Why are we being hypocrites?

Late President of Gabon Omar Bongo

The President of Gabon, Omar Bongo passed away recently. I have come across his name a couple of times, even though I did not know much about him as a President. From what I gather, he was Africa's longest serving leader and the world after Fidel Castro stepped down in 2008 in exception of monarchies of course. He took power in 1967.

A couple of months ago, when I was watching news on TV, his name was mentioned as one of a few African leaders being investigated for alleged corruption. Bongo, was a rich man and much of his wealth come from the oil revenue, a resource the country prides itself in. He was much of a dictator and gained much of his wealth at the expense of the impoverished populace of Gabon, and when such a leader passes on and people shower them with praises, it only brings to light the hypocrisy that has become so widespread. Our very own speaker of the national assembly, Theo Ben Gurirab described him as a person who stood for what he believed in and very controversial at times, as he differed in ideologies and strategies with the Swapo party during struggle years. Yet, the speaker, found a way of redeeming himself by praising Bongo, as someone who reminded the African diaspora about mother Africa. We all know, that, he owns so much wealth, particularly in France while the masses in Gabon suffer.

Is it not time, we change our pretentious culture, and call a spade a spade. What's with African leaders wanting to cling  onto power for as long as they live, like they own us. There's no doubt that, Bongo will go down into the annals of history as someone who only tried and successfully enriched himself and his cronies. I guess, the dead no matter how they have adversely affected our lives deserve respect. After all it's our last respect to them.