By Titilayo Omotayo Alade
On October 4, 2017, the British Prime Minister Theresa May, delivered a speech that will never be forgotten!
At the beginning of her speech titled “Building a country that works for everyone,” Theresa May apologized for delivering a speech that was too formal and officious in the past. She apologized for her party’s poor performance during the June general election and agreed with people that she had been “too Presidential.” This speech came across as the exact opposite of her previous speech. But as time went on, circumstances rearranged the title of the speech to question if truly anyone can build a country that works for everyone. Yes, you can build a country that works, but like the EU example has shown, you really cannot build one that works for everyone.
Everything appeared un-officious – right from the PM’s simple blue gown to the letters that temporarily captioned the essence of her great speech. But, how did her countrymen accept it? At the end, I perceived the same level of criticism from both the previous and current speeches. The lesson I took from this is: For the PM and every one of us, you can’t satisfy the world. None of the great prophets did, not even the Son of man!
Simon Brodkin a.k.a Lee Nelson hands Thresa May a P45
Simon Brodkin a.k.a Lee Nelson hands Thresa May a P45
Several minutes into the P.M’s speech, a prankster interrupted. Simon Brodkin also known as Lee Nelson successfully pretended to have some physical impairment in order to evoke empathy, emotion and unfettered access to the PM during her live televised speech. Then he lied by attempting to implicate the Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, as the actual sponsor of the PM’s interrupted speech – him being only an errand boy. He even loudly derided Boris for denying him in the presence of the public. The interloper, like the kiss of Judas, made a callous joke by passing a P45 form to the PM, implying that she had been terminated from work. The PM visibly struggled to make a decision on how to handle that tricky situation at a very critical moment. My question is this? How long after the rude intrusion by Brodkin did the PM begin her coughing fit?
If May had not collected the document from an ordinary citizen, she would have graced headlines with something like “Cold May snubs poor citizen at Tory’s Leadership Conference!”
It may have looked like a Tory tragedy, but I consider the PM’s ordeal a live parable and Theresa May a living example of the sacrifice of true leadership! Most times, the world does not recognize sacrifice and often, it draws ridicule. Even Jesus was mocked by the Chief Priests who said, “He saved others, why can’t he save himself?”
The PM’s speech was painstakingly written to address important issues on people’s mind but in the end it seemed too long because of the bout of cough. This is the age of signs, actions and less talk! This generation lacks the virtue of patience and sometimes less talk will achieve more.
This is for hardworking people: Rest is a crucial part of meticulous planning. God set this precedence by resting on the 7th day of creation. Word is that the PM granted about 28 interviews and 19 receptions in the previous days leading up to the speech. These alongside her normal work schedule. I believe the PM needed some rest, and this applies to everyone who works nonstop. Sometimes, you just need to be still for a while. Being still is an action in itself and can be life-saving sometimes.
This brings me to the issue of security. The PM’s life was at risk there. What about the so called P45 form the prankster gave her. I was hoping the document would be investigated through some forensic analysis. Could the portion of the paper given to the PM have been soaked with something dangerous that caused her discomfort? Granted, the PM claims she has cough, but history has shown us that evil people can use dangerous nerve agents that can harm just by mere touch. I am not a scientist, but by watching investigative series and programmes, I think serious attention should be given to investigating the intruder’s so called P45 form.
Perhaps, there is something to borrow from Nigerians who generally make provision for a Master of Ceremony at public events. When security fails, let there be a backup, in person of the MC. The MC would have the responsibility to intervene and manage situations when surprises spring up, such as a stranger’s attempt to pass a document to the speaker during a live event; or better still, buy time when the speaker needs to catch their breath. It doesn’t happen all the time, but when it does, it makes great sense!