As Nigerians Vote for a New Leadership.

A friend told me the story of an old classmate who, up till early 1999, was struggling to make ends meet. Whenever my friend travelled to Nigeria, the man would be at the airport to welcome him. The ensuing hugs, back-patting and baggage-carrying chores of the guy were always rewarded with some cash.

Then came the 4^th Republic and the man joined one of the major parties. It was on the platform of the party that he won an election as a Councilor. In 2001, my friend travelled to Nigeria and, as usual, the man was at the airport. This time though, instead of a taxi, the two left in a brand new SUV. As they love to brag in Nigeria, the man quickly told my friend, “This is just one of the several cars in my carport…” As at that time, he had also become the owner of a mansion, two gas stations and a cottage industry (pure water production outfit). Yet, he was merely a Councilor!

Now, in that same terribly corrupt nation, there was a man that stands out like a “good thumb”. He was a military governor of the defunct North Eastern State and later, Borno State. With the exception of two other men, everyone that “served” as a state governor or military administrator in Nigeria left office as terribly stinking rich man. Our man also held the most enviable cabinet position in the land rich in Oil (Petroleum Minister). In that position, this man could have easily made himself a billionaire. But he refused to be so tempted. In later years, he went on to serve as the Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), a body created by the then military government of General Abacha. It was funded from the revenue generated by the increase in the price of petroleum products at that time, to pursue developmental projects around the country. A 1998 report in “New African” praised the PTF under this man for its transparency. His feat was described as a rare "success story". And to top it all, he was once the Head of State and Commander in Chief of the Nigerian armed forces. In spite of all these great positions though, it’s difficult to classify him as a rich man by Nigerian standard. He was so incorruptible that he challenged the entire nation that whoever had proof of corruption against him should step out to state so. Up till now, no one has been able to do so. This rare Nigerian is General Muhammed Buhari (rtd) and the presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC).

In February, 2015, Nigerians will be going to the polling booths to cast their ballots for a president. Our nation has been battered, looted and reduced to a mere tottering, clay-footed giant of Africa due to raging, massive corruption that exists at all levels of governance. Therefore, if there is one most importantly needed factor that will serve as the foundation for the re-invention and regeneration of Nigeria's glory, it’s integrity in leadership. And Buhari has it in abundance.