This is one of those weeks with many issues, events and personalities on my mind. How to cram it all into this space is likely to be a daunting task; but I’ll do my best. First, let’s begin with my readers’ response to two articles: “Badeh and Clark’s bombastic statements” (The Punch, January 29, 2014), and “Another bombastic statement by the Nigerian Army” (The PUNCH, March 5, 2014). A large number of those who sent me private correspondence were of the view that I was impolite and unfair to the Nigerian Armed Forces. Frankly, that was not my intention – and is also not an accurate read of both essays. It wasn’t! I was never in the military; however, I spent a good number of my formative years around uniformed men, many of whom attained the rank of Colonel and above (and its equivalent in the other branches). I hold members of the Nigerian Armed Forces in the highest regard. And as I said in my most recent essay, the military, as an institution, “was respectable, decisive, proud, efficient and high-achieving institution whose professional reputation transcended continental boundaries.” I meant it. However, as with every institution anywhere in the world, the Nigerian Armed Forces, along with the Nigerian Police and other institutions and agencies, needs to be reformed. Its rank and file and officers paid handsomely; and with advance training and modern equipment at its disposal. What’s more, politicians must desist from injecting religious, sectional and ethnic politics into these professional bodies. We cannot have optimal performance when their culture, orientation, psychology and Raison d’être are being fractured. Morale is too low, and the level of disenchantment is just too great. The second issue has to do with the brouhaha surrounding the honour bestowed on the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, (during the Nigerian centenary celebration). What’s the problem, what’s the big deal? If you are honouring folk like Obasanjo, Babangida, Jonathan and many others – why not Abacha? Take a critical look at the list and tell me what you see? More than 70% of those so honoured are no better than Abacha, Many are actually no better than Oyenusi, Lawrence Anini or Monday Osunbor. Under whose watch was Dele Giwa killed? Under whose watch was Bola Ige assassinated? If Abacha was alive, many Nigerians will genuflect before him – much the same way they are doing before Obasanjo. I’d rather Abacha was not honoured; but to the extent that many others were, I see no reason why he shouldn’t be so honoured. Also, some of those invited to the centenary celebration are no better than Abacha. For instance, what’s one to make of the Gambian President Yahya Jammeh who presides over a river of blood and body parts. The third issue is this: petty thieves are lynched, and in some cases, burnt alive. Yet, those who steal millions of dollars are held in high esteem, idolised. The attitude of the general population towards stolen and missing money baffles me. My goodness! Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria tells us that some $20bn is missing, yet, the populace acts as if only $2 of their money went missing. And even the National Assembly does not know what do to. What foolishness!Fourth: Talking about embezzled and missing money: Did you know that if some 6000 high-ranking politicians returned 25-35% of the money they’ve pilfered since 1999, the government would have enough money to modernise the prison system, the rail system, the police and the Nigerian Armed Forces? And if they increase the percentage to 50, there would be enough money to also modernise all the universities, hospitals, and highways plus increase the minimum wage to N40,000 a month. How much has been stolen since 1999? Well, no one has the precise figure, but it’s been estimated at $300 billion. Now, if no one knows how much has been stolen in 14 years; I doubt if anyone knows how much crude oil has been stolen within the same period. However, The Guardian (October 5, 2013), tells us that “£1bn a month” is “the spiralling cost of oil theft in Nigeria.” Nigeria has more than 20 solid minerals. Imagine how much of that is being stolen by private and public individuals. Fifth, for several years now many Nigerians have been clamouring for a Sovereign National Conference. Even if President Jonathan initially opposed it, it is to his credit that he finally agreed to it. However, it is disappointing that many of the men and women he invited to partake in the summit are deadwoods. Many of those invited to help design a new nation are the same people who corrupted, hindered and misdirected Nigeria. Many of the invitees are the same set of people who set this country back 50 years at least. If you are going to plan a new nation and a new political environment, you don’t need two-thirds of those so invited to sit at the table. Believe me: many would doze off. Many would have no idea of what to do or say. Sure, may would play to the gallery, but they basically would be nuisances. And frankly, many are there simply as payment for political support and or sycophancy. These are tired voices; old and haggard hands; and dragging intellects. What the conference need are fresh voices; and visionary men and women who understand what nationhood is all about. And finally, I remember and celebrate a great individual whose birthday was on Thursday, March 6. He was the greatest of his generation, and in fact, he was the greatest African of the twentieth century. Let’s be very clear here: I am not talking about a saint. I am not talking about an infallible man. Oh no, I am talking about a man. Charles Caleb Colton it was who said that “In life, we shall find many men that are great, and some men that are good, but very few men that are both great and good.” Chief Obafemi Awolowo was an exception. He was good. He was great. He was extraordinary in many ways. And so I fondly remember him today as I have since his passing on May 9, 1987. That was the day I was born. May 9 so so year.
Posted on: Wed, 12 Mar 2014 14:28:59 +0000
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