On each occasion of the Armed Forces Rememberance Day ( though, this year's was an exception), I watch with disdain at the president, the epitome and integral essence of our cherished democracy ravishing in a
delusive counterfeiting as he is robed in the mannerism of a military general.
With a tilt, my heart leaps at the imminent feeling of the return of the khaki men, brought about by the sight of my president; the head of state and government of Nigeria in such paraphernalia. And for the benefits, it's not once, nor twice, that this scenario has kept resurfacing with the selfsame induced concomitant concern being expressed.
That Dr. Jonathan is the president of Nigeria and the commander-in-chief of its armed forces is not in doubt. The fact that some might see in my fear a veritable point of order to assert that he is entitled to such 'privilege' so long as he remains the nation's prime citizen is also taken into cognizance.
However, my anxiety finds palpability on the dubious construction and negative impression this posture creates and may continue to have on some minds like mine.
What is that some may ask; even as more would question the disillusionment over a commander-in-chief being robed in the regalia which he's adduced to command. But there's more to be concerned over it than meet the eyes.
The executive president of the federal republic of Nigeria must be above board in mustering originality and truth; this is evident because of the light which his office has placed him as the beacon of the nation's democracy and a reflection of the Nigerian values to the world.
The military regalia should, as a matter of sincere professionalism, be the exclusive preserve of the armed forces; not to be seen on any civilian regardless of standing. This gives them the benefit of the
undisputed identity, which their profession fosters on them; moreso it serves to prevent undue misrepresentation and preserve the long instituted sanctity.
We know what the military and its men stand for; they are by initial acknowledgment, men of war. Their institution like every known others are professional and should be accorded that sanctity. Just as the President, irrespective of his status could not be seen putting on a wig or a gown simply for his disconnect from the initiation of the body of bench, it ought to similarly approached in the case of the military.
Beyond the dubiousness this perceived necessitated accrual, which availed by his office might suggest, it would be more important to consider emphatically on the innate implication of this act.
The president, Dr Jonathan is no doubt the C-in-C of the military and that fact needs no other portrayal to buttress, but he is by first principle, the civilian president of a democratic Nigeria. As such, his actions and dispositions, even in the midst of of the barrel-wielders, must reflect this first principle; in so far his tenure persists. He should not give in to the occasion of subverting his 'personality' not even for a slit moment.
His Excellency, the president should not drag the people down to the degenerative experience of having the men of war reflectively parading authority; which they are endeavouring so had expunge.
The Nigerian masses, with the uninterrupted rolling of the hard won democracy, have begun to sink the old days which had been associated with the khaki men steering the will. They remember those moments of their sway with nostalgia; that even known Generals would dare not throw up such vomit as they'd prefer jettisonning the connection for astute democrats.
As such, it would be a doleful remembrance epitomize such presidency
considering the enormity of the wounds such memory could resurrect.
Summarily, President Goodluck Jonathan, who by the collective mandate of the Nigerian masses is their democratically elected president, must reflect this principle and should not be seen to be so subsumed by his desirious 'military wanna-be' tendency that triggers a defrauding effect on the people's perception of the subsisting government.
Many fine, young and experienced men have died in the cause of our national sustenance; many more are still dying. It is most unfortunate that some of these men died out of sheer negligence of government to equip them; some perished out of the evil stab of sabotage. These are realities which have become more glaring in view of the prevailing insurgency.
The ongoing counter-terrorism offensive against Boko Haram has put more lives into the couch of remembrance. To these, I miss you all even as I remember their loved ones.
For the dead heroes, I say our commitments to the new Nigeria of your dreams celebrate your priceless gallantry!
kingsley ahanonu <[email protected]>