Prof Ibrahim Gambari has been appointed the CoS to the President. I think Prof Gambari enjoys good public approval. He comes across to me as a gentle, respectful, gentleman. Looking at his credentials, it is hardly arguable that he is eminently qualified for the job. Congratulations to him.
I remember, long time ago, during my early days in school, he, as an invited lecturer, delivered an appealing speech on the university campus. After he finished, a radical student stood up and delivered a highly provocative critique of Gambari’s speech. The then young doctor, rather than fire back as many expected(this was the era of radical, Marxist lecturers & students in Nigerian universities), gently diffused the now charged atmosphere and went on to dismantle the student’s criticism. Huge applause followed. The impression the scene created that day, decades ago, has never left me.
But one question many, including me, will not fail to ask is: if every other thing about him is right, is his age(76) right for the post? When shall we start trying leaders in their prime? I bet you, Gambari would have done much better if he were 20 years younger(56). Experience does matter I agree, you also need vigour, speed, alertness, modernity, etc. A good mix should be preferable.
