50 years after Awolowo's release from prison, lesson for politicians in Nigeria by Olaniyi Abdulwaheed

The hero of all time, Chief Obafemi Awolowo of the old western region who was one of the political stalwarts, nationalists, fought the battle alongside other patriotic Nigerians to quench the thirst for the agitation of self-rule in Nigeria, was release from prison on 2nd of August, 1966 after he had been convicted of a crime in the court of law on 11th September, 1963 as a result of bizarre political occurrence which led to the heightening of tension in the old Western Nigeria.

The political gem might have been convicted at that time not just to make him experience the whip of the law but purposely to serve as a lesson for the subsequent generations in the political realm that Nigerian constitution is supreme and that every leader must lead by example. Before, during and after his life in prison, Awolowo had proved to be a true leader of which the whole world affirmed before he passed away. 

The hero, while in detention, addressed a letter to The Supreme Commander and Head of the Federal Military Government in Lagos on 28th March 1966 to tell the world that he was truly created to serve the nation, to embrace the peace and not to turn the country into pieces, though there might be mistakes by the leader.

In his epistle, Awolowo stated that: ‘in the course of my evidence during my trial, I stated that my Party favoured and was actively working for alliance with the N.C.N.C. as a means, among other things, of solving what I described as ‘the problem of Nigeria’, and strengthening the unity of the Federation.’

‘I must say, however, that in all conscience, I felt and still feel that a truly public-spirited person should accept public office not for what he can get for himself — such as the profit and glamour of office — but for the opportunity which it offers him of serving his people to the best of his ability, by promoting their welfare and happiness.’

Awolowo, the advocate of democracy, lived by his words, he embraced human development by making education free for all in which many Nigerians who succeeded him are in the ivory tower and they cannot deny the good legacy that he bequeathed. The legacy and ethics he left for people after him is still written in gold.

Many remember him till today. Politicians take him as their lord irrespective of their political affiliations, so they claim to live by his vision.

Sadly, Nigeria is being soaked in muddy stream of penury despite the fact that politicians always promise to reincarnate Awo’s dreams in their manifestoes. Since 1999 that Nigeria has become a democratic state, the country is being starved. The nation is drenched in chaos. While justice has worn knickers in the judicial system, we lost innocent lives every day and nothing has been done to stop the situation.

For instance, many Nigerians are being attacked almost every day by the suspected herdsmen but no step has been taken to halt it. Also, over 200 innocent Chibok girls who were abducted by Boko Haram since 2014 are yet to be rescued, ceaseless bombing by that terror group is still ejecting many lives in the North. Niger Dealta Avengers are vandalizing oil facilities in the south, killing the economy because they claim to be margibalised. Remember, Awolowo was convicted of a crime at that time for just being a politician whose party seemed to unleash tension in the old western Nigeria.  But the whole Nigeria is unrest now. Who is meant to be convicted?

Corruption has even planted a tree in the heart of the country, its seeds germinate in the minds of rogues. Many live from the looted funds, some irrigate greed in their pouch. Those who are being suspected for looting in the country today are looking for way out, trying to alter the constitution in order to get immunity while in power. If they were asked to describe Awolowo, you would be told that he was their mentor that they are following his footsteps. Where is the sign of following Awolowo’s footstep when the country is crunched? Where is their visions, sacrifices that has transformed Nigeria positively? They can only dream and develop the country on papers.

Surely, the country is known with problems. In case there is a remedy, political office holders must start checking their cupboards, refurnish their ambitions. Just like Awolowo, they must lead by example with no mindset of being selfish. They ought to focus more on human development and refine the dwindling economy of the country.