Buhari’s One Year Of Democracy
Here we are again celebrating another year of Democracy, May 29th! For some, this is a sure sign that we are moving in the right direction in the governance of Nigeria. While that might sit comfortably with us, we also realize that successful governance is not just dependent on what type of regime we live under but more important is the person holding the reigns! In comes President Muhammad Buhari. A year into his tenure, as a man famous for his strong abhorrence for corruption, Buhari has tightened the reigns Buhari and is slowly but surely, bringing the culprits of the last dispensation to justice for their dastardly acts. The ‘untouchables’ of yester-years are now touchable. Monies recovered have been reported and the pursuit of our stolen loot continues. We have a lot to do and expect a lot from a President who promised us change. We are going through the teething pains of this transition but hopefully with time, we will slowly but gradually achieve the desired results. Rome was not built in a day so it will be too premature to expect instant results from a nation that has been so salvaged by decades of abuse. With President Buhari, we cannot but hope and pray for a better Nigeria. Executive Style Editor/Fashion Director RUTH OSIME gives a softer insight on the man President Muhammad Buhari and speaks on his effect on the pulse of the nation after one year.
H e belongs to everybody and belongs to nobody. Having once ruled Nigeria as a military man, President Buhari became President this time last year, as a civilian man after three failed attempts. Naturally, because of his past record as a military man, people were weary of a having a leader too set in his ways because of his military background. He was viewed as a man too stiff to adjust to the modern times so to speak. His stern appearance made it difficult to be viewed as someone approachable.
But having interviewed him myself twice, while he was campaigning for both his third and fourth runs, I was privileged to see the man behind the myth. I saw an unassuming humble man with a quiet mein which belied the steel underneath the surface. I actually remember an occasion where we all went downstairs for lunch after that last interview. As we all sat at the restaurant to commence eating, (note.. public place), the President (then contesting) sat quietly to enjoy his lunch with us. Initially, a young man and his son braved it and approached him while he eat. Buhari was not fazed and answered their questions calmly. And before we knew it, the man and his son were followed by another couple, and another, and another. And at some point, over 50 people surrounded our table taking selfies and introducing themselves and their children to him. Not for one minute did a frown cross his face. He smiled and chatted with everyone with such ease. It was difficult to imagine this was a former Head of State happily mingling with people even when they had made him stop eating his meal prematurely! It was then I knew there was a soft side to him and it took being privileged enough to witness this moment for that knowledge to sink in! Who would have thought! In one year, we have seen a man who has played the role of a father figure to those he has chosen to serve. He has shifted the myth of being approachable to a man who has listening ears albeit it with limited time because of his very heavy schedule. This softer approach has even reflected in his outward appearance as well. For one who was so rigid in his choice of colours, Buhari has somewhat broadened his style of dressing by including a wider variety of colours to his once predictable wardrobe of greys and blacks. Now and again, you find shades of brown, blue and of course his favourite, black! The styles are still subtle but superbly cut to sit better on his lean frame. Everywhere you go now, Buhari’s sense of style is being copied by more men which is a clear sign of ‘change’ as is the mantra of his government. The fedora hats of the Jonathan
As they always say, the head controls the body and everything else trickles down. So it makes much sense that when being ruled by a leader whose keyword is simplicity, the nation automatically embraces the same attitude.
regime have been replaced with northern style caps. The short tunics have been replaced with much longer ones and as for his thick black framed glasses, everybody and their brother have acquired one! Who would have thought! There is also less extravagance being displayed as it was during the Jonathan years. Things are now being done in much muc more moderate measures. No more display of outlandish ill-gotten wealth. No more drinking champagne like water. No more buying and building of houses like they are toys to play with. President Buhari, as we all know is strongly against corruption and in fact, abhors any show of ostentatious wealth. Now people are also looking within to achieve what they would have sought for outside our shores. People are becoming more innovative with their services because there is less ‘loose cash’ floating in the air. People have fast learnt to cut their coats according to their size and live within what their means can now provide. Gone are the days where ‘the end justifies the means’. Where cash was king. Where a pauper tomorrow would suddenly become a billionaire overnight not because they ‘earned it’ but simply because the knew someone in power who they front for! As they always say, the head controls the body and everything else trickles down. So it makes much sense that when being ruled by a leader whose keyword is simplicity, the nation automatically embraces the same attitude. Buhari never promised an immediate answer to all our problems. He promised us change but even we know that it will take years to get our country back on its feet again. Yes we feel the pinch with the soaring rate of inflation and drastic fall in value of our currency. We can complain from now till kingdom come but if someone does not take charge and shake things up, we will have a much higher price to pay in future. It is better to treat this virus, albeit at such high sacrifice. Nigeria is like a terrible ailment after so many decades of abuse. But like every wise Doctor knows, you have to go through the rigors and pains of treatment before you get the ‘cure’ you so seek for. President Buhari is a man of few words. He has not changed. But he believes actions speak louder than words. He has met with several world leaders and has done great work in making them believe our country is changing over to a new leave and as such can be taken seriously again. In the following pages we have showcased many of his trips meeting with world leaders on nation-building. A few positive outcomes have arisen from these visits and for that, we commend our President! PRESIDENT BUHARI’S VISITS WITH WORLD LEADERS...