HAS BUHARI BECOME SO UNPOPULAR? Ebun-olu Adegboruwa

Since Saturday, October 27, 2018, when I posted the eligibility sections of the 1999 Constitution, I have received several calls, from and outside Nigeria, suggesting that the President should not participate in the 2019 presidential election.

I also monitored comments on the traditional and social media, on my position, indicating the disenchantment of many, against the policies and programmes of the Buhari led administration. The impression so conveyed is that he should not contest the coming elections, for whatever reasons. I do not subscribe to this view at all, but it seems to enjoy some prevalence.

Given the euphoria and enthusiasm that greeted his election in 2015, I’m amazed that it would seem that the President has become so unpopular within this few years.

A throw back to 1984 reveals a similar scenario, such that his military government could not endure beyond just one year.

I have only quoted the relevant sections 137 and 318 of the Constitution to argue that the President, by virtue of his rank, status, experience and exposure, as Maj-Gen, former Minister, former Head of State, etc, has met the basic minimum requirement of the “equivalent” of School Leaving Certificate. This is just crossing the legal hurdle of his entitlement to contest, but his fate at the main election, is left for Nigerians to decide.

I urge the President to reflect upon the reasons and factors that may have contributed to his seeming “rejection” by people, across board.

This is not the way to lead people, if it would seem that majority of them are adversely affected by the programmes and polices of government.

God bless Nigeria.

Ebun-olu Adegboruwa, Esq.,

Lekki, Lagos.

29/10/2018.