Standing for a Purpose and Standing for a President

Taking a stand for a President is not something I do in want of fame or accolade. I seek to change a false narrative likely to gain currency or one evolving unchallenged. Knowing full well that, if unchecked, a notion of injustice will suffice. My recent essay, "Debating the Rule of Law: Why I Stand with President Buhari", presently topping the charts in readership at the "Nigeria Village Square" website is not my first in its class. And each time, each attempt brings out the best in me and the best out of the administration and the policy I seek to protect. I am not gauging the public mood and seeing gullibility to exploit; I’m seeing a vacuum, filling a vacuum and preempting injustice. 

It is speaking the minds of the governed who see what I see and feel what I feel, but do not have what it takes to speak out and be heard. And I thank the Internet and the social media for providing me with a platform to take a stand for what I believe is right. 

On June 08, 2012, incensed that some very prominent Democrats were already singing a dirge note for the Obama's second term Presidential bid, I wrote a very lengthy piece, titled "Obama: Citizen United, Invisible Resistance and the Hacking of American Democracy", and in the end, the essay made a great impact, not only revitalizing the Presidential campaign but ensuring a decisive outcome desired. I can never forget these opening lines: 

“Taking a stand for President Barack Obama's re-election is a stand for what is right, just, and equitable, because he wants the very best for every American family judging by what he has done so far and attempted to do.  I stand for the President because it is the right thing to do. Above all, a stand for President Barack Obama is a stand for the truth, audacity, creativity, and innovations. Republicans want him to fail, not necessarily on account of what he is doing wrong, but because of resentment rooted in hatred and unwillingness to embrace the likelihood of American history recording the first of his kind as "Great President". Now that the political system is overwhelmed with corporate money, Americans should brace for surprises, lies, and misinformation from Karl Rove and his plethora of Super PACs.”

Watching the President paraphrasing these opening lines at a campaign rally the evening of the same day it was published was to me, like hitting a jackpot worth more than a million bucks. The entire essay (talking-points) became the signature tune for the campaign team and the progressive pundits at MSNBC, until the day of the election. It was a great moment and one very inspirational and enriching intellectually. 

Every politics, according to social commentators and pundits, is local. On that note, I would like to draw your attention to the link below, as well as the story, "North kicks against Ban on Boko Haram - Ansaru" and my comment, published by Punch Newspaper on June 06, 2013, wherein I defended President Jonathan on his proscription of the Boko Haram sect and the declaration of a State of Emergency in Borno State, Yobe State, and Adamawa State. 

That singular effort (essay) changes the dynamics of the debate on whether or not President Jonathan acted within the limits of the law in proscribing the sect and declaring a State of Emergency in the troubled states. The discussion that follows my opinion piece was one of a kind. It was spirited, inspirational and overwhelmingly supportive of the views I hold. Nigerian reading public and the global audience at large are not fools; they cherish quality content when they see one. 

Of the three Presidents mentioned here; President Barack Obama is the easiest to defend because he has no problem defending himself or defending his policies. When push comes to shove, President Obama would take his fight to the street waging a fierce battle against his unrepentant adversaries. With respect to President Jonathan; it is a helluva task defending him. He is seemingly not conversant with the issues and sadly, not articulate. President Buhari is in a class by itself. He is moderately articulate, analytical, constructive, and conversant with the issues, but his very thick Fulani accent portrays the contrary - creating disinterestedness in the audience. 

Besides, he is not engaging, and seemingly very detached. So, I firmly believe that it is futile expecting him to step up efforts the Obama style - meeting with Nigerians all over the country, sensitizing them about the current state of the economy and drumming up support for his war against corruption and the change mantra. Like it or not, the earlier his handlers realize that that is the best way to go, the better for the Presidency and every one of us. Right now, something isn't right with the policy of engagement. 

http://www.punchng.com/news/north-kicks-against-ban-on-bharam-ansaru/