By Bayode Oluwasanmi
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The hypocrisies of democracy under Buhari are startling. A country known for her freedom has become a prison for many prisoners of conscience. Our liberal principle of justice and equality have been violently uprooted by Buhari. It has led to the most troubled and bloody period in our history- a shocker to the conscience of humankind.
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In this odd political season, General Muhammadu Buhari’s despotic rule will be remembered for its existential threat to our democracy, culture, civilization, and unity. As the tyrannical regime of the Butcher of Aso Rock winds down, Nigerians hope they’ll be able to breathe again.
The hypocrisies of democracy under Buhari are startling. A country known for her freedom has become a prison for many prisoners of conscience. Our liberal principle of justice and equality have been violently uprooted by Buhari. It has led to the most troubled and bloody period in our history- a shocker to the conscience of humankind.
Nigeria is such a country of paradox that one wonders how the different pieces are held up to be part of a larger whole. How does a leading oil-producing country coexist with three million children out of school? Why is it that Africa’s largest economy is also the world’s poverty and corruption capital? How is it that the oil-rich country is the most dangerous place to live? With so vast resources, Nigerians live on less than $1 a day. The army of unemployed and underemployed Nigerians is in the millions. The university education is completely shut down for the seventh month.
How do we claim to be a federation when the central government controls literally everything from oil to waterways? How do we explain that First Lady Aisha Buhari lives outside Nigeria by relocating permanently to Dubai in UAE? How can a married president of a country live as a single in the State House – Aso Rock? Nigeria is the only country where the First Lady lives abroad. These contradictory realities make Nigeria a true paradox.
How can the First Lady fulfill her function as wife and mother and perform other traditional functions living in faraway exotic Dubai? The First Lady serves as the country’s social hostess. The First Lady can exert influence on the president’s public image and even his agenda. The First Lady mirrors the stance of women in society and affects the experiences of our women, especially young women. The First Lady acts as a social advocate and champion of social causes. How can Aisha Buhari perform these and several other roles as Nigeria’s First Lady while living permanently in Dubai?
The National Assembly, aka National Asylum, sees nothing wrong in Aisha Buhari living outside the country. Of course, the country of 200 million mumus accepts with equanimity the long-distance relationship between Aisha and General Buhari. Every scary and strange thing has become the norm and the standard in Nigeria. Welcome to Nigeria where inmates run the asylum!
Written by Bayode Oluwasanmi bjuwasanmi@gmail.com
