2019: Buhari Unveils Wrist Band Symbolizing Unity

By Williams Anuku

Subtle preparations for campaigns ahead of the general elections in 2019 began on Thursday, with President Mohammadu Buhari unveiling some wrist bands tagged “Buhari Unity Band” (BUB).

The wrist bands were designed to reflect the green white green colour of Nigeria’s flag with the coat of arms embossed on it.

The bands also had special inscriptions with political undertones like: “Nigerians Say Yes! To Peace and Unity”, “Sai Baba Says: No! to United Looters”. 

Barring any last minute changes, campaigns for the 2019 general election will officially begin on Sunday, 18th 2018 according to the timetable presented by the country's electoral umpire, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The launch of the wrist bands was put together by a group under the auspices of Good Governance Ambassadors of Nigeria (GOGAN).

President Buhari lamented the prevailing threats in Nigeria as election draws nearer, assuring that the country would emerge stronger despite the odds besetting it with the resolve by the citizens for a united nation.

He said his administration was doing all it takes to promote togetherness and foster cordial relationship among all citizens.

In the launch booklet, National Coordinator of GOGAN, Felix Idiga said the birth of BUB is to humiliate and shut down the malicious plans of the opposition and every dissenting voice.

Idiga decried what he described as 'senseless looting' of the national treasury, which according to him, unites desperate politicians regardless of their different ethnic and religious groups.

“But when they are picked to face the wrath of the law, they cry marginalisation and begin to fan the flames of disunity and unrest in the country,” he noted.

Continuing, he said BUB's launch of the wrist band was to give all Nigerians who support the  President and Nigeria's unity, something to show for their solidarity and which they can wear with pride.

“Our ultimate goal is to make all Nigerians peace ambassadors of our country by uniting them with the national outlook for excellence in visual identification symbol,”he added.

At the occasion, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ahmed Bola Tinubu, was represented by Senator Kabiru Gaya.

Also present during the launch were Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, members of the National Assembly, the Federal Executive Council, Civil Society Organisations, members of the diplomatic Corps as well as Presidential aides.

President Buhari had earlier met behind closed doors with visiting Guinea Bissau President, Jose Mario Vaz at the Presidential Villa.