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Rimi and the Hypocrisy of Nigerian Elites By Kabiru Tsakuwa
“The Emir should know that the title of Sardauna has never ringed a bell in Kano for obvious historical reason. If he really wishes to impress me, let him resign voluntarily and crown Shekarau as the new Emir of Kano instead!!”
Late Maverick, fearless and charismatic Governor, Muhammad Abubakar Rimi,
The statement quoted above was recently made by the vintage former governor Muhammad Abubakar Rimi, the first civilian administrator of old Kano State and unarguably one of its very best; in reaction to the inauguration of the first Sardauna of Kano by his royal highness the Emir of Kano Alhaji (Dr) Ado Bayero C.F.R, O.B.E. It typifies his brutal frankness, mortal fearlessness and progressive leanings that are pleasantly acknowledged worldwide to warrant an attempt at humble repetition here. But I make bold to state without fear or contradiction that in the history of old, present and probably, future Kano; there can only be three state governors: the legendary governor Abdu Bako of blessed memory and father of Modern Kano; the consummate and redoubtable Rimi of Sumaila and many others.
Being one of the many direct beneficiaries of the late Rimi’s numerous foresights in many facet of life; I think such dispassionate eulogy is quite understandable and appropriate. What is however regrettable, unacceptable and at the same time lamentable are the cacophonies of positive tributes from pocket of reactionaries elements, notably the feudal oligarchy and their appendages among the military class; the civil service; the corrupt politicians and the highly compromised segment of the intelligentsia, who have worked tirelessly to scuttled his various attempts at securing the mandate of the people for the second time in 1983 and 1997 gubernatorial and presidential elections respectively, all in an attempt to secure a platform to enable him translate his many positive dreams into reality for the betterments of the Nigerian society.
Isn’t it hypocritical inundating the people now with tales about his colourful qualities and finer traits that many knew to be true but which was so much abhorred and disliked by the retrogressive elements who having held the country by the jugular since the attainment of self rule have only succeeded in entrenching despair, and aggravated insecurity in the land?
It is pathetic that late glamorous Governor Rimi has died with many of his positive dreams unfulfilled. But even in death, and regardless of whatever somebody might say, he remain forever popular, resourceful, principled, enigmatic and a hero of the conscientious proletariats as typified by the tumultuous crowd that freely and soberly graced his funeral. His cherish name shall therefore linger on gladly and towered above others especially his colleagues among fellow state governors and numerous Ex-this and Ex-that. And after doing everything humanly possible to frustrate and silence the man, I believe their current positive comments about the life and time of Abubakar Rimi is quite obnoxious and out of sync with reality!
The struggle for total freedom from neo-colonialism and internal subjugation is no doubt a difficult one. Because the forces that have been clogging the wheel of progress of this country are ever ready to maintain the status quo ante using every diabolical means in their arsenal. Today, they have succeeded in destroying industry among the people thus aggravating our misery, want, squalor and destitution. They have destroyed equal access to quality education and scholarship which is the bedrock for mass mobilization and social reengineering. Their selfishness has removed the bonds which hitherto united many deciphering entities into one single family. Access to qualitative life is now limited to themselves, their fellow travelers and all those who wish to partake and perpetuate injustice. Such sustained subjugation of the masses has therefore unfortunately given rise to mutual suspicion, and insecurity which unfortunately led to his eventual death and mass attrition among otherwise peaceful neighbours in the form of the recurring religious, ethnic and needless political conflagrations.
In a level playing field and given the appropriate atmosphere, the vast expanse of this country is so blessed with many finer gentlemen who have the will and panache and can deploy the recourses of the country for the common good of all. If those who held this country since independence are sincere; let them stop being unnecessarily obtrusive and stop sidelining the progressive elements in favour of robber stamps and the square pegs that can only play ball according to the dictates of their selfish interest and regardless of the dire consequences their forced imposition entails to the generality of the people. Let them promise to henceforth follow the path of honour by placing the country’s interest above self and desist from their well known negative tendencies which kept the country going in circle with the same people being recycled at local, state and federal level in perpetuity.
Let them if they are Honourable also practicalised what they are now sermonizing about good qualities of Alhaji Abubakar Rimi after his unfortunate demise, so that the country can rediscovered its potential as the most populous, and most endowed black nation on earth. And Let them for God sake allow Nigeria to occupy its rightful place in the comity of developed and promising nations.
Like his older and contemporary counterparts among the progressive elements in the country, Late Rimi died fighting gallantly many ills of the societies. And in so doing, he has played his own part actively and has achieved a lot within his eventful and well spent life span. His name shall therefore linger on in the cherish memory of the people as one of their true defenders, emancipators and champions from feudal subjugations and strong advocates for the enthronement of true democratic ideals. And despite his many foibles and failings, most of political escapades have not been in vain as the masses have learned very well how to say no to power and injustice!! May his soul rest in perfect peace, Amin. |