THE SEARCH FOR A LIVING LEGEND
By Imohimi Uduigwome Airenevboise
A private print media alongside a popular electronic media have stumbled upon an idea to offer Nigerians an opportunity to vote for five Nigerians from among 20 Nigerians who will be awarded the amorphous title of ‘Nigeria’s five greatest living legend.” The idea behind the whole award is to offer Nigerians a role model and to recognize/honour the awardees.
The first fifteen names have been released out of twenty distinguished Nigerians. The fact that they could only release fifteen out of the twenty names promised shows that to come up with the name of twenty Nigerians who can be looked upon favourable as role models is definitely an up hill task. The surprising name on the list of fifteen names released so far is that of General Olusegun Obasanjo.
Not even in my wildest dreams (and nightmares) would I have thought that anybody would consider General Olusegun Obasanjo a living legend, a role model for our youths. Even with the criteria for selection which includes, selfless service, uprightness, respectability and incorruptibility, I fail to see how they managed to pick Olusegun Obasanjo.If they had picked Nuhu Ribadu it would be more justifiable.
A man who hounded journalist out of his Otta residence, who is profane in his choice of words, who has been involved in sexual escapades as testified by his son(which I don’t think Olusegun Obasanjo denied),whose daughter was involved in shady contract deal while he held sway as the President of Nigeria! A man who imposed candidates on the electorates and on traditional institution in his home town. A man who has been linked directly and indirectly to several cases of stealing government fund. A man who does not believe in the rule of law. This is the man listed as one of the fifteen greatest living Nigerians? This laudable idea to look for role models for our youths should not be relegated to the level of crude comedy which the inclusion of Olusegun Obasanjo portends for the award.
If we must include a military man on the list may I suggest the name of Ebitu Ukiwe or Abubakar Umar? If the name of Olusegun Obasanjo was included because the organizers found it difficult to get fifteen names then they ought to have requested for nominations from Nigerians. I am sure that some of the nominees will be outraged that they are to be considered for an award where Olusegun Obasanjo is a nominee. If by some sheer luck (or rigging, an art he is familiar with) he emerges as one of the five ‘Nigerian Living Legend” am sure the other winners might reject the award.
To make it more transparent the organizers should ask Nigerians to come up with more names if they are having challenges coming up with names. Olusegun Obasanjo does not deserve any honour until he explains what happened to all the money voted for the power sector. By placing the name of Olusegun Obasanjo on the list they are sending a wrong signal to Nigerians. From the list released so far it does seem as if to qualify to be a role model in Nigeria one must be very comfortable financially. Are we saying that the poor are not fit to be role models?
