Sylvester Asoya
In 1956, John F. Kennedy, one of America’s greatest presidents wrote Profiles in Courage, a book that celebrates the exemplary bravery and integrity of some United States senators. Profiles in Courage eventually won a Pulitzer Prize in 1957, a no small feat.
It is instructive to note that Pulitzer, one of the highest honours in journalism and creative writing in the United States, was awarded to Kennedy, the senator who later became a president at a critical period in American history. JFK, as he is fondly called, was truly a man of brilliance and great courage. “Without belittling the courage with which men have died, we should not forget those acts of courage with which men have lived”, he once said. Many have described Profiles in Courage as a classic of political integrity, but nothing brings home, the issues in the book more than the undying words of Robert Kennedy, his younger brother who says in the foreword that: “This book is not just the stories of the past but a book of hope and confidence for the future. What happens to the country, to the world, depends on what we do with what others have left us”.
Frankly Speaking: Religion as weapon of distraction by presidential candidates
That era, and even now in the United States Congress, stands in sharp contrast to the Nigerian legislature today where thinking higher, and living the higher life in politics, have remained a mirage. Here in Nigeria, our lawmakers fight openly. They also ‘steal’ their symbol of authority (the mace), misappropriate resources, sleep during plenary and quarrel like children.
Nevertheless, all these do not in any way, deny the fact that a few of them stand out in their legislative duties, but they are in the minority.
The truth is, and many Nigerians hold the opinion, that presiding officers in Nigeria’s Senate and House of Representatives are generally manipulative, brash, condescending and authoritarian. Frequently, they deploy unparliamentary language and conduct, primarily for self and for political parties that are always quick to reward bad behaviour. A classic example of their supreme position shows when their colleagues, ordinary members, write them letters for one reason or the other. You will be shocked at the ingratiating tones of such letters by their equals who grovel before them (presiding officers) for privileges they are ordinarily entitled to. The situation and conduct of these ‘honourable’ men get worse when their deputies act in their absence. During such periods, they intimidate their colleagues and manipulate parliamentary procedure. Sometimes, their lack of knowledge and arrogance also become manifest in their conduct.
The question is: how did Nigeria’s parliament, once known for its vibrance and courage, become a chamber of intimidation where voices are muffled? The increasing uncontrolled authority of the National Assembly against itself is now a question of concern for many Nigerians who see a double standard of morality in its activities. In the United States for instance, Congressional Oversight is alive and kicking because legislators are ready and equipped to supervise, review and monitor federal agencies, including other arms of government. In Nigeria, the situation is completely different, and that is the challenge. It is squarely a question of character; and lack of honour remains central in the country’s never-ending problems.
So, what is wrong with Nigeria? Honestly, I am at a loss for words. How did we recruit these characters into one of the most important arms of government and still expect institutions to function according to democratic standards? As young persons during the Second Republic, we admired and enjoyed the healthy debates and engagements steered by Joseph Wayas and Edwin Ume-Ezeoke, president of the Senate and speaker, House of Representatives, respectively. They were indeed, honourable and outstanding parliamentarians who will always be remembered as forward-thinking presiding officers in Nigeria’s upper and lower chambers. And they left a mark and a lasting effect on the legislature and democracy.
Again, who, among Nigeria’s lawmakers today is writing award-wining books like Kennedy or providing direction to some of their country’s beleaguered youths? Yesterday, Richard Mammah, a friend and colleague I like to call Bookman, described Nigeria as a monarchy where supreme powers are in the hands of a few. I could not agree more. I added that fascism is already knocking at the door but many Nigerians are at the moment, blinded by ethnicity and bigotry. Unfortunately, some Nigerians are unaware that this is the time to take action and save their country. They believe that their unpatriotic actions and blind support for their preferred candidates in the coming elections are a reasonable trade-off even when the future of the next generation and millions of Nigerian lives, are at stake.
If we all agree that reading improves our focus, then this is the best time to read and refocus. For those in the parliament or any other arm of government who love to read and think, I would recommend Profiles in Courage. It is a delightful story of fidelity, faith, courage and integrity, four virtues in short supply in public life today in Nigeria. We have to take action. Time is running out for our country.
…Asoya is a journalist, an author and a regular to an Air Peace inflight magazine
