Saturday, July 16, 2016 11:36 pm
By Wale Okediran
We’ve all heard the maxim: To avoid arguments “don’t discuss politics or religion.” But take a closer look at that maxim and ask your-self if it is possible to avoid religion and politics in our contemporary discourse. Apart from the two themes being very central to the life of any nation, public debate is essential in a democracy. Without it, truth doesn’t rise to the top.
This was the debate that went through my mind on that auspicious day many years ago when I received an invitation from Chief Ojo Maduekwe, the then Special Adviser President Obasanjo on Legal and Constitutional Matters for “an evening of coffee”.
The reason for the invitation from the late Ex-Minister of Culture and Tourism, Ex-Minister of Transport and Ex-bicycle buff, Ex Special Adviser, Ex Minister of Foreign Affairs and Ex Ambassador to Canada was my piece ABUJA AND OTHER ILLUSIONS (the Guardian November 25, 2003). In that piece I had among other things pointed out the difficulties of being a Federal Legislator in a climate of poverty and ignorance. I also mentioned the several misconceptions people have about Abuja and those in power especially as it relates to corruption, which I concluded is not limited to politicians but also firmly entrenched in the civil service system. Also worrisome is the frequent friction between the legislative and executive arms of government, which I considered unhealthy for our democracy.
I concluded by insisting that some of the excesses and expectations of the electorate have contributed in no small measure to the corruption of the political class. In his response to the article, Chief Maduekwe had agreed with my postulations. As he put it, “What came out of your excellent article was an inspiring and robust vindication of why sensitive, sensible, cerebral members of the elite like you are needed to make a major intervention in the political space through quality participation”.
My interaction with OjoMadukwe dates back to the time of his tenure as the Minister of Culture and Tourism. In my position as the then General Secretary of the Association Of Nigerian Authors and later National President, we had met at many local and international events from where I had taken a liken to his candid and progressive positions on many issues. And while his attempt to popularize the use of bicycles during his tenure as the Transport Minister was seen as melodramatic by many, I had admired his innovative skill despite the lack of support from his colleagues in government.
As we later discussed over breakfast in his Abuja, Aso Drive residence, that January morning, the ex-minister expressed his desire to put his experiences as a politician on paper so that the public can know that it is not everybody that goes into public office went there to steal but to uplift the country.
Maduekwe recounted how his people were disappointed that as a two-term minister, rather than build a mansion, all he could afford was a small bungalow in his village. They were equally angry with him when they discovered that his accommodation in Abuja at that time was a rented apartment. As he put it, “your people will believe that you are either mad or a liar if you tell them that you want to live above board while in government. To them, as a public officer, you are an investment which should bring dividends of office”
Just like Aldous Huxley, Maduekwe believed that once you decide to play politics by being straight, you must be ready to be a lonely man. He recounted his experiences at one presidential retreat under former President Obasanjowhen to the consternation of his colleagues he had said that from his experience as a former minister resistance will come from some senior government officialswho may not be happy with the President’s fight for transparency and accountability while in office.
Maduekwe was also very bitter with the church, which he accused of being collaborators in the game of “cash and carry politics”. He observed that as long as you give fat donations to your church you’ll remain in their good books. However if your tithes and offerings don’t measure up to much, the church will complain of having wasted their prayers on you. He believes therefore that if we really want to change the nation we have to begin with the church.
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