Ololade Adeyanju/
The much-publicised documentary on President Muhammadu Buhari tagged: “Beyond the Iron and Steel,” aired today on the network service of the Nigerian Television Authority at 8pm, despite widespread condemnation of its timing.
Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media & Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, however, justified the airing of the special documentary at this time.
The documentary featured interviews with prominent Nigerians and leading members of the Buhari administration, including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.
Other speakers included the national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai; Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun, Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geofrey Onyema; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Okechukwu Enelamah; Minister of Solid Minerals, Kayode Fayemi; Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh; former petroleum minister, Prof. Tam David-West; Senior Special Assistant to the President on the Diaspora, Abike Dabiri; her counterpart on media, Garba Shehu; National Publicity Secretary of the ruling party, Bolaji Abdullahi among others.
One of the president’s daughters, Halima, was also interviewed in the documentary.
The documentary presented the softer part of Buhari not known to the vast majority of citizens, with most of the interviewees sharing their private moments with the President.
The President was also cast as a highly disciplined and upright individual, as well as a democratic leader, who believes absolutely in the rule of law.
Speaking about the President, Osinbajo said: “He gives you things to do, and leaves you strictly to do those things. No interference at all, once he has confidence in you….And he cracks those jokes, and manages to still keep a straight face.”
Babangida described him as “a man with a good sense of humor. Easily approachable and had a sense of history and patriotism”.
Odigie-Oyegun described the President as a “stickler to the rule of law” and a man who “follows the law to the last detail”.
Fashola has this to say about the president: “He gave me some priority projects: Mokwa/Jebba Road, Lagos/Ibadan Expressway, and Second Niger Bridge…He never appends his signature to anything, unless you’ve explained, and he understands it.”
El-Rufai also shared his experience with Buhari before he became president to show how truly funny a person he is.
“When we were in the opposition, you needed to see how we rolled on the floor in his living room, as we laughed. Of course, we can’t do that again now,” El-Rufai said.
El-Rufai added that Buhari had a “sense of social justice” and was deeply committed to creating a “level playing ground and equal opportunities for every Nigerian child”.
Amosun praised the president for his patience while extolling his democratic credentials. He said: “I wish I had his patience. He would listen to everybody, and then take a decision. He is a reformed democrat.”
“How I wish Nigerians know his softer and accommodating side. Very jocular. But it is our duty to tell them,” said Dabiri.
As for Halima Buhari, she said her father made it clear to all his children that the only thing he owes them is their education and they should not expect to inherit any wealth from him.
“My father used to tell us education is the only thing I have for you. So if you want to study, buckle up and study hard,” Halima revealed.
Onyema described Buhari as a man of “legendary humour”, adding: “The president is a funny and jovial personality. He also listens to counsel. I have had occasions to advise him against taking certain actions and he agreed with my opinion.”
David West said: “He is not corrupt. He is transparent, hardworking and reliable. He is the cleanest man I have ever worked with.”
Adesina in a statement justifying the airing of documentary despite the current hardship occasioned by the fuel scarcity, explained: “I have read a lot of reactions, particularly online, on the timing of the airing of the documentary on President Muhammadu Buhari, slated for December 24 and 25, 2017, respectively, by 8 p.m on NTA and Channels Television.
“Some of the comments are borne out of genuine concern, which we appreciate, while others are virulent, coming from inveterate complainers. Fault finding is the stock-in-trade of such people, and if they mistakenly find themselves in Heaven, they would even complain against God. They have no other pastime.
“The reactions mainly dwell on the fact that a documentary showing the human side of the President (as against the well known iron and steel) is coming at a time there is severe fuel scarcity in the country. And I say, why not? Is life all about doom and gloom? Must we sit in ashes and wear sackcloth perpetually, and ignore the brighter side of life? God forbid!
“The current fuel crisis is a combination of snafu (Situation Normal All Fouled Up) in the distribution process of petrol (which the NNPC admitted at the onset of the problem), and deliberate mischief and sabotage by some marketers, who want to force the hands of government to increase the pump price. Then, the situation is further compounded by hoarding of products, and panic buying. And government is working round the clock to restore normalcy, which will come in a matter of time.
“Should we then be perpetually like King Lear at his worst, and consign ourselves to the doldrums occasioned by fuel scarcity at a festive period? No. Despite the temporal pains, life must continue, and we must look at the cheery side, while government works hard to bring succour.
“That is why I disagree with armchair critics, who wail at the drop of a hat. Millions of Nigerians appreciate President Buhari, love him passionately, and would watch the airing of the documentary, which shows the President in a perspective not very well known before.
“It’s a spice for the holiday season, and not even ephemeral fuel crisis would dampen the enthusiasm of positive minded Nigerians.”