509 years ago, an Italian philosopher and author, Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli elucidated in his book “The Prince”, that it is necessary for rulers to use immoral methods in order to achieve power. He added, a ruler must be concerned not only with reputation, but must be positively willing to act unscrupulously at the right times. As time went on, Niccolò Machiavelli became famous for such deceptive political advice. Now he is remembered in history through the adjective, “Machiavellian”.
Make no mistake, Muhammadu Buhari came to power through machiavellian ways because he promised to fight corruption to the core, to ensure security in the country and to revive the economy. Today, Nigeria’s economy is a disaster the way it is! The security situation is the worst in history! And the fight against corruption has become extinct!
I knew President Buhari’s fight against corruption was machiavellian when he started appointing and endorsing people with corruption allegations. I don’t need to mention names—the record is there—check that out please.
When I read on Thursday, April 14th, 2022 that Council of State endorsed pardon to convicted looters, former governors Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame of Plateau and Taraba states–i couldn’t believe it–until Garba Shehu, media aid to President Buhari took to his Twitter account on Saturday, April 16th, 2022 to lampoon Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State for criticizing the appalling decision of the stony-hearted Buhari administration to pardon the heartless looters!
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission spent 11 years and hundreds of millions of Naira prosecuting the former governors. But Council of State sabotaged the efforts of the EFCC within few hours with the affirmation of the so-called anti-corruption crusader, Muhammadu Buhari! The President has certainly encouraged corruption by this egregious action! The message is now, steal, steal and steal—pardon will be granted to you!
I will say it without an iota of phobia, those who attended the Council of State and endorsed pardon to these cruel looters are enemies of Nigeria! And I must concur with Femi Falana SAN that all criminals in our prisons should be released for justice to prevail.
How will history be kind to President Buhari as he has been praying for? He has indisputably placed himself on the wrong side of history and Nigerians will never forget let alone forgive!
Those who have chosen to defend the government at the expense of the Commoners—keep citing section 175 of the 1999 constititution. I appeal for judicial review over this.
If President Buhari goes in line with the machiavellian advice of Niccolò Machiavelli he won’t withdraw this disastrous pardon!
Malam MB writes from Bauchi, Nigeria and can be reached via: malammb16@gmail.com
