Nigeria: Of Blood Thirsty Cultists

PROBES have potentials of taking us to parts that we never knew existed. Utterances at these gatherings make headlines and sometimes nudge us to a glimpse of the country.

The Senate's investigations of the Federal Ministry of Transport is replete with revelations, accusations, counter accusations and most recently declivity into the world of dark forces.

Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode, delved into reasons for the air crashes that put the country in mourning two years ago. His explanations for the crashes were new and stunning.

"There is no doubt in my mind that what caused these series of crashes was simply negligence, indiscipline, insensitivity and impunity of some malignant and malevolent elements and dark forces within and outside the aviation sector.

These dark forces simply did not care that the lives of innocent Nigerians were endangered by their daily ritual of cutting corners in order to make a bit of extra money. They did not care that their habitual breaking of rules and regulations would inevitably lead to a monumental and horrific cycle of blood shed," Mr. Fani-Kayode told Senators.

"Not only did they not care but some of them actually enjoyed the prospects. What we were dealing with was a cruel and unconscionable blood cult who derived their power and strength from a frenzied and insatiable lust for blood."

Mr. Fani-Kayode knew what he was saying. We thought it was the duty of the committee to hear him out. Instead, a committee member, Senator Ikechukwu Obiora, had his reservations about Mr. Fani-Kayode's claims, forcing Mr. Fani-Kayode to modify his positions.

Why would anyone abbreviate an informed declaration about the causes of air crashes that put the nation in sorrow? This perspective to the crashes was never public until Mr. Fani-Kayode obliged us from his well of knowledge.

Our Constitution frowns at public office holders belonging to cults. Since he said some people in the aviation sector were in this blood-thirsty cult, he should have been asked to name them. There is little equivocation in his presentation -- he must know the cultists to speak without duplicity.

It would have been interesting to find out how Mr. Fani-Kayode came by his conclusions that run contrary to the official reports, which blamed equipment fault or even human error for the crashes.

National Assembly investigation committees should take themselves more serious by seizing opportunities like what Mr. Fani-Kayode presented to press the advantage for the public's benefit. The committees have to make the point that their assignments are frivolous.

When people come before the committees to excite themselves, in the full knowledge that they would not be sanctioned for reckless utterances, they are motivated to make more unguided statements.

It is still not too late to have Mr. Fani-Kayode provide information on those who make planes crash to meet the demands of their cults. The mere thought of this prospect is appalling, but Mr. Fani-Kayode said it happened. His guidance could be important to guaranteeing safety in our air spaces.

http://allafrica.com/

ad space for sale medtronic lead recall lawyer