The recent strike action which by the way as I write this, is over is partly a strong indicator regarding the main thrust of this government, from all the views, I at best can say that Yar'Adua's government is that of a 'go-slow'.
The phrase used to describe the traffic chaos in Lagos, how slow will be based on some many factors...as the countdown to the official submission of the Ministerial nominees and other appointments continue, I ask is it true that Lagbaja's name is one the list, did Adedibu make the list, I hope it is confirmed that Andy Uba would not be Minister of the "to be created" Ministry of Domestic Affairs. Will the list be an epitome of integrity.
"A man or woman of integrity cannot be perplexed or frightened, they go on in fortune or misfortune at their own private pace like a clock during a thunderstorm...Blaine Lee, 1997"
It was Political commentator Paul I. that asked the question, if Nigerians are suffering "Expectation Fatigue"....? I lend my voice to ask further how soon do we forget and when do we remember? What is the difference between June 1999 and June 2007?
In the following paragraphs, I would tell us this story and make a few remarks and allow us be judge.
A mother once brought her child to Gandhi, asking him to tell the young boy not to eat sugar, because it was not good for his diet or developing teeth.
Gandhi replied, "I cannot tell him that. But you may bring him back in a month." She had travelled some distance, and had expected the great leader to support her parenting. She had little recourse, so left him. Four weeks later she returned to the sage.
The great Gandhi took the small child's hands into his own, knelt before him, and tenderly cautioned, "Do not eat sugar, my child. It is not good for you." Then he embraced him and returned the boy his mother. The mother grateful but perplexed, queried, "Why didn't you say that a month ago?" "Well," said Gandhi, " a month ago, I was still eating sugar."
I have often summed up Gandhi's life by saying that he was ready to do what everybody could do but would not do.
I was told by a schoolmate of Yar'adua that he is one whose antecedent started before today, he told me of his days of activism in the old Barewa College, he informed me in few words that Mr. President was always on war path with the school authorities. The picture he painted was not different from those painted by others that believe in Yar'adua.
As for me, I believe history beckons. He either would be better than Obj, or we would sooner than later wish that Obj had 'tar zar ched' (continued)...The way and manner that his government has handled the first labour strike leaves more to be desired, many may think otherwise but I believe that the resolutions. The accusations and counters speaks volume on the lack of integrity in this government.
A bunch of Nigerians are advocating more time for this government to settle, another group rightful ask, which time, how long do we want the people to suffer. When all the past hunted and haunted ex-governors suddenly can visit EFFC at their own violation, is there more to it than our eyes can see. Have these men suddenly become men of integrity.
Just few weeks ago Obj was trapped in the Lagos traffic, the usual pomp, pageantry and madness of siren suddenly gone. And with the allege buying of a private Jet and billions stashed in comfort zones. Can the bodies responsible test his integrity in the light of all the accusations against him.
Integrity now can be seen as steal as much as one can while in Public office, return some and aspire for a bigger pie. A case study on investing in power in Nigeria...
For Yar'adua and the men that would help him run the affairs of the country, there is need for integrity. Integrity as a matter of wholeness: of being healthy in mind, body, spirit, morals and test. Someone might say, is this not asking for too much, no is my answer because I believe we can witness the Gandhi scenario. The only barrier is that with the calibre of men and women in both houses of the National Assembly, various State Houses, we may yet suffer expectation fatigue again.
Is there any hope that workers would be treated fair and square, during Obasanjo it was an ugly President and a largely ugly government, with the exceptions of Dora, Ngozi, Oby and a few others, it was a total lack of integrity in actions. A nation's Attorney General interpreted the nation's status and laws like a kitchen diet schedule that can be changed at the slightest change of urge by the cook. A Ribadu barked, and bite at his master's bidding and now can hardly bark.
These days government and governance if anything is a center for stealing, studying of thieves and con-men and these days women, unfortunately even the few sane men amongst the lot have been overtaken by the crooks and sadly the term integrity has been thrown into the gutter.
Just a week ago at the local vending Center while they shared their papers I listened to the local peoples' parliament and someone that claim to be in the know said " Yar'Adua has said that he is going that he did not bargain for all these wahala, Obasanjo just left problems here and there, even the corrupt Governor the monies claimed to have been stolen a substantial amount went to PDP and when I ask Ali...he says ask Obj...Look Yar'Adua will leave".
Even the foreign reserve, not to pre-empt any scandal but one may soon be in the brew for now, as government is complaining at all tiers that it is empty treasuries...only oil money realized just within the current month. There is problem in the land...any hope in this hopeless circumstance. This short take questions us all, where is integrity?
I will end with the words of Late Justice J. I. C. Taylor, one time Chief Justice of Lagos "Book knowledge or academic degree is no education at all. What is education is honesty with firm principle. To be able to stand against all odds. In the face of palpable injustice. A single honest and principled man among a thousand standing alone forms a majority.
Yar'adua, This Government And Integrity
Prince Charles Dickson
Jos, Plateau Nigeria
NGEX welcomes and encourages reader comments. Permission to post reader comments is assumed, and we reserve the right to excerpt or edit for clarity any comments that are posted. We won't be able to publish all comments. And we can't vouch for the accuracy of posts from readers. Nickname or Name will be used to identify your post.
T. Adam London, UK June 26, 2007
Intergrity? That certainly cannot be associated with or expected from this govt. If Yar'Adua had any he would not have accepted the manner of his accendancy to the high chair. I am not anymore surprised that the thieving governors are actually hoping for ministerial appointments,
They (Yar'Adua et al) know that Nigerians will live with it, over and over again. As for Nuhu's about face .... forget intergrity or patriotism...now we see the real Nuhu!!! He was one of them all along.
Results » 1-1 of 1 Result Page » < 1 >
"The views and opinions expressed in these comment(s) or article(s) do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of NGEX, its partners or its affiliates."
