It’s no longer news that the son of President Muhammadu Buhari – Yusuf Buhari – got married recently.
It was a grand occasion, as he wedded Zahra, the daughter of Emir of Bichi, Nasiru Bayero in Kano State. The ceremony, as expected, was attended by the high and mighty, in the Nigerian Political sphere. It was attended by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, serving and former governors, Federal and states legislators, traditional rulers, as well as prominent personalities from within and outside the country.
In a country where many things are falling apart, it’s expected that these politicians, at least, live a life of moderation, until things return to normal. But this has never been put into consideration, and it was manifested in the lavish manner in which they presented themselves at the ceremony.
Hundred Private Jets reportedly landed in kano for Buhari’s son’s wedding, and this has gotten some persons worried about the conscience of our leaders. It made some people voice out their frustrations which are well-understood, given how expensive it is to maintain one private jet.
Retired government workers cry often about the delay in pensions, while others lament of having been owed for months. Meeting their basic needs becomes impossible, given how expensive things are becoming in the country.
The health workers are tired and medical doctors are on strike. With this absence from work, comes the increase in the death rate of Nigerian citizens, as many cannot afford the services of Private Hospitals.
Teachers and Lecturers are also considering going on strike, and you begin to ask what is going on.
Of the few notable people to address their frustration on this issue, was the controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi. He had faulted Nigerian politicians for hiring private jets to attend the wedding of President Buhari’s son, while hundreds of school children are languishing in kidnappers’ den.
Our Politicians have never thought of addressing their flamboyant lifestyles when compared to politicians of other Nations. Isn’t it proper for them to cut down on their standard of living, in order to accommodate the stability of some sectors of the economy? In advanced countries, politicians do not own Private Jets the way ours do – there is accountability. The ones who do could only have it during their stay in the office. The ones who own it while out of office earned it.
This is why Nigerians protested in London, telling the President to return back to Nigeria and fix our Health Sector – he’s enjoying the health sector of another nation, while Nigerians are dying due to lack of basic healthcare.
Our Politicians are not accountable to us, and this makes them show us how the national treasury is squandered because it seems we cannot do anything about it.
Written by: Edward Amah
