Presidential monologue (7)

Mr. President, I begin with a question: where are your friends? I have heard complaints in your old circle of friends that you have abandoned them. I am not talking of fair-weather friends; I am talking about those who have acted as your brain trust, who built the aura of substance around you to the effect that you have something to offer. I am not talking of those with itching palms who currently surround you.

If it is true that you have abandoned your friends, and that you have lost your lowly origin, it is too bad, and you would be sorry. If you are unaware, that the loss is being aided by your current gatekeepers, who allegedly demand access fee to see you, please deal with it squarely.

Look back to 1999 when you took over the helm of affairs in Lagos. At that time, you were struggling to control the affairs of Lagos State. Filth was a common sight, and a carton, I cannot recall the author, drew a picture of Brigadier Buba Marwa’s shoes that were too big for your legs; gradually your leg grew and assumed its dimension. That transformational idea came from friends who believe in the cause of making Lagos the centre of excellence. The latter is working despite the leakage in the system, but Lagos is not Nigeria, but the latter can benefit from the Lagos Example.

Remember Lord Acton who penned in the 19th century that “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Every thoughtful statesman knows that power is the most transient thing in the world; it is as fleeting as the life of man that the Holy Scripture talked about in the book of Psalm, 103: 15-16, to wit.

The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. Those who believed in it using reflexivity live above it.

In case you are in search of a sterling example, our dear Nelson Mandela did. He served a term and allowed the younger ones to take over. Mr. President, the power of example is edifying.

Mr. President when you became the APC flag-bearer, a certain writer lamented over what to him would be your predictable failure, and the conclusion that it would be said that Yoruba have had their turn in the power roulette in Nigeria. I hope this can be averted. My late friend, Major Boakye Djan, former Deputy Head of State of Ghana, told me a story of his encounter with an American instructor at WestPoint who perceived his left leanings.

The instructor said to him at dinner that Karl Marx’s prediction about the collapse of Capitalism due to its exploitative character was true; he then added a caveat to the effect that what the Americans were doing was to ensure that Marx’s foreboding did not happen. Perhaps, the American mind-set about Marx’s prediction of the overthrow of the capitalist social formation might help you.

Western Nigeria is noted for certain basic social principles and policies that border on free education and knowledge-driven policies. They are the most educated in the country today and adept at fighting social injustice. Your current policy gaffes do not speak well of your Western Nigerian orientation. What is a student loan? It is life-long slavery. What is an oil subsidy? It is a scam, and you have augmented the pauses of the state governments with the proceeds while the masses are groaning in pain.

Fix the refineries. To curb insecurity, learn from Amotekun. State police has the potential to reinforce the federal character of the country. It must be well thought through. First and foremost, deal with bandits exported into Nigeria by the Buhari administration. On the sliding fortune of the national currency, learn from late Professor Sam Aluko how he fixed it under Abacha’s dictatorship.

To be sure, a dose of nationalism is required. I have dealt with some of these issues in previous series.

Mr. President, to get over your prevailing inept policies, go back to those who constituted your brain trust while in Lagos, many of whom have been alienated. Simply add to the number, and you will be fine. Countries that have succeeded have brain trusts, paid to think, protect the national interest, and not pander to agencies of global governance.

Chief Obafemi Awolowo who was Premier of Western Region did it, and was ranked sage. Affairs at the global level are one of social Darwinism, survival of the fittest. It has no deal for the developing countries; what is required is a built-up of the material force of the state and devious diplomacy. Any country that succumbs to their diktat is gone. What are friends for? Go back to your friends, Mr President.