Ahmed Yahaya-Joe
Nothing showcases state power like an elaborate motorcade.
Sirens blaring at different decibels, glittering limos racing, motorcycle ballet by dashing outriders. All at Formula 1 speed. Overzealous security personnel all along the route. Tumultuous crowds. Indifferent onlookers. Traumatized citizens. Hapless citizens.
Many Nigerians claim PBAT’s recent Lagos convoy had 120 vehicles. The figure might not be an exaggeration because I have watched a viral video clip lasting more than 2 minutes with a seemingly endless onslaught of vehicles.
A rather disturbing video epitomizing waste unwittingly shared by Asiwaju stalwarts themselves!
Understandably, touching his Lagos base for the first time after assuming office perhaps Asiwaju wanted to announce his “arrival” unequivocally.
There is nothing politically wrong with that kind of optics also known as “to oppress” except it is a monumental contradiction of sorts amidst the presidential appeal for “national sacrifice” we are supposed to heed.
From the airport at Ikeja to the lair in Bourdillon – the homecoming of the generalissimo of Lagos politics: one can only imagine the quantum of petrol procured at public cost. Among other hidden expenses.
“When Gowon returned from China (in July 1974) He ordered massive security precautions in Lagos on the day of his arrival. The entire route from Ikeja airport through Ikorodu road all the way through Herbert Macaulay across Carter Bridge into Idumota and Ikoyi was closed.
Buried within the long convoy – including heavily armed troops and armoured cars – was a Green Mercedes Benz 600 with the license plate “NA 1” (ie Nigerian Army 1) surrounded by 24 outriders on “BMW” and “Triumph” motorbikes. With Lagos traffic backed up and commuters frustrated by diversions occasioned by ongoing road and bridge construction, the elaborate security show supported by pomp and pageantry only served to alienate more people.
Among them was an important fellow Benue Plateau indigene, Colonel JN Garba, the Guards Brigade Commander who – acting on orders – organized the security reception. Gowon had lost credibility – in his view. Naturally, he said nothing at the time.”
See details in Dr. Nowa Omoigui’s Military Rebellion of July 29, 1975: The Coup against Gowon (Part 5)
By July 1975, General Gowon was out of office. While there is nothing to suggest that the coup against him was primarily instigated by the length of the erstwhile Head of State’s convoy, the moral remains, “the elaborate security show supported by pomp and pageantry only served to alienate more people.”
Simply put, there was already a disconnect which the convoy made worst.
Power has rhythms and patterns swinging like a pendulum. Upsides and downsides.
Ironically, innocuous issues have the worst political blowback—unintended consequences.
Back in 1974, Nigerians were still swimming in the Naira flow of the Udoji awards as a result of the oil boom of 1973, yet.
Compared to today?
“In the heat of victory, arrogance and overconfidence can push you,” – 48 Laws of Power
The downside of the flamboyance and carefree style of General Gowon’s Lagos convoys partly led to the era of “Low profile” and helicopter rides between Dodan Barracks and the airport.
Unfortunately, on Friday, 13 February 1976 the convoy of General Murtala Mohammed went too low. Asiwaju should have flown to the Caverton helipad near the Nigerian Law School.
The handlers of President Tinubu (and even his supporters) should learn to be astute students of history in managing perceptions and striking balances.
But more importantly; “All good leaders must have the ability to keep their perspective. I always tell my clients how the Roman emperors dealt with this problem when they ruled the world.
When a general returned to Rome from a great victory on the battlefield, he was honoured with a tumultuous parade.
In the procession, the conqueror was preceded by trumpeters, his soldiers, the treasure and captives from the conquered lands, and received cheers from the citizens. The conqueror rode in a golden chariot with a slave, who whispered in his ear: “Remember, you are a mortal man, all glory is fleeting.” – Robert L. Woodrum.
Unfortunately, General Gowon did not have anybody to whisper into his ears words of admonition.
Talk less to “City Boy” of proven over-exaggerated sense of self-importance still in euphoria.
When you criticize any leader, he sees only the person criticizing, not the criticism itself.
One wonders about the number of those close to the current chief tenant of the Villa who (like Garba back then) can’t say anything at this time.
Tick, tick, tick, tick, tock……
