Kumuyi on the same plane with you? Surely, the flight was safe already. And a story I’d heard long ago flooded into my memory. There was this international flight out of the U.S.A that ran into stormy weather. The turbulence was so great that people began to say their last prayers. The Muslims called on Allah. The Christians invoked the name of Jesus. The Buddhists besought Gautama Buddha.
The African traditionalists recited incantations. But the more they prayed, the worse the turbulence got, and it seemed the plane would plunge out of the sky at any moment. They were all in dire straits. But in the midst of it all, there was this drunk who was laughing all through. He laughed till his sides ached, and it was obvious that he was having a merry time. When eventually the plane stabilised, with relief flooding over the passengers, those nearest to the drunk asked him why he was not terrified while the danger lasted. And the man replied:
“Why should I be afraid? I saw the preacher Billy Graham entering the first class cabin before we took off. If Graham is on a plane, God would never allow it to go down.” The man was a drunk, and had been quaffing his brandy all through the trip. But he believed that while a man of God like Billy Graham was on board, the plane would never crash. What simple, trusting faith, even from an alcoholic.
So, as we prepared to depart the Murtala Muhammed International Airport for Johannesburg, South Africa, that fateful day, my confidence soared as I saw Pastor Kumuyi on board. Surely, God would pay special attention to this flight, and if anything funny happened on the way, I would just go and hold the hem of the man’s garments.
Having been acquainted with him over the years, particularly in our days at Concord Press when one of our bosses and a leader in Deeper Life Bible Church, Mr Segun Babatope, facilitated regular meetings, I walked over to greet the holiness preacher. His eyes lit up as I sat in the vacant seat beside him. He had recognised me immediately, though we have not seen in the past 10 years. We quickly went down memory lane.
Pastor Kumuyi asked after my wife, whom he had prayed with 16 years ago when she fell mysteriously ill. Because the plane was still on ground, I dialled my wife, and they spoke. He was very happy that she had recovered completely. Thereafter, he asked after my former General Overseer at the Foursquare Gospel Church, Rev Wilson Badejo, and the current one, Rev Felix Meduoye. And the talk then shifted to my mission abroad. I told him I was on the way to Lusaka, Zambia, for this year’s edition of the CNN/Multichoice African Journalist of the Year Award. On his part, he said he would be at Johannesburg for a few days.
Kumuyi is 71, and should be in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his grandchildren and his new bride, Esther Aduke, (whom he married about two years ago, following the loss of his first wife, Abiodun). But here was the man, obviously headed for another preaching engagement in South Africa. Never say never with some people. They will be at their duty posts till the very last minute.
The flight was quite smooth (well, it had no option with such a worthy apostle on board), and the preacher gave me his good wishes as we disembarked. Other journalists on the mission to Lusaka were Gbenga Adefaye, president, Nigerian Guild of Editors and Editor-in-Chief Vanguard, Debo Adesina, editor, The Guardian, Gbenga Omotosho, editor, The Nation, Joseph Adeyeye, editor, The Punch, and Tunde Rahman, editor, Thisday on Sunday. We were all guests of Multichoice, co-sponsors of the highly rated journalism awards on the continent.
A comprehensive account of the trips, first to Livingstone, in Zambia, and then to Lusaka, will come at another time, and in another section of this newspaper. But let me share what I learnt about political developments in that southern African country, since they are quite instructive to us in Nigeria.
Zambia became independent from Britain in 1964. The war of freedom was fought on the principles of non-violence and positive action, and had been championed by people like Kenneth Kaunda, Harry Nkumbula, Simon Kapwepwe, John Sokoni, and many others. We read the account in Zambia Shall Be Free, which we used as literature text in secondary school in the 1970s.
At independence, Kenneth Kaunda became the first president. He ruled till 1991, meaning he held power for 27 years. He hails from the northern region of Zambia, even though he was accused at a point of being originaly from Malawi.
Kaunda was succeeded by Frederick Chiluba after a multi-party arrangement came into being, accompanied by constitutional reforms, which pegged the maximum time a president could serve at two terms of five years each. So, however good you were, you could not serve more than 10 years, which I believe makes a lot of political sense. Curiously, though, Chiluba wanted to tamper with that provision and continue in power after his second term, but Zambians resisted him. He hailed from the Luapula region, and was succeeded by Levy Nwanawasa, his erstwhile deputy, from the central region.
Nwanawasa finished first term, and got re-elected for the second term of five years. But after two years, he died. His deputy, Rupiah Banda, from the eastern region, completed the term. Banda ran for office last year, but was defeated by Michael Sata, who is now the president. He hails from the northern region. An incumbent defeated at presidential polls? Not in Nigeria. It can only happen if bribery has gone out of fashion. Only if rigging was dead. But it happened in Zambia because the people knew what they wanted, and those in power were not as cunning and crafty in the art of electoral manipulation as we have them here.
Zambia has a population of approximately 9.9 million, according to 1997 estimation. And the country is divided into 11 regions. But since independence in 1964, only four regions have held power at the centre – North, Luapula, Central and Eastern. But are the heavens falling? No.
Is there militancy, restiveness or bombings in any part of the country? No. Is there ethnic strife? Is there rabid suspicion? Do the people carry giant-sized grudges and animosities in their chests? Do they insist that their ‘son’ or ‘brother’ must rule, otherwise hell would boil over? No.
Zambia is in the process of amending her constitution. I was interested in that, and asked my two new friends, Zachariah Banda, and Macdonald, if power rotation was being considered as a provision. They said no. Yet the country has about 73 ethnic groups and 11 regions. Good, good old Nigeria! Imagine Kaunda from the North having held power for 27 years.
That is enough reason to repudiate all power sharing agreements at the slightest opportunity, irrespective of fidelity and integrity to signed pacts, plunging the entire country into a tailspin. Nobody from the northern part of the country would have smelt power for another 27 years, or even more. Some people won’t just give a damn.
Because Nigeria is such a complex land, I subscribe to the principle of power rotation, but just for a period. Let the six geo-political zones produce the president, maybe for one term of five years each, and then we deregulate the process. Let the best and fittest emerge thereafter from any part of the country. But at least, there will not be this hackneyed talk of marginalisation and domination again, since every region would have ruled.
If we say for instance that the North has monopolised power for so long at the centre, do you then supplant one monopoly with another, and the country will not come to grief? Oh Nigeria, Nigeria you better get your acts right before the evil days come. But what am I saying? The evil days are already here! Can anything be worse than what we are going through simply because we mismanaged the power issue? God have mercy.
Immediate past Zambian president, Rupiah Banda, is spearheading a coalition of opposition parties towards the next elections, to wrest power from the ruling Patriotic Front (PF). He is bringing the major parties like Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD), United Party for National Development (UPND), and some others together. That is quite legitimate in politics, but some Zambians are warning that it could upset the ethnic balance of the country.
The Times of Zambia, in its editorial of last Saturday, with the headline, ‘The folly of tribal politics,’ had this to say: “Zambians only know one tribe – they are all Zambians. Attempts to divide them will invariably fail because tribal hegemony is a dangerous political tool that should never be countenanced by any decent politician.”
Tell that to the marines in Nigeria. Will this country ever get to the point we can say we all know one tribe? Doubtful. Will there ever be a day we will proudly say we are all Nigerians? Unsure. Ethnicity is the bane of this country, and those who rule do nothing but fan its embers, stoke the fire till it blazes out of control. No wonder the conflagration is consuming the country so greedily now.
Another lesson from Lusaka. After Chiluba left power, he faced corruption charges in court. When will that happen here? Not with the sacred cows we breed, untouchable in and out of power. Unless we begin to give a damn, Nigeria will never move forward.
I pray change comes to this land someday, and that very soon. It is only then that the prayer of a certain man of God being used as telephone ring tones will be answered. He had said: “Nigeria? Evil men will never rule you again.” And his congregation shouted a thunderous amen. But I doubt if that prayer is answered yet.
Re: I said it. PDP can be whipped
Now I know When Gen Buhari warned that rigging of 2015 election will make the dog and the baboon to be covered with blood, I was confused with the statement. Not until I saw the jubilant Edo people celebrating free and fair elections won by Oshiomhole. What would the people have done if their votes had been manipulated? It was then I realised the wisdom in Buhari’s timely warning to our army of occupation, the PDP. Nigerians, let’s make a statement with our votes in 2015. Chief J. J. Ibeka, Secretary-General, Anti-Corruption Crusader Inc, Lagos
Final burial ceremony “Waste no tears over the graves of yesterday (Euripides).” Gradually, PDP is dying, and we shall do the final burial ceremony of the greatest party to fall in Africa come 2015. I commend the people of Edo for dislodging the PDP. Ayo Moses, Ibadan
Jonathan should get the credit Oshiomhole’s re-election is reward for hard work. Of course, the credit should go to President Jonathan. If it was under Obasanjo, INEC would by now still be editing the results. Rev Dr C. C. Anyanwu, Nnewi
Yes, PDP can be whipped The lesson from Edo is that performance is the index for electoral victory, as opposed to rigging, both manual and scientific. We need able and dedicated leaders by resolving to put ethnic jingoism and money politics behind us, to vote for change in 2015. Yes, PDP can be whipped. Dr Omebu, Onitsha
It will work elsewhere It did not start in Edo. Imo became disgusted with promise and fail syndrome, and decided to effect a change, and it worked. It will also work in other PDP states, except they change their system of governance. Pastor Livy Onyenegecha, Okwuato-Mbaise, Imo State
Good and smart students Edo people are good and smart students. They derived their courage from the factors that gave rise to the May 6, 2011, governorship revolution in Imo State. We in Imo are ever ready to mentor other states to sack tyrants from power. John Mgbe, Owerri
Kudos to Jonathan That PDP was whipped in Edo goes to show that President Jonathan is a leader that allows the will of the people to prevail. PDP will not be whipped at federal level because the noisy opposition do not have what it takes to do it. Kudos to President Jonathan for conducting an election that was condemned by the winner while the process was midway. Samuel Umoh, Utako, Abuja
Not in darkness A revered Bini traditional chief and bishop, on his death bed, said: “It is good enough that I met this country in darkness, and that I am also leaving it in darkness.” The election in Edo shows that many of us would not leave this country in darkness. Barrister Ngozi Ogbomor
Monkey won’t return What I know in this country is that one day, monkey will go to the market but it will not come back. Alhaji Danladi Yaro, Sabo, Ibadan
Beginning of the end You are right. PDP is not invincible after all. The Edo election marks the beginning of the fall of PDP. The people are now wiser after 13 years of deceit. Revd S. A. Adetayo, St John’s Anglican Church, Ikotun, Lagos
ACN didn’t win No, ACN did not win Edo, Oshiomhole did. Performance won, and that is how it will be in this regime, which has dropped ‘do or die.’ By their performance, we shall vote them. Dan Williams, Benin
How to do it A behemoth like PDP can only be whipped if the people and progressive leaders determine and gird their loins as happened in Edo, Imo, Senegal etc. I hope all the progressive forces will this time join forces with the people, and whip PDP at the centre. Chief (Barr) F.O.A. Nwanosike, President, Movement for the Survival of Nigerian (MOSON)
I’m disappointed You never spared one good word for President Jonathan who instructed INEC and all security agencies to permit due process in Edo. I’m disappointed. Permission of due process by the president, who is reasonably educated and has no need for do or die politics, saved the day. Seer Apollos
Fate already determined If Jonathan continues with his ‘I don’t give a damn’ style, then PDP’s fate is already determined ahead of 2015. But if he decides to turn a new leaf, and gives a damn by listening to constructive criticisms, maybe the days of PDP may be lengthened at the federal level. But 2015 still belongs to God. He has the final say, irrespective of human calculations. Gbemiga Olakunle, JP, Gen-Secretary, National Prayer Movement
Please, link me Kindly link me with two of my friends. Dr Moses Oladele Ibeun from Mopa, and Mr J. I. Gabriel from Iluke Bunu, both in Kogi State. We studied together from 1962 – 1966 at Niger Baptist College, Minna, Niger State. They can reach me on 08058516780 or 08168381674. Barrister Ayo Olalere, Apete, Ibadan PDP can be whipped
True talk. Pragmatic opposition will give the ruling party sense of responsibility to the nation, and shake off the power drunk syndrome of infallibility. However, many parties must come together, and with credible candidates, the sky will be the limit.Dr Olayinka Oladosu, yinkalola85@yahoo.com
Good governance Indeed the geographical political enclave of Edo has been liberated. PDP is gradually fading out of the political system of Nigeria because it has become a veritable avenue for the mass production of inactive leaders in all spheres. It’s obvious that when things fall apart, they will be no longer at ease. Collins Onuh Ochikala, Kogi State, Onuh07@ovi.com
As Mike Awoyinfa turns 60 Mike Awoyinfa is a household name in media community. His rising profile started when he humbly worked under the giant of journalism, Dele Giwa, who being in leadership position then, prepared Awoyinfa to take his place. Clearly, your unforgettable encounter with Mike Awoyinfa was a turning point in your own career.
Change is possible when new leaders are trained so that when one leaves or is promoted, operations can continue to run efficiently. If we desire to be great, we must learn from others so that we will be prepared when the opportunity comes. Ben Obika, 08033749167, obikaben@yahoo.com
Not whipped; buried PDP was not only whipped but buried in Edo State. That is a prelude of what will happen at the center come 2015 if the opposition parties should put their house in order and the principle of one man, one vote is applied so that monkeys and baboons will not be soaked in blood. Edo has shown the light, others should follow, Ekene Obeleagu, 08037108010, ekeneobeleagu@yahoo.com
Re: This country doesn’t give a damn (2)
My own position “ No light on airports runways”- I don’t give a damn “100 people roasted as they were scooping PMS from a fallen tanker”- I don’t give a damn. “A junior secretary is caught with stolen pensioners 3 billion naira”- I don’t give a damn. “Huge sums of money as appropriated in the budget for infrastructural development disappear”- I don’t give a damn.
“Boko Haram massacre people in churches and Fulani cattle rearers massacre people in Plateau & Benue states- I don’t give a damn. “Nigerians pay more now for darkness (instead of NEPA light)”- I don’t give a damn. “Proven cases of corruption in subsidy albatross between Femi and Farouk”- I don’t give a damn.
“And what if Nigeria collapses? I don’t give a damn. But for me, Buhari, your good self and other well-meaning Nigerians, we care! Engr. Anike Emeka D, delucieme@yahoo.com, 08023228100
Playing the ostrich Our rulers are like a giant bird called the ostrich. This bird is known to bury its small head in the sand and pretend that the exposed huge frame is hid. It also steps on its eggs quite carelessly. We need miracle and mercy from God to bring compassion and brotherliness to the people of this country. Tribalism, religious bias, and so forth have drained the milk of kindness from our breasts. Dr Olayinka Oladosu, yinkalola85@yahoo.com
As dead as dodo I’ve always told people that this country is finished and they often see me as a pessimist. But at the risk of sounding like one once again, I say Nigeria is dead. Even if things get better today, it would amount to a pyrrhic victory for this present generation. It has suffered a lot. Abayo Felix, winfex_1@yahoo.com
Big irony What a paradoxical irony that a country widely acclaimed for her peacekeeping efforts in other lands is going through inter and intra ethnic wars, and no end seems to be in sight. God save this land. Sammie Boat, Ondo State
Our only problem Nigeria is worth dying for. Our only problem is bad and unreliable leadership. All the vultures that make it impossible for Nigerians to have faith in themselves and their country will face the wrath of God, and Nigeria will rise again, and we will be proud and ready to die for her. Rev. S. A. Adetayo, St John’s Anglican Church, Lagos
Keg of gunpowder It is not that Nigeria does not give a damn, our leaders simply do not know what to do. Nigeria is seating on a keg of gunpowder. May God help us. Dr Olukayode Olaoluwa, Oshodi, Lagos
How I see Nigeria In 1968, at the peak of the Gowon/Awolowo starvation policy in Biafra, what I saw happening to children then is an experience I have never forgotten. Since then, I have seen Nigeria as a cave inhabited by evil people. George Ibecheozor
Our most fundamental problem Let’s call a spade by its name. There’s a dearth of intelligent people here. This remains our most fundamental problem. Remi Okeke
A dying nation It’s always a pleasure reading you. My regret is that our leaders don’t listen. They are clueless on how to chart a future for this dying nation. Don Disky, Warri
My sympathies I sympathize with the once peaceful people of Plateau State. When shall these senseless killings stop? If government doesn’t know the people behind Boko Haram, don’t they know those behind Plateau killings? See how cheap life is in Nigeria. Anyamele Samuel Chinaza
Greedy, selfish, corrupt Your piece is a true reflection of affairs in Nigeria. My summary is, we are corrupt, greedy and selfish. Ebiere Edemeka
How to get there Nigeria can be rescued and become a great country if everybody is deemed to be equal and can aspire to any leadership position no matter your religion or tribe. But as long as some people believe it is their birthright to rule, there will always be crisis, and no development. Augustine Ukaegbu, Owerri
God save us Thank you for that incisive write-up. The president unfortunately does not give a damn. God save Nigeria. Dr J. T. Akume
Are we cursed? It is sad the way things are going in this country. Nobody truly cares. The ‘I don’t care attitude’ of our leaders worry me a lot. Are we cursed not to get things right? Gideon Ebah, Apapa, Lagos, 08055530124
Can’t they forgive? I sympathize with the victims of the Plateau killings. That reprisal attack against the Beroms was too harsh. Can’t the Fulani forgive? Chidi, Delta State
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