There should be a time like this otherwise the evil minds would always rejoice, and probably mock God and laugh at His disciples. Unless there are times like this, thugs and destroyers would become role models for Nigerian youths. I am still talking about the reinstatement of Rasheed/Rashidi Ladoja as governor of Oyo  State .

 Ladoja was removed in a manner that most analysts believed was illegal when 18 out of 32 lawmakers – less than two-third requires by law – impeached him in a hotel! Even though his removal lacked due process, Ladoja did not result to violence. He vacated the office, and sought legal means to challenge what he perceived a slap on his integrity. By not taking the path of destruction, some people considered him meek while some thought he was politically naïve. In Nigerian parlance, he should have gathered thugs; afterall the bible says a tooth for a tooth and an eye for and eye. The best reaction to this school of thought, was to set Ibadan ablaze.

But Ladoja dismisssed such barbaric thought and followed due process, a method which is alien to most Nigerian politicians including Mr. President. Unknown to him, his mellow wisdom approach to matter arising would earn him a historic feat. It would accord and distinguish him from Adedubuism. I am sure he did not know that he was making history when lawmakers loyal to Adedibu discourteously impeached him. I for one will occasionally celebrate any being that is opposite of a Ubadibu, who has caused much sorrow in Oyo, Anambra and other states of the federation, especially Ibadan and Enugu .

Although impeachment or to put it succintly – illegal impeachment – could be hard on anyone, it was indeed a blessing in disguise for Ladoja. It took that much – at least – to mark him as a principled politician. His opponents – during hard times – had treated him with contempt for standing up against Adedubuism. Adedubuism means the theory of making politics a do or die affair; the thinking that politics is thuggery and a suave way to amass ill gotten wealth.

I was even amazed that Ladoja did not abuse or accuse Obasanjo being another god behind his impeachment. Well, I suspect diplomacy in this regard, for OBJ was actually involved. Of course he is involved in everything Nigeria ; everything impeachment. Ladoja should forget being in the good book of Obasanjo and get down to business. It is not that he had turned Oyo  State into paradise before his demise. Ladoja also goofed when he eulogised OBJ for “living up to his pledge to always uphold the rule of law…I feel proud to claim a part of his quest for a corrup-free and just society…”

The only appreciation he should show the people for fighting on his behalf is by making their livelihood better. Let him develop Oyo  State . Let him provide basic amenities for ordinary people. Let him supervise and deal with those local chairmen who are fond of using people’s money as their personal inheritance…

So the tug of war between Ladoja and Adedibu before, during and after the impeachment clearly revealed the nature of both men. While the younger man exibited a great talent and extra-ordinary maturity in dealing with the situation, the septuagenarian displayed youthful exuberance, and a deliberate invalid argument showing ingenuity in the hope of deceiving the people of Oyo State. For example, he painted Ladoja as a stingy person who would not share State money with Adedibu’s family, a declaration which can only backfire.

To Adedibus, government money should be shared equally among the stakeholders, especially the godfathers who have absolute power to elect governors, local chairmen and even president. In his rash symtomatic of thuggery, he went to town proclaiming himself Ibadan god. Along the way, he insulted our collective intelligence by his infamous statement: Ibadan people are known for destruction. To buttress his point, he collected his loyal thugs and they invaded the city of Ibadan with cutlassess, dane guns and other tools of destruction. And his words suddenly became law. Of course with the backing of the big one in Aso Rock.

Adedibu is not as wise as expected of an old man otherwise he should have known better to proclaim that no Jupiter would bring Ladoja back. Didn’t he know that OBJ is the Jupiter, the Alpha and Omega of Nigerian politics? That, it’s only OBJ who has the brutal power to reinstate Ladoja? Adedibu further humilated Obasanjo when he denoted that the latter had told him his successor. All these together culminated in Obasanjo’s decision to put Ibadan politifian in his place by bringing Ladoja back. The big god is angry with the small god.

As for Akala, the man has started harvesting the treachery he sowed. Being a former policeman, he has proved beyond resonable doubt that, nothing good could come from a policeman. He should have been a man to boost the image of the police in civilian uniform, but he allowed greed to overwhelm his senses. Instead of him to drown with his boss, he preferred to stick to Adedibu’s straw, becoming his stooge, and eventually an illegal governor. He ran an errand for Adedibu, who indirectly controlled the state money, something he could only dream of when Ladoja was the governor.

Akala became a typic example of Nigerian politician: anything goes. He blew hot and cold with the help of his Communication and Strategy adviser. They manipulated public opinion in their favour, implying that Adedibu and Akala are the only beings who have genuine love of their people at heart.

Diran Odeyemi foolishly defended – passionately perhaps – Akala’s illegal government. He even justified his own actions as being call to duty. For him the duo have the magic and moral authority to turn Oyo   State into paradise. Mr. Odeyemi who used to chastise public officers for their lack of foresight and indiscretion suddenly became Akala’s praise singer. He left Britain to become a crawler. The young man had used his talent upside down with the jingle: Akala: People’s Governor.

Upon all, I would have rejoiced without hesitation at the verdict that brought Ladoja back to Agodi government house, but with the involvement of Obasanjo federal government commanding the Inspector General of Police that it is his right to obey the Supreme Court, the whole thing remains confused.

The fight might have just started.

mysmallvoice@yahoo.com

Robot  Villager

# 1 ...Read the full article. Posted by Robot| 14.12.2006 07:00