Interestingly, the recent appointees to the office of President with the exception of Emmerson Mnangagwa in Zimbabwe, have been young men who have spent a great deal of time away from their respective countries. This is no coincidence.
There are times when in order to see a situation clearly , what is advised is to step back, thereby enabling you to see the picture fully.
There are many who say that Fela's real strength, or the rise of his political astuteness emerged after living in both the UK and UK, where he realised the plight of his people during the black power movements.
During the struggles against colonialism, the Pan African movement was led by those in the diaspora, breaking the yoke of tribal affiliations that prevent progress and opening the mind to new ideas, developing a unity and creating a bond stronger than differences, and they suceeded.
2019 Nigerian Presidential hopeful Omoyele Sowore
Whilst the struggle may have become an ongoing struggle against Neo colonialism, the truth still remains that it was the partnerships between those at home and abroad that created a force strong enough to fight a common enemy.
Of our recent appointees, few were politicians previously, with Adama Barrow working what many would consider a basic job abroad as a security guard at Argos, and Weah a former footballer, it remains encouraging refreshing that the requirements for the greatest role in office are shifting to a focus on ideas, integrity, and humanity. EFF leader Julius Malema, has emerged as one of the greatest leaders in South Africa, and I predict will become the next president of that country.
I say all that to say this.
We have a strong history of resistance against oppressors but have lacked the ability to remain free of corruption and focus on real development strong governance and nation building.
The emergence of Sowore's desire to run for office in Nigeria is generating interest both inside and outside of Nigeria.
Sowore who has lived outside of Nigeria for many years and has built one of the largest online media news platforms in Nigeria has every chance of succeeding in his mission.
His ability to communicate a clear message, an indication of his media savvy, works well to appeal to people otherwise far removed from political power.
The sleeping giant of Africa appears to be waking up.
Criticism's against him in that he is a small boy (despite being 47) is an indication into one of the things that is wrong in Nigeria.
47 whilst relatively young, is an age of experience often classed as middle aged. An age where you have gained some experience and wisdom, yet still have much to learn. Nigeria has been misleading its people by the implication that one is not mature until perhaps 60yrs.
If he is a boy, a man of 30yrs is what? 20yrs a baby?
I am not ageist, I think it's wrong to dismiss a leader because he is old, as was the case in Zimbabwe and even much of the criticisms of Buhari, but what do you think could be the result of such brainwashing, other than presiding over a nation of the docile and immature.
So why should we even care what happens in Africa? Why should we, you or I care who is Nigerias President.
Simple.
How Africa shows up in the world reflects on us. It remains our home and we are one people.
How Africa shows up impacts on how were are treated abroad. Much of our trials and tribulations are fuelled by the fact that the impression many have of us remains negative. That we can be used and abused, exploited and mistreated, and it go unnoticed.
Look at the Congo, mining, land issues.
We will be respected fully, when African nations are equally respected.
We will be respected , when we respect ourselves.
For too long, those in a position of power, be it tribal chiefs, pastors or elected politicians have been misusing that power, and it's time for a change.
Ok you may say, yet where are the women in all this
Relax I say, change takes time.
But It really is, only a matter of time
Fela lives on.
Gambian President Adamah Barrow
Worked at Argos UK
President Maada Bio of Sierra Leone
Earned his Masters degree in the United States of America
President George Weah of Liberia
Professional footballer
played for teams such as Chelsea and Manchester City
UN definition of Youth
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Great writtens D, good analysis. I too have been witnessing this emergence and long may it continue. :) Julius Malema, this one, he's a firebrand, watch a very good talk he gave at Oxford (I think), very eloquent and not afraid to call it as he sees it
ReplyDeleteChange really does take time.
ReplyDeletegreat post