Why I wrote ‘The Buhari In Us’, by Abdullahi Haruna Haruspice
NEWS DIGEST – Abdullahi O. Haruna, popularly known as Haruspice, is the Editor-in-Chief, World Entourage Magazine. He is also a social media influence and stern believer of President Muhammadu Buhari. In this interview with IBRAHIM RAMALAN, Haruspice speaks on his recently unveiled book, titled: ‘The Buhari In Us’.
READ THE FULL INTERVIEW BELOW:
You have just published the much-awaited book about President Muhammadu Buhari and his administration. Could you briefly take us through the book?
The ‘Buhari In Us’ is an answer to a nagging desire eventually released from the heart. There has been this push to let out my feelings about the personality of a man widely misunderstood, unfairly viewed and deadly maligned. His sin is to be different from the normal norms. For whatever thing he does, no matter good, he gets scorned and jeered. His albatross was to exists in a land where being good is taboo. Ordinarily, Muhammadu Buhari as a human being is supposed to be a study in human endeavours, as a leader, he is supposed to be a reference on how he runs the affairs of responsibilities with all the calmness of this world. My book the Buhari In Us was written to correct the erroneous perceptions of the people about President Muhammadu Buhari. It will serve as 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.
What inspired you to write the book?
The inspiration to write this book dates back to history. 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. 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 strong will to position the country on the path of righteousness and prosperity. From that time to this moment, I have only met him once and it was a fleeting moment. His simple life, unfazed disposition and firm belief in his conviction inspired me to put to words my thought about him.
Buhari administration began on a sound footing, enjoying goodwill from many Nigerians especially the youth. However, six years down the line some of these youths have become despondent or disappointed about the administration. What could be the reason?
It is said that consistency defines the character of man; if you cannot sustain the drive that will bring an obscure dream to fruition, it is better never to engage in that venture. 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 you 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.
There is never a time the youth seem represented and recognized in the history of Nigeria than now. In this same administration, exist young people heading critical positions in government. Abdulrashid Bawa, Ahmad Salihijo, Sanusi Ohiare, Stella Okokote, Adedeji Zacch and a host of others are young Nigerians saddled with responsibilities. Those who are disillusioned are those not defined by the real essence of what governance is. The social investment programs of the government are all targeted at youth. To be fair, Buhari’s administration has made young people in Nigeria a bosom priority.
You have always been a pro-Buhari advocate. The wailers somehow mocked you for not having benefitted from the administration in terms of appointment. What could you say?
My fulfillment comes not from personal benefit but from the gains recorded for the collective. I am fulfilled that I supported a man who is ending the regime of corruption, who is righting the wrongs of the past, who is investing heavily in critical infrastructure, who has helped to repositioned Nigeria amongst serious nations in global reckoning. Service for the nation is not defined by what comes to you as a person but what gets to the people as a whole. I am not disappointed one bit rather I am more determined to contribute my quota to the success of the administration.
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 you 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.
Appointments into government positions do not make you a better citizen per se, you can be anyway and still be relevant to your country. I am loyal to Nigeria cause anywhere I am. As they say, do not expect what your country will do for you but what you will do for your country. For the wailers, there can’t do without wailing!
Looking at things from a rationale prism, what are some of the things you don’t like about this administration?
My grudge with the administration is the absence of commitment by the drivers of governance. The people saddled with responsibilities aren’t inspiring. They don’t communicate the great the government has done. Most of the ministers are on ‘siddon look’ posture. They offer no hope for the administration they swore to uphold. The president and his vice are left with the burden of the collectives. Hardly you find a government official promoting the policies of the government. Unfortunate. I wish the president can draw up an evaluation template for his appointees and do away with those not fully committed to his next-level ideology.
What is the way forward?
The way forward is simple, lets Nigerians join hands to make the system work. We must cultivate patriotism in our dealings. No nation survives under a disgruntled canopy. Support for government to achieve its objectives should be whole.
