In Nigeria politics and the power game is a terrible business which, more often than not, comes with pain, anguish, humiliation, hardship, death and tragedy for those who reach the top. It is rather like playing Russian roulette. Let us look at the facts.
In the early 60′s Chief Obafemi Awolowo lost his first son in mysterious circumstances and so did Chief S.L. Akintola. President Olusegun Obasanjo lost three wives in mysterious circumstances whilst Sir Ahmadu Bello had no sons. Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello and Obasanjo all went to jail for three years each.
Akintola was killed in the prime of his life just as was Ahmadu Bello and Sir Tafawa Balewa. As a matter of fact they were all killed on the same night. President Shehu Shagari lost three children whilst he was in power and was locked up for one year after he was toppled. Chief MKO Abiola, the winner of the June 12th 1993 Presidential election, lost two wives, was locked up for 4 years and was eventually killed.
President Umaru Yar’adua’s older brother was killed and he himself died a few years later after he became President. President Goodluck Jonathan lost his brother and his mother-in-law in mysterious circumstances one year after the other.
When it comes to our military rulers the story is no different- General Aguiyi-Ironsi was killed. General Yakubu Gowon was toppled from power, exiled and lost his brother. General Murtala Mohammed was killed and lost his both his son and son-in-law. General Muhammadu Buhari was toppled from power, locked up for one year and later lost his daughter. General Ibrahim Babangida was humiliated out of power and later lost his wife. General Sani Abacha lost his son in mysterious circumstances and was later killed.
This is indeed a harvest of deaths and tragedy. Power comes at a terrible price and those that wield it have, more often than not, experienced terrible pain and anguish in their lives. That is the price that many have had to pay. What a tragedy.
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