By Uzodinma Nwaogbe
The recent death of one of Africa’s greatest legend, the man who led the struggle against and eventual elimination of South African white domination in government, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, is painful and, indeed a great loss to the family, the people of South Africa, Africa and all men of truth, who stand on the side of justice. Madiba, as he was fondly called was born on the 18 of July 1918, at a tiny village called Mvezo, near Mbashe in Umtata district of Transkei. He was called to eternal rest on the 5 December, 2013, at age 95, after a long illness.
As it is customary among Africa leaders, they have once again cashed in on the passing of Madiba to make very well crafted statements identifying themselves with the painful exit. No doubt, Madiba was leader’s leader, an icon, a teacher, but how many African leaders learnt anything from the man’s school of thought. Madiba was a selfless leader, who preferred to die for his people if need be, thereby slept in prison for 27 years, never a good experience! He did not amass wealth, he laid good example by choosing to do one term when he was favoured to do two terms and, even attempt to stay put.
No, African leaders would not emulate these excellent qualities, they would rather want to prefer to stay in government longer than the constitution and as their brain and health permits them. They would loot their country’s common wealth, buy off and encourage their friends and cronies to do same, establish two worlds for the rich and poor, make live worthless for their people yet, they want to be hailed, No, we know our leaders.
African leaders must desist from this praise sing, for we truly know our leaders. They should rather make amends of their leadership and governance style. When the nations in Africa have Mandelas in authority, certainly, Africa will become a great, proud, advanced, united continent. It is because we do not have people like Madiba that Africa hosts poverty, illiteracy, disease, underdevelopment, corruption and mismanagement of resources. In the abundance of natural wealth, African leaders have failed and continue to fail in advancing their countries and its peoples. They should stop this hypocrisy and have a rethink, a change of heart, emulate that which made Mandela thick. A man died and the world stood still? Because of his good deeds, selfless service, considering his people and country far and above his self desires, building a country for all irrespective of colour, tongue.
The death of this great African son reminds one of a former late African leader, Captain Thomas Sankara of Burkina Faso, who lived for his people until he was wickedly assassinated by his comrade. African leaders must begin to build Africa, for there is no other great respect that is due Mandela than to build Africa, make it qualified for the position of first world. We can build Africa by developing our health facilities to discourage this attitude of ‘flown abroad for medical attention.’ Mandela as ill as he was refused to be flown outside for medical treatment. Our education sector taking seriously, thereby producing well tested graduates. Developing our economy by looking inwards because we have the human and natural resources abound here. They should please save us the eulogy and go to work.
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The opinion article was written By Uzodinma Nwaogbe and the contents represents the writers views and not that of NewsWireNGR
