NIGERIA 2015: A LESSON TO THE GENERAL

General Buhari (rtd)

It's been a week since the presidential election was held in the most populous African country -Nigeria. Contrary to the expectations of many including the international community it was a relatively peaceful exercise especially after the announcement of the winner by the electoral body. This is a sharp contrast to what happened after the previous election in 2011 which the present winner General Muhammadu Buhari Rtd lost to the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan. There was widespread violence which led to the death of scores of people and the destruction of many properties. This was immediately linked to inflammatory statements allegedly made by the retired General urging his followers to reject the election results and accusing the winning party of rigging.

President Jonathan

Four years down the line, the two candidates once again found themselves to be the major runners for the number one office in the land. The retired General's chances were higher this time after his party had gone into alliance with some other parties to form a mega party of some sorts. And so he won. While the results were still being announced and having seen the "hand-writing on the wall", the incumbent President placed a call to the retired General to congratulate him and offer his hand of friendship even in defeat. This singular gesture of Mr. President has been locally and internationally applauded and is the reason for the peaceful ambiance the nation is enjoying now in contrast to the 2011 polls aftermath.

This is a huge lesson not only to the retired General but to the entire nation and continent of Africa where many politicians still see elections as do or die affairs! He has taught everyone to be more patriotic and put their nations first before self.