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Obasanjo’s Exit: Nigerians can neither Cry nor Laugh

Reports reaching me indicate that Nigerians are still clinking glasses in euphoric festivity simply because one cocky, perversely irritable and unpredictable old man has finally left the stage. These group of Nigerians are still wallowing in success - for getting rid of a self-proclaimed messiah. I am not the one to blame anyone for such bliss. Eight years of hope upon hope; promise upon promise; joking upon joking, and without fulfilment is quite enough to stir a welcome relief.

However, I would like to be the first to say, tarry a little. I am not saying Nigerians shouldn't breathe a sigh of relief but they shouldn't be carried away simply because Obasanjo has finally returned to his chickens and fowls which had missed him tremendously. Let Nigerians reflect and reflect and reflect instead of celebration that usually comes with such moment.

Of course such joyous outing is expected. It is typical Nigerian style. They are always quick to embrace new palm-wine at the expense of the old one. It doesn’t matter whether the new palm-wine tastes worse or not. I am not sure of the reasons behind this hasty behaviour. Perhaps it's due to poverty or hopelessness or attitude that has hardened into extreme bitterness or a growing uncertainty mingled with an indefinable uneasiness and possibly even fear. Nigerians simply mistrust their leaders.

This probably explains the usual theory that has blissfully characterised the mind of average Nigerians. It isn't that they actually believe the new wine would taste better but that they must get rid of the old one - by all means. The candy always look overwhelmingly desirable to their dieting man. As a result, they are quick to reach a paroxysm of giggling whenever a new palm-wine is being poured. Is this their way of revenge?

For Nigerians, the predecessor would always be worse than the successor; and this is not because the latter is actually good in the real sense. It is how Nigerians have been constrained to bungle their lives. Only a psychologist can explain the reason behind such addictive attitude. They would rather dance across the ocean or climb the statue of liberty or dine with her royal Highness, instead of reflecting a bit. In retrospect, would you say succeeding governments were better than their predecessors?

Nigerians rejoiced at Gowon's exit paving way for Murtala/Obasanjo. Nigerians were ecstatic with joy when Obasanjo 1 handed over to a civilian government albeit the best candidate may never win. Nigerians felt extreme pleasure and satisfaction when Buhari and Idiagbon terminated the so-called Second Republic. Yet Nigerians welcomed Babangida's regime with open hands, which is unprecedented in the history of the nation. And yet Nigerians were absolutely relieved to see him "step aside". And yet Nigerians embraced Obasanjo 2 with their hearts even though the latter was forced upon them.

Now Nigerians are at it again. They are clinking glasses, dancing and singing obviously because a ruler has abdicated the throne of his ancestors. I hate to say it but Obasanjo is still much around. "Obasanjo overbearing influence is expected to manifest in Yar'Adua's policies", reasoned Levi Obijiofor. And unless something drastic happens, Nigerians will forever be addicted to a drug called Obasanjo. As a god or God's son, Nigerians would crawl to a farm in Ota, prostrate before the richest farmer in the land, and beg him once more to rule them (As they did in 1999?) Consider it a joke if you like.

By his actions and words, Obasanjo has already conveyed his truth to “fellow” Nigerians: Obasanjo is Nigeria and Nigeria is Obasanjo. The death of Obasanjo means the death of Nigeria. Akin Ojebode, former vice chancellor, University of Ado-Ekiti and Professor of Law at the University of Lagos, captures the essence when he asserted that, "OBJ passionately believes he {Obasanjo} is God's greatest gift to Nigeria". This may explain the man’s recent sarcasm. “I hope I won’t be called to Aso Rock so soon”. Even a forum has been formed with Obasanjo as the head – to advise the “government” on national issues.

For eight years, Obasanjo entertained Nigerians with unrestrained expression of emotion: intense anger, shock and amusement, teasing, uncontrolled temper, harassment of different kinds as when he publicly trounced a policeman in Makurdi; or when he called a Christian leader and idiot - also in public, silly jokes of high degree as when he called Yar'Adua on his hospital bed in Germany and placed a microphone close to the phone - all in an effort to dispel rumour that Yar'Adua is dead. "Umaru, are you dead?" he deliberately asked at a public gathering.

Meanwhile, no matter the level of atrocity committed by Obasanjo, it shouldn't be the bullet proof by which Yar'Adua would adorn to save him from the hangman. The earlier Nigerians realised this, the better. But I doubt if they would actually treat the moment as a time to think. I am afraid no one would be able to lure them away from such spawning instinct stimuli.

Another thing that worries me about Nigerians is the innocuous manner in which they have been treating their lives. This may be because of ignorance or unconscious masochism. Nigerians have been driven from one disaster to the next by each successive administration. Although a moment's reflection will show the stupidity of their lives, they have chosen celebration. They must have a fete; they need to maintain the record - of being the happiest people on earth. Don't mind those funny researchers.

Nigerians are psychologically inured to the sufferings in their land. Perhaps they always think little things matter not. I dare say this unflinching attitude has become a legato passage through which their rulers always ride to ruining them. I think such unpalatable attitude often boost the morale of their rulers - since it shows lack of conviction - to oppress them the more. Nigerians must relinquish old ideas if actually they want respect from their rulers. I believe they will never get that respect until they know how best to react to things that affect their lives. For now, Nigerians can neither cry nor laugh over Obasanjo's exit.