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A memo from Herbert Macaulay By UNDERSTANDABLY, the 41st anniversary of Nigeria's nationhood was devoid of the gaudy revelry that had become the hallmark of national celebrations. I agree with Mr. President when he ordered a low-key celebration. Indeed, there is much to celebrate, even if the people do not feel it. Up here, along with other compatriots, we were amused by the thematic thrust of the President's broadcast. In fact, it was the precocious Fela who asked a rather cynical question: if things are getting better, why the order to curtail celebrations?" I did not bother to defend anybody. The Jos social riots bothered us a great deal. How could people of the same country engage in such carnage?
Fortunately, we had a national conference of some sort. Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh was the first to arrive, resplendent in the splendour of his wrapper, and a cocky hat to match. He was spoiling for war over resource control before the irrepressible Ken Saro-Wiwa showed up. Zik, Awo and Ahamddu Bello arrived at the same time, quickly followed by Tafawa Balewa. Other notables showed up, including the fiery Gen. Abacha who kept a healthy distance from us. Saro-Wiwa dazzled all of us with his charming brilliance when he made articulate and well-reasoned arguments on why the basis of the federal structure of Nigeria needs to be re-discussed. Awo was going to hit the nail on the head when the Sardauna himself sprang to his feet and vigorously cross-examined Saro-Wiwa. His sharp mind has not gained any rough edges. If anything, it has not achieved celestial dimensions. At the end of the exercise, the Sardauna upbraided his successors for not building a solid economic base for the children of Arewa. If the pyramid tradition had been maintained by his boys, the north would have called the bluff of resource control fanatics.
It was an interesting meeting, and I couldn't help wondering aloud why you fellows cannot summon a national conference where you would vent all your emotions and frankly ask for how you want the federation administered. As statesmen, we have been able to hold our conference. A swinging pendulum can be used to describe deliberations. Sometimes, Zik and Awo would hold the same view, leaving Bello and I on the same side. At other times, Bello and Awo would vehemently oppose my position. After seven days, we reached a consensus. Without meaning to sound rude, I think you fellows should take a cue from us. In spite of outrages and table-pounding which often drew the attention of our host, we left the conference room smiling. It was like old times, and for once, I felt like returning to remind our successors to keep the flag flying!
Throughout the debate, a sad-looking wimp who claimed he was from the SSS kept taking notes. Said something like reporting to Earth Station how Uncle Sege can manage his affairs better. As an asider, Abacha and Abiola exchanged greetings and the former spent seven days apologising to the latter on behalf of the Generals for annulling June 12. Very interesting. At a point, Abacha threatened that he was waiting for the others who gave him a black eye. I had nothing to say to that. The Generals will shoot it out here when they meet.
One issue that drew the ire of the Sardauna was religion. In very clear terms, he queried the politics of sharia and promised to send a missive to Zamfara and Kaduna States. We all admired his guts when he said that he understood the dynamics of the modern state and that any attempt to overheat the system should be avoided.
As an architect and town planner in Lagos 80 years ago, I have given deep thoughts to the economy, the political class, transportation system, agriculture, and Steel development. One of the targets of the present administration should be linking the entire country by rail. In the long run, you will haul more people, luggage and goods than road transport will ever do. Mr. President should take this as a pet project, carrying all the states governors along. He must remember not to act like a headmaster while dealing with them. All of them are elected to preside over potential nations, although a couple of them have cupboards over-flowing with skeletons and aromatic corruption. He should respect their individual mandate and invite them more often to Abuja.
As for the economy, the President must whip the CBN into being proactive in decision-making. In fact, some old heads must roll there. Inflation is controllable, particularly if the will is there. If I had my way, I would order a daily meeting between Central Bank Governor and Mr. President, including Sundays. Those mallams who peddle foreign currencies along the roads should be jailed with immediate effect. They cause great damage. I suppose Mr. President knows that some of them have easier access to Government Houses than Deputy Governors!
When Kano State Governor, Alhaji Kwankwaso threatened to and actually stopped official business with the UBA over Mallam Sanusi's missile remarks, the Sardauna walked up a wall in anger. For two days, he refused to be consoled. It was like the day Ekiti State legislators ganged up to send their wives to London to study some outlandish practice. Awo locked up himself for three days writing letters which he hoped will get to Ado Ekiti the same day. The letters came to seventy two pages. I had a good laugh when I read the first page. Zik keeps complaining about Igbo boys not going to school. Often times, I have caught him making fiery speeches to Ndigbo audiences, though they cannot hear him. Saro-Wiwa and Zik are always holding debates here. No victor, and no vanquished too. I learn from them a lot. Saro-Wiwa is of the opinion that if Buhari, Babangida, and Abdulsalami cannot be brought before Justice Oputa, the panel should close shop. I agree with him. Smiling generals who eat up citizens for breakfast should not be allowed to saunter around the country like statesmen.
As for me, I have watched all leaders from 1960 till date. I sometimes sympathise with them. But I have also told the few who have joined me here that service and humility should be the watchword of leadership. Right now, too many leaders are just posturing, no substance. I hope that next year I will not feel as depressed as I am now while writing this long, overdue letter. October 2001
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