NOT FFK, IGBOHO; WE HAVE GOT TO TAKE MORE RESPONSIBILITIES.

By

Ibraheem Abdulateef

Two issues are burning the media spaces in Nigeria today. Former minister of Aviation Chief Femi Fani-Kayode’s cross carpet to the APC and Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Igboho’s statement from his Benin prison that no one should hold any protest on secession in his name again. These two are striking for their oddities. But they are not strange. They, in fact, underscore the message I have been passing on my page. You have got to nurture and develop your mind and values to love, protect, and grow this country against anyone, group, or persons, so as not be a fool for agenda. That’s your reality.

Before his return to APC, FFK infused life to his dying political career with unceasing slurs against President Buhari and the APC-led government. He did this by tapping into the emotions of people as regards insecurity and a failing economy. Make no mistake, I love critics and found them vital to building a stronger democracy. But he was not. To drive home his points, he invented a conspiracy called Fulanization and Islamisation agenda. Seeing that they were gaining traction in their anti-government posture, FFK also found allies in Nnamdi Kanu-led IPOB and later, Chief Sunday Igboho’s Yoruba Nation boys.

FFK constantly charged for wars. He said the nation was done. He proclaimed its end and doom. He’d not hear of any good about it and would not do anything to save it. But negatives. But hatred. But anything but optimism and patriotism. He led people on as he became a new voice and bulletin for divisive rhetorics and hate speeches.

Then, you all remember Igboho of recent fame. After making the headlines from Ife- Modakeke crisis, he began to lead a self-rule cause in the South West 2020. He claimed that the Yorubas were marginalised and need to form their own country. We all know how it went. Defiance. Violence. Killings. And DSS’ frontally deadly response. Then, Igboho’s botched escape to Germany and incarceration in Benin City.

After about two months in a dingy cell, he called today for a stop to rallies and demonstrations in his name and cause. He also wants people to leave his mother out of the ‘struggle’. The Oosa who led the killings in Igangan and neighbouring Oyo communities say violence is bad and discouraged. While that is a cheery update, it does not invalidate his previous sacrilegious acts. Does it? He said young men and women he led on arson and carnage should retreat. The guys he fed on hate. The girls he tricked into waste. We need to study the legal and correction system over there, they must be teaching morals and philosophy in the Benin cell. We all know he was not that kind of man.

Now, that is the story. But, I am concerned about the plot. And this plot is the agenda they sold and the implications on peace and national cohesion. More than ever, the trio of Kanu, Igboho, and FFK has successfully balkanised and divided Nigeria along ethnic, tribal lines. They used the people against their country and themselves. Or what do you expect to happen to people of class after all? They will put this behind them soon. But you may not.

You should take lessons from these.

When things work fine, they take the credits. When things go bad, they withdraw quietly and safely. With sharp reflexes, FFK might have read the handwriting of victory in the coming elections for APC. With a growing taste for lucre and greed, he could not risk 16years out of government. Or what has changed in the values of APC he so much hated?

Seeing the increasing isolation after being caught in the net, a self-proclaiming demon from Igboho town, Igboho, is mellowing. When prides go and on, yonder the reality! He now wants freedom. He wants life. He wants liberty to be lawless and law unto himself as in the past in the same Nigeria. And he might as well get it. Or maybe not. But the lines are thinning before his very eyes now. Hence, the U-turn.

And this brings me to my point on citizens leadership. And I reiterate, everyone, regardless of their status, is a leader. And we must stop finding heroes in bad, evil, privileged and famous people with sinister agendas against the interest of the country. Fame does not make knowledge. Status does not make wisdom. You may well need to observe critically henceforth. You can’t let anyone fool and use you to fuel agenda ever against Nigeria for grim selfish political and sectional interests.

While I could have been concerned about the political correctness of FFK and Sunday Igboho’s U-turn, I am most given to thinking about the havoc their ignobility has wreaked on our national security and cohesion. The lies told. Life lost. Properties. Friendships and ties broken on those accounts. Dreams shattered. It is indeed colossal. We may all belong to different parties. But we must be team players in the building and development of our dear nation.

There is no doubt about it that Nigeria is struggling and tethering for fresh breath. However, there is no one other than us Nigerians to give it purpose and direction.

Therefore, I urge Nigerians to be wary of joining and supporting agenda that will disunite and divide the country rather than unite and develop us as a people and country, going forward!