By Maiwada Dammallam
Barring any last minute change, Nigerians will tomorrow witness the conferment of the traditional title of “Talban Daura” on Malam Yusuf Muhammadu Buhari by the Emir of Daura, HRH. Umar Farouk Umar, in the ancient city of Daura, Katsina state.
While it’s the prerogative of His Highness to appoint Malam Yusuf Muhammadu Buhari a councilor, it should not be missed that Malam Yusuf Muhammadu Buhari is not just any citizen but a member of the first family whose personal affairs could easily and justifiably get confused with state affairs hence, must be planned to roll in perfect rhythm with the mood of nation especially in periods of serious challenges as we have now.
On any day Nigerians will be delighted to share the joy of the first family and celebrate their auspicious moments. However, Nigerians at the moment are grieving and in no mood for celebrations as seen to it by the sinister activities of gone-berserk bandits who are killing innocent citizens randomly and with reckless impunity. Considering the sombre mood of the country especially in the northwest, it’s out of order — actually very insensitive — for the first family to be indulging in high profile celebrations when one half of the country is burning and the other half is boiling. Hourly tales of gruesome events across the country should elicit among leaders deep introspections, sober reflections, camaraderie and exemplary leadership alertness instead of avoidable and unnecessary gaffes indicative of numbness and or disconnect to the dull mood of the country.
President Buhari, now more than ever, need not only the support of his friends and associates but the understanding and support of both sides of the political divides to pull Nigeria out of its current challenges. Tomorrow’s event in Daura, rather than earn for the President the critical support and understanding of Nigerians, will only earn him negative attention and reversed mileage.
Nigeria, especially the north, is in no mood for celebrations at the moment, not with ballooning attacks on innocent citizens (some too gruesome to narrate). It’s not only reasonable but critical then for the government, its friends and associates to put aside everything to concentrate on how to support the president stop the ongoing carnage across the country with the swiftness deserving the situation.
The government should, at any cost. avoid to be seen as insensitive to the fate and plight of Nigerians. Truly these are trying times and more than anything, the government need to maintain the strongest connection with citizens to get the needed support and understanding to get the country out of the woods. It shouldn’t add to the list of its worries allegations of disconnect and insensitivity.
