Buhari & Jonathan’s Old Cars: Leading By Example

Many did not really give it much consideration when the news broke during the week that President Muhammadu Buhari has been using the old fleet of presidential vehicles left behind by his predecessor, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

In the news report, it was confirmed that one of the vehicles, a black Mercedes Benz Maybach is old, ‘the colour is devoid of any sheen and there are scratches at the back bumper. Even the tyres appear to have seen better days.’

It was also learnt that President Buhari refused to change the fleet he inherited from his predecessor since 2015 despite being put under pressure.

In addition, in 2016, the president, who had cut his salary by 50 per cent, struck out a move to spend N400 million on new cars for him.  The money was to be used to buy five new armoured Mercedes Benz S-600 (V222) cars.

By these acts, President Buhari has not only confirmed that he is not vain, he has also shown that leadership should be by example.

It is hoped that this message he is passing will be thoroughly comprehended by other political office holders, especially, governors of different states in Nigeria.

It is more expedient that all office holders should imbibe the culture of maintenance since the money to throw around is not really there. To accentuate this is the fact that funds to pay salaries and run government is getting difficult to come by. Hence the need to maintain what is available. There should no longer be space for profligacy and other vices.

Long live the Federal Republic Of Nigeria!