Revolution, Politics and 2003
by
Revolutions are always bound to arise in every abnormal society. In fact, it is a sin qua non for an effective, positive and progressive change in our sticky situations. The greatest empires and affluent economies in the world today once upon a time experienced this vital phase while climbing the ladder of prominence. Today, African-Americans have risen to positions of eminence in the US fundamentally due to the persistent struggle and legacy of egalitarianism of the late Martin Luther King. Also, late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti despite not being a proper moral role model for our youths underscored the pertinence for an underground spiritual revolution while on my own part I intend to accentuate the compulsion of a mental and emotional insurrection.
If we take a critical look at the historical events in Nigeria, we will observe that only three people have affirmatively initiated a revolution in the political dynamics of our nation. They are Gani Fawehinmi, Muhammadu Buhari and Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu. The first remains steadfast in his perpetual kick for freedom and equal rights. The second meant well for the masses with his reviews on normalcy and transparency in our corrupt-filled environment. The last saw his people frustrated and marginalized and decided that secession was the only option even though it was on tribal grounds. If we ignore the tribal sentiments attached to his resistance, he has always been a man of his own. His first taste of publicity in this regards was at Kings College, Lagos where as a junior student rose above his seniors (Justice Ovie-Whisky) and took the first shot at a white teacher when his colleagues developed cold feet in following the plans of the riot. He also resisted the imposition by his father to study Law instead of his preferred History. Somehow, he became my mentor not hero strictly because he shredded himself from the chains of hereditary hallucinations of mankind.
Muhammadu Buhari's purposeful reign was simply cut short by a man known to all as the "Evil Genius". Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida was the man who successfully impeded the reformation process of Buhari and Late Tunde Idiagbon in order to save him from prosecution that was quite imminent. Today, due to his infamous eight-year rule, he has successfully emerged as the most powerful man in Nigeria. He is so rich and influential that he single handedly imposed Obasanjo on the north for endorsement. He remains untouchable and has even publicly refused to appear at the Justice Oputa Panel whether in Lagos or Minna. He is lurking in and out of Aso Rock and Obasanjo's Otta Farm at will without much hindrance and all these scheming cannot be in vain. His boys - David Mark, Tunde Ogbeha and Ike Nwachukwu are in the senate and the Daniel Kanus of this world are clamouring for his return to the throne. To be candid, a serious campaign has flagged off in Abuja to ensure that these disastrous desires are met with so much money exchanging hands. Remember, a frog does not hop around for nothing be it night or day...
Amazingly, there are rumours that certain people led by Tony Anenih are clamouring for a second term for Obasanjo. I wonder and seemingly pray that this dubious machinery that is being set in motion to create more confusion in our nascent and indecent democracy will not mislead my people. The bases for a re-election are the achievements and a transformation of the past and unfortunately, President Olusegun Obasanjo has nothing to show for after almost two years. His ministers are inhuman and blatantly above the law (with reference to Dapo Sarumi), his promises of provision of basic necessities to the common man a delusion and his tribalistic exhibits above board. He was sponsored by unclean hands and therefore has been contaminated with uncleanliness. In reality, his unforgiving and vindictive attitude has only seen those responsible for his internment at the receiving end of investigations while his fellow kinsmen flouting public peace, harmony and life.
As we gradually approach 2003, there is a fanatical need for us to have a rethink about the next elections. Ghana has just experienced the change of baton with democratic ease while Congo Democratic Republic is on the verge of edging rapacious and crazy bald-headed Laurent Kabila out of office. Cote D'Ivoire last year chased General Guei away from power and that marked the beginning of the African insurgency to dictatorship and power drunkenness. We should not be left out of this awakening especially when I read of how assemblymen in Akwa-Ibom State gluttonously swallowed 17million naira when civil servants were not paid their December salaries. Politics of 2003 should be based on credibility and if no one is found credible we should please endeavour to stay at home and NOT vote at all. I know that they will rig the ballot vote but they will fight and kill themselves in the process without our support.
They will exploit the deficiencies and intricacies of the last US elections thus justifying their disingenuous complicity. If we cannot rise up against them then let's ignore them and support the just and worthy without fear or favour. The year 2003 will determine a lot as it concerns our future and existence as one country. It will make or mar our democracy while our mental and emotional rebellious instincts will be stretched beyond expectations. Somehow, I see bloodshed that will not be averted...
Uwem Inyang wrote in from London, UK