Chronicles of BIG C, Episode 560: Ladies and gentlemen, my brothers and sisters, both those that support Buhari and those that support GEJ, can we have an honest debate, devoid of sentiments? Up to this moment I am still wondering which candidate be it from another party or even an independent who Ill support so this post is neither against nor in favour of anyone, rather its a query to ascertain whether there is hope for Nigeria. Yes Buhari has contested elections in the past. On those occasions the candidates were required to just fill in their qualifications. On this occasion a new requirement is added for a candidate to be eligible - the candidate has to attach copies of certificates of the said qualifications filled in. Now, the first thing General Buhari does is to swear an affidavit that his certificates are with the army (not that they are lost or burnt). As of today, the military say they have no such documents of the General and that the basis of his acceptance into the military was a recommendation letter from his erstwhile principal (which in part stated the opinion of the principal - that he believed Buhari would pass the relevant WASC subjects - meaning Buhari didnt have the certificate when he applied and got into the army. I am in no position to categorically say whether or not he eventually did pass and get the certificate). Brethren, the law requires that that minimum certificate be presented, Buhari has presented nothing, those he swore are the custodians of his documents not only argue that they dont have such documents but make a startling revelation about the Generals career beginning. I ask - 1. Going by most of the facts available is the eligibility of Buharis candidacy questionable and afoul of the law? 2. If no to question 1, then this enquiry ends here but if yes to question 1, do we simply ignore, bend, twist, distort (or whatever other word) the law so long as it allows some of us achieve what we believe is right i.e voting out a corrupt PDP government? 3. Does turning a blind eye to flaunting of law in the seeming interest of the nation amount to fraud or in this case can the utilitarian principle of the greater good stand and the end justify the means. 4. Does this seeming attempt to sidestep the law in any way negate the change APC professes as its theme? Does it taint the Generals credibility and integrity? I honestly wish General Buhari can adequately deal with this issue so that he could enjoy his right as a Nigerian and be voted for. However, Id like us to honestly define what we stand for. Note, my interrogation here isnt whether qualifications necessarily guarantee that a leader will perform, my interrogation is - do you think we should elect that leader by the book according to the dictates of the law even if it disfavours your preferred candidate or do you ask that we condone contravention of the law at least just until after elections, then we can swing into full anti corruption mode with the product of a flawed process?
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 01:43:44 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015