One of the quite valid criticisms people (mostly the undecided) have with the Buhari candidacy has to to with the people that surround the otherwise “untainted General”. How can he crack down on corruption when he is surrounded and financed by “questionable and arguably corrupt characters”.

High on this list of questionable characters, is the man we all know as Jagaban! AKA Ashiwaju AKA Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

If I wanted to play technical gymnastics, I could point out that Tinubu has never been convicted in any court of law. I could also be diversionary and point our the great work and foundation he built in Lagos (competently corrupt). I could even go skillfully bizarre and state the money he gets is utilized within Nigeria (patriotic corruption) unlike the others who damage the economy by taking money out of the country (treasonable corruption).

I will do none of that.

Here is how I actually see things.

As an individual, if I take stock of my allies and supporters, I have to admit that many of them would “fall short” in many moral departments. If you are going to be honest, it would apply to you too. Realistically, I would not expect you crack down on your questionable allies that are loyal to you. I also do not expect that from Buhari or Jonathan.

Secondly, if you really want to be the President of a nation, you will have to dine with those you detest. ESPECIALLY if we are talking of attaining power via democratic means. Else, you end up like Gani Fewehinmi

Despite the points above, what matters most is the personal will of the leader. This is where Buhari stands heads above shoulder vs his competitor Jonathan.

The fact you have “runs girls” and “yahoo boys” in your crowd of supporters doe not mean your deposition towards the vices would change. It does not mean you will tolerate it. If you are a true leader, you would rub off on your followers. At the very worst, the few of them will remain the way they are. They should never influence your disposition.

I can easily use the relationship of Pastors Adeoye and Oritejafor to drive home my point.

Buhari has shown time and time again, that even when surrounded by renowned crooks (IBB was his Chief of Army Staff while Head of State, Abacha was his President while he was in PTF) he stands firm and corruption around him is at a minimum. He takes charge.

Can you state the same for Jonathan?

While I keep referring back to Jonathan is because like I said in my previous post, this election is about two people not one vs an ideal fantasy candidate.

Finally, the most realistic way to dilute the potency of the “bad people” in a group is to add more “good people”. If you are good, then please join us.