From Palace To Prison – Lessons From Egyptian President, Hosni Mubarak

| Gabriel Ola’

I woke up this morning to the sad news of the former Egyptian president, Hosni Mubarak being sentenced to Life imprisonment. It was almost unbelievable as I couldn’t relate how a former president who has enjoyed all the luxury of life, had authority and power at his disposal, sentenced and jailed people, listened to and dispelled counsel could now be compelled to chains behind bars; it was such a huge amazement.

If you recall, the former president of Liberia, Charles Taylor who at one time seeks refuge in the northern part of our nation was also sentenced to 54 years imprisonment at the age of 64. This and many more made me ask myself, ‘What is wrong with African leaders?’

African leaders have been ruling instead of leading; they have been servicing their pockets and families instead of serving their country as pledged; they have become semi gods, principalities and powers to the development of their people instead of positively writing their names in the history book.

I am curious ‘what is in power and authority that makes most African leaders guff?’
It is time for the remaining African leaders to sit straight and make real impact that will put their names in the positive history books forever instead of spending the rest of their lives behind bars. Still angry! Are they blind? Can’t they take a cue from Nelson Mandela, John Kufour and the likes?! These are men who faithfully served their land and are still being celebrated beyond their borders.

In case you don’t know, there’s a ticking time bomb that is about to explode; let he that thinks he stand check again because when the time comes your authority and power will be irrelevant, your wealth and material acquisition will mean absolutely nothing, the friends you have been able to acquire in government will not be able to help you- the only thing that will matter is what you have done while in you still have the power.
This is a direct open message to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan of Nigeria, President Jacob Zuma of South Africa, President John Atta Mills of Ghana, President Michael Sata of Zambia, President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and every other sitting African leaders; seek the path of serving your people over serving a few rich and powerful men, seek the path of justice and righteousness over the path of lie and deceit. You see, today may look to you like you are the lord but the truth is, if Hosni Mubarak and Charles Taylor can be jailed so can you. If Muamar Gaddaffi can be killed so can you. If Abacha’s name can be treated with such unbearable disdain, so can your name be and your children will suffer it.

Gabriel Olatunji is different things to different people. He hopes to know what he is to you someday. Follow @gabrielola1 on twitter (buzz him to follow back) or send him a mail [email protected].