Even as their supporters are mindlessly attacking one another we are likely to see similar pictures soon of GEJ at the Emir’s Palace in Kano or, more likely, of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi in Aso Villa, laughing and letting bygones be bygones.
Like all traditional rulers, an Emir needs government patronage (especially the President’s) in order to keep up the impression of associative power and potent prestige. And like all politicians a President needs to be seen as friendly with traditional rulers (especially with Emirs in hierarchical Nigerian North) to keep up the impression of being a man of the people in all corners of Nigeria.
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi is never going to be President of Nigeria. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is never going to be Emir of any portion of Nigerian North. There was a time when their interests conflicted at CBN vs The Presidency crossroads of national earnings, federal allocations and spending power. Not anymore. There are ways to win Kano with or without an Emir’s support although palace support makes things easier. Traditional leaders rely on government to pay staff, maintain palaces and assure national profile. The symbiosis of politicians and traditional rulers is more than symbolic.
GEJ and Sanusi Lamido Sanusi have every reason to make up with each other and they will do so swiftly and quietly — through intermediaries — out of public view or debate. That is the circle of life! It’s happened many times before!! It will happen again!!!
For the rich, the educated, the powerful and the politicians their operating and survivalist philosophy is that there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies — only the permanent interest of staying relevant through present power and continuing connection into foreseeable future.
Sadly, the poor, the illiterate and mindless follow-followers have no operating philosophy except the lap-dog mentality of violently arguing/fighting/even killing co-travellers in poverty and illiteracy in the misguided belief that they are defending the honour of men who will never know their names.
Perhaps believing that they are defending the honour and lives of the rich and powerful provides poor people with the distraction to forget how utterly miserable their own lives are. But it is NOT too late. Even an illiterate person needs to eat and can learn the value of taking care of themselves first.
Nigerians! Worry about whether or not you can feed your family — and how!
Leave Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and GEJ alone. Life’s circumstances have already taken care of them!
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