Nigeria have Fulani Herdsmen under the auspices of its mother organization Myetti Allah, practically issued threats, carried out such threats, boldly claimed responsibility on multiple media platforms and nothing happens to them. President Buhari is Fulani, as father the nation, all eyes would naturally be on him to act decisively and prove to Nigerians that he belongs to everyone. 

Unfortunately, just like the nepotistic appointments that have defined his Presidency, the Buhari regime has treated the Fulani Herdsmen issue with kid gloves. No major arrests have been made; prominent Myetti Allah members that have come out publicly to defend their groups’ role in recent Benue massacres are still walking free. Herdsmen have continued to shed more innocent blood in Southern Kaduna, Taraba, Adamawa and parts of Southern Nigeria, yet nothing has happened. 

In response to the Benue massacre, President Buhari sent Nigeria's ill-equipped Police force to go handle the situation. This is the same President that sent the Nigerian Army to mow down unarmed Shites and IPOB protesters, groups that were non-violent. However, for a heavily armed Herdsmen Militia that had butchered hundreds, Buhari sends the Police to lead an imaginary onslaught, already the Herdsmen have slaughtered two Police Officers right there in Benue...nothing has happened. Instead, we’ve had Security agencies using their own Public relations machinery to subtly exonerate the Herdsmen and rationalize the entire crisis into a mere Communal clash. Whereas, what we truly have on our hands is a case of Ethnic cleansing and Land grab.

In spite of all these challenges, bloodletting, failures and incompetence exhibited by the Buhari Presidency, he and his party the All Progressive Congress are still pushing hard for a second term in office.

May God save Nigeria. 

Recently, it was rumored that American President Donald Trump referred to Nigeria and several other developing countries as 'Shitholes.' Who would objectively assess the current situation of Nigeria under Buhari's stewardship and not be tempted to agree with President Trump?

This is quite unfortunate, considering the fact that roughly three-years ago under President Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria was ranked as the third fastest growing economy in the world by CNN money and other international financial organizations. Today, we are here debating Nigeria’s 'Shithole' status.