The upshot for change and apprehension that synthetically charge the political conservatism and neglect of Nigerians’ social demands or issues have indeed positioned Comrade Shehu Sani as a man whose experience is needed in the Senate at this critical time of Nigerian history.
History beckons that the man for the people which out- class the man of the people has distinctive character for social change, which represent all in Shehu Sani. Indeed, the cold war of repression has not deterred this ‘hero of democracy’ as he has championed and led many onslaughts in the protest against injustices meted on individuals or groups in Nigeria and across the world.
The human rights crusader has shown a remarkable fit in the invasion of Kuwait, visit of George Bush and Tony Blair to Nigeria in March 2010, Israeli raid on Gaza land flotilla in June 2010 and the Congolese government detention of the two Norwegians Joshua French and Moland Tjostolv, among others.
Besides, Shehu has proven that he can be trusted, especially against the political stimulus which he demands and stands for; the revulsion for fair and just society has made him a leading figure in the establishment of democratic rule in Nigeria thus; he had several times been arrested, detained, charged for sedition, unlawful assembly and disturbance of public peace yet, his unrelenting struggle continues.
And no wonder when he declared to contest for the senatorial seat for 2015 election his credentials stood out and today, according to observers from his community where he chose to represent in the Senate, ‘it is Shehu or never.’ But could this be the true reflection of the man for the moment, especially now that political office holders view their positions as an appointment rather than service to the people?
And just likes the popular saying; whatever is good for the goose is also good for the gender; Comrade Shehu peace price where individuals or communities that promoted peace and harmony are awarded a price of about $2,000 is indeed worth mentioning considering his sole efforts for just society.
This further attested that Shehu trustily belongs to the functionalist class whose hope is on the survival of the society and the coherent in the face of external pressure. Shehu’s antecedents and uncompromised position about situations and circumstances no doubt postulate his candidacy for the senate as a profound reality of a man needed at this failing time of our nation.
What is needed now in this shaky democracy is a fundamental revolutionary process that is capable of changing the old corrupt agenda and erecting new structures that can pave the way to real change. Even though the present government is an elected one, one hardly believes that with the old structures still in place and the heavy infusion of past corrupt leaders in the government, the government as constituted today has no capacity to lead in these liberating processes.
There is more awareness in the land, as to the reasons and sources of Nigeria’s corrupt system. Almost all the constituencies except the exploitative elite classare demanding a new basis for national existence and a new basis for international relations. A concerted effort should be made to win these fundamental demands.
Shehu Sani is a charismatic leader, he is one of the greatest and most influential figures of the 21st Century to lead the fight in Nigeria and he is dedicated to achieving freedom for his people, he had a vision of the Kaduna state where everyone would have equal rights.
Charismatic leaders are not necessarily boastful or flamboyant; Shehu Sani exercised a style of quiet leadership that is perceived to be very charismatic and successful, he also has a strong emotional reaction towards his followers. His charismatic leadership cannot fall short of the upper house, the senate, at this needful time to give back hopes to Nigerians.
Shehu has strong ethical values through having a heart and soul of leadership by consistently advising his followers to adopt a peaceful course of action and to avoid all violence, as an activist, he voluntarily represented and fights for many detainees in the country.
He had the integrity that encompasses the other traits of honesty and trustworthiness for his followers and inspired his followers by assisting them to understand the APC’s vision by creating a shared meaning of its value and importance to realize their potential to fight for human rights and democracy and that’s why his candidacy is not debatable.
The leadership of Shehu Sani has never wavered in his devotion to democracy, equality and learning. Despite terrible provocation, he has never answered equality with impunity. His life has been an inspiration, in the North and throughout the country, to all who are oppressed and deprived, to all who are opposed to oppression and deprivation. Shehu Sani personifies struggle and today he is still leading the fight against freedom with extraordinary resilience and vigour after he was humiliated during the military regime.
He has sacrificed his private life and his youth for his people, and remains one of Nigeria’ best known and loved hero. All in all I think Shehu Sani is one of the great moral and political leaders of our time. He is an international hero and is revered everywhere as a vital force in the fight for human rights and rule of law and the incoming Senate will benefit more from his quality.
Ibrahim Mohammed,
Kaduna