Truth Is Bitter Series (Ep 14)
Short satirical reflections on faith, society and the uncomfortable truths we avoid. First published in the Rabi’ul-Awwal/Rabi’ul-Thaani 1437 AH (2016) print edition of The PEACE Magazine.
By Abdulfattah Abdussalam
The Nigerian Army and El-Zakzaky
The latest confrontation of El-Zakzaky members and the treatment it got from the Nigerian Army presents a different dimension to close watchers of the Shia community in Nigeria. To some the activity of the group was tolerated for too much of a time and for few others, it was high handiness on the Army. Before we take side can one imagine what would have happened if the unruly conduct of the group had claimed the life of the No 1 Army Chief? Such could have given the country’s security apparatus a bad name. The film clip, whether doctored or not, clearly shows the harsh controversy of the Army Chief and the brazen El-Zakzaky members. Only Allah knows where the bravado comes from. They are lucky that democracy is deep rooted in the Army hierarchy, if not, it would have been bloodbath for them to confront a burning train of the military. Rather than crying wolf, the Shia, as represented by El-Zakzaky Should be made to understand that holding Islamic procession does not accord them disobedient dispositions. The issue goes beyond religious sentiments, it is common sense. Allah admonishes us to obey Him, the Prophets and our leaders. One day, they might even confront the motorcade of the President.
The Biafra Musketeers
The late, Chukuma Emeka Ojukwu, is more remembered in our chequered history as a man, that started the 30 months Civil war in Nigeria. In the cause of the war, millions of his Igbo community were killed, maimed and subjected to dreadful conditions which still haunt them in the Nigerian State. His ambition to have a Biafra country turned in to fiasco, despite his classy military training and extensive understanding of war tactics. Later, he became apostle of one of the maxim of Winston Churchill of Great Britain; it is better to Jaw-jaw than War-war. Today, some Musketeers in the name of many acronyms are deluding by wanting to have a Biafra enclave in 21 century Nigeria. It suggests, they are not trendy, in act of politics of self-determination. At any rate, most of the proponents were never alive when, we had the civil war. The Kanus, Uwa Zuruike and their likes, are not experienced in war tactics, politics, diplomacy, nor have the economic wizardry to champion a cause like having a Biafra state. It is a mirage and cacophonous that will not go beyond expression of thoughts.
Dansuki-Gate
When he went to Chatham house in London and tactically announced that the Nigeria General Elections might not hold as scheduled, many never believed he was that powerful. The election postponements many now understand, went beyond mere security matter but a more time to finish the distribution of money stashed in a corrupt vault under the care of Col. Sambo Dasuki rtd, the erstwhile National Security Adviser (NSA), in President Jonathan Ebele Goodluck administration. Like Earthquake, the revelation is devastating, but not surprising. The past administration reeks in corruption. The only concern is how can a ‘Muslim who supposed to know that he will account for his actions in the hereafter be involving to the extent that he gave 100 million naira for prayers and doled out billions to Tom Dick and Harry. The alleged 2.1 billion Naira for media and publicity to a media house left sour taste in the bud of many, when it’s a known fact that the particular media, have bad record in salary payments. The punishment of Allah is nearer than many thought, but doling out commensurate punishments to the culprits in the court of Law shall be a mark of real commitment to zero tolerance to corruption by President Muhammadu Buhari government. The total clean of Aegean stable must be the ultimate wish.
Editor’s Note: Truth Is Bitter is a weekly reflective and satirical column drawn from the “Front of the Book” pages of PEACE Magazine. It seeks to provoke introspection, not hostility; reform, not ridicule.
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