Garba Shehu’s Birthday Tribute to Buhari: A Thinly Veiled Attack on Obasanjo
Former presidential spokesman Garba Shehu’s birthday tribute to Muhammadu Buhari on his 82nd birthday has sparked debate, not only for its accolades of the former president but also for its scathing critique of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The tribute, intended to celebrate Buhari, quickly devolved into a pointed attack on Obasanjo, highlighting the persistent tensions among Nigeria’s former leaders.
Praising Buhari: A Selective Lens
Shehu painted an overwhelmingly positive picture of Buhari, commending his commitment to staying out of national affairs after leaving office. According to Shehu, Buhari’s promise to stay away from Abuja to allow his successor, President Bola Tinubu, to govern without interference is an “extraordinarily admirable trait.”
While Buhari’s minimal presence in Abuja since leaving office might seem commendable on the surface, it raises questions about his continued influence—or lack thereof—on national matters. Critics could argue that Buhari’s detachment is less about respecting the democratic process and more about evading responsibility for the challenges his administration left behind, including economic hardships, rising insecurity, and battered national morale.
The Obasanjo Critique: Unnecessary and Distractive
Rather than focus solely on Buhari’s achievements, Shehu used the platform to launch an attack on Obasanjo, accusing him of meddling in the affairs of his successors. Shehu alleged that Obasanjo has a history of calling for the resignation or disgrace of every leader since leaving office, casting him as a disruptive force in Nigerian politics.
While it’s true that Obasanjo has been vocal in criticizing successive administrations, it is a stretch to dismiss his interventions as purely self-serving. Many Nigerians view Obasanjo’s criticisms as a reflection of his commitment to holding leaders accountable, even if his methods are controversial. By attacking Obasanjo, Shehu seems to miss the larger point: dissent and critique are integral to any democracy, especially one as fragile as Nigeria’s.
Moreover, Shehu’s mention of Obasanjo’s imprisonment under General Sani Abacha feels like a deliberate attempt to tarnish his legacy. Obasanjo’s imprisonment during one of Nigeria’s darkest military regimes is a testament to his resilience and the price he paid for his outspokenness. Using this as a point of criticism diminishes the broader struggles for democracy in which Obasanjo played a significant role.
The Tinubu Angle: A Defense of the Indefensible?
Shehu’s tribute also subtly defends President Bola Tinubu, framing his administration’s challenges as a result of unrealistic expectations from Nigerians. He paints Buhari as a sympathetic figure who understands Tinubu’s struggles in managing citizens’ expectations amidst economic reforms.
However, this narrative ignores the fact that many of the issues Tinubu faces stem from policies enacted—or neglected—during Buhari’s tenure. From soaring debt levels to a weakened naira, the challenges of Tinubu’s administration cannot be divorced from Buhari’s legacy. By positioning Buhari as a sympathetic observer, Shehu glosses over the real accountability questions surrounding his administration’s shortcomings.
A Missed Opportunity for Unity
Shehu’s tribute, rather than uniting Nigerians around a shared appreciation for past leadership, serves as a reminder of the deep divisions among the country’s political elite. Instead of focusing on Buhari’s contributions and how they might inspire future leaders, the tribute reads as a divisive critique of Obasanjo’s approach to leadership and post-presidency engagement.
A Tribute That Missed the Mark
Garba Shehu’s birthday tribute to Muhammadu Buhari could have been an opportunity to reflect on the lessons of leadership and the need for collaboration among Nigeria’s former presidents to address the nation’s pressing challenges. Instead, it became a platform for petty attacks and selective praise.
In a country grappling with economic instability, insecurity, and political polarization, Nigeria needs its former leaders to rise above personal rivalries and engage constructively. Shehu’s tribute fails to inspire this vision, reducing what could have been a moment of reflection into yet another episode of political infighting.
Referenec
Garba Shehu’s Birthday Tribute to Buhari: A Thinly Veiled Attack on Obasanjo