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What happened between the FCT Minister and a Naval officer at Plot 1946 in the Gaduwa District of Abuja was a scary standoff that could’ve gone sideways.
The Minister said he had spoken to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff about the land, so why didn’t he walk away? Why engage in a verbal combat with the naval officer?
The officer rightly said he was under orders from his superiors. Since the Minister had spoken to the chiefs, why verbally abuse the naval officer?
You can see that I have more questions than answers because I was shocked to see a politician telling a naval officer that he is a fool. The exchange reminded me of Fela’s song, “Authority Stealing”, released in 1980. The chorus goes something like: “You be thief! I no be thief! You be robber! I no be robber!”
I had expected the Minister to avoid this standoff immediately after speaking with the chiefs and walk away. But I believe his ego was bruised and he couldn’t stand being challenged by someone he believed was beneath him. The Minister said; “As at the time I graduated, you were still in primary school.” And so what?
While applauding the professionalism and calm of the officer, it is important to note that matters related to land are not typically settled in this manner. The principal actors should reflect on this incident and do better.
If you are looking for what is wrong with authority and power in our country, you just witnessed what happens when an irresistible force meets an immovable object.
We wait for the Minister’s media session for this month and echos of, “No no no, don’t tell me that. Wait…wait”.
#TheMBN..
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