Readers’ views
In praise of politics The piece- In praise of politics (01/02/2015) was charming. People say they can create a better Nigeria within the framework of a neo-colonial capitalist economy and the illiterate and ignorant who have no business with politics believe them.Do not blame the Dokubos. Blame the social system that has consigned the masses […]
In praise of politics
The piece- In praise of politics (01/02/2015) was charming. People say they can create a better Nigeria within the framework of a neo-colonial capitalist economy and the illiterate and ignorant who have no business with politics believe them.
Do not blame the Dokubos. Blame the social system that has consigned the masses to the valley of exploitation and oppression thereby turning otherwise normal people into brigands. Change that will accommodate the existing social system is like treating a disease without first killing the virus that caused it. It is a pipe dream.
Ejimonye Amos—Kaduna, 07085284104
Sir, “In praise of politics” (01/02/2015) and the tailpiece on the troublesome militants in the Niger Delta made interesting reading. First, it was even- handed, betraying support for neither candidate, but with hardly concealed hints for your presidential preference.
You made the point that with what the campaigns have taken both candidates– Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari through, virtually upending the clothes covering their backsides, henceforth no one can remain a sacred cow once he put himself forward as a candidate for an electoral office. But are we ready for this and is the polity ready for this America style treatment of would -be leaders?
One effect would be to scare away people with leadership qualities who do not want to drag the name and image of their families in the political mud, thus clearing the way for the shameless and the gangsters to come to power. I think there should be a rule about what can be said and not said about aspiring candidates. Personal matters, including health status beyond what the candidates have declared and family matters should be made no -go areas, and it should attract sanctions when flouted.
Aminat Omolara Zongo, [email protected]
Sir,
My take away from “In praise of politics” (01/02/2015)-is that at no time would there be a perfect candidate. According to you the two candidates have their strengths and weaknesses which you so vividly delineated it needs no further repetition. And as you correctly said it’s the people’s choice, and in it lies what direction Nigerians want to go.
If the dice falls on Muhammadu Buhari, it means Nigerians want a strong leader with an unquenchable patriotic zeal to restore the country to the path of working to claim its destiny of Africa’s leader. And this would be done through creating a disciplined and upright citizenry, this time hopefully through suasion, not force. In the same vein, it would mean a repudiation of indolent leadership of anything goes; of bizarre disregard of probity and transparency and the collapse of government into clannishness. It promises to be a stark choice. The onus is on the people to choose correctly.
Joseph Abdullahi, Kaduna
These uber -elections
Sir, the piece “These Uber-elections” (18/01/2015) was a good read, more so where you saw the presidential campaigns as some cultural (sartorial) carnival and in spite of this you still could not understand why people believe the whole thing would result into violence. Thank you for campaigning against violence and we will continue to pray there will be none this time around.
I part way with you however when you tried to justify why Muhammadu Buhari’s junta invaded Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s residence and carted away his files. You wrote that “…the invasion of Awo’s residence was to give the junta access to files in which he had copiously documented his plans for Nigeria, which the junta may have thought would be invaluable in running the country it had taken over.” I think you carried your support for Buhari too far for trying to exonerate him from an act which would cause Buhari himself to wince if he remembers it, as he continues his campaign to become the president.
Compared with Goodluck Jonathan, Buhari would be by far a better president and it is the reason many people, including myself are rooting for him. But nothing justifies ordering soldiers to raid Awo’s residence. If the military in 1983 didn’t have any plans of their own about how to run the country, as you inferred, why did it seize power? It is no wonder that after the long interregnum of the military-spanning over a decade, Nigeria was none the better for it. Barging into Awo’s residence, kicking the door down and carting away his files was wrong. And no amount of papering over the unfortunate incident through sophistry as you have done will make it right.
Aranse Omonlwa, Abuja
Reverend Father Mbaka
Sir, the piece “Father Mbaka’s year-end homilies” (11/01/2015) gave the impression that bold men of God who choose to speak truth to power do not have to fear any reprisals from the authorities as had been the case in Latin America in the 1980s when priests were jailed and even killed like Archbishop Oscar Romero was killed while conducting mass by the Salvadorian military regime at that time.
Apparently, you spoke too soon. Ever since Reverend Father Camillus Mbaka said that President Goodluck Jonathan preferred to hobnob with corrupt people rather than arraigning them before the law, he has been forced to flee for his dear life. He is running away from those threatening him for saying it as it is. Thus you failed to realise that that statement affected him adversely.
07086817231
The above piece of (11/01/2015) refers. You drew a distinction between Reverend Camillus Mbaka and his colleagues in the priesthood, while Mbaka has been outspoken against what he sees as official treatment of sleaze and corruption with kid gloves, his colleagues have chosen to see and hear no evil. No one needs to be surprised about the unwholesome commercialisation of religion in this country.
Religious leaders would do anything including looking the other way when evil acts are being committed as long as the price is correct. It is a dangerous trend threatening the country therefore urgent steps should be taken to check the activities of charlatans masquerading as men of God. Well, let’s hope good Father Mbaka’s example will bring about soul searching among his colleagues for them to turn over a new leaf.
Hajara Usman, [email protected]
Buhari’s victory; Nigeria’s democracy
I read the piece entitled:- Buhari’s victory; Nigeria’s democracy (14/12/2014),soon after the All Progressives Congress’ primary was won by Buhari. It was superb and comical in some areas. For instance, where you said now that he has won the primary Buhari would need “publicists, pollsters, image makers, public speaking experts and of course beauticians, seriously.” Quite funny, what would he do with beauticians?
Ismaila Salau Nuhu, 08161176098