Increasingly, the Federal Government of Nigeria now resembles the modern version of ALI BABA AND THE FORTY THIEVES.

One of my late uncles who worked for ELDER DEMPSTAR LINES – one of the largest shipping companies in the pre-independence days – was in the habit of bringing me small pamphlets of story books from England.

America’s 16th President left that observation carved in stone for prominent Nigerians who now must apologise publicly for misleading the public for so long about Mr Ibrahim Magu — professors of law, journalists and opinion leaders. Most important of all is Buhari – who stubbornly kept Magu as Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, after he was turned down by the Saraki-led Senate. It is axiomatic that the most important decisions made by a President concern those he appoints to important offices. Undoubtedly, Buhari must accept responsibility for foisting Magu on Nigerians and allowing him free rein to perpetrate whatever alleged crimes he and those called “Untouchables” within the ranks might have committed. What the VANGUARD reporter wrote about the seven operatives should renew outrage among Nigerians who had long passed being outraged by government officials.

I was prepared for the objections which came through text messages in response to the first part of this advocacy for radical change which was proposed. Three main objections were clear. The first said the power elite in Nigeria will never allow a good person to rule Nigeria. The second asked a question: Which political party will field her? The third repeated the tiresome complaint that Nigeria will not allow an Igbo to be President. These are powerful objections which must be acknowledged; because they have merit. And since they are very strong, they must be answered fully; if not for any other reason than to re-assure those who after reading are now prepared to join the campaign early. I will name groups which should join the campaign sooner or later. I only hope it will be sooner.

Nigeria, at present, has a fixed person who we have elected for the fixed duties of security guarantee and economic prosperity, but, who has turned out to become a public danger. Permit me to apologise, once again, for being one of those who, aggressively, promoted President Buhari in 2011 and 2015. It was a blunder that I will regret for the rest of my present life – and in life after; if there is one.

Every ‘Father’ – whether of home, of family or of a nation – has four cardinal tasks to perform: Security, economic development, plan for a sustainable future and provision of social/ethical compass. Universally, leaders have been judged by how well they performed on these criteria. Buhari is not different. Incidentally, Buhari might have performed better on the economy if he had been elected in 2011. The Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, was already working on BLUEPRINT FOR ECONOMIC GOVERNANCE which would have made it easier for him to articulate his economic policies and programmes. It is difficult to determine whether APC undermined Buhari or not after winning at last. Now, there is little chance he will leave a good legacy on the economy. Today, he is almost a figurehead.