Like Father, Like Sons 

“If war is defined as politics by other means, then it seems to me as a little too much to expect the practitioners of the art and science of violence to be completely immune to politics …” Gen TY Danjuma in Jul, 1979

Lieutenant General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma is a living oracle in today’s Nigeria.  A seasoned warrior that can be easily described as a General of Generals, he paid his dues while in the Nigerian army where he rose to become the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). From 1975 to 1979 when he held sway at the topmost echelon of the Army command, TY Danjuma was like a rock of Gibraltar; towering, unassailable and unshakeable. To him, the Machiavellian principle of “the end justifies the means” was a cardinal guide. It was widely believed that when Danjuma sneezes as the COAS in the Army headquarters then in Lagos, those in formations as far away as Bama catches cold. That’s how terribly feared and respected he was in military circles of then and even now. He left legacies that would continue to be remarkable pointers and references to generations of military officers of the nation.

In Nigeria’s military environment and happenings of the day therefore, General TY Danjuma remains an oracle that cannot be ignored. One of the youngest Generals produced in the nation’s military, TY Danjuma belongs to that iconic but infamous Class ’66 junta or cabal. Given his precedents and penchants, he may easily be the arrow head of that group. Either directly or otherwise, this cabal has remained steadfastly in grasp of political power of Nigeria since 1966.

It was by virtue of this preeminent position in the Army that he easily emerged as the first ex – military officer to become the nation’s Minister of Defence in a democratic government in 1999. Unarguably, this might also have been influenced by his undeclared but scarcely concealed political ambitions and preferences. In addition to this is the considerable connections, followings and networks he has gathered over time in the economic space of Nigeria. He is one retired military General in Nigeria that is neither afraid nor shy of his wealth and billionaire status. He clearly knows his onions and how well to preserve and secure same.

Now when such a personality speaks and or make certain pronouncements, the weight, relevance and intendments of such can only be imagined. The resonance of the words and letters would continuously cut across all spheres of national life. Most particular sphere of influence of such pronouncements would naturally include security, socio – political arena and economic activities. One major statement credited to him in recent time was that the Nigerian Army is complicit in the insecurity halo enveloping the nation presently. He was said to be of the opinion that the military is being used by certain vested interests against the rest of us. He was even quoted to have warned that Nigerians should arm themselves against the onslaught of lawless individuals and groups (backed by the military) making huge returns through perpetual state of insecurity in the country.

As is to be expected, this cannot be acceptable to and go down well with those managing insecurity as well as those in charge of our military establishments. But as earlier mentioned that General Danjuma is more or less an oracle that is held in reverence by many in these circles, there can only be grumblings. Hence it is not surprising at all that nobody has directly called the bluff of the former COAS and deny or debunk his claims with proven facts. All responses have been constantly couched in such military jargons as “observation of Rules of Engagement”, “being guided strictly by professionalism”, “exigencies and obligations of duty” etc.

The latest response to the erstwhile Defence Minister’s allegation was from the present COAS, General TA Lagbaja. At a recent interview session aired on one of the television stations in the country, the COAS dismissed the allegations with a wave of the hand by simply saying that what General Danjuma said was only his opinion which he is entitled to. General Lagbaja seems to be at a loss in understanding the basis upon which allegations of bias levelled against the Army could stem from. He went further to affirm the preparedness of the Army to be very professional in its conduct at all times.

However, it is noteworthy to mention that not only is General Danjuma like an oracle in military circles in Nigeria, he can also be regarded and alluded to as father. As far as the office of the COAS is concerned not to talk of merely being an officer in the Army, he is a father to many and grandfather to most others even. What has he not seen and what has he not done? The roles he played in the infamous event through which the “Unknown Soldier” became a widely known and acceptable excuse for all anti people excesses of the Nigerian Army is on record. The role played by him in the ousting of Major General Aguiyi Ironsi and cold blood killing of Lieutenant Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi is equally on record. There are many other instances on record whereby General TY Danjuma laid concrete examples of what he is now condemning. Who do we blame here when the hens always return home to roost? How professional is it to condemn an organization one attained the peak of a career in? And is it professionalism at play for supposedly top professionals to enter into war of words with each other over professional conduct? Does this not simply mean there is no standard scale of measure for that profession and those engaged in it? The fruit cannot be far away from the tree. Naturally, when you sow the wind, harvest of whirlwind must follow.

So if the military is biased, if its conduct is not professional enough and if the State or a cabal within it is using this coercive establishment against innocent citizens imagined, perceived and tag named enemies, certain footsteps laid down long ago are being followed. Would General Danjuma rather see his off springs be called or described as bastards and misfits? How many ex COAS before General Danjuma were known millionaires? Which ex COAS after him is not a nouve rich and multi – millionaire cum govt apologist or at most “Sidon Look” General?

Nigerian Army is a very conservative entity where senior officers dare not be different no matter how diligent and patriotic. The political atmosphere of the country hardly allows or supports this. That’s how the system is wired, no thanks to General Danjuma and co. Thus, dire consequences and grave retribution await whosoever dares to so be. Sons are expected to and must naturally follow in their father’s footsteps. Hence until such times and era that the political climate would be favorable, until very bold and courageous sons would dare to be different, it shall be “Like father, like sons” as it is now. So General Danjuma sir, kindly pardon these seemingly overzealous boys for they can hardly do otherwise.

Major Dele Olaitan (rtd) lives in Shao near Ilorin