ADVERTISEMENT

5 ways ex minister went in hard on President Buhari

Former minister Oby Ezekwesili has asked President Buhari to lead everyone and preen self of sectionalism.

Her comments followed renewed Biafra agitations and skirmishes between soldiers and members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the Southeast region of Nigeria.

Buhari has often been labelled sectional and clannish by a host of critics; even more so after he made that infamous 97 percent Vs 5 percent comments in the wake of his electoral success.

Buhari received just a handful of votes in the Southeast and South-South regions to become president.

ADVERTISEMENT

In the early days of his presidency, some swore his appointments favoured the north which handed him more votes and where he hails from.

Well, Oby has added her voice to those allegations against the nation’s number one citizen.

She pulled no punches in the following comments:

According to the former Vice President of the World Bank for Africa, Buhari is only comfortable associating with persons he fancies.

ADVERTISEMENT

“I once asked a leader: how are you friends with all sorts of people? He answered: Because I must be leader of the good, the bad and the ugly.

“The leader of a country cannot be friends only of those he/she likes. No. That is not leadership. The leader builds up groups, not divide”.

“You cannot lead only those that worship and swear by you. You are the leader. You must carry the burden even of those that detest you", she says.

ADVERTISEMENT

“It is the lowliest form of churlishness that is unbecoming of a leader to send signals that you dislike any one of the groups you lead”.

“A leader is a winner. When a winner acts like a loser, things go wrong in their kingdom. Real leaders build a bond with all their people.

“Worst is when a leader makes enemies of most because he abhors the actions of one or a few. That is not leadership! That is ethnic prejudice.

“A real leader does not suffer from the destructive of ethnic prejudice. It endangers his/her people and real leaders cannot bear such”.

ADVERTISEMENT

Well, a leadership masterclass?

Oby says Buhari’s actions or inactions have become a tragedy.

“It is tragic that you, our President Muhammdu Buhari have deliberately or inadvertently alienated a segment of the people you lead. It is tragic".

ADVERTISEMENT

“None of you can claim greater Nigerianness than some of us”, Oby says. “I am Nigerian and will always be. Leadership must be for all. At all times.

“There are ways that a leader ascends the moral high ground and leads a conversation on unity. Done well, the mischievous lose their hold.

“President Buhari, it is not yet too late for you to ascend that moral high ground and bond with all your people—East, West, North, South.

“At a time when the words spoken and written across the East-West-North-South of our country are hardening, you, leader Buhari, must arise!"

ADVERTISEMENT

Do you agree with Ezekwesili's postulations?

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Dr Bello appointed chairman of Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) by Tinubu

Dr Bello appointed chairman of Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) by Tinubu

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT