Implications of Buhari’s second term declaration

Another historic event occurred in Abuja on April 9, 2018, when President Muhammadu Buhari declared at the meeting of the national executive committee (NEC) of the ruling All Progressives Party (APC), his intention to run for a second term in the 2019 Presidential polls. The wide jubilation that followed this episode across the country, though expected, has rung a bell of confidence the Nigerian populace has in the President. It has also sounded a warning to those who are hell-bent in causing harm to Nigeria.

I could not hold my emotion as I immediately posted the news to the many Whats App groups I belong to and received within few hours over a thousand responses. Due to official workload, I could not read them during office hours but I must confess that it took me over two hours at home to go through the messages many of which were from whom I do not personally know.

The declaration has complicated issues for some people. It has been juxtaposed with great events happening around. And it is serious lamentation for others. Generally, the implications of the declaration have far-reaching effects and results under our present circumstances.   Though having long been awaited by compatriots, it is coming at a time when some disgruntled prominent citizens have decided to mislead citizens from the good path to development which Nigeria is currently towing and disabuse the minds of patriots against the pilot of this new dawn democracy in Nigeria.

• Nigeria does not need Buhari in 2019, he will kill Nigeria ―Fayose

Now that the die is cast, we must pray harder for Mr President, for Nigeria and for the will of God and the masses to prevail. Those threatening brine and stone will be put to shame because the general elections will come and pass and Nigeria will remain intact, stronger and united. After all, the prophets of doom who wished Mr. President death before 2019 have started falling.

Unlike the former presidents who preferred rented crowds for their declarations, President Buhari did it in a small hall before people he need not pay because they are patriots and the progressives.  The President, in his wisdom, was sure that members of his party needed to have the honour of having the great news first. That is why when people were speculating that things had fallen apart between Buhari and APC because of appointments, I was confident that all fences will be mended in due course, mostly at the right time that will please every party member. Now, the time has come.

The humble leader has made the executives even happier because, as the leader of the party, he pleaded for waiver for any outgoing exco member who may wish to recontest for any position in the party’s forthcoming congresses at all levels. But the aspirant must follow the constitution by resigning the current position one month before the congress.

Buhari said he was seeking reelection on account of the clamour by Nigerians. This declaration should relieve those who were interested in the position or make to rethink and join hands to uplift Nigeria with the trusted leader.

Undoubtedly, President Buhari has all it takes to contest and coast to victory next year. This declaration, I am sure, will propel him to fulfill most, if not all the promises he made in 2015.

Muhammad Ajah

 Abuja.