Re: Goni – a grief from a patriotic heart

In view of the published interview of the former Governor Borno State, Alhaji Mohammed Goni by Daily Trust on May 22, 2017, hidden feelings were uncovered not only within the fallen and broke politicians of the old Republic but also among the elders of the state whose experience and resource have not been well exploited […]

In view of the published interview of the former Governor Borno State, Alhaji Mohammed Goni by Daily Trust on May 22, 2017, hidden feelings were uncovered not only within the fallen and broke politicians of the old Republic but also among the elders of the state whose experience and resource have not been well exploited for the benefit of good governance. The grievances muttered by outspoken by the elder statesman has made me recall the long tale that says “What the old can see while seated the young cannot sight it, no matter the level he elevates himself”. The order of African tradition has established that advice is a key to success and that the best people to give are the old. Notwithstanding, our zeal to consult such elders sometimes are downcast by the political interest and political tone of the personality.

Borno state over the years has been faced with huge challenges that myopic barometers has failed in gauging its impact on the people and their general progress. Numerous of these snags escalate as a result of unwise approach and negligence of the home-resource (Elder) person to be inculcated into major decision-makings. The stunning increase of thugs, irresponsibility among youth, unemployment, drug abuse, sexual tittle-tattle, political irrationality, hawkers, has inextricable link to the inability of the government to handle the issue with grim. The eradication of this social mayhem cannot be adequately done without much utilization of elderly advices. This is what Goni calls for. Not only Goni has the most sought advice but his proclamation and grieving expression has brought to bear the number of elders in Borno State whose advices could have been a tool in hammering on the social vices.

Good governance is what democracy thrives on, not only in books and reports or media propaganda but in mouth of the ordinary man. Since the inception of the state there have been issues of inadequate education, social amenities and infrastructure. The last time the state government put smiles on the generality of the state was during Goni’s regime which was back in the 1980s. This tells about the edge he has in terms of better knowledge about the developmental need of the state. If his advices will be considered, much progress will be realised. I believe that the youth can lead our state to its aspirations and the promise land but the paddle cannot be handled without the palm of elders in aid. I believe there much likes of Goni some are even better but were isolated and disregarded because of political interest.

The prevailing insurgency which held Borno in stiff struggle to sustain has bedevilled and ruined most of government desire to put the state to the fore. A situation like this requires universal approach out of which elderly advices cannot be overemphasized. Governor Kashim Shettima has put the best a he could to see the state survives. He has recorded numbers of milestone but more could have been achieved with the involvement of elderly counsel. Goni is also right here. Huge budget have been allocated and donations were made which its optimum utilization also require that advice recommended by Goni.

The economic downturn and the recession monster have hit most homes including the unexpected. I believe the homes of the likes of Goni were not spared considering the fact that the stipend he receives as former Governor was inadequate. This has no doubt amount him being broke thus the expression. Behind the scene also are people who perhaps suffer more than Goni does. As a matter of response the government of Borno State can reach out to them. Reaching to them does not mean appointments but can be otherwise.

In the aspects of leadership, the youth have outshined the elders. This is because our political dispensation has limited our tolerance to party stalwarts and neglected those beyond the realm of our parties. For development, it is high time we drop such mentalities. Our torchlight should be able to illuminate the way toward harmonising our resources toward development. Young and old should be party to development and not competing rivals. Finally, the Goni’s interview tells about the experiences of many and has suggested for new approaches toward handling the human resources such as our elders to achieve good governance and carry everybody along. Together we are and together we work to restore our state back to its status of “Home of Peace” and better place for everybody.

Samira Musa, University of Maiduguri