Governor Fashola’s apology As the summer of 2013 was coming to a close, Governor Babatunde Fashola was accused by his Anambra State counterpart, Peter Obi, of “deporting” Nigerians of Igbo extraction back to their native Anambra. At the time the alleged “deportation” occurred, Obi did not see it fit to contact and lodge complaints with Fashola — but he instead petitioned President Goodluck Jonathan. Why he did what he did without first reaching out to the Lagos State governor remains a mystery. Through it all, many level-headed and well-meaning individuals gently and intelligently debated the legal and non-legal ramifications of what happened. On the other spectrum were several weeks of accusations and counter-accusations by political profiteers, ethnic-baiters, and primordial sentimentalists. Whether one knows it or not, internal “deportations” are not new in Nigeria or in any other country. And whether one likes it or not, such actions are sometimes politically, economically and socially necessary. In this instance however, Fashola insisted that what his government did was rehabilitation, and not “deportation”. At the height of the verbal brawl, he provided official documents to support his position. Curiously, Obi did not and has yet to publicly address the matter. Except perhaps for the history text and as a teaching and learning moment, the time to put the matter to rest has come. To the credit of the Ndigbo, they seem to have moved past the matter. They seem to have come to the conclusion that whatever Fashola did – rehabilitation or “deportation” – was not done out of spite. After all, this is a governor that has, in their view, over the years, shown that he is more pro-Igbo than many non-Igbo. Those who know him will tell you that there is not an iota of hate or malice or suspicion in this man. We are not talking about an ethnic bigot here. If you don’t know Fashola, then, you most likely don’t know what it means for a politician to be kind and sensitive and considerate. Even outside of the political arena, Fashola is considered by friends and foes as a different breed of Nigerian. You need not take my word for it. Ask! Ask around. Ask those he has worked for and worked with. Ask his political opponents and ask his friends. Yes, as the Governor of Lagos State, a few of his policies may have been controversial and biting. The fact is that he has to make and take decisions that may not please everyone. Leadership, after all, is not a popularity contest. It is about making the tough but right decisions. It is about the welfare and wellbeing of the people. And so when you look at the “deportation/rehabilitation” debate, you must look at the big picture. And the picture is clear: his government took a decision that was not intended – never intended — to dehumanise, to debase, or to hurt fellow Nigerians. It may have turned out that way; but really, that was not the intention. It is in realisation of this misconception – and the pain and anguish it must have on the individuals involved that he offered an apology. But of course, the apology was not just for the pained and the aggrieved individuals; it was also for their families and for Ndigbo. According to Fashola, “there were people who did not clearly understand me and they have misunderstood words said or misrepresented actions taken in the way that it has pleased them to do…If those people have misunderstood me or they have misunderstood actions taken by our government, here, now and today, I offer an unqualified and unreserved apology.” This is a man who places a high premium on the relationship he has with the Igbo. This is a man who has, in many ways and in many instances, helped to advance the Igbo cause. Insofar as the deportation-rehabilitation matter is concerned, Fashola has apologised and asked for forgiveness. The Igbo must look favourably towards him and take him at his words. As a majority Christian people, they must remember what the Bible tells us about forgiveness and redemption. Ndigbo must accord him this right. We also have a good number of Igbo who are Muslims. You cannot be a good Muslim if you do not forgive. Good Muslims know that forgiveness, compassion, and tolerance are a central part of Islam and obedience to Allah. No one – and I mean no one – should play politics with or take lightly, Fashola’s apology. Who is afraid of him, and why? On Obama and Iran… Beginning in the 19th Century when Tehran was mistrustful of Britain and other hegemons, the United States and Iran began a warm relationship. Unfortunately, the relationship suffered a severe drawback after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. In the intervening years, the relationship became one of the coldest and harshest the world has ever known. At one fell swoop however, everything changed: President Barack Obama called the new Iranian president, Hassan Rouhani, as he was departing New York after the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly meeting.To President Obama, therefore, we say Kudos! This is great news for the world and especially for the Middle East. And most of all, this is great news for all those who believe in peace and diplomacy and common sense. This move says a lot about President Obama, i.e. that he is a leader. Leaders make both difficult and complicated decisions, and this is indeed one of the most difficult choices to make especially when you consider the history of both countries. We do not think that the US or Israel should worry about Iran’s nuclear ambition. Again and again, Tehran has stated its priority. We believe her. As many observers of international affairs suspect, the next couple of weeks and months and years will be difficult. Nonetheless, we hope that this will be the beginning – a new beginning in finding a lasting solution to events in Syria and Lebanon and elsewhere in the Middle East. It is especially hoped that this new rapprochement will be used to further Israel’s security, and the birth of a Palestinian State. One of the gravest injustices of the 20th and 21 centuries is denying the Palestinians an independent state. The time is now
Posted on: Wed, 02 Oct 2013 08:42:11 +0000