The article was penned at a time when the Niger Delta leaders were up in arms against the appointment of Prof. Gambari as the head of the planned Niger-Delta conference due to his comments while at the UN on the hanging of Ken Saro-Wiwa. Prof. Gambari had then referred to the dramatis personae as ‘common criminals’.
So, when the administration of Late Musa Yar’adua decided to appoint him as the Chairman of the conference, all hell literally broke loose with many would-be attendees planning a massive showdown. One even promised the scholarly Professor, a good slap and hiding to boot.
But you see, this isn’t the point of this article. The real point of it, were the words so beautifully penned by Femi Adesina (yes the same one!) on the issue at the time. I have taken time to reproduce copiously, the major parts of the 12th paragraph (see full article attached below).
In the 12th paragraph, he wrote: ‘… when you are on a slave’s errand, do it as a freeborn”, another Yoruba saying. Gambari enslaved himself to please his paymasters. Now, 13 years later, the shackles are still tied round his neck, threatening to asphyxiate him. WHAT AN ETERNAL LESSON FOR FAWNING, BOOTLICKING GROVELLERS TO LEARN. OLD SINS INDEED HAVE LONG SHADOWS.’
Intriguingly, this was written barely 12 years ago. Now, Mr. Femi has apparently forgotten about the words, ‘eternal lesson’ and apt message he put out. I hope those shackles don’t asphyxiate him.
P.S: Prof. Gambari did finally opt out of the position due to the public outcry.”