FOURTEEN years ago, a student movement, the student democratic forum at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria invited President Muhammadu Buhari to deliver a lecture titled Discipline and Accountability in Democratic Leadership.

Typical of the gap tooth general, his delivery was highly pragmatic and void of the usual rhetorical rigmarole that politicians have used to deceive  the populace for decades. However,  it was the Q and A session that gave the fine General away as an unrepentant dictator refusing to show remorse for his excessive use of force during his short spell as Head of State. Little did we know that this thorough military professional had his eye on the presidency. It did not take long before the announcement was made that he was running against the incumbent Obasanjo.

There is not a single Nigerian then and even now that could doubt the uprightness, honesty and integrity of PMB, the real question however, has always been about his democratic ethos. Can a highly decorated general escape the totalitarian command and control style of leadership that had define his long and enviable career for a more liberal approach of getting things done by consultations, compromise and inclusion? Could this old dog learn new tricks?

Surprisingly, delivering his final speech to a mammoth crowd at the end of his campaign in 2011, the general in Muhammadu Buhari gave way for his humanity. His words were not only filled with compassion but they sailed on the rarely seen tears of a war hero. “I joined the race out of a personal conviction and love for my country and concern for the welfare of its people. I therefore ask the support of everybody and every interest group in advancing the cause of this nation”.

Quite frankly, like millions of other Nigerians, that singular moment of empathy opened a door to accommodate Buhari in the league of true and progressive democrats. This of course was what the Lagos press and the super-efficient propaganda machinery of the APC built upon to create The New Progressive Buhari.  His following became cult like and the love of the masses earned him pet names like “Baba” and “The peoples General”. Finally, Nigerians could say that they elected someone from amongst them, who was never shielded from the realities of the Nigerian challenges and who could feel the pulse of the common man.

The tables seem to have turned so fast, so much so that the man who cried for his people has isolated himself from their realities. The once passionate statesman is suddenly becoming a megalomaniac. Mr. President, where is the humanity here? Are the people of Agatu not Nigerians? Do they not deserve at the least a word of consolation from their father? These people came out enmasses to give you victory in a state where you had never won before and yet you go mute when they bleed. How about the killings of hundreds of young Nigerians in Zaria by the soldiers? Don’t you think their families deserve an apology rather than further condemnation? It wouldn’t scar the  President’s ego to reach out to the hundreds of young shites who feel maltreated by the government they brought into power.

Mr. President recently admitted that the young easterners protesting in the South East where not born when he fought the Biafra war. Why then treat them like they were responsible for the war. Since when do the lives of young easterners not matter anymore? There is video evidence that unarmed protesters were murdered in cold blood by the institutions that are supposed to protected them yet not a word from him. He even declined to see the video of those murdered in broad day light, why? If they have done wrong in any way let the words of Robert Mugabe, in his independence speech in 1980 be a guide . He said: “The wrongs of the past must stand forgiven and forgotten. If we ever look to the past, let us do so for the lesson the past has taught us, namely that oppression and racism are inequalities that must never find scope in our political and social system. It must never be a correct justification that because the whites oppressed us yesterday when they had power, the blacks must oppress today because they have power”.

Mr. President, there is too much bloodletting in the land, too much injustice to the vulnerable, too much pain for the average Nigerian to bear, and just like the words of a spouse encourages the partner, Nigerians want to know that you stand with them through thick and thin. Or are we to accept the wisdom of the gods that no matter how much rain wets the leopard, it never changes its spot.

In all humility, I would like to remind the President of the truism in the Ahiara Declaration that “those who aspire to lead must bear in mind the fact that they are servants and as such cannot be greater than the people, their masters. The leader must not only say but always demonstrate that the power he exercises is derived from the people. He should never allow his high office to separate him from his people. He must be fanatical for their welfare. He should be the symbol of justice which is the supreme guarantee of good government”.

Leadership isn’t solely about cerebral sophistication or strong character but largely about compassion for the led.

Please break the silence, Mr. President.

Mr. Ayodele Adio, a social critic, wrote from Lagos.