World Happiness Day: Why Buhari Is Not Happy -By Bola Olalere

The International Day of Happiness is celebrated worldwide every March 20. It was conceptualized and founded by philanthropist and prominent United Nations’ special advisor, Jayme Illien to inspire, mobilize, and advance the global happiness movement. 

The day was celebrated yesterday in various government houses across the world. But in Nigeria, am sure the day did not get even a mention in the Aso Rock, Nigeria's seat of power, because the chief tenant on the rock is not happy or perhaps should not be happy at the moment or not in a happy mood.

Apart from the fact that he is leading a largely unhappy nation, the just concluded presidential election is nothing to be happy about. And all these are his fault, because he is the direct beneficiary of the error.

When M Buhari won the  2015 presidential election, drums were rolled out, from Boudillon to Daura. Musicians made new songs and motivational speakers got a live example of not giving up. ‘The Story of Buhari of the People’.

People trekked from everywhere to Abuja in celebration of the arrival of ‘a Messiah' who will feed all children in Nigeria a meal per day and pay all unemployed graduates a living allowance till they are gainfully employed. Petrol would sell for N45 a litre,  and all other failed promises. 

Climate in the nation was charged, even some of us who never believed in Buhari started doubting ourselves and our convictions .But the euphoria never lasted  more than 6 months before the whole nation knew we had made a big mistake. (Same mistake INEC is making for us a second time now).

It took Buhari more than 6 months to form his government and before he realized that he was in charge of everything, it was almost late. The economy tumbled, starting with the free-fall of the naira, and inflation reaching the highest rate in living memory.

His kinsmen, the herdsmen started killing, unabated and Boko Haram became stronger. (May God keep Leah Sharibu of Dapchi, if she is still alive).

Several people lost their jobs and investors left the country in their droves, leaving the economy bleeding. Nigerians became poor and poorer and our nation was dragged to the top on the list of poorest people on earth.

His first term exposed all his weaknesses. He lost all the goodwill and his so much advertised integrity gone.  He failed. He did not only fail, he failed beyond  being considered for a second term by any pure hearted Nigerians. 

No wonder he had to rig himself in for a second term destroying a system that is almost working as handed over to him by Ex President Jonathan. Under his very nose, INEC has been turned into an ‘Inconclusive National Embarrassment Commission. A shame!

If  M Buhari is truly a Muslim who has the fear of Allah, he has no reason to be happy, either about the way he is running this country or the victory that he got from the rigged Election.  l am sure he is less happier than he was in 2015.

Nigeria does not need a strong man like M Buhari, rather we are in dire need of strong institutions like the INEC that Jonathan handed over to him in 2015.

And so, that is why the World Happiness Day was not mentioned in Aso Rock yesterday. But  wait till the World Poverty Day, he will address the nation by 7 am  and may probably declare a public holiday.

Poverty brings no Happiness.