In defence of Nigeria’s ‘old men’ (II)

General Yakubu Gowon has no issue with this government. He and Jonathan worship the same God; he actually spends more time than the President at the altar praying for the country. So, for Gowon, whatever the President prays for now, it is amen. His voice was loud and clear among those who demanded that power […]

General Yakubu Gowon has no issue with this government. He and Jonathan worship the same God; he actually spends more time than the President at the altar praying for the country. So, for Gowon, whatever the President prays for now, it is amen. His voice was loud and clear among those who demanded that power be transferred to the then Vice President as Umaru Yar’adua became indisposed. Now, Gowon has no opinion on the use or misuse of power by this administration. It is not his business if northerners are registered in the South East or if Fulanis are tied and shot in the back inside the bush or if a battalion of Nigerian soldiers do “tactical manoeuvre” in Cameroun or if, indeed, Abubakar Shekau declares a Caliphate in the North East.
Old man Shehu Shagari doesn’t speak at all. His attendance at the Council of State meeting is 100% and you can’t really blame him for warming his chair and receiving the presidential largesse. The last time they wanted to know his mind, he said Jonathan, being someone from an old allied region, should be supported to swear for the office the third time. Tell me how this has disturbed Jonathan or “fellow youths.”
Obasanjo is known for shooting, and he does this whether above or below the belt. He has maintained his love for the country even if he accords none for its ruler. The recent shooting of Lt Col Obasanjo means that long after the civil war, some of this old man’s blood is still being donated to water Nigeria’s blighted tree of liberty. Note that the shooting of the Colonel came just after Obasanjo had given tips on security to those at the Villa. If you don’t have carrot, just apply the stick. After all, Boko Haram has a Caliphate now! In Gwoza!
IBB? There is nothing to worry about. This one speaks from both ends of his mouth depending on whether the subject matter is oil well or water well. His dream two-party system is at hand and so it is a little to the APC and a little to the PDP; it is the only way to dominate your environment. Though he invented the words ‘reform’ and ‘statecraft’, his definition of ‘annulment’ and why it is done, remains incoherent and he continues to struggle with his conscience. His approach, too, does no harm to Jonathan.
I have taken note of General AA too. His 1999 transition programme has put him among the country’s statesmen. He continues to spot white hair that circles his mouth. His refrain is that politicians should play by the rules and maintain peace. He wants enough peace so he could construct the centenary city. He blames no one in this “sharing of blood.” He doesn’t see or speak of evil; it is let there be peace, let there be peace, unconditionally. How can this old man be said to be disturbing anyone in the Villa?
Dr Ekwueme is alive and well and still in the news. He has overcome the unpleasantness of being stopped from meeting with like minds back in 2010 or so in the South East, by the President’s men. He has learnt the right lessons. Like his kinsman Chukwuemeka Ezeife, he wants another state for his own part of the country while he is still alive. His long term objective, however, is a restructured Nigeria. For Ekwueme and his kinsmen, there is nothing wrong with this government; everything about it is right, so long as the Fulani are shut out of power. This poses no challenge to Jonathan or the youths at all, does it?
Really, the only “old people who are disturbing us” are the likes of Professor Ango Abdullahi. His Northern Elders Forum is politicising the Chibok girls kidnapping saga. It is possible his Forum has influence with Boko Haram and instead of asking them to return the girls, they are issuing ultimatums. They even told this government straight to regain these girls by next month, otherwise Jonathan should just forget his second term ambition. These old men continue to overheat the polity. But why can’t the President cool the polity by recovering the girls? How much more time does Jonathan need to #Bring Back Our Girls? Ango Abdullahi has not promised the President peace.
Ango Abdullahi’s chairman, the blind but irrepressible Dan Masanin Kano, now Dan Masanin Najeriya, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, has said and I quote: “The North is ready for any eventuality”; and it is. What is troubling about this? Maitama Sule is ready to surrender Jonathan and the oil wells to their “owners” in return for peace – just peace – and a barren land. Sule has seen many plans end in pipelines; he knows the country is misguided. That is why he continues to pray for Nigeria to “have leaders, not looters”; leaders who are not liars; leaders who are honest; leaders who are just.
The greatest trouble maker is Buhari. As you well know, General Muhammadu Buhari is preparing to declare for Presidency again. He continues to assail this government. His only governor in Nassarawa has survived impeachment attempt. Buhari has also refused to die in the Kaduna suicide bombing. His challenge this time is real as it appears Bola Tinubu has thrown him a lifeline in the South West for the 2015 presidential contest.Where is Adamu Ciroma?