5 Steps To Defeat A Buharist

Who is a Buharist?

A Buharist

A Buharist is a believer in Buharism.

Buharism can simply be defined as the system of governance tailored to suit the wishes of the Nigerian politician, Retd. General
Muhammadu Buhari.

The word ‘Buharist’ is popularly believed to have been coined in 2017 by the Kaduna state governor, Nasir El rufai. The intention behind the coinage is best known to the inventor but, discernment holds it that it was a move to give naïve Buhari fans a gang identity. 

Nasir El rufai was quoted to have said in an interview with Channels TV on January 28th 2018, "I remain a Buharist, till death do us part."

Before debating a Buharist, it is imperative to know that Buhari supporters are of different categories.

A. Those who believe Muhammadu Buhari is the best Nigerian leader ever.

B. Those who believe supporting Buhari is a religious duty.

C. Those who see Buhari as a Hobson’s choice.

The most manageable of them is category C and the worst of them is category B. However, following certain principles has proven to be efficacious against any of the afore mentioned groups. It is necessary to debate Buharists if we desire to free our country from the shackles of poverty and backwardness and forestall our ruination.

Here are the steps that have been most helpful.

1. Do not be intimidated

Within the ranks of Buharists are Professors, elders, lecturers, preachers and other professionals in the higher echelons of society. The first step to defeating them is knocking them off their pedestal by bringing them back to the level of human Nigerians. These people often try to use their status to strike fear in the heart of anyone who dares to criticize the government.

2. Put aside personal relationships

Among your close friends, relatives, religious teachers and respected elders could be Buharists. You will often feel that human weakness to confront them with the truth; these are sentiments they don’t feel towards you or the country in defending their ideology. You must put the interest of your country over personal relationships just the way Buharists put the image and status of Buhari over the interests of Nigeria.

3. Stick to the constitution

The Buhari administration has arguably been more indecorous to the Nigerian constitution than any other administration in the history of Nigeria. 

The famous Nigerian lawyer and activist, Femi Falana (SAN), in 2019 revealed that he had documented over 20 violations of the constitution by the Buhari-led government. Buharists try to circumvent this by applying alternative logic and obscurantism to rationalize the gross violations. 

Don’t stop drumming it in their ears that the constitution is what keeps the country together and that they are being criminals by showing disregard for it. Only then will you be able to penetrate their disguise. Wherever the constitution has spoken, logic aside is chicanery.

4. Stick to facts and shun theories

Several theories can be brought up to prove the clandestine intent of the Buhari government, some of them might be factual and some others might just be unnecessary leaps. 

Buharists are always on the lookout for false and irrational theories against Buhari. They use these to nullify every other solid argument against the government. 

A typical example is the ‘Islamization agenda’ argument. Anyone with basic understanding of the meaning and objectives of Islam will know that Buhari is arguably the most anti-Islam President Nigeria has ever had.

The article, What Does Islam Say About Tyranny?, will make a good read.

Theories can come up in other discussions but, not when you are debating a Buharist. Be objective and stick to facts that can be substantiated without calculus and algebra. Nigeria has become poorer, insecurity is spreading, corruption has been institutionalized, in a nut-shell; the government has sold the people down the river.

5. Put God before man

This is very essential when debating people in category B. Majority of people in this category being Muslims makes the rather difficult looking situation very easy to tackle. 

Islam is awash with statements of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and Islamic scholars and personalities that can be used to measure the performance of a government. 

Any theist has positive thoughts of what their God wants for mankind; poverty, bloodshed and corruption are definitely not part of them.  

Some Islamic quotes on leadership

Muhammad (SAW) said, “If Allah appointed anyone ruler over a people and he died while he was still treacherous to his people, Allah would forbid his entry into Paradise.” [Sahih Muslim]

Ma'qil narrated: I heard the Prophet (SAW) saying, "Any man whom Allah has given the authority of ruling some people and he does not look after them in an honest manner, will never feel even the smell of Paradise." [Sahih Muslim - Volume 9, Book 89, Number 264]

Muhammad (SAW) said, “A ruler who, having obtained control over the affairs of the Muslims does not strive for their betterment and does not serve them sincerely shall not enter Paradise with them.” [Sahih Muslim]

In that historical letter written by Ali ibn Abu Talib (the fourth caliph) to his governor in Egypt, Malik Ashtar, Ali said: “Beware! Abstain from shedding blood without a valid cause. There is nothing more harmful than this which brings about one's ruin. The blood that is willfully shed shortens the life of a state. On the Day of Judgment it is this crime for which one will have to answer first. So, beware! Do not wish to build the strength of your state on blood; for, it is this blood which ultimately weakens the state and passes it on to other hands. Before me and my God no excuse for willful killing can be entertained.”