Nigeria's key military
leaders playing a game of draughts in the 1970s. This
historic picture is an all too apt pictorial irony and
metaphor for the complicated and intertwined layers of power
and friendships in the country of over 100 million governed
by a couple of friends who disagree over "power moves" and
sometimes, rarely, on principles.
THE
MORE YOU LOOK....
Regardless, draw your own conclusions and share it with
USAfricaonline
and
NigeriaCentral.com.
This picture, acquired by a Nigerian, Laolu Akande, captures
the wisdom that a picture speaks a thousand words. Here, it
does more than speak; it yells a million messages.... L-R:
late military dictator/ruler Gen. Sani Abacha (1993-1998);
military ruler (1976-79 ruler and current president of
Nigeria, retired Gen Olusegun Obasanjo; center is retired
Gen. Theophilus Y. Danjuma Nigeria's former Army Chief under
Obasanjo's first rulership, and now Obasanjo's Defence
minister; engaging Obasanjo in the draughts showdown is the
retired head of state 1985-1993, Gen. Ibrahim B. Babangida
(IBB).
Lest we forget, USAfricaonline.com deems it necssary to
remind Nigeriand and its watchers that IBB was (and is
still) known as 'Maradonna' of Nigeria's milito-politics.
Many are wondering what IBB's next moves will be. And, how
will his former boss President Obasanjo with the watchful
and supporting eyes of Danjuma contend with or handle any
Maradonic maneuvres.The answer, my friends, is simply
blowing in the wind. Yet, the remarkable twist to Nigeria,
as is evident in this picture remains: The More you look,
the Less you see....
by Chido
Nwangwu