The Adamawa State power
tussle, where the immediate-past acting governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has returned
to his previous post as the speaker of the house is a classic case. Fintiri’s
four-month reign as the chief executive of the state highlighted the confusion
that has been created in Adamawa by the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP’s)
quest for power. From the onset, it was clear that an opportunistic Fintiri
capitalized on the resolve of Abuja to dethrone former governor Murtala Nyako
for waging war against Mr President. Fintiri offered to be used by the PDP,
knowing full well that if he succeeded in booting out Nyako and his deputy,
Bala Ngilari, he would be well positioned as acting governor to deploy machinery
towards his election as a substantive governor. The PDP and Fintiri struck a symbiotic accord
founded on illegality. The speaker’s civilian coup was bankrolled by the PDP;
the idea: to wrestle the state from the hands of the opposition All Progressives
Party (APC) even though they are not popular there.
The deputy
governor, a PDP stalwart, was coerced and bullied into resignation, despite his
constitutional right to assume the office of governor in the absence of Nyako.
The initial strategy was an impeachment joint ticket, but what was his crime?
He is a PDP member and did not defect like his principal. Other PDP members
should beware. He was forced to resign under duress and was booted out, until
the court reinstated Ngilari as the governor as due process was not
followed. In Ekiti State, the courts
have not been allowed to wade into the controversy, with an High Court Judge
being beaten and now the courts being sealed by the military until the governor-elect
is sworn in by which time the immunity clause would have taken effect and the
law supposedly can do nothing. As social commentators and citizens we shouldn’t
belittle the desperation of these people, as they are doing untold damage to
the stability that rules and regulations and respect bring to the land.
Our President (and I do not use the word “our” lightly) should
understand that he is the leader of the country, the chief executive officer of
the entire nation, not the poster child of his party. The president is
definitely not just the leader of the PDP. These illegalities perpetrated under
President Jonathan’s watch only lend credence to those who said his body
language encourages corruption. Quite frankly, he did not create corruption; he
inherited it. But whether he is putting enough into tackling it is another
matter entirely. In a democracy, a strong opposition is key, because it brings
balance and debate to our polity – essential ingredients for a healthy
democracy.
Unfortunately,
a similar crisis is happening in Rivers state, though they are being met with
strong resistance. Both sides are perpetrating the abuse of power and lives
have been lost. Edo State is brewing. Legislators are under constant attacks
from “unknown” sources. Even the state Assembly is not immune from attack, with
thugs shooting and damaging private and government property, all in the name of
intimidation and impeachment.
In Ondo,
the governor has returned to the PDP – the same party which but for the
Judiciary, had stolen his mandate. Now, members of the state House of Assembly
who have refused to decamp are being persecuted. In Ekiti, I repeat, the Judiciary – the third
arm of government – has been shut down and militarized so that the anointed Governor
Fayose could escape prosecution for his lawlessness. Courts and Justice will
only resume after his inauguration. What message are we teaching our youth? If
the sanctity of the Judiciary cannot be protected, how can citizens look up to
it to protect their rights? The NJC has let us down by not protecting and upholding the institutions
from where they derive their legitimacy. We now see that politicians are bent
on dismantling the legal instrument that brought them to power. What will we be left with but a downward
spiral to anarchy that nobody here will escape?
I feel ashamed to be a Nigerian when our leaders display such
immaturity, violence and greed. I suppose it is a reflection of who we are, so
it is no wonder the rest of the world looks down on us. What a disappointment
to the black race! Our leader the President should appreciate that this is all
happening under his watch. He should be mindful that at best he would be with
us for another 4 years. Will this be worth it? Is this the legacy that he wants
to leave behind? William Shakespeare said “The evil that men do lives after
them; the good is oft interred with their bones.” We should all mark these
words.
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