2015: Cleric Urges Buhari to Retire from Politics

General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd)

Michael Olugbode

The former Head of State and presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in the 2011 election, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), has been urged to retire from politics and desist from making inflammatory statements that could heat up the polity.

The advice was contained in a statement issued  Thursday, by the Archbishop of Jos Province of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Emmanuel Kana Mani.

Mani, who noted that Buhari had shown over time that he was a harbinger of violence, given his comments lately, said: “Let Buhari retire from active politics and join the highly revered league of former Nigerian leaders, such as General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Chief Ernest Shonekan, General Olusegun Obasanjo (rtd), and General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd). They are highly respected by Nigerians.”

The cleric added: “This group of our former respected leaders are the beckon of hope. They always intervene and call on Nigerians to live in peace and harmony with one another when the need arises. They preach non-violence and peaceful co-existence. I want Buhari to join this enviable league and save Nigeria from political tension.”

Mani, who cautioned Buhari not to think that he has monopoly of leadership quality, stressed that: “Let those who had the opportunity of leading this country either as president or governors or any other political office at any level remember that Nigeria is blessed with capable men and women across the six geo-political zones, who can even do better if given the opportunity as no Nigerian is indispensable.

“It should be the sacred duty of the former leaders to raise, mentor and nurture younger leaders. Nigeria is not in shortage of manpower, or talented charismatic young men and women who can deliver dividends of democracy very efficiently and effectively,” he said.

On Buhari’s inconsistencies, he said: “I recall that, before the last presidential election, publicly, Buhari told Nigerians that after the 2011 elections, he would not vie for any election again. I also heard Buhari, when responding to a question, whether or not he would contest the 2015 general election. He said the decision is not his, but that of his own party. This is a contradiction!”

He, however, said: “I urge Buhari to respect what he voiced out publicly, with tears, rolling down his cheek, which bears natural witness to this declaration!