“For us in the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), we are truly inspired by the life, leadership and above all, challenged by the legacies of Mandela. At this momentous period of the passage of this great world leader from Africa, we commit ourselves and call on all leaders at home and abroad to free themselves of all bitterness and hatred as primary conditions for resolving conflicts.’
Progressive Governors Forum
Nigeria.
The governors in their statements have cherry-picked on Mandela’s exemplary leadership and life. Their belief seems to me to be that forbearance in “bitterness and hatred as primary conditions for resolving conflicts”. That was not Mandela’s way. The great man had no doubt in his mind that conflict was inevitable if the cause(s) of conflict remain. He knew very well that conflict is not resolved by simply walking away and not being bitter and hateful. He knew that resistance, even armed struggle against injustice was legitimate until the injustice(s) that necessitated a struggle are not attenuated but ended. One of the many lessons of Mandela’s life is that there should be no bitterness and hatred if injustice ends and desired change happens. For him, reconciliation is meaningless and impossible if injustice persists. The Igbo of Nigeria say that one should know that the one has won. Mandela knew that the ANC, not Mandela had won. Why be bitter. Why hate.
The ANC led by Mandela, with the support of the moral world, fought and irreversibly ended the disgrace to the human race that was the political system of apartheid in South Africa. The apostles of Apartheid did not need to be told that they lost. Mandela knew that the way forward was forgiveness and reconciliation, if equality, justice and peace which were always the goals and objectives of the ANC were to follow and endure. Bitterness and hate would be counter-productive. They would be avoidable distractions. Why be bitter? Why hate.
Nigeria’s Progressive Governors’ statement seems to me to be vainglory driven, and an utterly laudatory disavowal of bitterness and hatred. They have no recognition that bitterness and hatred are usually responses and therefore secondary drivers of conflict. They should be firstly concerned with the primary drivers of conflict as Mandela was if they wish to go the Mandela way. They seem to me therefore to have missed or are missing the pivotal thrust of the Mandela Way. The great man has taught the world that those who truly wish to avoid or end conflict must prevent or remove its cause(s). Nigeria’s progressive Governors should work to remove the causes of conflict. In Nigeria’s case they include bigotry, corruption, and injustice. If the Governors do bitterness and hatred will be unnecessary,
oa
From: usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com [mailto:usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Chidi Anthony Opara
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2013 5:08 AM
To: USA African Dialogue Series
Subject: USA Africa Dialogue Series - News Release: Mandela And The Challenges Of Nigerian National Reconciliation
“As I walked out the door towards the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison”. - Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (1918 - 2013)
With those words, Mandela stepped out of Victor Vester Prison after 27 years and to lead a phenomenal national reconciliation after decades of racial war in South Africa - one that can at best be described as the most historic success in contemporary world history.........
Click here to continue reading
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Chidi Anthony Opara is a Poet and Publisher of PublicInformationProjects
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