More Nigerians are getting on the road, going on long arduous journeys from one city to another, either to celebrate General Muhammadu Buhari’s victory during the last presidential election or the sportsmanship of President Goodluck Jonathan in conceding the defeat. But there’s more than meets the eyes to the walkathons, write Chiemelie Ezeobi and Solomon Elusoji
“I will walk from Lagos to Abuja if Major General Muhammadu Buhari wins the election." Those were the words Suleiman Hashim uttered to a group of disbelieving friends two years before the just-concluded general elections.
When he made the vow, he had no inkling that his words would ever come
to pass. Fast forward to now, he began the trip and completed it, and
thus became an internet sensation, which triggered off other walkers in
his ilk.
The 33-year-old Katsina-born sojourner began this journey on March 29, a day after Buhari was declared winner of the presidential poll which held on March 28, 2015.
Embarking on the journey with just the knapsack on his back, which consisted of few edibles, personal hygienic items, and cash, he set off on the 750 kilometers journey from Lagos and arrived in Abuja on April 20, 2015.
The 19-day walkathon saw him faced with challenges associated with
walking alone from one destination to another, as well as making new
friends on the way before he arrived his destination.
Soon afterwards, the trend became like a wildfire such that many other people including females began to trek for politicians of their choice.
Time Log of Walk
Hashimu was said to have started the victory walk by 5am on March 29 and arrived in Ibadan, Oyo State, around 6pm.
Now known as 'The Traveller,’ he said upon arrival in Ibadan, he had gone to get a police report to allow for a smooth journey, but since he could not wait for the processes to be completed, the divisional police officer gave him his phone number.
He reportedly walked to Ilorin, where some people accompanied him until he got to Oloru, after which he set off for Jebba. He later continued his trip from Mokwa to Kudu, then from Kutigi to Bida, where he met the Emir.
Soon afterwards, the trend became like a wildfire such that many other people including females began to trek for politicians of their choice.
Time Log of Walk
Hashimu was said to have started the victory walk by 5am on March 29 and arrived in Ibadan, Oyo State, around 6pm.
Now known as 'The Traveller,’ he said upon arrival in Ibadan, he had gone to get a police report to allow for a smooth journey, but since he could not wait for the processes to be completed, the divisional police officer gave him his phone number.
He reportedly walked to Ilorin, where some people accompanied him until he got to Oloru, after which he set off for Jebba. He later continued his trip from Mokwa to Kudu, then from Kutigi to Bida, where he met the Emir.
In Zuba, be received a horse as a gift from the Agora Of Zuba, HRH Mohammed Bello Umar and on April 20, he arrived Suleja, which is 35 kilometers away from Abuja, where he met with the Emir of Suleja.
Upon his arrival in Abuja on Monday, many residents who had heard of his self-imposed walk trooped out to meet him. Unknown to him, his fame had preceded him. Thus, his arrival in Abuja was greeted with chants of Sai Baba and Sai Buhari.
Afterwards, the Buhari Support Organizations, (BSO) accompanied him to pay an appreciation visit to the Nigerian Turkish Hospital in Abuja for supporting him with the last lap of his trip and they were received by Deputy Director of the Hospital, Dr. Atilla Emiroglu and Dr. Mohammed Abubakar.
Disbelief
Expectedly, many doubted the veracity of his claims, arguing that there was no proper documentation to back up his claims. One of such who doubted his claims is the famous Nollywood actor and producer, Charles Novia.
Tweeting from his Twitter handle @charlesnovia he wrote, "Distance from
Lagos to Abuja: about 778km. Trekking by foot entails covering 38.9km
daily plus 20 days. No sleep, no rest. How did he do it? Na wash
"Lagos to Abuja in 19 days by foot? Pants on fire! Did the young man who trekked not hitch a ride or cab somewhere along the journey? It couldn't have been all on foot! In 19 days? Haba!"
To which one Dapo tweeting from @tweetDapsyn
replied, "Bros on the average 1,320 steps equal 1km. I take 5,712 steps in 1hr. Lagos - Abuja is 744km which equals 982,080 steps.
"Lagos to Abuja in 19 days by foot? Pants on fire! Did the young man who trekked not hitch a ride or cab somewhere along the journey? It couldn't have been all on foot! In 19 days? Haba!"
To which one Dapo tweeting from @tweetDapsyn
replied, "Bros on the average 1,320 steps equal 1km. I take 5,712 steps in 1hr. Lagos - Abuja is 744km which equals 982,080 steps.
"If the guy walked 10hrs a day, he did made 57,120 steps. In 19days he would have covered 1,085,280. Which is more than 744km."
Another person, Freda-Josh Simon tweeting from @angelicfreda4u wrote "@charlesnovia,
"Do you realise he would have found the easiest routes, I heard some people offered him ride but he refused. Stop hating."
A blogger and journalist, Stella Dimokorkokus wrote, "They should provide us a log of how he trekked. I said this before.
"He looked too composed, not stressed out and not sweating from someone
who walked under the hot sun. Why was his trekking not even put on
camera with the recording showing the time. Even though I congratulate
him, I still have my doubts and I am with Charles on this one."
Also a journalist, Ahmad Salkida, doubted Hashimu's feat although he later acknowledged that his claims were genuine. Salkida did a volte face when he liaised with experts who said the walk could be achieved in 19days.
Tweeting from @ContactSalkida he wrote, "Experts just said Hashimu Suleiman can travel the distance of Lagos to Abuja in 108.48hrs or 4.52 days but he did that in 19 days."
Recounting His Experience
Expectedly, the journey was not an easy one as he even encountered armed robbers close to Mokwa. He said initially when he wanted to embark on the journey, many people including family members attempted to discourage him.
Also a journalist, Ahmad Salkida, doubted Hashimu's feat although he later acknowledged that his claims were genuine. Salkida did a volte face when he liaised with experts who said the walk could be achieved in 19days.
Tweeting from @ContactSalkida he wrote, "Experts just said Hashimu Suleiman can travel the distance of Lagos to Abuja in 108.48hrs or 4.52 days but he did that in 19 days."
Recounting His Experience
Expectedly, the journey was not an easy one as he even encountered armed robbers close to Mokwa. He said initially when he wanted to embark on the journey, many people including family members attempted to discourage him.
Their warnings came to bear especially when he encountered the robbers, as well as when he had to brave the elements, the dangers of the road and the energy factor to complete his quest.
Narrating the incident regarding the armed robbers, he said but fortunately for him, he had already met one of them in Jebba and thus they ended up giving him N200 for pure water.
Also in Ilorin, he said people accompanied him for several miles until he stopped at Oloru, before heading to Jebba, where he was treated to great hospitality.
He also said as part of measures to make his journey smooth, 20 people set off with him from Jebba and after some miles, 18 turned back, but the other two remained.
Despite the challenges he faced, he said the experience on the road was adventurous and remarkable as he met a lot of people who have heard of him and showed him great hospitality.
Asides having made history, perhaps the most rewarding part of his journey was finally meeting the reason for his walkathon. After his arrival in Abuja, a meeting was arranged between the duo on April 24 and he had this to say; "I made a promise because of the love I have for Mr. President that if Buhari should win the 2015 elections, I will trek from Lagos to Abuja which I have done.
"I thank God that I made a promise and I fulfilled the promise. Once I found myself inside the bush by 6pm and I managed to continue the trek till 9.00pm to a nearby village."
Going down memory lane he said, "I made this promise two years ago. I am based in Ibadan and I work with a construction company in Ibadan. I started my journey from Lagos because Lagos is the most popular city in Nigeria and I started from Berger junction in Lagos.
"I passed through Kwara and Niger states to Abuja.
Right from Kwara state, I never walked alone for five kilometres. People always walk with me to the next village.
"I was trekking from 6am to 6pm and anywhere I find myself, I pass the night there once it's 6pm. I spent 18 days from Lagos to Abuja."
Replying his detractors and the doubting Thomas's who think his story was stage-managed he said, "I am not bothered about what people think. It is a promise between me and my God. I don’t want anybody to believe me. I left Lagos because I made a promise.
While congratulating him for the feat he achieved, the President-elect, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari reportedly said, "I want to congratulate you for making it.
"You are a young man and you are lucky that your health did not fail you. I also heard so many stories that you wore almost half a dozen pair of shoes. I also understand that there are people who have been quite generous to help you to pay for pairs of shoes."
A Trend on the Rise
Call Hashimu a trendsetter and you won't be off the mark. After his trek and the publicity it generated, many others were spurred on to do the same in different cities and town.
Another Buhari supporter, one Abubakar Duduwale, who was inspired by
Hashimu soon took off from Yola in Adamawa State and headed to Abuja in
order to witness the inauguration ceremony.
The Yola north indigene, while addressing newsmen said: "The reason why I am trekking from Yola to Abuja is to express my joy and solidarity with President-elect Muhammadu Buhari.
I want to trek from Yola to Abuja to witness the inauguration ceremony of President-elect.”
Duduwale who began his journey at Yola Gate on Yola-Numan highway at about 6.30am claimed he had wanted to start his walkathon on April 29 but Hashimu beat him to it.
The Yola north indigene, while addressing newsmen said: "The reason why I am trekking from Yola to Abuja is to express my joy and solidarity with President-elect Muhammadu Buhari.
I want to trek from Yola to Abuja to witness the inauguration ceremony of President-elect.”
Duduwale who began his journey at Yola Gate on Yola-Numan highway at about 6.30am claimed he had wanted to start his walkathon on April 29 but Hashimu beat him to it.
Not about to be left out of the trend, 43-year-old Mallam Abubakar Umar
also left Yola to Abuja with hopes to meet with Gen Buhari. On his way,
he made a stopover at the Emir of Bauchi, Rilwanu Suleimanu Adamu's
palace where he was received by the Emir and some members of the All
Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
However, what distinguished Umar from others was the fact that he said he had about 300 letters from some northerners appealing to the president-elect to end the activities of Boko Haram.
But before Umar set off another Buhari supporter, 45-year-old Buhari Adamu Abdullahi on April 30, declared his intention to trek from Maiduguri in Borno State to Abuja.
According to the father of four, his aim is nothing more than to personally congratulate the president-elect on his victory at the elections.
However, what distinguished Umar from others was the fact that he said he had about 300 letters from some northerners appealing to the president-elect to end the activities of Boko Haram.
But before Umar set off another Buhari supporter, 45-year-old Buhari Adamu Abdullahi on April 30, declared his intention to trek from Maiduguri in Borno State to Abuja.
According to the father of four, his aim is nothing more than to personally congratulate the president-elect on his victory at the elections.
Before he set off for his trip from Jimtilo Park, he had also asked all indigenes of Borno State to forward whatever petitions they might have for the presidency.
Soon afterwards, a group of three youths joined the bandwagon. Although this trio joined the trend, they however set another trend by being the first to walk as a group to go and greet the president-elect.
The three youths set off from Sokoto to Abuja in order to witness the inauguration of the president-elect on May 29, thus embarking on a journey of about 793 kilometres.
The youths; 18-year-old Rabiu Abdullahi, 20-year-old Lukman Usman and 19-year-old Abba Husseini, said they were fully equipped with their essential needs for the journey, adding that they would sleep in a nearby town after trekking for about 100 kilometres daily.
According to Abba Husseini, who also doubles as the leader of the team, they had embarked on the trip in fulfilling of the pledge made to their family members that they would trek to Abuja if Buhari eventually wins.
He said, "We would trek from Sokoto to Abuja through the Kaduna route. We have received some letters and verbal messages from friends and relatives which we intend to deliver to Buhari.
“In fact, most of the messages are centred on curbing unemployment and poverty, improvement of power supply and security of lives and property."
The Bicycle Rider
It is certainly a season of trends. While others trekked from their respective cities to the capital city; Abuja, 35-year-old Mohammed Kabiru Jafafu changed the concept. Instead of Abuja, he chose to ride his bicycle from Kaduna to Lagos to thank Yorubas for voting both Buhari and his vice, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.
He was said to have begun his ride at about 6.35am at the palace of Sarkin Hayin Malam Bello, Alhaji Kabiru Isa Gangarida on April 27.
He said “I have decided to embark on this journey to Lagos because I want to go and thank the Yoruba people for their immense support and contributions that led to the victory of General Muhammadu Buhari during the March 28 presidential election.
"The decision to undertake the journey came to my mind after analysing the votes cast for Buhari by the Yoruba people and after I discussed my intention with my immediate family and friends, they encouraged me to go on the journey.”
Jigawa Joins the Trend
Who says one can only walk or ride for the presidency? Muhammad Auwal certainly does not believe so. So, while his contemporaries were walking from city to city, the Hadejia Local Government Area indigene trekked for four days from Hadejia to Dutse, a 200 kilometers trip.
Who says one can only walk or ride for the presidency? Muhammad Auwal certainly does not believe so. So, while his contemporaries were walking from city to city, the Hadejia Local Government Area indigene trekked for four days from Hadejia to Dutse, a 200 kilometers trip.
His mission to state capital was simple- to congratulate the governor
for his achievements in office. On arrival, his fame had preceded him as
he was ushered to the governor in government house to meet the
governors and council members.
Not about to allow the malefolk to steal the thunder, another woman, Hajiya Talatu, began her trek from Kaduna to Abuja to also celebrate Buhari's victory. According to her, she believes that what a man can do, a woman can do even better.
Joggers in Owerri
While the walkathons were still heating up a storm with their treks, another group decided to jog from Owerri to Orlu, both in Imo State to congratulate the victory of their governor, Rochas Okorocha at the polls.
Not about to allow the malefolk to steal the thunder, another woman, Hajiya Talatu, began her trek from Kaduna to Abuja to also celebrate Buhari's victory. According to her, she believes that what a man can do, a woman can do even better.
Joggers in Owerri
While the walkathons were still heating up a storm with their treks, another group decided to jog from Owerri to Orlu, both in Imo State to congratulate the victory of their governor, Rochas Okorocha at the polls.
Jogging a distance of four kilometers from Owerri to Orlu, their
efforts were rewarded when the governor heard of it and it reportedly
earned them a lunch with the governor.
The Physically Challenged Too
Despite the challenge of being physically disabled, 30-year-old Ibrahim Musa bit the walkathon bug and decided to join the trend. He started walking from Kaduna and intends to get to Abuja, in order to congratulate the Major Buhari on his victory at the polls.
Giving the reason for his walk, he said he intends to speak with the president-elect and intimate him about the need for adequate infrastructure to support physically challenged Nigerians.
Trekking for President Jonathan
Not wanting to be outdone by the Buhari supporters, Kogi-born Oladele John Nihi has also began a trek from Abuja to Otuoke, Bayelsa State, in honour of President Goodluck Jonathan, for his statesmanship in conceding defeat.
He said: “In as much as I congratulate President-elect Gen. Buhari and appreciate those trekking from various part of the country for him, I want to say sincerely that President Jonathan deserves more commendation for his sportsmanship and love for Nigeria.
“Since I don't have enough money to give nor do I even have access to him even if I want to give him the little I have, I Oladele Nihi have decided to trek from the city gate Abuja to Otuoke in Bayelsa State in honour of our Democratic hero.
He said he had to embark on the 700 kilometers journey because he wants to celebrate President Jonathan as the true hero of democracy.
Nihi who began his trek on Monday, May 4, at about 6am according to his time log said he chose to walk for Jonathan because he conceded election, thus sustaining democracy.
The Physically Challenged Too
Despite the challenge of being physically disabled, 30-year-old Ibrahim Musa bit the walkathon bug and decided to join the trend. He started walking from Kaduna and intends to get to Abuja, in order to congratulate the Major Buhari on his victory at the polls.
Giving the reason for his walk, he said he intends to speak with the president-elect and intimate him about the need for adequate infrastructure to support physically challenged Nigerians.
Trekking for President Jonathan
Not wanting to be outdone by the Buhari supporters, Kogi-born Oladele John Nihi has also began a trek from Abuja to Otuoke, Bayelsa State, in honour of President Goodluck Jonathan, for his statesmanship in conceding defeat.
He said: “In as much as I congratulate President-elect Gen. Buhari and appreciate those trekking from various part of the country for him, I want to say sincerely that President Jonathan deserves more commendation for his sportsmanship and love for Nigeria.
“Since I don't have enough money to give nor do I even have access to him even if I want to give him the little I have, I Oladele Nihi have decided to trek from the city gate Abuja to Otuoke in Bayelsa State in honour of our Democratic hero.
He said he had to embark on the 700 kilometers journey because he wants to celebrate President Jonathan as the true hero of democracy.
Nihi who began his trek on Monday, May 4, at about 6am according to his time log said he chose to walk for Jonathan because he conceded election, thus sustaining democracy.
Using the hashtag #TrekForGEJ (Trek for Goodluck Ebele Jonathan), he said his walk can be tracked as he intends to update people on his whereabouts.
Days before the d-day, Nihi had trekked to the Federal Housing Lugbe to National Hospital for tests and then proceeded to the Force Headquarters to submit a notification letter to the Acting IGP.
He had also submitted another letter to his General Overseer, Dr. Paul
Eneche, who presides over the Dunamis Church, seeking for prayers as he
embarks on the journey.
However, his story took another turn as another lady who was simply identified as Gloria joined him at Abaji, a suburb of Abuja, vowing to go with him on the journey.
Also, another pro-Jonathan fan, 35-year-old Taraba indigene, Mr. Paul
Jamasuru Tankwa, set off from Jalingo in Taraba State to Abuja to
congratulate President Goodluck Jonathan.
According to him, he wants to president a peace award (Peace Maker and African Hero of the year award) to the president and to congratulate him for conceding defeat.
According to him, he wants to president a peace award (Peace Maker and African Hero of the year award) to the president and to congratulate him for conceding defeat.
Knowing Nigerians, many are of the opinion that the trend of engaging
in walkathons have indeed come to stay thanks to Hashimu Suleiman.
The Promise of Fame
Trekking for long distances as a way of showing solidarity for a cause is not a new phenomenon. Chad Sigmon was 38 years old when he ran across America, starting April 1, 2013 from Jacksonville, Florida and ending August 1 in San Diego, California. He ran for Mental Health Awareness and in a bid to help end mental health stigma. He averaged around 22 miles a day for a total of 2,650 miles.
Also, Polly Letofski, 37, has claimed to have walked around the world. She started in Vail, Colorado, and headed west through Arizona, California. Her walk was the culmination of a childhood dream, but was also an advocacy campaign for breast cancer. In each country, the funds raised stayed in that country, and her book, ‘3mph: The Adventures of One Woman’s Walk Around the World’ has become a bestseller.”
Naturally, undertaking such difficult endeavour is bound to attract public attention, and long distance walkers try to use the attention in promoting, either themselves or the causes they believe in. Most times, the latter is the case.
However, most of the recent Nigerian trekkers have been accused of running purely for fame. Although the argument is rather weak, since the trekkers themselves have put forth one noble reason or the other, psychologists agree that the desire for fame is a very powerful motivation in undertaking even the most daunting of tasks.
According to a psychologist at the University of Arizona, Jeffrey Greenberg, “given this awareness of our mortality to function securely, we need to feel somehow protected from this existential predicament, to feel like we are more than just material animals fated only to obliteration upon death.
“We accomplish that by trying to view ourselves as enduringly valuable contributors to a meaningful world. And the more others validate our value, the more special and therefore secure we can feel.”
The Author of ‘Somebodies and Nobodies’ and psychologist, Robert Fuller has also noted that “fame promises an escape from whatever ghetto we're in, real or imagined. It deters detractors and may even squeeze a few crumbs of recognition from those who have begrudged us a smile while we were clawing our way out of Nobodyland. It's no coincidence that Oscar-winners enjoy better health and longer lives than runners-up.
"The more recognition we can amass, the less likely it is that anyone will dare to nobody us. Fame is a bulwark against indignity. It proclaims our worth to anyone tempted to put us down and threatens retaliation if they persist. It even helps to quiet the critical voices we have internalized--of parents, classmates, and teachers--that echo in our heads long after these naysayers are gone.”
The Promise of Fame
Trekking for long distances as a way of showing solidarity for a cause is not a new phenomenon. Chad Sigmon was 38 years old when he ran across America, starting April 1, 2013 from Jacksonville, Florida and ending August 1 in San Diego, California. He ran for Mental Health Awareness and in a bid to help end mental health stigma. He averaged around 22 miles a day for a total of 2,650 miles.
Also, Polly Letofski, 37, has claimed to have walked around the world. She started in Vail, Colorado, and headed west through Arizona, California. Her walk was the culmination of a childhood dream, but was also an advocacy campaign for breast cancer. In each country, the funds raised stayed in that country, and her book, ‘3mph: The Adventures of One Woman’s Walk Around the World’ has become a bestseller.”
Naturally, undertaking such difficult endeavour is bound to attract public attention, and long distance walkers try to use the attention in promoting, either themselves or the causes they believe in. Most times, the latter is the case.
However, most of the recent Nigerian trekkers have been accused of running purely for fame. Although the argument is rather weak, since the trekkers themselves have put forth one noble reason or the other, psychologists agree that the desire for fame is a very powerful motivation in undertaking even the most daunting of tasks.
According to a psychologist at the University of Arizona, Jeffrey Greenberg, “given this awareness of our mortality to function securely, we need to feel somehow protected from this existential predicament, to feel like we are more than just material animals fated only to obliteration upon death.
“We accomplish that by trying to view ourselves as enduringly valuable contributors to a meaningful world. And the more others validate our value, the more special and therefore secure we can feel.”
The Author of ‘Somebodies and Nobodies’ and psychologist, Robert Fuller has also noted that “fame promises an escape from whatever ghetto we're in, real or imagined. It deters detractors and may even squeeze a few crumbs of recognition from those who have begrudged us a smile while we were clawing our way out of Nobodyland. It's no coincidence that Oscar-winners enjoy better health and longer lives than runners-up.
"The more recognition we can amass, the less likely it is that anyone will dare to nobody us. Fame is a bulwark against indignity. It proclaims our worth to anyone tempted to put us down and threatens retaliation if they persist. It even helps to quiet the critical voices we have internalized--of parents, classmates, and teachers--that echo in our heads long after these naysayers are gone.”
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