By Austin Okeke Esq
I was fierce in my approach to the pro-democracy activities in South Africa at the time. Virtually all the media outfits wanted me in their studios. Let’s say I appeared in popular documentaries and talk shows in the country, most of which were viewed by the global audience.
That the late General Sani Abacha had exiled me for this noble cause played to my advantage because South Africa and it citizens came to love how I had handled every interview in the media. Their struggle for democracy was still fresh in their minds. Some of them were just returning from exile, and the country had just ushered in its first democratically elected president. To them, it was De ja vu.
I guess it was pleasant to see someone like them in the media all the time. They loved it. I became their darling. I must admit, I was pampered by the Dr Nelson Mandela administration. The Biblical Joseph was exiled by his own flesh and blood. He was sold as a slave to strangers; his heart must have bled nonstop until he found his calling. He rose to the rank of the Prime Minister of Egypt, a great empire of note. One virtue of Joseph that stood out for me is that he forgave everyone in the end.
That General Sani Abacha exiled me was critical to the role I eventually played in the new South Africa. I wasn’t bitter at all. I instead turned the energy around to benefit mankind. I forgave as well. I must have found my calling just like Joseph.
My activities were not confined to the Nigerian community in South Africa. The other West African countries looked to the Nigerian community for support, and we didn’t disappoint them. We had Ghanaians, Liberians, Sierra Leonians, Cameroonians, Garbonese, and others whom the Red Cross had also assigned to me to support and assist as I could.
South Africa became a haven for refugees. They came in droves. I volunteered my time, treasure, and talent to assist them. From time to time, I would receive a phone call from the Red Cross, the Police Stations, and the Johannesburg International Airport.
Since I have been recognised as a community leader and De Facto Ambassador, I was the first person who came to their minds whenever extra capacity was needed to process the influx of refugees coming through the airport. The government officials and ministries had my phone number. Of course, the government already had a file on me. The State Secret Service, the National Intelligence Agencies, would have been briefed on my official role. This was a fact.
Therefore, once there were black Africans in detention at the airport, police station, and other recognised law enforcement agencies, I was invited for assistance. In some cases, I didn’t have to physically visit these places. I learned to delegate these duties. By the mention of my name, detainees were set free from captivity. All you needed to say was: “Austin Okeke had sent us to release these people.”
Sometimes, this privilege was abused, no doubt. But we devised a way to control it, which was that the authorities would call me to confirm the veracity of the bearers’ stories. The same way Joseph, the Prime Minister of Egypt, sent emissaries to free Israelites in captivity, I sent my emissaries to free black Africans in detention across the country. They were processed by the refugee office and properly documented afterward.
The officials at the Johannesburg International Airport made it easier for me. They would call to confirm the number of people in detention. They would confirm whether I was ready to pay for the airport shuttle buses that drove these refugees to me, and once I gave my approval, those whose names and faces I never knew would arrive at a designated place to a warm reception. All they needed was a big smile and a welcome embrace, which I gave with ease. Humanity is one.
The majority of them were in their mid 20s and early 30s. They were young men ready to face whatever life threw at them. I was there to comfort and urge them on with kind and encouraging words. I have lost count of the number of those for whom I provided accommodation. Some, I placed either in the hands of their homeboys or friends they knew from home. Others, I placed in informal jobs.
I have learned that in life, you are responsible for the energy you bring upon yourself or to others. Be it positive or negative, you must account for it. This is made apparent from the reaction of people to your conduct towards them. I thank you.