Late Revd. Monsignor Pedro Martins told us that in 1965 his car broke down on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi en route to St. Gregory’s College (his residence) and, as he opened the bonnet and sought to fix the problem, Sir Tafawa Balewa’s car drove past.
The Prime Minister was on his way home from an official function, on the opposite side of the road. He said he didn’t even notice because he was engrossed with sorting out the problem. He said the car reversed to where he was lo and behold, the Prime Minister got down from his car and said, “Father, what is the problem?” Msgr. Pedro Martins said he was surprised at his unassumingness.
He was further shocked when he insisted that Msgr. should take his (Prime Minister) car home while the P. M. offered to walk home! He had only an orderly and a driver! Msgr. said that he protested but before he knew it, the P. M. and his orderly had picked their stuff in the car and started walking home! The P. M.’s driver then took Msgr. home. Msgr. said that he was further awed when the P. M. sent an auto mechanic to fix his car and got it driven home to him! That was humility par excellence!
These kind of selfless leaders are completely missing in our days. What a SHAME! What a misfortune of a nation
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