Corruption creates a system whereby resources are shared by a small elite while the majority wallows in poverty. Corruption also undermines the ability of countries to finance development.
Ultimately, it is a legacy issue that was encapsulated in Nigeria’s old national anthem which challenged us to hand on to our children a banner without stain. Permit me to quote Mark Twain.
“It is easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled.”
At the National Liberal Club, at:
1 Whitehall Pl
London SW1A 2HE
which is within a stone throw of the Nigeria High Commission at:
9 Northumberland Avenue
London WC2N 5BX
President Muhammadu’s identical twin brother (a professor of surgery) launched his autobiography with elan – wine and cheese only. He did not invite the President of Nigeria. Rather, he lavished commendations on his devoted and loving wife Folasade as his own unique way of apologising for any shortcomings (if any):
- “When she finished with her studies, Folasade returned to Nigeria and started working with the University of Lagos as a librarian in 1972. She did well there but at a point in time, she felt her progress was being tampered by a lack of research and publications in journals even though she was working very hard and was productive. At that time, our children were young and she had very little time for research and publication which were requirements for academic staff at the University of Lagos.
In August, 2002, she became the first woman to be appointed the university’s registrar. She retired as registrar at the age of sixty two, after a rewarding career that spanned a total of thirty four years at the University of Lagos. I am very proud of her.
She truly excelled as a librarian because she took it upon herself to read every book under her custody in the university’s library.”
- “When I was away, Folasade took good care of our children. She was fantastically incredible.”
- “I am not sure there is anything more important than the family which God, in His kindness, brings into our lives.”
- “Marriage is about making adjustments and readjustments; it is a give and take relationship, a friendship. I remember some of our children used to say they wondered how the two of us could have pulled it off because of the differences in our characters, personalities and make ups.
Folasade can be both outgoing and reserved. I am a natural introvert. While she seems happiest in the company of very boisterous people, I will likely participate superficially in such a clime. That is how different we are but with the right kind of adjustments, we have been able to live well together. I believe that a critical key for success in marriage is how best you can adjust to different circumstances and personal dispositions.”
- “Saudi Arabia, however, introduced another dimension to our family affairs since it meant leaving my wife alone with the children in Nigeria. Deep down me, I didn’t feel too good about it but I knew my wife was competent and capable of coping with the modification of status quo. Being cognizant of our situation, I appreciated that the circumstances would not be unduly strenuous on her. The children’s school was on the university campus where we lived. Folasade’s office was on the spot, I had relatives around, my mother lived less than a mile away from us and I also planned to come home at intervals.”
The author did not omit to pay a most heart-warming tribute to his benefactor:
“In Alhaji Lateef Jakande (Governor of Lagos State) I saw signs of a visionary; a man who had his grip on the state; a dreamer, yet a pragmatist.
That he considered appointing me when I was competing against two Muslims with equally impressive track records, said a lot about how liberal he was despite being rumoured to possess a tendency to favour only Muslims like himself. He must have seen something in me and was determined not to allow religion becloud his judgement.”
He offered no apologies for not inviting his twin brother. Neither did he apologise for spilling the beans:
- “University education is not and cannot be cheap. It cannot be free except you are on scholarship. But we need to get the society involved in university education because government alone cannot sponsor it. I don’t believe in cheap university education. We have to pay well qualified teachers, not incompetent ones who are not devoted and who do not take the job seriously. There is no free lunch. Quality education is expensive and the money has to come from somewhere. A country that takes education of its children seriously and looks after its teachers will produce well educated children and consequently well-educated citizens. It is the best antidote for corruption.”
- “Folasade and I introduced each other to our parents and even though we had not talked about marriage, it was clear to most observers who were close to us that we might be heading in that direction. When we started out, I was qualified and working as a medical doctor while she was eight years younger and still in higher school. Many people wondered at our age difference and some expressed it aloud. They thought I was unserious considering how many more years she still needed to study in a university. But their insinuation was wrong. Folasade was good looking, God fearing, intelligent, from a fine family, someone I could influence in a positive way and perhaps most importantly, she seemed absolutely certain we were meant to be together. I thought she was perfect for me, so I took things seriously.”
- “I had a most memorable bachelor’s eve with Fela Ransome-Kuti who played well into the night! Fela was like a younger brother to us back then and many people do not realize how highly disciplined he was as a musician. His practice sessions were intense and his work ethics were amazing. People thought he was casual and merely sang for the sake of it. On the contrary, Fela was a committed, well trained musician and over the decades, his output reflected it.”
- “Folasade’s uncle, the iconic educator and social critic, Tai Solarin was present and he made his presence felt particularly at the reception at the Island Club, Lagos by dancing on to the stage.”
- “Music is such an important part of my life that whenever I am bothered or excited, I get on the piano or pick up my book of poems, and I promptly find calm and serenity.”
Before the evening was over, the author paid well deserved tributes to Ayo Bankole; Professor Ade Elebute; Professor J.T.K. Duncan; Otunba Subomi Balogun; late A.K. Amu; late Emmanuel Ifejiana; and a host of others.
Throughout the event the music of the King of Afrobeat, FelaAnikulapo-Kuti played in the background. Suddenly, it was time for the national anthem. Nigeria’s acting High Commissioner in London insisted on relaying a special 80th Birthday message from the President to his identical twin brother:
“Eighty years is for the strong.
Ninety years is for the stubborn.
I have no apologies to make to
those who accuse me of being stubborn.”
As we made our exit, the club gave us free copies of “Business Day” newspaper Tuesday 17th May 2016 which carried on its front page a beaming Mrs. Olajumoke Oduwole, Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Trade and Investment. According to the story on its back page, Olajumoke is the daughter of Professor and Mrs. Folabi Olumide.
J.K. Randle
