This kite, too, will not fly

We used to glue the flat but kite-shaped paper to two or more sticks of broom or light cane that cross each other at the center of the paper. We would then fly the kite by running and holding the string of thread high in the air. I believe our engagement in this sporting activity […]

We used to glue the flat but kite-shaped paper to two or more sticks of broom or light cane that cross each other at the center of the paper. We would then fly the kite by running and holding the string of thread high in the air. I believe our engagement in this sporting activity of kite flying was merely in partial fulfillment, as children, of our physical development needs. However, factors such as very short flying rope or the use of heavy sticks could prevent a kite from flying. If a kite failed to fly for whatever fault, we used to childishly though naively attribute such to some probable malicious feelings harboured by the kite flier.
Kite is claimed to be the invention of the 5th-century Chinese philosophers Mozi (also Mo Di) and Lu Ban (also Gongshu Ban). By 549AD; a kite was recorded to have been used for a rescue mission. Kites were later used for various purposes. Ancient and medieval Chinese sources mention that kites were used for signaling, testing the direction of the wind, and communications for military operations.
Metaphorically, political kite flying has over the years in Nigeria become a strategic approach employed by government to either introduce an idea or initiate public debate over a proposed policy which acceptance by citizens is strongly doubted. Conscienceless public officers, agents as well as stooges of government are selectively (or as may, otherwise, be politically convenient) used for this purpose. Government does this not only as a signal for an upcoming course of action but also to psychologically prepare the minds of Nigerians for a bombshell in the offing.
The recent suggestion by the National Security Adviser (NSA) to President Goodluck Jonathan, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd) that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should consider postponing the general elections scheduled to hold February 14 and 28, 2015 is one political kite intended as usual to, perhaps, prepare the ground for a possible shift in election dates.
Responding to questions on Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) from journalists after delivering a speech on January 22, 2015 at the Chatham House in London; the NSA said “There is nothing wrong with us delaying to ensure that everybody that wants to vote gets the card”. He questioned the rationale of holding elections when about 30 million people are yet to be issued with their PVCs. Even when the NSA’s worries  were given the benefits of doubt, the agitation for postponement of the February 2015 elections should not come from him no matter how genuine his fears were. Rather, such a sensitive proposal should come from the election umpire, INEC, which has the constitutional responsibility of conducting elections.
It is mystifying that an insinuation as serious as this could come from a public officer whose remarks are weighty enough to stir up the political space in the country. Kite fliers, most often, are always not speaking for themselves but for their ‘Oga at the top’. The NSA is too matured to make flippant public remarks. His kite, unlike those of the Chinese philosophers, is neither meant to ascertain the direction of the country’s political wind nor to profit military operations in the north eastern states of Nigeria. The kite, it is alleged, instead suggests a signal for ‘third term’ in disguise.    
NSA’s kite is not the first on the deferment of February 2015 elections. Some public officers who should expectedly be guided by their oaths of office have unfortunately turned themselves in to subversive instruments against the collective wishes of the Nigerian people. When the Senate resumed plenary sitting in September 2014 after a two months’ break, Senate President David mark while commenting on a motion titled “Threat to National Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity of Nigeria by Insurgents”, which was moved by Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba and 44 other senators said, “There is no question of election; it is not even on the table now. We are in a state of war”. Some Nigerians considered this particular kite as a ploy to secure tenure elongation for President Jonathan.
It would also be recalled that David mark, the Okpokpowulu K’Idoma was the first to insinuate the need for a National Conference, which President Jonathan later sought and obtained the approval of the National Assembly to convene. Although this kite succeeded in flying, the turbulence it experienced in the air forced it to crash-land; resulting in waste of the country’s much needed resources. Some people believe that, given these two antecedents, David mark fairly qualifies to be called a serial kite flier.
Like the previous kites that either failed to fly or eventually flew but were shot down, NSA’s kite too will not fly because the public sympathy that will power its’ ‘engine of motives’ is lacking. Public officers and leaders in positions of authority should fear God in their words and actions. They should avoid making statements or taking actions that would run contrary to the collective aspirations of Nigerians. Let us place public interest above the selfish desire of one or few individuals. INEC should, as the name suggests, operate without interference from government or its agents. While we pray to Allah (SWT) to prevent every vicious kite from flying, we also ask Him (SWT) to guide us all (including INEC; candidates and voters) towards achieving peaceful and credible elections which results will genuinely reflect the wishes of Nigerians, amin.
Late King Abdullahi of Saudi Arabia (Reigned 2005-2015):
Because last week’s piece had already been submitted before the demise of the 90-year-old King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Abdurrahman bin Faisal was announced, we yet find it important to condole with the people of Saudi Arabia and the Muslim world over the death of the Custodian of the two holy mosques. May Allah (SWT) grant him eternal mercy, amin.