Have you noticed
that whenever we suffer the consequences of our self-inflicted woes,
there is always a woman to lay the blames on? I know that it is not new
to externalise the blame for our inadequacies, but I am beginning to
find this irresponsible strategy annoying.

Come to think of
it, the norm is to hold a family member (especially older female), a
‘jealous’ neighbour or colleague; or even total strangers, responsible
for our setbacks, without analysing our role in the perceived
misfortune.

As with many
circumstances where life does not treat a man as kindly as he would
have wanted, it is always a woman that is responsible. For instance, if
a child behaves in an unacceptable way, the mother is to blame. If a
man does not conform to family expectations and decides to stay away
from the village for longer than ‘usual’, it definitely is the wife’s
doing. Of course, if the President of Nigeria (who is a man), refuses
to tread the path of morality and honour by notifying the nation of his
inability to perform his functions, in accordance with the provisions
of the Constitution, of course, it could only be his beloved wife,
Turai that is behind this refusal and flagrant disregard for the rule
of law which he espouses and claims to represent! There is a public
outcry and outrage over what have been considered the ‘sins’ of Turai
Yar’Adua since November last year. As for me, I am still trying to
figure out where the poor woman has erred. I have been asking a
question ever since this drama started but no one has given me a
satisfactory response yet. So, I am asking again on this page. Who is
Turai to hold Nigeria hostage?

I have heard that I
may not understand the situation because I am not a politician (yet?).
I have also been told about the power of women – they can do and undo –
as if I no longer belong to that group. So I ask, where then is the
power of the people? We have our representatives at national, state and
local government levels. There are also members of the executive
councils at those three levels. If my memory serves me right, these
groups of people all swore to uphold the Constitution of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria, and not the understanding of the ruling party.

Therefore, the allegiance of these public officers should be to those that the Constitution seeks to protect – you and I.

Finding scapegoats

From what we all
know, whoever is wearing the title of President, whether in substantive
or acting capacity, is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
However, the authority of the Acting President was subverted last week
when troops were deployed to lend force to the charade without the
knowledge of our acting president (I agree that Mr. Jonathan is trying
a little too hard not to appear he is power-hungry). You all know who
got the credit for that coup-like act? Turai. Why should an un-elected
female get the knocks when elected citizens are not performing their
roles?

I may be ignorant of why Nigeria functions upside down, but I sure know what democracy means in its entirety.

Let’s own up to our lapses and stop looking for a scapegoat.