SENATOR(?) DORA AKUNYILI

Quite a lot is happening in Nigeria these days. From the deaths to the funny politics, it just leaves you scratching your head to know which of the things to actually do the writing and blogging on.
Events have actually overtaken some of them but it does not mean I cannot still reflect on them, or does it? From the Sanusi versus House of Representatives thing, to the Atiku consensus thing and even the various verbal wars going on all because of the 2011 general elections.
This week however, some other events joined the already long list. The first noteworthy event this week was the passage of elder statesman and father of modern Nigeria, Pa Anthony Eromesele Enahoro at the age of 87. The man sure lived a good life, leaving his marks on the sand of time, even if the ruling class has made the Nigeria of his dreams a mirage.
Joining Pa Enahoro later in the week was one of Nigeria’s foremost Fuji musicians, Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Balogun, popularly known as Barrister. He was said to have died earlier in the year only for the press to recant. We thought the worst was over but it was not to be as Barry Wonder finally bade the world bye. My tribute to this wonderful duo will come in due course.
The other event that interested me and I’m sure, a few others is the resignation of Mama Dora. Prof. Akunyili, resigned her post as Information Minster to contest as a Senator come 2011. That in itself was the major attraction for me this week.
With all due respect to Pa Enahoro and Barry Wonder, I’d prefer to talk about Mrs. Akunyili for now. i’ll then come back to do a tribute for the departed. We are still on the same side with Akunyili while the celebrated duo has taken their bow, breathing their last.
I had earlier read during the week that the former NAFDAC boss would resign to contest but I just read the story in passing. It finally happened and there was this banner headline two days later – “Akunyili Resigns”. I saw Mama Dora all smiles, handing over to Mr. Labaran Maku, her erstwhile Minister of State who has been promoted.
I don’t know what prompted the patriot who has served meritoriously while in NAFDAC. The amazon who laid her life on the line in the war against fake drugs leaving the Ministry for the hallowed chambers, that is if it is ever hallowed. I shudder at the thought of Prof. Akunyili rendering herself useless in the Senate.
I had always known Mrs. Akunyili would one day join mainstream politics but I did not know it would be in a fashion like this. I did not expect her to vie for a Senatorial seat. I did not even know it would be like this. She has made her decision and no one can change it.
Someone asked me the post I expect her to vie for if not the Senate considering the fact that there is no gubernatorial election in Anambra, her home state in 2011. I actually am not a fan of Akunyili in the Senate. I would rather have her in a place where she’ll have more impact.
I do not want her to join set of people in the National Assembly. I’d have loved to see Dora in better company than in the Red Chambers where those self serving bigots hold sway. I do not want to believe Mrs. Akunyili is drawn to the Senate by the megabucks Nigerian Senators earn. I just want to trust her sense of judgment, fold my hands and see what will happen.
Something tells me Akunyili is preparing herself for something bigger and only wants to start from the Senate. It all remains to be seen though. I hope she would not be dragged in the mud along with the others.
Meanwhile, as we all await the unfolding of events, I rest my case and see if one more appellation would be added to the ones Professor Dora Akunyili already carries.
On a final note, I want to celebrate the departed- Pa Anthony Enahoro, the last of the titans and Mr. Fuji, Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Balogun. They made impacts on the lives of people around them and quite a lot of good would be said about them.
I need you to ask yourself what would be said about you when you die. Enahoro has done his bit, Barrister has done his bit, make sure you do your own.