Opinion
“Two Cut Four”: The Buhari We Criticize Versus The One In Us
On 11th May, 2015, Correspondent of German Radio, Dutsche Welle, was expelled from the Presidential Villa for asking visiting Chadian President, Idris Deby about South African mercenaries in the Joint Task Force fighting against Boko Haram in the Chad Basin. I quickly tagged my egbon Mogaji Gboyega Adejumo and my young friend, Rotimi Alao in my next Facebook post. Both had done meaningful service to the Goodluck Jonathan campaign project online. The post was to point out to them that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan was indeed capable of doing what General Muhammadu Buhari did with his Decree 4 of 1984 which was tagged the worst anti-press law in Nigeria. I rounded off the post with the phrase “there is a Buhari in all of us”.
After about five grueling hours of little or no movement on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway on the last Friday of April, 2021, I turned to Clement Fatoye and Busayo Awonegan, my colleagues who were with me in the car and asked, “what percentage of Nigeria’s population do you think is sane?” The two young men agreed that “sane Nigerians are not many”.
The reason for the question was that as we took a risky detour off the road to take Podo and link the New Garage, Orita Challenge road, it proved to be a strategic miscalculation. The movement was slow but steady until more people who had hitherto been stuck on the express joined us. Before long, there was a repeat of what caused the traffic jam on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. Vehicles driving towards Podo formed six lanes and disallowed motorists driving from the opposite direction from using their own lane. Then I remarked that “all these guys forming illegal lanes too want a better Nigeria and some of them are highly critical of President Muhammadu Buhari and his government”.
Of course, the critics of the President have justifiable reasons; one of them is that almost everything the Shagari Administration was overthrown for has happened again and again. And from what happened that horrible Friday evening, it may not be wrong to infer that majority of Nigeria’s over 200 million people believe in the “I Before Others” philosophy.
I have since realized that many of those who pooh-poohed Buhari for being unprepared for office despite contesting four times have forgotten the population of Nigerians that are relieved of their jobs annually for underwhelming performances on their different jobs. While many employers complain that graduates are becoming less employable by the day, others have opined that many of the graduates they hired as talents eventually turned out to be tokens.
That the President went abroad for medical treatment when Doctors in his country were on strike has been termed the height of insensitivity. Well, the billionaire boardroom gurus who take billions of Naira in uncollateralized loans from depositors’ monies all because they control the boards of banks are equally insensitive. While the Directors are hailed as philanthropic big businessmen, the depositors whose monies oil the banking machinery are usually frozen into inaction as they cannot use their funds as they wish.
To the mortification of Nigerians, the Presidency chose to stand behind a Minister who allegedly supported terror with his past statements. Well, that too, isn’t an entirely new phenomenon. Foreigners may find it unfathomable that Nigerians have stood with accused persons against their victims several times. A rape victim once found courage to speak up. After giving vivid details of how she was violated twice before she turned 18, Nigerians started asking questions as to how possible it was to rape someone in a car and why it took her almost 20 years to speak up. And then came the “where is the proof?” question. Some even concluded that she and her musician husband wanted fame, hence the decision to accuse a popular person.
A prominent actor was recently accused of molesting a minor. Not only have some people stood behind the actor, some have called out the foster mother of the victim, alleging that the girl in question is not 14 but 24 years old! Interestingly, some of those making these accusations criticized ex-international, Adokiye Amiesimaka years ago when he made revelations about overage players in Nigeria’s Under 17 national soccer team. The legendary footballer was called unpatriotic and other derogatory names for trying to sanitize the football sector. How much more savage can we get as a people?
The truth is that we have preposterously crossed the thin line from humanity to savagery. Decades ago, you could feel the milk of human kindness at accident scenes. Such incidents united Nigerians, it was not uncommon to hear shouts of Chineke, Obasi, Wayo Allah, ikunle abiyamo o! as people exclaim in their different dialects and help the victims pari passu. But in this internet age, what do you get? Once an accident happens, cameras would start clicking away. You would feel they were waiting for the accident to happen. And within minutes, emergency reporters would put the scene live on different social media platforms. The sobering awareness we have to cope with is that social media followers and trends now seem to be more important than human lives.
I laugh when people complain that the President does not seem to care about what goes on around him. Many of us would rather record our neighbours fighting than try to separate them. We live in a country where ‘it doesn’t matter as long as it does not affect me’. Favours are no longer done for free and ‘what is in it for me has become a norm’.
And typical of every administration before it, this one too has harsh words for every critic. You are ‘a hater, a wailer or a disgruntled Nigerian’.
What we may not have noticed is that with the gross reduction in value of human life and the country almost at the mercy of bandits, gunmen and terrorists who attack with unprecedented aggression, the administration is a reflection of our society. It simply mirrors who we really are and tells us the bitter truth; we are our own problems.
Unfortunately, like I usually tell my friends and colleagues, given the same opportunities, many of us may not fare better than the people we criticize.
What we therefore need is a recalibration of ideals. We need to go back to the days of high moral values. The foundations of doing the right things at all times need to be re-laid. A reorientation that will lead to a change of mindset should do the job. Until we look inwards and address where we got it wrong, the constant slide into anomie may continue unabated.
As Nigerians, we need to understand that putting others first does not mean foolishness, it only makes one more humane and considerate. There is hardly a country that prays more than Nigeria does but prayers without works will only amount to naught; we therefore need to work the prayers.
Adejumo sent this piece from Ibadan.
Growing support has continued to trail a youthful politician and technology advocate, Hon. Khalil Mustapha Adegboyega, popularly known as Repete, as many youths in Ibadan North Federal Constituency expressed confidence in his leadership style and vision for development.
Across several communities within the constituency, residents, particularly students, artisans and young professionals, described Repete as one of the emerging political figures with strong grassroots appeal and a passion for youth empowerment.
Supporters said his growing popularity stems from his consistent advocacy for innovation, entrepreneurship and skills development aimed at addressing unemployment and creating opportunities for young people.
As an engineer and technology enthusiast, Repete is also said to possess a deep understanding of the evolving digital economy and the need to position youths for global competitiveness.
Many of his supporters noted that his approach to leadership focuses on practical solutions, mentorship and capacity-building initiatives capable of helping young people become self-reliant and economically productive.
Some community stakeholders who spoke on his rising profile said his humility, accessibility and relationship with the grassroots have continued to endear him to many residents within the constituency.
They added that Repete’s engagement with youths and community groups reflects his commitment to inclusive governance and people-oriented representation.
Observers within the constituency also maintained that the increasing support for the politician reflects a growing desire among residents for a new generation of leaders driven by innovation, competence and accountability.
According to them, many young people see Repete as a symbol of hope and progressive leadership capable of contributing meaningfully to the development of Ibadan North Federal Constituency.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State stands on the edge of a consequential decision—one that may define not only its fortunes in Ibadan North Federal Constituency but also its broader political relevance in the state.
As the countdown to the party primaries intensifies, the question before APC leaders is no longer routine. It is strategic. It is urgent. And it is decisive: will the party align with the clear preference of the people or risk repeating costly political miscalculations?
At the centre of this debate is Hon. Khalil Mustapha Adegboyega, widely known as Repete—a name that has, over time, evolved from a political identity into a grassroots phenomenon.
A Candidate Rooted in the People
In contemporary Nigerian politics, where voter awareness is rising and expectations are shifting, candidates are increasingly judged not by promises but by presence. On this scale, Adegboyega stands tall.
His political journey is marked by consistent engagement with constituents—far beyond the optics of election seasons. From youth empowerment initiatives that provide practical skills and startup support, to sustained interventions in healthcare access for the elderly and indigent, his footprint across Ibadan North reflects a model of leadership anchored on service.
Unlike the transactional approach that often defines political relationships, Adegboyega’s connection with the people appears organic—built on trust, accessibility, and continuity. These are not mere campaign attributes; they are political assets.
The Danger of Political Disconnect
History offers the APC a clear lesson: parties that ignore grassroots sentiment often pay a heavy electoral price. The imposition of candidates perceived as distant or untested has, in several instances, resulted in voter apathy, internal dissent, and eventual defeat at the polls.
Ibadan North presents no exception.
With opposition parties closely monitoring the APC’s internal dynamics, any misstep in candidate selection could provide a ready opening. A divided house, coupled with a candidate lacking widespread acceptance, is a formula the opposition is well-positioned to exploit.
The implication is straightforward: this is not merely about party loyalty; it is about electoral viability.
Echoes from the Grassroots
Across the length and breadth of Ibadan North—markets, motor parks, religious centres, and community gatherings—a consistent pattern emerges in political conversations. The name “Repete” resonates with familiarity and acceptance.
Such organic support is not easily manufactured. It is cultivated over time through visible impact and sustained presence. For a party seeking electoral certainty in a competitive environment, this level of grassroots validation is not just desirable—it is critical.
A Test of Leadership and Judgment
For the APC leadership in Oyo State, the moment calls for clarity of purpose. Decisions driven by narrow interests, personal alignments, or short-term calculations may carry long-term consequences.
The task, therefore, is to balance internal considerations with external realities. Elections are ultimately decided by voters, not by party caucuses. A candidate who commands public confidence offers the strongest pathway to victory.
The Stakes Are Clear
Ibadan North is too strategic a constituency for experimentation. The cost of error is not limited to a single seat; it extends to party cohesion, credibility, and future positioning within the state’s political landscape.
In this context, the argument for Adegboyega is less about sentiment and more about strategy. His visibility, acceptability, and record of engagement place him in a strong position to consolidate support and mobilise voters effectively.
Conclusion: A Choice with Consequences
As the APC moves closer to its primaries, the decision before it is both simple and significant: align with a candidate who reflects the mood of the electorate or risk conceding advantage to a watchful opposition.
In politics, moments such as this often separate foresight from hindsight.
For APC in Ibadan North, this may well be one of those defining moments.
Aderibigbe Akanbi, a political analyst, writes from Ibadan.
As the road to 2027 gradually unfolds across Oyo State, political conversations are shifting from routine permutations to deeper questions about competence, generational leadership, and measurable impact. In Ibarapa East, that conversation has found a new voice in Yusuf Abiodun Ramon — a Lanlate-born technocrat whose entry into the race for the State House of Assembly is redefining what representation could mean for the constituency.
In a political environment often dominated by familiar faces and conventional calculations, Ramon presents a profile shaped by technical discipline, structured thinking, and solution-driven engagement. His professional background, anchored in analytical precision and systems management, forms the foundation of his public service aspiration.
For him, representation must move beyond ceremonial presence to practical responsiveness — laws that reflect local realities, oversight that protects public resources, and advocacy that translates into visible development.
Ramon argues that the future of Ibarapa East lies in leadership that listens deliberately, plans strategically, and delivers measurably. He speaks of strengthening rural infrastructure, expanding youth-driven economic opportunities, and institutionalising transparency as core pillars of his agenda. In his view, governance must not merely be symbolic; it must be structured, accountable, and people-centred.
Rooted in Ile Odede, Isale Alubata Compound, Ward Seven of Ibarapa East Local Government, and maternally linked to Ile Sobaloju, Isale Ajidun Compound, Eruwa, Ramon’s story is not one of distant ambition but of lived experience. He is, in every sense, a son of the soil — shaped by the same roads, schools, and economic realities that define daily life in Ibarapa East.
“I was born here. I grew up here. I understand our struggles, our strengths, and our untapped potential,” he says. “Representation must go beyond occupying a seat; it must translate into preparation, competence, and genuine commitment to development.”
His academic journey mirrors that philosophy of steady growth. He began at Islamic Primary School, Lanlate (1995–2001), proceeded to Baptist Grammar School, Orita Eruwa (2001–2007), and later earned a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, between 2009 and 2011. Refusing to plateau, he advanced his intellectual horizon and is now completing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at the University of Lagos. “Education,” he reflects, “is continuous capacity building. Leadership today requires both technical knowledge and administrative insight.”
That blend of engineering precision and managerial training has defined a professional career spanning more than a decade. Shortly after his diploma, Yusuf joined Mikano International Limited as a generator installer, gaining hands-on experience in industrial power systems — a sector central to Nigeria’s infrastructural backbone. He later transitioned into telecommunications at Safari Telecoms Nigeria Limited, where he received specialized training in Industrial, Scientific, and Medical radio bands, strengthening his expertise in network operations.
In 2013, he became a Field Support Engineer at Netrux Global Concepts Ltd., then a leading ISM service provider in Nigeria. Over four formative years, he immersed himself in telecom infrastructure deployment and maintenance, mastering field coordination, logistics management, and real-time technical problem-solving.
Since July 2017, he has served as a Field Support Engineer with Specific Tools and Techniques Ltd., a power solutions firm providing services to major operators including MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria. In that capacity, he operates at the frontline of ensuring energy reliability and network uptime — responsibilities that demand discipline, accountability, and systems thinking.
For political observers in Ibarapa East, this trajectory matters. It reflects more than résumé credentials; it speaks to a mindset anchored in efficiency, coordination, and measurable outcomes — qualities increasingly demanded in legislative representation.
Beyond the private sector, Ramon’s political exposure is neither sudden nor superficial. A loyal member of the progressive political family in Lagos, he once served as a personal assistant to a former lawmaker, gaining practical insight into legislative procedure and constituency engagement. Within his community, he has quietly extended financial support to small-scale entrepreneurs and students — modest but consistent interventions rooted in personal responsibility.
“My interest is my people,” he states firmly. “Ibarapa East deserves strategic, responsive, and capable leadership at the State Assembly. We must move from rhetoric to results.”
Across the constituency — from Lanlate to Eruwa — development priorities remain clear: youth employment, vocational empowerment, rural road rehabilitation, stable power supply, agricultural value-chain expansion, improved educational standards, and stronger lawmaking that directly reflects community needs.
Political analysts argue that Ramon’s technocratic background positions him uniquely at the intersection of policy formulation and practical implementation. At a time when national discourse increasingly favours competence over grandstanding, his profile resonates with a broader generational shift toward performance-driven governance. His engineering discipline reinforces problem-solving; his business training strengthens administrative understanding; his grassroots roots anchor his empathy.
For Ibarapa East, the 2027 election cycle may represent more than a routine democratic exercise. It may mark a recalibration of expectations — a demand for representation that understands both the soil beneath its feet and the systems that drive modern development. As political alignments gradually crystallize in Oyo State, Yusuf Abiodun Ramon’s declaration signals the arrival of a candidate seeking to translate private-sector structure into public-sector impact.
One thing is clear: the conversation about the future of Ibarapa East has begun — and it is now framed around competence, credibility, and capacity.
Oluwasegun Idowu sent in this piece from Eruwa, Ibarapa East LG, Oyo State
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