GOODBYE ATIKU
by Edoreh F. Edoreh
At last, the two “witches” danced naked in the open, and shamelessly too. That is how best to describe Atiku’s visit to Obasanjo at Abeokuta to settle their scores. While some believed they have a right to disagree and agree at will, many other political observers also have their reservations on the visit. The CNPP and a host of others as well as the former Ogun state Governor and a chieftain of the Action Congress (AC), Chief Olusegun Osoba expressed utmost surprise about the visit.
However, in whichever divide you may wish to pitch your tent, one thing is certain, that no matter what legal rights and privileges they hold and exercise, we, the governed, also have a right to their actions and inactions because of their political antecedents and leadership roles and its implications for our growing nation and economy.
Their political indifference was borne out of the struggle to desperately clinch to power for their selfish and personal political relevance, and to continue to perpetuate corruptive tendencies and personal aggrandizement. While the older element desperately wanted a tenure elongation, the new generation specie desires the crown, thus making a fool of the unsuspecting poor masses.
While their disagreement lasted, Atiku enjoyed the thunderous fellowship and fame from the already impoverished masses. This is not necessarily because he has a clean record, or stands outstandingly among the pool of deceitful elements, but presumably because Obj was perceived as an enemy to our national growth and a clog in the wheel of our collective progress and development.
Their reconciliation to me is a mere smoke screen which is not borne out of the genuine desire for love and true friendship, or to advance the course of Nigeria and Nigerians, in terms of nation building and leadership qualities. Rather, it tends to garner a mass of some purportedly political heavyweights with the chief aim of obstructing power and diverted towards their selfish gains at the expense of the already weaned nation.
This, I know for sure this new generation of Nigerians will revolt against. Enough is enough. We can do the Obama magic in Nigeria and advance our collective course, if we care, instead of allowing ourselves because of poverty to be further enslaved and subjugated into perpetual bondage by a few desperate and aged elements who are at the last lap to the grave.
It is unfortunate to recall the report credited to former President Olusegun Obasanjo expressing his dissatisfaction for the President Yar’adua government in which he was quoted as saying that things were not going in the right direction in the country. In his usual deceitful wisdom, he called on ex-leaders to intervene in the country’s political situation, arrogating unto themselves, the responsibility to come together as stakeholders and review the Nigerian situation, especially when things are not going the way they expected.
One is therefore tempted to ask, which direction was Obj expecting the country to dangle towards? Is it to the direction he can control since he foisted the present administration on us? Or is their plan to intimidate the government so that it can yield to their selfish desires?
Who in the first instance told Obj that the country is not moving forward? Is this country not better than his wasted eight years?
Which situation do Obj and his so-called stakeholders want to sit down and review? The situation they masterminded and ruined themselves? On whose interest is the review being advocated?
What does OBj really expect of the Yar’adua government? To be business as usual; and serve as a drain pipe to siphon the remaining money they could not defraud? Well, time shall reveal all this, and they shall all dance naked in the open again.
However, I think Obasanjo needs to be told that a country which has already been milked dry from the abundance of prosperity to a state of near impoverishment cannot be salvaged by the same corruptive elements.
The former president need not to be reminded that the present predicament which he discredits with so much apathy was solely his selfish mechanization, in his desperate bid to create a political dynasty for himself. It becomes clearer by the day that Obj had gained nothing in denying Nigerians their franchise and derailing our fatherland.
Obj needs to be told that from the abundance of craftiness and deceits, Nigerians have become wiser. Thus, we cannot be fooled again. He should not cry more than the bereaved and concentrate his energy more on his Otta farm.
There is no gain repeating the fact that the President Yar’adua administration which Obj discredits with so much apathy is what Nigerians now prefer in the circumstances, since we are already getting use to it. We don’t need Obj interventionist measures because there is no need for it. Nigeria is our fatherland. We must all stand up to uphold it and firmly too from the hands of the enemy and desperate elements.
It may interest anybody to note that we have a renewed Nigeria. The Nigeria of CHANGE and HOPE for a new beginning and for a new generation. Obasanjo need to be told that he has lost his political credibility, integrity and relevance by the incalculable injuries he and the old school had caused the nation. And I can therefore say that whatever mass of opposition, cliques or elements he tends to organize to wield against the incumbent will be dismantled and violently too. That is my pity and my goodbye for Atiku.
Like they say, cowards die many times before their real death. For Obj, I know for sure he is a forgone alternative in our political history. But I am tempted to opine that Atiku has made the greatest mistake of his life that could cost him dearly for life. I can predict that Atiku will ever regret this bleak decision of his all his life. He ought to know better the characteristics of his former boss as crafty, deceitful and cunning. Hence I have no reservation in thinking that Atiku has finally fallen prey into the waiting hands of the demon, and he will be devoured when the coast is clear.
President Barrack Obama, the newest president of the world was right after all when he said in his inaugural speech that “to those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist”. May God deliver the Obasanjos from the evil spirit of power drunkenness. Amen.
Edoreh F. Edoreh
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