ADEBIMPE ABRAHAM ONIFADE, Ph.D
GSM’s speech was well-timed and the content was well articulated. However, the call for a UN or international human rights investigation was ill-advised, unnecessary, and, in my view, unpresidential for a presidential hopeful. As someone who worked for the United Nations at a senior level, I understand the temptation among Africans and other developing countries to assume that solutions to our problems must come from outside, whether from Western governments, multilateral agencies, the UN, funds, or programmes. I once shared that assumption before I worked within the system.
As a governor and possible presidential aspirant, GSM’s recommendation for international oversight appears to suggest a lack of confidence in our national institutions and capabilities. If the freedom of the kidnapped victims was secured without international assistance, then the investigation into how it happened should, in the first instance, be handled by Nigerian authorities. How is GSM assured that an international process would be more truthful, more objective, or more useful? If we do not value our own institutions, we should not be surprised when outsiders and the international community undervalue them too.
In my previous comment on this issue, I stated that I have great respect for GSM and his accomplishments. However, some of the steps he is taking now appear incompatible with his gentlemanly demeanor. His request for “international scrutiny,” to paraphrase his words, can be read as an indirect vote of no confidence in the PBAT administration. It also appears to disregard political hierarchy. He may look presidential standing behind two flags, but he is not the current President. I respectfully submit that the content, mode of presentation, and recommendation reflect a tone that may be interpreted as unnecessary political defiance. I therefore reiterate my suggestion that it would be better for him to meet PBAT personally, thank him first, and then discuss how to conduct a serious and in-depth After Action Review of the security situation.
Some may argue that my comments are pretentious or that I am merely siding with the President. Others may ask what qualifies me to make this submission. First, my point rests on common-sense regard and respect for constituted authority. Second, I served as a United Nations Area Security Coordinator in Sudan and South Sudan. In both countries, entire states affected by serious insecurity and conflict fell within my area of operation, where I worked with international military, police, and civilian personnel. A comment once attributed to GSM during the G-5 period was, “Omo Yoruba ni mi.” Our dear Governor should not deviate, even with the best of his advisers, from the restraint, respect, and dignity expected of a great Omo Yoruba.
-Adebimpe Abraham Onifade, Ph.D.