Though issues like shortages in the supply of petroleum products, poor and inadequate power supply with their painful effects on the wellbeing of the people were perennial even before the coming to office of Buhari, Nigerians, latching on the change mantra, had expected a swift reprieve.

Power In Apology As Strength

Since the assumption of office by President Muhammadu Buhari, series of challenges have become inevitable especially with the acknowledged mess left behind by the defeated Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration. There are also some visible missteps considered normal in the life of a new government striving to find its foothold in the act of governance. But in such situations, what is relevant is how the government manages such fallouts vis-à-vis reactions to them by the people.

Though issues like shortages in the supply of petroleum products, poor and inadequate power supply with their painful effects on the wellbeing of the people were perennial even before the coming to office of Buhari, Nigerians, latching on the change mantra, had expected a swift reprieve. That has not happened because the circumstances that brought them about are such that enough time is needed to put a few things in place. The president himself had had to, on a number of occasions, apologise to Nigerians for the difficulties they experience while things are being sorted out.

Also, in the case of the ill-advised dissolution of the governing councils of 13 universities and the sacking of their Vice Chancellors, Buhari also admitted he acted in error and apologised accordingly. Of course, a section of Nigerians have taken to diverse opinions on the president’s resort to apologies to, admittedly, sooth the nerves of the public who feel hurt by what they perceive as insufficient policy actions, to the point that some are beginning to see it as a sign of weakness on the part of the president.

But we disagree because, in our view, it takes courage and in-built humility to admit a mistake and to say ‘I am sorry’ when one thinks he has failed to either do what is expected of him or keep a promise that was made without a proper assessment of factors related to it . That courage is even more admirable and commendable when the individual concerned is the President of a country who might decide to ignore the public’s feelings or couch his reactions to such feelings in terms that betray a haughty attitude.

A former President of this country, when confronted by journalists at a national disaster scene that claimed many lives, had reportedly said ‘I am not supposed to be here’. Though he was lampooned in the media for such indiscretion when the nation was mourning, it goes to prove that humility is not an attribute that can be found in most people especially political leaders who often carry on as if they are doing the rest of us a favour by accepting to lead.

By his dispositions so far, it goes to prove that Buhari, at his age and accomplishments in life, has not allowed the attractions of public office to impact negatively on his ingrained qualities of which humility is one. We, therefore, urge him to continue to exercise restraints in the face of obvious possibilities the weight of his office is capable of even as we also expect him to avoid situations that may give rise to regrets and apologies on matters of state.

 Leadership Editors