By Abel Henchard
I have observed with keen interest the prominence of the candidature of the former Governor of old Gongola State and former Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority, 77 year old Alhaji BamangaTukur. Some quarters even allege that he is the favoured candidate of the highest level of the ‘establishment’.
It is shameful that people like Tukur are allowed to aspire for such a prime position in the new face of Nigerian democracy. The first reason is because of his age. Is 77 years not too old for someone who is expected to be effective. Are we practising democracy of gerontocracy? Does such a man not belong to the past and as such must be allowed to retire?What a tragedy? Members of the biggest party in Africa should expect nothing positive from people who believe that black berry is a fruit- apologies to the loquacious former Minister of Federal Capital Territory.
There are some speculations from some quarters that Tukur is the only person perceived to be loyal from all the frontline contestants- that is the misfortune of the Northeast. Is this the best that the so called Northern Nigerian can produce? This clearly shows that there are very few young people who can contest for such a position from that zone. By the way, I forgot that most of the young men are in mask killing and maiming all in the name of Boko Haram. They have all been made to believe that western education is evil to create opportunities for the perpetuation of the likes of Tukur who have been there for more than thirty years. What a shame! It is now clearly evident that this whole thing might have been carefully masterminded by those who want the young people to retreat so that the hegemons can continue. That is the only reason why the likes of Tukur can be parading themselves as leaders and elders.
BamangaTukur showcases himself as someone with ‘vast’ international experience. I am aware that he is the ‘life’ President of African Business Roundtable(ABR)- that moribund organisation that only organises directionless talk shows and fringe meetings. ABR has experienced an exodus of her membership since AlhajiTukur took over as President and refused to organise transparent elections. I challenge Mr.Tukur to show us a concrete example of his achievements on the platform of the African Business Roundtable to convince us of the international credentials that he is always quick to brandish- beyond siphoning international credit lines to his companies.
What is really wrong with our political class? Or more bluntly, what is really wrong with President GoodluckJonathan and his bunch of advisers? What sort of reform and transformation can we expect a 77 year old man to deliver? We all have doubts about the age of our former President but at least he is officially 75- this year. All the 25 million members of the People’s Democratic Party must now rise against the imposition of a senile old man at the helm of the party affairs. There can be no justification whatsoever. BamangaTukur belongs to the past and must be allowed to retire.
Abel can be reached on abelhenchard@gmail.com