It has raged for some time now, ferociously dividing the polity like nothing else has. One man’s inordinate ambition threatened to tear a nation of about 150 million people apart.

It is a truism that ‘power is nothing without control.’ We have all seen it with the unbridled arrogance with which affairs of state, fight against corruption, blatant harassment of political opponents, and what it means to this administration. 

In the life of any nation that respects the wishes of its people, constitutional amendments are a way of life. The United States of America, a nation which prides itself as a bastion of democratic ideals and principles, has lived through a couple of such amendments. These amendments can only strengthen democracy, where the rules and principles are respected; where the ordinary citizen has the assurance that those elected to represent them will do so with a pure conscience; where pecuniary gains do not determine where votes are cast; where morality can still stand tall in the mist of blatant decadence. Constitutional amendment should never be reduced to the whims of an individual, be he Caesar or Shaka. This is where Obj made his fatal error. 

If the proponents of third term had got their way, it is frightening to imagine what Nigeria would become. It is a shame that from the on set, Obj and his click of unserious characters could reduce an exercise as important as constitutional amendment to term elongation. Who would have thought that Obj, with a total of 12 years as the president of the Federal Republic, would want a week more added to him? 

To request for another four, six or twelve years for Obj is to do Nigeria a tremendous disservice. Why can’t African leaders just listen to the voice of their people, which effectively is the voice of God? Nigerians do not want Obj, pure and simple because they do not have anything to show for his seven years in the saddle. Apart from GSM phones, with all its attendant hiccups, what else can the present administration show for all the trillions of Naira that have been budgeted over the years? In terms of lighting, we were promised miracles in the beginning, but with so much sunk into the waste drain that is PHCN, we all know which age we are living in: the dark ages. In other climes, the candle is used for romantic diners. Here, it is our source of lighting. Blaring generators around neighborhoods make sleeping a nightmarish exercise. Small businesses are grinding to a halt because of lack of power. In close pursuit is the black gold, which from all intents and purposes, is now a curse to Nigeria. With the presidency directly supervising, we have seen the price increased a record breaking six times by any one administration. Kerosene now sells for N100 for a coke bottle-size with Mr. President confessing ignorance of the price regime that has shot pass the roof. Most communities do not have access to safe portable water, leaving about 75% of Nigerians at the mercy of typhoid and guinea worm attacks. His FCT minister, infamously known as the ‘Demolition Man,’ without having completed a single housing scheme, has already rendered so many destitutes in their homeland. Armed robbery attacks have been on the increase throughout the country. Road construction and rehabilitation, costing billions have been awarded to cronies and party chieftains who usually end up siphoning everything to their private accounts. What are we doing to ourselves? 

Who can really say that Obj has not risen to the apex of his clime? It is usually a rare case of favour for any one individual to ascend to the highest office in the land more than once; and considering Obj’s ‘prison to palace’ itinerary, retiring to a life of respect and honour should have been his driving force. We now all know better! Who could have thought that Obj would embark in a ploy as desperate and pathetic as tenure elongation? One can only shudder in disbelief at the psyche of our so-called leaders. It is even more shameful to hear Obj foot soldiers talk of victory for the democratic process now that tenure elongation is dead, knowing the level of manipulation, intimidation and blackmail hauled at opponents of third term. Had the leadership of the National Assembly reneged on its responsibility to give Nigerians justice and belief in the constitutional process, we may have been singing another song now. I salute the courage and resolve of all those who fought this monster to its timely grave, most especially the media, and in particular, AIT in its life broadcast of the debates. 

Constitutional amendment, tenure elongation et al, the PDP failed Nigeria because it pandered to the whims and selfish desires of the man Obj. History, like they say, has a funny way of repeating itself; and that is when we fail to learn from the ‘master school.’ Pharaoh’s power and influence dominated the known world of his time. The Bible records that he was a fearsome ruler who took the Israelites slaves. The twists of the story make it quite intriguing: he refused all entreaties to let God’s people go even when he could see the awesome power of God manifested in the plagues. Pharaoh even lost his first son, heir to the throne. Even when he let the Israelites leave after this incident, his mind and possibly his advisers took his mind back to the booty of conquest. And in one fluid moment of chivalric foolishness, he pursued the departing Israelites, blinded by seeming invincibility. By the time he could feel the truth crushing in excruciating austerity, he could only but catch a fleeting glimpse of history, as his entire conquering army dissolved unto the seabed, food for fish. The Bible records still that God in his infinite wisdom, had hardened Pharaoh’s heart so that the world would appreciate His awesomeness. 

It is disturbing to think this Pharaoh scenario could be playing itself out in respect of Obj. Thank goodness the tenure elongation charade is behind us, at least for now. Knowing Obj, he may just refuse to see the handwriting on the word, just like Pharaoh. Justice and fairness must reign in this land, and this can only come about when we do the right thing; when we refuse to live by the dictates of individuals, leaving our collective destiny in their hands. Justice and fairness can only be assured when the democratic space is opened to all; when elected representatives respect the wish of the people; when the constitution is not short-circuited for the sake of an individual; when the rule of law prevails in the polity. 

2007 is wide open. We cannot replace evil by evil. There are a lot of charlatans already gearing up with spurious claims. We know those who are real democrats and those who are simply apologists of particular Orders. Being blind to their conscience, they can only see what they want to see. It is time to inform them that we will no longer trade off our birth right for a miserly plate of porridge. Tenure elongation, in the guise of constitutional amendment, is only a battle won; the war for the soul of Nigeria is still raging. Stand where posterity will not relegate you to the backwaters of history. Stand on the side of Truth, Justice and Fairness. There is no seating on the fence anymore.

God is watching us…

awaiykaen@yahoo.fr

23.05.06

Robot  # 1 | 13.06.2006 09:41

2007 is wide open. We cannot replace evil by evil. There are a lot of charlatans already gearing ...Read the full article.