Politics
Nigeria, political choices and consequences
Nigeria, political choices and consequences
By Abiodun KOMOLAFE
To those who have been asking for my views on the last Osun governorship election, let me confess that the keenly contested election is a story worth telling. Deservingly so, yours sincerely will give a bird’s-eye view at an appropriate time. Soon! Surely!
That said, there is something about political orientation in Nigeria, which is also affected by the level of civilization. Inside that civilization are the levels of literacy and standard practice of the people’s norms and values. Whenever we mention politics, what is in the mind of an average Nigerian is an abstract phenomenon, yet, critical to public administration; it sure means different things to different people. To some, politics is just about how to grab state resources in a legitimate manner. So, people seek politics for the sake of power, and the only way to go about it is to play politics; that is, being involved in the structure of politics. To some people, anything goes in politics; even, rules and standards, by not obeying them, is politics. So, apart from its standardized definitions, politics is what the player or the political gladiator calls it, as long as it is soothing and convenient to his or her interest.
Again, politics already domesticated carries other attributes and these attributes can only be located within the context of the culture of where they are domesticated. For instance, if politics is defined by the ancient fathers as ‘who gets what, when, how’ (Harold Laswell, 1936); and the ‘authoritative allocation of value’ (David Easton, 1965), still, it has its own attributes. After all, politics enables one to get certain things done subject to certain intrigues. It also helps one to bend the rules, especially, if one plays it right. In that context, people make peculiar choices and induced policies are also churned out. The summation of all these things is exactly what is now happening in Nigeria.
In like manner, governance is administration, and administration itself is hinged on leadership. Impliedly, the type of leadership we get is the kind of government we have. The kind of government we get is the kind of administration that will be given to us. Obviously, it boils down to leadership. In the Nigerian context, the way leadership emerges is in itself problematic. It may appear seemingly democratic but, if it is stripped of its niceties, it will be discovered that leadership emergence in our clime has very undemocratic principles. Take for instance, for anybody to emerge as a presidential flag-bearer of a political party in Nigeria, he must fulfil some conditions. To put it mildly, these conditions have already disenfranchised millions of other Nigerians. In other words, what is required, when one looks at it, is not a level-playing field at all.
According to Amartya Sen, poverty becomes prevalent where there is ‘unfreedom’ on the part of the individual citizen to make a free choice of economic or political activities, which is independent of the State’s influence. In Nigeria, political choices are seldom free. Oftentimes, choices are made by the mass of citizens from the system-restricted options. A system-structured political party produces a restricted option of candidates, making the probability of outcomes purposively known and predictable! Invariably, the outcomes of the people’s choices are fairly and predictably known because the people are given guided options. While the systemic control makes the idea of an ‘independent candidate’ alien to Nigeria, the systemic restriction in Nigeria makes it impossible for certain classes of citizens to attain the privileged status of being voted for in the general elections.
As things stand, Nigeria’s political space is populated more by accidental democrats and opportunistic contractors, and they have been shown the way to riches. The powerful people have structured political emergence in such a way that it will perpetually fit their profile and those projected to become leaders! For example, it is they who organise the delegates and it is they who feed them. Since it is they who ‘settle’ them financially, they also direct the delegates with regard to the direction of their (the delegates’) votes. As we can also see, ability to understand and process issues will always be central to the choices that are made. For God’s sake, how many people can afford N100m just to pick a presidential form and how many people can service the delegates in terms of reality?
Yes, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) provisions stipulate a certain amount of money to be paid to each delegate as an honorarium. Even at that, how many people can boast of it in a domestic economy with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) currently standing at $440.78B? How can an individual pay that kind of money to, say, 1000 delegates? To be more attractive, and to edge out other competitors, the demands of delegates have even become enhanced, and ostensibly dollarized. Just think about it: can yours sincerely afford such a luxury. Who dash monkey banana? Yours sincerely who, despite his life struggles and commitment to nation-building, still has no roof of his own over his own head? Anyway, that’s a discussion for another day!
Undeniably, these stumbling blocks have not only rendered the process undemocratic but also inexplicably maniacal. At the end of the day, what it means is that the societal system has already selectively determined those whose ‘birthright’ it is to lead this fractured microcosm. That’s why ‘papa’ leaves office and puts his ‘pikin’, because it is only the son who has grown all the features that can make him an heir to the throne. Of course, that is why democracy in Nigeria is graphically defined as ‘government of the rich to favour the rich while perpetually keeping the poor in hopeless unfreedom’.
Going by the last party primaries in Nigeria, when one takes a cursory look at the number of people who wanted to rule Nigeria, one then begins to wonder where the country is truly headed. No thanks to the subtle political elimination culture which, more often than not, disqualifies qualified persons from standing for elections due to the State’s inbuilt inhibitions! The system would have so incapacitated them that their voices cannot be heard. Even if such people have noble ideas, the only place they can gestate will be in the ‘other room’. The tragedy of it all is that it’s a system which gives Nigerians limited options. So, it’s either one queues behind ‘Emi lokan’, or get ‘Atiku-lated’, or simply become ‘Obi-dient.’
When trust between the late Obafemi Awolowo and Ladoke Akintola came under severe strain, until it got to a climax during the First Republic, Awolowo’s position – that he was after development – was clear to everybody. But what was Akintola’s excuse? Well, it was more of a battle for survival and prominence. In other words, politics was reduced to the level of ‘who’s the superordinate’ and ‘who’s the subordinate’? If it were to be that SLA wanted a certain development plan implemented and Awo was opposed to it, the story would have been different.
The question now is: even after most of the political gladiators of the First Republic have died, has Nigeria been able to climb out of the morass into which she was sunk? Till tomorrow, some things have remained central; and they are the sin, sinfulness and the insatiable smartness of the political class. Sad that what we now have on our hands are appropriate errors of empty spirituality wrapped in the exhibition of ecstasy.
May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in Nigeria!
KOMOLAFE wrote in from Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State (ijebujesa@yahoo.co.uk)
Celebrating Gbajabiamila’s Twin Babies In NASS
By Philip Agbese
As the dust settles on the newly renovated main Chambers of the National Assembly, a sense of pride and accomplishment fills the air. As I sit down to write this piece, I can’t help but marvel at the transformation that has taken place within the hallowed halls of the National Assembly, all thanks to the indomitable spirit and vision of Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila. The recent renovation of the main Chambers of the National Assembly, which now houses the Representatives and the Senate, is nothing short of a dream come true. The newly established National Assembly Library and Research Centre stands as evidence of the unwavering dedication of Femi Gbajabiamila, the current Chief of Staff to the President.
The Book of History was filled again with overwhelming salient paragraphs when the Chief of Staff to the President and immediate past, Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, CFR visits the new National Assembly Library/Resource Centre and the Newly renovated House of Representatives Chambers, projects facilitated in the 9th Assembly under Gbajabiamila’s leadership. There, he was received by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., principal officers, and other members of the House of Representatives at the National Assembly on Monday.
In a manner reminiscent of a woman in the labour room discovering she’s been carrying twins, the unveiling of these projects has brought an unexpected and delightful surprise to the forefront. The parallel between the birth of new life and the rebirth of the National Assembly is both humorous and enlightening, underscoring the unforeseen potential that lay dormant, waiting to be realized.
What sets these achievements apart is not just their aesthetic appeal but the fact that they were executed and delivered by indigenous contractors. The successful completion of these projects and the inspection of both facilities on Monday has confirmed what many of us have long believed – that we are more than capable of achieving greatness without relying on foreign companies who often seek to exploit us for their gain.
The inspection of these facilities has not only confirmed their quality but has also served as a resounding rebuttal to the notion that foreign companies are the only ones capable of delivering large-scale projects. This display of homegrown excellence stands as a testament to the ingenuity and proficiency of Nigerian contractors, dispelling the myth that foreign entities hold a monopoly on quality construction.
Drawing parallels to the biblical story of Solomon completing the temple started by David, the current Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., exemplifies humility and dedication, which I found admiring and worthy of note. Just as Solomon saw to the completion of his predecessor’s grand vision, Speaker Tajudeen has carried forward Gbajabiamila’s initiatives with grace and commitment. Hon. Abbas is not given to self-aggrandizement, but the one I know to be filled with total humility and respect. His leadership and collaborative approach have been instrumental in ensuring the successful realization of these projects, thereby further reflecting Nigeria’s commitment to democratic governance.
The significance of these developments extends beyond the physical structures themselves. The renovated chambers and the establishment of the research center not only elevate the image of the parliament, but also reflects the grandeur of renowned parliaments, positioning the National Assembly as a hub for legislative research and innovation, not only within Nigeria but across the African continent. This development opens doors for collaboration and knowledge sharing among lawmakers, fostering a more informed and progressive legislative environment. The impact of these facilities will undoubtedly reverberate far beyond the walls of the National Assembly, leaving an indelible mark on the legislative landscape.
Reflecting on my visit to the British Parliament in 2018, I am struck by the uncanny resemblance between those esteemed halls and the newly refurbished chambers here in Abuja. This is a testament to the remarkable work of Gbajabiamila, and I am honoured to witness such a significant milestone during my tenure as a member of the House.
Now let’s picture this – the National Assembly undergoing a makeover, complete with a stylish new library and research centre. It’s as if the hallowed halls received a fabulous makeover, courtesy of none other than Gbajabiamila. The thought of stately politicians surrounded by the trappings of modernity is enough to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
In the spirit of education and enlightenment, it’s crucial to highlight the transformative power of these developments for a clearer understanding. The establishment of a state-of-the-art research centre within our National Assembly is a cause for celebration, as it signifies our commitment to intellectual growth and legislative prowess. With these new facilities, the possibilities for groundbreaking research, innovative legislation, and collaborative efforts are simply boundless.
Special credit must also be given to Hon. Dan Amos, the current House Committee Chairman on House Services, for his outstanding supervision throughout the renovation and establishment processes. His meticulous oversight also ensured that these projects were executed seamlessly, delivering a result that meets the highest standards. Hon. Amos and his committee can be likened to the midwives who facilitated the successful delivery of Gbajabiamila’s vision for the National Assembly. Their dedication and attention to detail deserve good recognition.
As I sit privileged to serve as a member of the House, the transformation of the National Assembly under the leadership of Gbajabiamila has not only inspired a sense of pride but has also evoked a sense of humour and awe at the unexpected and delightful turn of events. The collaborative efforts and dedication of all those involved in making this dream a reality is much overwhelming and it’s a testament to the existing unity in Nigeria as a whole, irrespective of party affiliations or political loyalty. The juxtaposition of the unexpected twin babies and the unveiling of these projects serves as a profound testament to the fulfilment of a grand vision.
Truly for a fact, this recent unveiling of the refurbished chambers, alongside the inauguration of the National Assembly Library and Research Centre, marks a significant milestone in transforming Nigeria’s legislative hub. The brain behind this remarkable feat, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has not only delivered on his vision but has also set a new standard for indigenous excellence in infrastructure development.
In conclusion, the transformation of the National Assembly under the stewardship of Femi Gbajabiamila is not only a testament to his vision and leadership but a resounding declaration of the capabilities and potential of indigenous talent. Gbaja’s unwavering dedication to the betterment of the National Assembly has brought about a renaissance that will leave an indelible mark on the fabric of our legislative institution. The humour, the unexpectedness, and the educational significance of these developments all coalesce to paint a picture of a man who has redefined the landscape of the National Assembly and has emerged as the perfect embodiment of fulfillment.
As we bask in the glory of these achievements, let us not forget the humour and joy that accompanies such momentous occasions. After all, laughter and lightheartedness can make even the most serious of endeavours all the more enjoyable. With great delight and pride, I celebrate the birth of Gbajabiamila’s “twin babies” in the National Assembly, a testament to his vision, leadership, and the potential of indigenous excellence. Cheers to Gbajabiamila and the vibrant future of the National Assembly!
Agbese MHR is the Deputy Spokesperson, National Assembly’s House of Representatives, writing from Abuja.
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