Obasanjo and Atiku Reunion, A Lesson To Ebira Politicians

The recent reunion of the duo of the former president Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and his estranged vice-president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is a welcome development no matter what people say. It is good for our nascent democracy and the country as whole. The era of political bitterness should be dispensed with. This is part of what the two elder statesmen have set out to achieve. Other politicians across the land separated by political differences should emulate the two elder statesmen to allow for genuine reconciliation.
Politics should not be played with the usual hatred that has characterized the political arena all these years. It is not a do-or-die affair. Tolerance and should be encouraged in our polity. The simple fact that one has a political disagreement with another is not enough reason to be enemies forever.
One must commend the former vice president for succumbing to pressure to sheathe the sword to allow for reconciliation between him and his former boss. Considering the enormous vilification meted out to Atiku by the former and the humiliation that suffered, it takes only a man with large heart to forgive and forget so soon. Alhaji Atiku shunned various efforts to reconcile him and Obasanjo in the past. It’s understandable. But one cannot continue to hold malice till Armageddon. It won’t do anyone any good.
It would be recalled that in the first republic, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola on one hand and Chief Adegoke Adelabu on the other had pathological hatred for each other because of their political differences. Their differences were never resolved till they all departed this sinful world. The seed of discord and hatred among their loyalists exist till date. If these leaders had allowed for genuine reconciliation, the story would have been different from what obtains today. Nelson Mandela allowed true reconciliation between him and his tormentors that put him behind bars for close to three decades. If he had done otherwise, South Africa might not have been what it is today.

When General Ibrahim Babangida overthrew the government of General Muhammadu Buhari in a palace coup, their once robust relationship turned sour. Buhari and his deputy, the late Brigadier Tunde Idiagbon were put behind bars by Babangida thus putting to an end the honeymoon that had existed for years. Reconciliation was thought to be impossible. But we are all living witnesses to the efforts by Orji Uzor Kalu effort in reconciling Buhari and Babangida. Buhari received commendations for accepting to forget the betrayal of his one time confidant.
Atiku and Obasanjo’s romance should be seen in the light of national interest. Even if Atiku decides to move to PDP as being speculated, he has his right to decide what he thinks is good for him. As long as his action is not against all known laws of the land, the Turakin Adamawa should be allowed to enjoy his peace.
Therefore, I used this opportunity to appeal to our politicians in our great land (Ebiraland) to shun hatred and be a brother’s keeper, which will benefit our land and people.
No matter which clan you belong to, we are all brothers and sisters.
May Almighty God bless us and our land in Abundance (Ameen).
Suleiman Abdulmumin writes from Abuja
Tel: 08075760411 e-mail: suleimaneo@yahoo.co.uk