In the words of Franz Fanon, “Any leader that is wrapped in himself will surely make a small package.” This profound saying captures the lives of most leaders that Africa, nay, Nigeria, have paraded for decades. The resultant effect of this is that most countries who have had the misfortune of coming under the stranglehold of these “rulers touted as leaders” have tales of misery and grim deprivations to tell, while their overlords relish in suffocating abundance. Suffice it to say that it will only take a little time for these leaders to know that what would actually determine their inimitable presence in the hearts of the people, especially after office, is the extent to which they impacted their lives while they had the opportunity of service.
The unfolding case of ailing Nelson Mandela, avant garde of the liberation of South African blacks and the country’s past president, calls for some reflections. The story that the patriarch is hospitalised for an ailment accentuated by old age in a South African hospital is not really the news, but the reported unparalleled emotional support and prayers he has been receiving on his sickbed from South Africans who do not wish the departure of the great leader any time soon.
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To all intents, it appeared to be another pay day for the anti-racist warlord as the people demonstrated their love and appreciation to him even in these his dying days. The nation appeared to have risen in unison to wish that Mandela regains his strength again. Whilst as a practicing Christian one may be quick to remit the power to kill and to make alive to the almighty God, the South African people have proved a point to the whole world and especially those who parade themselves as leaders that whatsoever you sow to the people, you will reap it definitely in your lifetime.
It is amazing that on this same continent of Africa, we have witnessed some citizens celebrating with frenzy the untimely exit of many unpopular or selfish leaders, even when situation that led to their death or ailment was pitiable. The lesson to all from the Mandela’s situation is that love is reciprocal and that the law of retribution is still extant. I wonder if any leader in our country Nigeria, whether living or dead, would attract such emotional support from a good number of Nigerians. Rather, to the people it will be a case of good riddance to another bad rubbish.
My take is that love is not constrained by geography. In whatever clime that it is sown, it has the character and capacity of giving the same result. For Madiba, I join the teeming South Africans to wish him quick recovery, if this sickness is not unto death; and if it is, the day has already shown what the night will look like after his final exit. After all, to live in the hearts of those that love you is actually not to die!
Adaramola is chairman, Ogun State chapter of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.
