Nigeria is currently in doldrums. We are at a crossroads as a nation, whereby the fissures and divides within the country are ever expanding and our national unity is in question.
From the South East, South West, South South to the North West, Middle Belt and North East, various forms of grievances, rebellion and social tension have emerged.
Many have theorised that Nigeria is on the brink of implosion.
The country needs a unifier. A statesman whose candidacy transcends partisan lines.
One who has the trust of citizens both in the south and the north and who we know will put the country first.
GEJ has done the impossible, not just in conceding the election to his enemies, but in somehow making allies out of them over the years and eventually garnering the respect of those who sought to topple him in the first place.
He has demonstrated his skill in diplomacy and shown us that he is capable of working with anybody regardless of their political affiliation, to serve his country.
Like in 1999, when Nigeria emerged from decades of military rule, a statesman was brought forward under the name of Obasonjo, to heal the division between civilian and military. A man with experience and a compromise candidate.
GEJ transcends this. He led Nigeria into the fastest growing economy this nation had ever seen and strengthened our democratic institutions.
Now is not the time for apprentices. Nigeria needs to be stabilised and put back on the right track of development. We can’t afford to elect someone who will spend the first four years learning the ropes and negotiating the levers of power. We need an experienced statesman. Who will restructure the foundation of this country and amend our constitution to be representative of us all. A new restructured nation we can be proud of.
reset in our economy. Renewed confidence in the validity of state and national elections and a return to national unity.
Sulaimon Yusuph writes from Kaduna State