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…the emperor chased off all his offspring did he not?
Anyway, I was naïve to think that your emperor have no identifiable son he is proud of since in the not so distant past he vehemently denied fathering some kids in Ibadan or somewhere around there. The only exception being the obese broad (daughter) whom I met at a gig in Durham, North Carolina whose former husband used to jumpstart his financial freedom then dumped like a sack of hot Africanized cassava. The euphoric feelings of these children in Ibadan was short lived due to Obasanjo’s outrage when he found out that some loose nuts or so were going about proclaiming him as their father. He never showed any pride towards his children or acknowledged most of them, he denied all or so I thought. So, where did this one sneak from? Who then is Gbenga, how resourceful was he before now?
Pardon me for asking, what type of name is that by the way? Whatever you utter please do not let great business man or energetic warrior be one of them. Because to me, it sounds like something a Baba olowu - native doctor would ask his patron to buy from the local market for forward completion of a fetish request to get away with treachery. This funny sounding name could also make a good one for a disease, you could when asked about a mutual friend say; oh, you mean Dele, he is currently undergoing treatment at the hospital due to Gbenga ailment. The name equally is similar to what we in the east have; “Ngbe eke,” usually applied to village chicks that are below manageable standard. Only good for wham bam thank you ma’am – one nighter for those who partake. Women in Igboland also use it as a fight word; like, who is that ngbe eke sef? Or, get outta my face you Ngbe eke and so, so. The Gbenga name serves also as a reminder of Nigerians that give their sons silly names like Bruno, which I find amusing since such is usually associated with dogs especially in Nigeria, where else? A neighbor in Nigeria would thus say to his menacing doggie, Bruno catch am. It is always “catch am” since this is the only grammar most dogs in that country understand. Or, with a motion say, Bruno go. But to get the dog to come to ya all you do is holler; Bruno, Bruno, Bruno. Even my father’s dog in the village understands a little English too as thus; Brown go and then he goes. Brown is actually his name. I have my own peeve with a certain name old acquaintances call me, kinda twisted. So, the good folks out there who bear these names please understand it is a collateral dent no malice intended just part of the tete-a-tete.
The alleged discovery of twenty-two million dollars stashed in an American bank by the heir to the Obasanjo throne was expected, as they say, like father like son. What every prepared mind conversely should be asking instead is where the hell did this SOG - Son of Gun, yes, son of a gun after all the evidence is there his father is literally a machine gun, where did he spring from? In less than five years we are suddenly being lampooned with the lowly claim of business astuteness of Gbenga. Really? Business ko, business ni. Where if I may ask was this “business” man prior to his father’s crowning? He is definitely of interest therefore should tell us what his business portfolios were prior to 1999. If this discovery is false then the initiator(s) should be held to account however, I am writing assuming it to be true. I do not claim to know it all as a matter of fact I know less, but still I know what I know as my Grand would say. And to the new day charlatans that might misread as usual this piece, I suggest you read, “Dr. Fabian Osuji an extortion victim?” before you put a tribal label to an otherwise straightforward piece. It is all about corruption, dude. Having said this, I simply cannot ignore a sad statement credited to Obasanjo in reference to Dr. Osuji, “Only in Nigeria you catch a thief and he turns around and sues you.” This is indeed a sorry comment by a President who I am sure knows the difference between a thief and someone that was entrapped, blackmailed and forced into bribing the members of Obasanjo’s wasted assembly, something he invented. No need to further this since my position towards Dr. Fabian Osuji’s blunder has already been shared, but for the interest of those reading for the first time, my disappointment is with the Professor’s foolishness not about stealing. Dr. Osuji is not a thief and it was rather unfortunate that Obasanjo with reckless indifference made such crass statement about him. For once, he never alluded to Tafa Balogun and the rest of the real thieves (Tony Anenih, Julius Makanjuola, Sunday Afolabi, Olu Agunloye) all from the same area by the way who are truly thieves by every definition as one yet was quick to call a decent man insulting name thereby rendering his quest to arrest corruption useless as supported by Chief Sunday Awoniyi’s recent commentary. The Professor’s only crime if you call it that was that he succumbed out of naivety to undue pressure to give forced bribe.
I have zero doubt whether Nigerians know unripe rotten lemon when they see one, which the subject of this essay definitely is. It is something of a miracle how someone that could otherwise be managing like everyone else in no time acquire such obscene unmerited wealth at the expense of the entire population. Is this not among other things indictment of the maximum dictator of Nigeria and his hoax on corruption? How I wish someone on the level of Chief Gani Fawehinmi is the democratic president of that country and not the quack you have now. Here is a scenario how an otherwise nonentity transmutes to a shrewd business person in the same accidental country. Yakubu Gowon for example have always, ok, not always, but been seen by me especially lately, as a war criminal who was much less corrupt than his successors. Maybe this criminal coupist was without a clue who knows but all the same he is not as crooked as his boys that followed. The point here is all my entire life nothing has ever been said about a junior Gowon or a wayward daughter that swims in riches emanating from their business acumen. But once Gowon is crowned an emperor as the current ‘monarch’ and after only a few lousy months all we would hear is how resourceful and sharp his children were in turning the family’s corner shack into a billion dollar conglomerate. This obnoxious deviant behavior nurtured in greed usually is passed off to the commoners as wise after the stealing is halfway complete. Halfway in the sense that the yet to be complete fleecing of the peoples’ treasury by the emperor and his boy is only midpoint through. They should in no hushed tone be reminded that Nigerians may be starving and indeed are starving but they are no fools. You betcha! They know what will happen in a competition between an untoward hintless Ph.D and common sense; common sense will prevail hands down.
A wheezing shriek is never heard about these imaginative fake businessmen until their fathers or in-laws climb the seat of power then in less than two months new ‘billionaire’ sons emerge. These guys you would think care about leaving behind a name that could stand the harsh reality of history by insisting on sound governance. Something that in turn buys escape route from history’s cruel judgment the following defaulters experienced; Sani Abacha, Idi Amin, Gnassingbé Eyadema, Mobutu Sese Sekou, Nicolai Chauchesku, Ferdinand Marcos and endless are good examples but not exclusive. A sensible son should care how his father is seen by avoiding things that are inimical to his administration’s wellbeing and in fact tell him when public opinion is too negative so that a correctional attitude is taken. Instead Gbenga made an already dire situation deadlier by stuffing his pockets with the peoples’ dough. Their attention is hereon called to; “What do African leaders think?” - Dozie Azike, posted on Kwenu.com to see how incredibly pathetic they too look right now. Here is another one, had Moshood Abiola ascended the Presidency too it would have been same, same with generous info on how a wonderful businessman his son Kola is. What is not in contention today is how this same ‘businessman’ son ran a business empire left under his care underground with zero resentment from the very cabal that is known for their bulldog tenacity in defense of overflowing filth. Had Kola too been in a position to rip us off his kangaroo defense team would be quick to tell how smart he is. Who fools who? The abhorrent behaviors of these Nigerian dictators and their offspring are an affront to our sensibilities which no right thinking honest fellow would dare defend. Is it not a fact the money being squandered is ours that could be better used for the benefit of all and not just some airheads whose only claim to fame is a father’s crooked live? Are the thieves’ families really proud of dad (Anenih and Balogun etc) knowing they are common thieves? Are they really?
Now, you see how their business excuse is full of monkey stench like in monkey business? I hope the monkey forgives me since I know how he feels from a story that was told how after years of watching his name muddied by associating it with failed business ventures, started taking offense to the degradation of his name. The monkey justifiably I was told argued that since he was never consulted by anyone prior to embarking on a business endeavor, his good name should not be ridiculed when the deal goes belly up. Why should it suddenly become “monkey business” when things go kaput? He inquired. He henceforward let it be known no such thing. This though should not exempt Gbenga and his gang from telling us how much (not much, maybe chop money) he was worth prior to the coronation of his father so that we may apologize for insinuating robbery as the source of his wealth. Is anyone out there who still does not know what happen to real and true businessmen in Nigeria? Everyone I am sure is familiar with what genuine business people go through in the kaikai country, enough can never be said. Instead of an upward progression true business people fall flat, they suffer due to the concurrent prohibition of basic and needed commodities especially without due process of public hearing and reasonable notice. All the Nigerian governments since 1975 have with wanton arrogance interfered with commerce to the disadvantage of honest and assiduous traders. Let me tell ya about two of my uncles. In the 70s they both thrived in their respective businesses, one, a reputable tailor trained by a German educated mentor in that vocation and the other an Agip oil company contractor. Both busted their rear to ensure the success of their endeavors. The one in tailoring had an impressive shop and in addition to that, a van he bought (N4,000) new from the dealer, I was with him. The contracting uncle had two automobiles, a Peugeot 504 saloon and a 404 pick-up all new from the shop. Don’t ask me about them today for they are struggling, my eyes are in fact misty right now. To think of them destroys me, fellas and I do think about them a lot.
In my hometown for instance, many hardworking and sincere businessmen have died but one particularly stood out. This man whose philanthropy affected all and sundry was in the 70s a success story also, he had it all; a duplex in Surulere, a Mercedes 280S, a Range Rover, 505 Peugeot and vans for his different and various conglomerates. On every visit to Houston, Texas, in the very early eighties he reached out usually in benevolence with cash gifts to our struggling Assembly. Sometimes he even brought local arts from Nigeria for everyone; that is how kind he was. You cannot believe this man died destitute thanks to the greedy wicked Arabian governments of Nigeria that our neighbors in the west support, why, I don’t know. There is no way this piece will be complete without the mention of a maternal uncle who also is in despair today in the same Nigeria. He too is very honest, kind and unassuming without the normal Nigerian “bigmanism.” During his heydays, the only way you could associate him with richness is his clothing or cars otherwise he was as simple like every other man in the neighborhood. In the mid 70s he was into clearing and forwarding, coming to late 70s, he transmuted to importation and did well with two trendy vehicles, a Mitsubishi Gallant (almost mine) and a Toyota Cressida coupled with a story building in the village and one or two in Aba. But again due to the maddening ban on everything the Igbo are involved in, he too succumbed to the life of poordom/poverty/hardship.
This particular uncle who was a victim of loveless relationship as he was a victim of the system cannot go blame free. I say this because much as I blame the freaking despots, I ascribe some blames to him also. He made what I regarded as unnecessary miscalculation for refusing to see the magic writings on the walls and bail from the one-way relationship he was involved in. He was prey to a pretty lady that was obviously out for gold digging, who took him to the cleaners. He lavished her senseless with monetary gifts, travels, visits to boutiques such as Unit One Unit Two on Itire Road, Surulere, Lagos. He in fact took over her tuition and upkeep at the university and even built a family house for her in Warri, but this alone could not have wrecked an established tycoon like him. Only the Nigerian government factor could have uprooted such a person and it did. Even though he hops danfo and stuff in stride today, but for his simplicity and strength in not letting the setback affect his psyche I still see him with reverence. These among many other things are responsible for the emotional trauma I often go through and the reason I see Nigeria from a combative side. Each time I think about my loved ones in that back pedaling hellhole it gives me the strength to push on to a victorious end. One’s present locale ought not becloud his sense of right and wrong. Despite the present democratic freedom most of you enjoy in your respective adopted countries everyone must be forthcoming to tackle the deep seated hydra-monster there.
As you know, a gist cannot be complete without digression, it has to be allegoric for preferred effect; I never restrict myself when I write. The allegory may or may not connect the main character(s) but usually it does. It never should be about one topic that may bore people, consequentially, it has to be diced a little with other tidbits to get the desired aroma. Anything that comes to mind is put out there and why not. In a Joint/Beer Parlor – House of Assembly for example, a debate could go from newsreel to social happenings to rumoring or even personal. It could also take a worst turn and become physical like when the Hausa senator slapped the living devil out of the female Yoruba senator, some like that. The fist fight is not exclusive to Nigeria as it happens in other back walking countries too like; China, Korea, Indonesia and lately Russia where legislators settle arguments/debates in a free-for-all fight, a somewhat come one come all. Incredible! Innocent parleys in Nigeria could normally go from how to dig that country out of the hole and take a sharp and ugly turn and end on a plot to order a Minister to deliver bribe money to their homes before a ministry’s budget is passed. For further expatiation, Honorable Haruna Yerima, the only person in the Legislative branch that deserves that appellation is a good source.
For civilians like me, a normal gist could go from, weather to job, maybe politics and definitely Terri Schiavo of Florida whose inhuman starvation to death came with the help of a lying husband so-called. Na waa! Therefore, in keeping with the tradition of taking a story out of course I ask; what is keeping Bamaiyi and company’s trial from concluding one way or the other after six donkey years? They should either be found guilty and officially imprisoned or cut loose to save the judiciary and the generality of Nigerians further mock their continued illegal detention is causing. Nigerian Judges have their necks up in corruption without a hint which as seen affects the process. There, you have judges and civil servants putting up some astronomical sums to buy properties that were built with the resources from a particular area yet Obasanjo does not give a rat ass damn where and how a Judge or civil servant acquired the offensive billions. Astonishing! In what other civil society has a Supreme Court Justice in Mohammed Uwais status been accused of venality? Please sit down, sit down please, no need for the ovation, thank you. How could these guys be on trial for that long without justice winding down? Is justice delayed still denied? I brought this up not as a fan of these men whose crime were abominable say the least, but to simply show how embarrassingly low that country sunk with excessive thievery under Gbenga’s father. No fooling around here his corruption fight is a mere rhetoric that is already forgone.
It will be very unwise for anyone to still question Obasanjo’s Christian values more so after sniplets of his being a true practicing “born again,” whatever that means, leaked. His history shows that he does unto others then tear/run takeoff at the speed of wind as a result no one should be left confused about his Christianity. It does not perturb him that the “do unto others” in the Holy Books comes with a different twist. Could it also be possible that he is suffering the agony of a father whose son was found wanting just about now? Is what is happening not a clear case of what monkey see, monkey do? The emperor’s acceptance of Gbenga as his son may have some to do with the latter’s mastery of the art of stealing. I know how a straight acting father would be feeling this moment, overwhelmed with shame and sadness but here pappy must be proud of son for keeping the family trade going. No DNA needed to confirm whether or not he is pappy’s boy, none since it is pappy that created the sustainable environment that ensures only crooked ones such as junior survives in Nigeria where kind, honest and real business people do not survive the unrelenting sortie by the government on their means of livelihoods. Let no one for now loose any sleep. Let them go ahead and buy the whole country numb with their stolen funds, but it’s only a matter of time before all that; Tin Can Islands, Refineries, 1004 Estates, Eric Moore and Alagbon Towers, NITELs, Ocean liners so on revert to the peoples’ custody. The revision of this open robbery will surely be at the nucleus of the next administration’s policy for the people to reacquire their looted properties when an authentic egalitarian order that will have human face is finally situated. The preceding statement is not to be argued after all this thing happen all the time in Nigeria where the incoming administration exerts its own pound of flesh in recrimination to even things out. Still Nigeria, do not forget that!
Legions of things about that country I hate that includes the introduction of new vocabulary in the way bandits do things. What exactly do they mean with their constant demand for a “soft landing” spot for a thieving colleague? This idea to me only encourage the thieves to steal on since a graceful exit will not deter the next thief in line to adjuware/retreat after all he too would receive a landing that is over cushioned to absolve the negative impact. The only alternative to the crazy padded landing these political robbers persistently seek is a hard crash that will usher in a better outcome. This anti-corruption war portends failure if it is continually carried out on the basis of who you don’t know. A stiff and unbiased policy of; you steal you pay should be instituted to divest these crooks from further assaulting our resources. The attempt to look the other way while his immediate and extended family members swim in corruption will definitely affect the integrity of his one-man crusade on corruption. Many people are already suspicious of it; it is no longer a whisper. The fight will have a far reaching effect and treated with reverence if certain people; Anenih, IBB, Gbenga, Stella, Abebes and more are not seen as untouchables. A complete investigation and prosecution of all is the only thing that would appease the populace since anything short will betray Obasanjo’s seriousness in his phantom fight.
Chief Fawehinmi to Obasanio; “Tell the world how many wives and children he has as well as their businesses and sources of wealth as well as those doing business with government.”
Any fool who accepts Gbenga’s business resume as legit must also admit that Mohammed and Abba Abacha and others were in this business of flagrant abuse of the system too before him therefore, the Lord President should follow the “primus interpres” maxim to show respect and stop his harassment of the Abachas. His son like Abacha’s sons may have all the cover and protection at the moment, only a matter of time before he too gets chained and dragged around. The fact that as their popularity dwindles with the passage of time so also is their eminent fate in the hands of the next junta should give Nigerians consolation. Their emperor couldn’t be thinking the Arab north would cut him some slacks if he mistakenly allows the dribbling Babangida to sneak back in. He better then think twice as the only savior I see in my crystal ball for him and his family is the use of good judgment to demarcate that country now. Fast, fast! I hope the pit-bull, Fani Kayode is alert and taking notes to what lie in wait should his oga snooze again as in 1979 when he erroneously passed the baton to the oblivious Shehu Shagari even when it was obvious Chief Awolowo was the man to beat. An act which saw Shagari handing over to Buhari who in turn handed the stool to Babangida who finally gave the mantle to Abacha who as we know put Obasanjo up for slaughter. With his unprecedented thirst for raw power, I believe now that he was in the scheme to topple Abacha in 1995. Obasanjo and his son should quit carrying on as if there is no tomorrow and follow good examples that are submerged in antiquity knowing there will come a disciplined and serious government that will as first thing, confiscate all ill gotten stuff together with disbursements of long prison terms. Having said this, our grammar police should end the abuse of the language by applying the underlined operative words on people who really are bandits. In this case, Gbenga is not a businessman, never have; he is rather if the allegation is true a newly discovered thief, robber, crook, bandit et cetera. |