Political Odyssey of Chief Madu Ndigba(a belief in totems by an African leader} An Allegory Part 13

After exchange of pleasantries, Chief Ndigba introduced himself as having come from the same region as Azikiwe. This introduction elicited the attention of Madiba who then probed further to know other things. At the end
Of his remarks, Chief Madu Ndigba observed that the Madiba was a simple man, full of wisdom and was still keen on good government. It is for this reason that he led the commonwealthleaders in Auckland, to call for expulsion of Nigeria from the Commonwealth, on account of the extra judiciary killing of Kenserowiwa by General Abacha. During the conversation Madiba must have stressed the need to quit when the ovation was loudest. He had become a living example of the advocates for ‘ Madiba option’.

Madiba option is a political lexicon which enables one to quit or vacate political position as when due. Ironically Chief Ndigba was perplexed by the concept of this principle having come from a country where some of her Heads of State stuck to power. It is pertinent at this point to recall how ‘the sit tight syndrome’ of Africa Leaders has affected Nigeria. But first, we note that late Hasting Banda of Malawi made himself life President. Felix Houphet Boigny ruled for thirty-three years, President Eyadema of Togo was president for over thirty years. Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia ruled for over twenty years. President Museveni of Uganda became President of Uganda in 1986. He has successfully changed the constitution in order to allow him to carry on.

President Omar Albert-Bernard Bongo of Gabon has been in power for an incredible over 38 years. In 2003, he changed the constitution of his country to allow him contest as many times as he pleases. By the time of writing he has just been re-elected for another seven-year term. In Burkina Faso, Blaise Campaore who seized power in a military camp, became president since 1987, now wants to remain in power indefinitely. He is allowed to serve another term. President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt has been in power since 1981.Col. Gadaffi has ruled Libya since 1969. In Cameroon, Paul Biya has been in power since 1982.In 2008,Mwai Kibaki’s insistence to rule Kenya by rigging the election for another term led to bloody unrest and civil insurrection. Dr.Robert Mugabi in our view has not been associated with any totem culture, but his long rule since independence of Zimbabwe was the most tragic in Africa as 5milion people were displaced and inflation rose to 11 million percent, thereby reducing a country that had been a ‘breadbasket’ to a beggarly nation.


In Nigeria, we had General Yakubu Gowon who postponed return to civilian rule twice until he was overthrown. Military President General Babangida continued his dictatorial rule until he was compelled to step aside. General Abacha had wanted to transform into life President until there was divine intervention which terminated his rule. Only General Obasanjo voluntarily handed over power in 1979 to President Shehu Shagari. However, recent revelations by his erstwhile right -hand man T.Y. Danjuma have raised doubts as to whether he actually handed over power voluntarily or was pushed out by hawks within the military . His aborted attempt to seek third term baffled political observers and confounded many Nigerians. General Abubakar saw no reason in elongating his stay as was necessary, in spite of pressures and gimmicks from even the judiciary, as prominent judges are known to have argued ferociously on the need for this extension. In support of the foregoing, former Chief of General Staff, Admiral Mike Akhigbe, in a press interview reported by the Sun on September 30, 2006, maintained that at a point in the tenure of General Abdul salami Ababakar’s regime when they decided it was time to go, they didn’t want to be prodded by Nigerians, as they set the process of civil rule. In this regard, three steps were noted. “Firstly, we had to agree that we would never want to sit down to spread among ourselves or appear as if we have come to struggle for position again; or to share positions.

Two, we should not arrogate to ourselves as if we are the only Nigerians who can run Nigeria. Three, we must in the shortest possible time, quicken the process of democratization. Therefore, we set our target January 3, 1999 on when to leave. Even when former Vice President Ekwueme, Chief Solomon Lar, Prof. Jerry Gana, Dr. Iyorcha Ayu came to see us; because of the experience they have had, it was more or less as if they were begging us as if we were foreigners. They said, ‘we want you to do so but we would allow you to stay for about 18 months’. Some of us said no ‘don’t beg us, because we are also Nigerians. We know how you feel. We would leave within nine months, just go and put your house in order. Go and put yourselves together and get a good candidate.” Thereafter, there was a consensus that General Obasanjo be released and pardoned. Thus, there was a clear indication by General Abdul salami Abubakar not to elongate the military dictatorship any longer. We know that even in General Obasanjo’s first term, the Madiba option, was employed in the political lexicon, when, it was argued that Chief Obasanjo should bow out like Madiba. Little wonder, therefore, that the Chief was shocked and perplexed that Madiba stressed the importance of Madiba option. He was greatly disappointed. This unexpected lesson would surely influence his political career in due course. In all, Madiba option is not a necessary tool for political ascent in Nigeria. To Chief Ndigba the totem option still has enormous attraction.

The visitor posed other questions on how Madiba ruled South Africa. Madiba recognized the need for budgeting. He was told that for annual budget to be effective as to yield dividends to the people, the budget must be passed at beginning of every financial year by parliament.

What of the need to change any part of the Constitution? asked Chief Ndigba. “O Yes, we do anticipate that because the new Constitution is aimed at reconciling and uniting all citizens,” replied Madiba. “However, he continued, the ANC has no power per se to tinker with the Constitution. It must have to pass through due process.”

Confirming the above assertion, President Thabo Mbeki once demonstrated that one cannot attribute this odd behaviour of sit-tight syndrome to the black race because one of the allies of ANC partnership, SACONF had proposed third term for President Mbeki. Most importantly President Thabo Mbeki, addressed the National Parliament on early February 2006, noted that he would not seek a third term after 2009. Speaking in a British Broadcasting Corporation programme, President Mbeki emphasized that he would not allow the allure of office and filthy lucre, push him to do the unlawful, immoral and indefensible.

The South Africa leader declared: “The ruling ANC would not use its two-third parliament majority to change the constitution to allow a third presidential term.” In a tone that left no room for boot lickers to threaten the health of the Polity of South Africa, with their dangerous gambit, Mbeki said. “By the end of 2009, I would think after 15 years, I should step down, in any case.” He maintained this stance when he resigned on september21, 2008 as the president of South Africa. Even though he is reported to have lobbied Gen. Babagida, Gen. Abubakar and some prominent PDP governors in Nigeria to allow Gen. Obasanjo to run for second term, he never supported Obasanjo’s third term.His respect for the rule of law and his careful management of South African Affairs in a post Mandela era are noteworthy.

Chief Ndigba drew Madiba’s attention on ANC’s attitude to corruption. Madiba reminded him that his former wife, Winnie Mandela faced the wrath of the party when she was guilty of corruption.

On the call by COSATU, youth wing of the ANC for Zuma to be reinstated, Madiba warned by recalling a stormy cabinet statement, issued after popular grandstanding outside Durban court during Zuma’s trial. “We wish to caution against activists that have the effect of our country’s laws, undermining the work of security agencies, and denigrating the offices of institutions of our democracy, including the Presidency.”Madiba had stood his grounds in defence of democracy.The fact of Jacob Zuma becoming ANC leader in2008 is another kettle of fish.


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