A desperate cry for help
‘Why do you think it was difficult for the president to say ‘bedroom’?’ I asked Tahir holding my phone a little higher so he too can view Mr President’s interview. ‘I think it’s because he’s a Fulani man. You know Fulanis in general are shy people. And the bedroom is a subject most shy people […]
‘Why do you think it was difficult for the president to say ‘bedroom’?’ I asked Tahir holding my phone a little higher so he too can view Mr President’s interview.
‘I think it’s because he’s a Fulani man. You know Fulanis in general are shy people. And the bedroom is a subject most shy people don’t talk about in public.’ Tahir replied, standing beside my chair to get a better view of the video clip from my handset.
‘Then why did he bring it up? It was not as if his interviewer said anything close to that. All the man asked was what party the First Lady belonged to. And His Excellency began his long-winding explanation about the many parts of his residence that she could be found.’ I complained.
‘Well, see it this way. He was totally taken aback by her interview, again as a stoic Fulani man he decided to make a joke of it, in order not to let anyone know how much he was affected by her criticism. So he resorted to humour, which is what most people do when they don’t want to give away too much. He’s a typical refined Fulani man, people like that are groomed not to allow their feelings to be read easily by the public. As a fellow Fulani man, I would have done the same in his place. I won’t let the world know how deeply I was hurt.’ Tahir concluded.
‘You mean you can actually tell the world I belong to your domestic zones rather than respond to that simple question? I thought it is part of pulaaku to be honest and straight forward, even if you are expected to exercise self-restraint most of the time?’ I queried.
‘Yes it is’ he replied, moving to the chair opposite mine ‘but when some one near and dear to you launched the kind of attack the First Lady did, and so far from where he was too, everyone expected him to lose it, to explode to feel and to act betrayed. At such a time he had the choice to do as expected or take the high ground and pretend he wasn’t so affected.’ He insisted.
‘I dare say the high ground didnt serve him well this time. He came across as a chauvinist who had no regard for women’s views or their roles in modern society. If, like you claim, he was trying to hide his hurt feelings, he would have done so by saying ‘She does not belong to any party but I hope the opposition has not won her over while I am here.’ This would have been both humourous and stoic, because it will show his audience that he wasn’t unduly disturbed by his wife’s allegations. But all that talk about how domesticated the First Lady was, made it seem like he was out of touch with today’s world.’ I argued.
‘Whatever the world thinks about how Mr President is treating her, the First Lady caused it on herself when she granted that interview. She should have known that she was no ordinary wife and whatever she said, especially regarding her husband, will have far-reaching consequences.’ Tahir observed.
‘Yes, may be you are right but why don’t you try to read between the lines of her complaints. Put yourself in her shoes and you will easily understand that the First Lady’s criticism was a cry for help. A desperate cry for help that is. Here is a woman who has been thoroughly sidelined by a cabal of male aides and advisors. People who see nothing in her but the woman who must not be allowed to wield any influence on her husband. They have conveniently forgotten how hard she worked with him during the campaigns and afterwards. Did you notice how she was nowhere to be seen when he went to UK for ear treatment some months ago? Is that how it should be if she had unfettered access to her husband? If you empathise with her, you will guess that maybe the only time she ever sees him is in the ‘other room’ and with a PG 18 agenda on the menu, how can she begin to discuss serious matters of state?
I think all those insulting the FIrst Lady should try to imagine her pain and frustration at not having easy access to the man she helped to bring to where he is.’ I countered.
‘So you seriously believe that crazy cabal story?’ Tahir asked.
‘Yes I do, and please if you should ever find yourseld anywhere at the top, don’t let any person or group of persons come between. Let me have 24-hour access to you and do not restrict our relationship to ‘the other’ room business only, please.’ I pleaded, giving him my most dazzling smile.