A famous Igala fable had it that there was once a king that owned a very loyal and dedicated slave. The king got so used to the slave that they became inseparable on the numerous journeys of the king outside his kingdom.
One day, the king was invited to a great feast by another king and he decided to as usual take along his loyal slave. But before the set out, the slave asked his master for a favour. That the king graciously dress him in royal attires as one of his courtiers. The king willingly obliged his slave and ordered that he be robed in one of the kingly regalia. But before the set out again, the slave made yet another request to the effect that when they arrive their destination for the feast, the king should please desist from referring to him as a slave until they returned home.
Again, the king obliged his loyal slave without hesitation but noting that it is he the slave that will reveal his true identity by himself. So the king and his slave and royal courtiers arrived at their destination with fanfare and much pageantry to the admiration of all.
They were soon ushered before their host where royal stools were arrayed glamorously for the August visitors. The visiting king took his seat with accompanying subordinate kings but as the courtiers retreated the elegantly dressed slave sat on the floor to the astonishment of their host. The host asked the visiting king why did his subordinate king decide to sit on the floor instead of sitting on the numerous royal stools that were arranged for visitors?
The visiting king answered his host, ‘don’t mind him please, that is how slaves behave.’ I use this analogy to respond to the hollow, self-indicting, timid and odious letter of protest issued by Kogi State Government in reaction to the decision by the US Government to place a visa ban to certain Nigerians that have constituted themselves into enemies of democracy and by extension, enemies of the Nigerian people. In manners consistent with international diplomacy and best practice, the US Government refused to reveal the identity of the affected Nigerians. This was to cover the affected individuals and save them from odium and perhaps give them ample opportunity to turn new leaves as time goes.
Now, although the US Government did mention that some Nigerians that were involved in the November 2019 gubernatorial elections are among the category of affected persons, the diplomatic statement also mentioned other category of Nigerians that are affected or could be affected. While most of the affected people kept mum perhaps in remorseful admission of their ignoble roles in elections in Nigeria, officials of Kogi State decided to engage the US Government directly in breach of established diplomatic norms.
As the Holy Book says, ‘the evil man runs when no one is pursuing him.’ Thus, Kogi State as presently constituted is clearly represents the architype of electoral fraud with attendant political intimidation and murder, executive conspiracy and judicial conspiracy at both State and National levels. Good thing is that the world is watching us and although they have remained silent, most of Nigeria’s enemies of democracy will soon and eventually go into social quarantine.
My advise to Governor Yahaya Bello is to champion a political rebirth in his camp and quit grandstanding because it won’t take him anywhere. As usual, a word is enough for the wise!
Usman Okai Austin
Writes from Abuja