Love, like death, is a leveller. That is why a 70-year-old army general whose visage strikes terror into his rank and file could have his beard tweaked by a 20-year old damsel without serious consequences. But trouble starts when wives or mistresses of powerful people transfer their influence to the political space.
Whatever her admirers may say about her aristocracy, kindness or whatever, Marie Antoniette, wife of the King of France, Louis XVI, is remembered for her nonchalance towards the people. When she heard that citizens of France had no bread to eat, she reportedly interjected: “Let them eat cake!”
Imelda Marcos, wife of the Philippines dictator, Ferdinand Marcos was, because of her fashion craze, called the “Street Butterfly”. Her husband who ruled from 1965 to 1986 was notorious for political repression and corruption. When her husband was overthrown in 1986, the couple fled to Hawai, United States. Imelda, who was Miss Manila in the 1950s, owned thousands of expensive shoes all of which exhibited her love for the good life, even as poverty ravaged her country.
However, there were other first ladies who hovered behind their husbands. Apart from consulting astrologers for her husband, Nancy Reagan, wife of former United States President, Ronald Reagan, did not stir any controversy. And while her husband battled with the Monica Lewinsky affair, Hillary Clinton kept a steady head.
Nigeria also has had first ladies who were either loud or humble. Mariam Abacha enjoyed the opulence of power when her husband, General Sani Abacha, stole the country blind, killed and maimed opposition elements.
Now, Nigeria has another First Lady, Turai Yar’Adua. While her husband is publicity-shy or, because of ill-health, weak, Turai is stealing the show. Her influence is considered pervasive in high government circles.
What are those factors that make the woman so influential that critics say the fear of Turai is the beginning of political wisdom? Our footsoldiers have been at work for the past one month, digging up what they could about her, which would make possible a better understanding of her persona.
The result of the investigation is our cover this week. It is entitled, “Turai Yar’Adua, Power Behind The Throne.”
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The Nigerian stock market is bearish. That is, values of shares are nose-diving; consequently, investors are becoming worried.
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