Stifled archives. I once heard a radio commentary on old soldier from a radio station in Benin city. I was interested in learning a little more about him. I was soon disappointed with what I heard. Hails from Daura in Katsina state, no birth date and educational status. This heightened my curiosity. What of his academic history; nothing said. From his home they moved on to his military career as head of state without mention of overthrowing a democratically elected government. I was still at a loss, if he was uneducated, at least he must have attended some military academies. Please if some one has information on his educational background, information urgently desired. Except it is also a top secret document. They exposed extensively the anti corruption stance of old soldier and a good job at it they did. No mention was made of the coup détat of 31st December 1983 and the motive which resulted in invasion of the senate and destruction of the white paper on the biggest corruption scandal in Nigeria with monies found in old soldiers bank account in United kingdom. That seemed to be the last traceable foreign bank account deatails of old soldier till date. They also dwelled on the fact that he is the only former leader who has no foreign account. The reasons are too obvious. On the accusation of religious intolerance or bigotry, the editorial reads that he has a cook and a driver who are Christians. The lie that one of his daughters is married to a certain Anambra born retired military officer was not part of this editorial for which i was glad. My logic is this, does having domestic christian servants signify religious bigotry but the contrary. If the Chibok girls who were kidnapped and sold to slavery and forced marriage were Christians, what is the difference of these actions. Neocolonialists always have these minorities or perceived conquered population as servants; spoils of conquest. Its even a despicable act that should not be publicized. Old soldier has come a long way. There are information gaps and several need to know bits about him. My biggest challenge is that history has been stifled by recurrent military and quasi-military leaderships. It may surprise us to know that freedom of expression is in evolution in Nigeria. History is gradually being written not just the exclusive preserve of some. Democracy is giving access to previously restricted areas. It will be insulting for an editorial to be so scanty for a septuagenarian old soldier and military junta head. The archives are now open, information can no longer be stifled.
Posted on: Mon, 22 Dec 2014 10:49:14 +0000
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