Politicians 'Hat' Tricks

How important is your hat? In Nigeria, how you are dressed, particularly, your hat defines who you are. It tells where you come from, who you follow, and even the party you belong to. Politicians since the pre-independent era understood these principles and many of them have left a legacy of 'hats', which is still being copied till today.
Let us take a look at some notable politicians, who can hardly be seen in the public without their unique dress style and distinct hats.

Chief Obafemi Awolowo

Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his signature cap.

Dr. Rahman Mimiko, Ondo State Governor, note the similarity in the hat with Chief Awolowo.

Awo, as he is popularly called, is one of the founding fathers of Nigeria. He died in 1987. This politician is hardly ever seen in the public without his signature hat in his life time. The founder of the Action Group and the Unity Party of Nigeria left a lasting legacy of free education and other populist programs, which helped to accelerate the development of the old Western Region of Nigeria. Consequently, he commanded a large followership - known as Awoist. His followers demonstrate their loyalty by donning the famous 'Awo hat'. Notable among them is Dr. Segun Mimiko, the Ondo State governor.


Dr. Nnmadi Azikiwe

Dr. Nnmadi Azikiwe, nationalist and founding father of Nigeria.

Pioneer nationalist, journalist, politician and one of the founding fathers of Nigeria, Nnamdi Azikiwe, also known as 'Zik', was the first president of Nigeria and first premier of old Eastern region. He was known for his red hat. The great Zik of Africa and founder of the old Nigeria Peoples Party also commanded a large followership known as the 'Zikist Movement'. Zik died in 1996.

Alhaji Tafawa Balewa

Alhaji Tafawa Balewa and his turban.

Conservative nationalist and the first Prime Minister of Nigeria, Tafawa Balewa was one of the founding fathers of Nigeria. He was also a founding member of the old Northern People Congress on the platform of which he became the first prime minister of the country. Tafawa Balewa was hardly seen in public without his traditional Islamic garb. He also commanded a large followership in the old Northern Region of Nigeria.

Alhaji Shehu Shagari

Alhaji Shehu Shagari and the famous 'Shagari Cap'

The first executive president of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari was elected president on the platform of the old National Party of Nigeria in 1979. This former president was famous for his 'Shagari Cap' and hardly appear in public, even up till now, without his signature cap. The former president now lives in his village, Shagari Village in Sokoto State.

Chief MKO Abiola

Late M.K.O. Abiola in style with his hat.

Moshood Kashimawo Abiola flamboyant politician, businessman, philanthropist, and winner of the June 12, 1993 election, which remained the most memorable election in Nigeria.
M.K.O. as he was fondly called by his followers, was known for his unique traditional Yoruba hat. Alhough, he died in 1998, many of his followers and admirers still wear their hat the 'Abiola way' till today.

Isiaka Adeleke

'Serubawon' Isiaka Adeleke

First civilian governor of Osun State and a former senator, Alhaji Isiaka Adeleke is popularly known as 'serubawon' (intimidate them) because of his style of dressing. His signature cap contributed mainly to this image of an affluent and flambouyant politician. The Ede born politician, came from near obscurity to national limelight as the first civilian governor of Osun in 1997. Since then 'serubawon' has set himself apart from other politician due to his unique hat.

Bola Tinubu

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu with signature hat and glasses.

Former governor of Lagos State and chieftain of of the Action Congress of Nigeria. Asiwaju, as he is popularly called, is not complete without his hat and glasses. A committed Awoist, like the late sage,Tinubu has built for himself a cult of followers and admirers many of who are seen in public with his signature hat and glasses.

Jonathan Shocks Borno Elder

The people of Borno State saw a different Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, at a town hall meeting in the state goverment house, during his recent visit to the State. Borno State is the hotbed of Boko Haram, the dreaded islamic sect, that has been terrorizing the nation in recent time.

According to reports, the president was responding to the demands of the elders in the state requesting the removal of the military Joint Staff Force (JTF), which they accused of atrocities in its quest to restore peace in the state.
In a rare show of public assertiveness, the president said 'if the elders agree now to come and sign agreement with me that I should move out all the JTF, I will do it, but if anybody dies in Borno, I will hold them responsible. If anybody dies yes, I will take you. I am going to remove the JTF, but come and sign that i should remove the JTF and guarantee the safety of lives and properties of individuals'.
Speaking further the president said 'If you do that today, as I am going, the JTF will start moving to their barracks. But you must guarantee that if anything happens to anybody that you must be held responsible'.
The elders include- the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, Nura Alkali, Shettima Ali Monguno, Baba Basharu, the state chairman of the People Democractic Party.
In anticipation of what is come during the President's visit, Sultan Mohammadu Sa'ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto and the spiritual leader of the nation 70 million muslims, had requested for amnesty for the Islamic terror group, Boko Haram, as the only way of restoring peace in that of the country.

 'if the elders agree now to come and sign agreement with me that I should move out all the JTF, I will do it, but if anybody dies in Borno State, I will hold them responsible.

In his presentation to the president, Prof Alkali said 'there is no one in the hall that has not lost a close relation or friends to the crisis. When a soldier is killed, there is retaliation with corpses littering the streets'. He stated that the crisis has brought untold hardship to the people.

However, President Jonathan responded 'I cannot preside over this country as a president and my security officers are being killed. These people leave their families, stay on the road and bush so that we will sleep and i will not want to hear that one of them is killed'.
The president advised the elders 'if the elders will not condemn it, we will continue to suffer under the terror of Boko Haram, without peace in Borno State, we cannot develop Borno State', saying ' if the circumstances that brought the soldiers are no longer there, that day, they will leave'.

The President's Body Language
Did the elders read the mind of the president wrongly? Earlier on arrival in the state, the president was dressed in a full white traditional robe 'agbada', with white shoes and a red cap to match. And across his shoulder was a sheathed sword, while the white robe symbolizes peace, the red cap portends danger, and the sword, a symbol of authority, says 'don't mess with me'. He walked with straight gait, exuding confidence and power.
The president has variously been criticized for his timidity and lack of self assertiveness in handling the security challenges posed to the nation by Boko Haram, and other issues like corruption and economic hardship facing the nation.

Aftermath Bomb Blast

Few hours after the president's departure from Maiduguri, Borno State Capital, loud explosions have been reported in parts of the city, an evident announcement of continued presence by the terrorist group. However, the questions are: When will the motions without movement of our leaders stop? When will our leaders come together to resolve the nation problems? Meanwhile, the people are suffering.