Amala Politics vs. Gbegiri Electorate

By Akingbogun Olukayode

My joy new no bounds on Thursday, 7^th of December when I heard the news that the apex court in Nigeria, the Supreme Court had upheld the earlier judgement of the Appeal Court Ibadan division to nullify the impeachment of Senator Rashidi Ladoja by the G – 18 National Assemblymen. In so far as I have no particular political sympathy for Ladoja, the issue at stake is far more consequential. A rape of our nascent democracy by a clique of greedy, self – seeking and ill – informed bums dressed up as politicians in Agbada, Buba and Sokoto should be a source of concern for all. That these same gang of ‘‘I never chop’’ rascals are still insisting that Ladoja should not dare come to Ibadan amounts to an affront on our judicial system, and should be treated as contempt of court.

When Ladoja was illegally impeached in January 2006, he sort to fight for justice in the law courts. As such, he vacated office immediately. While all this ‘brouhaha’ persisted he and his loyal supporters continued to seek succour through the law courts which inadvertently resulted in his reinstatement on Thursday. This shows great political maturity, believes in the rule of law, justice and the sanctity of our constitution, one that his opponents lack in alarming magnitude. Taking stock of the pronunciations attributable to among others, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Oyo State who described the Supreme Court decision as ‘‘nothing short of a ‘mere’ academic exercise’’, all Nigerians must ask how such a person was able to reach such an exalted position. A person of Lana’s standing in the society should be a source of hope for justice and fair play. Alas, Lana has demonstrated that for the sake of power and financial rewards he is ready to sell his soul to the devil at the expense of humanity. How can someone of Lana’s standing in the legal profession claim that a Supreme Court judgement is not enforceable, when he has benefited from that very profession? Lana has forgotten the hand that has fed him (the legal profession must have been good to him to such an extent that he can occupy such an important position in life) all because some gangster politician has taken it upon himself to operate as the alpha and omega of Oyo politics. 

Mr Diran Odeyemi on his own part claims that the Supreme Court had not asked Otunba Alao – Akala to leave. I wonder what Diran’s educational background is, but I will not be surprised if it turns out that he is in possession of some half baked, ill – gotten degree from some sort of higher institution. This may therefore explain his inability to fully grasp the real implications of the Supreme Court decision. For his benefit, what the apex court is saying in effect is that Ladoja was not removed from office at all. Obviously the implication is that if somebody has not been removed from office, but has been prevented from carrying out his duties then they can return to continue such activities when clarifications have been concluded. This has obviously been done by the Supreme Court, and the wider ramifications are that Alao – Akala should vacate his illegally occupied position and allow the bonafide governor to resume office. Alao – Akala and his cronies are suffering from an age old illness synonymous with most African leaders – Stay In Power At All Cost ‘‘SIPAAC’’ syndrome. Some of his lackeys are also exhibiting physical signs of dementia, or else they would have been able to grasp the true implications of something as simple as ‘nullifying the impeachment’ of Ladoja.

To shine light on an ill conceived idea that impeachment is unacceptable in our young democratic process, I make bold to say if an elected official has been proven to have committed some form of gross misconduct, this is acceptable. However, it is not acceptable for ignoramuses to create trumped up charges just so they can enhance their own inordinate ambitions and political relevance. The legislature by all means does have the right to instigate impeachment proceedings against errant officials, but in doing so they must follow all laid down procedures and due processes to the full letter of the law. Their inability to do this behoves it on the judiciary to prevent any conceived miscarriage of justice. The G – 18 assemblymen by their actions and ignorance have shown to all in Oyo   State especially, and Nigeria in general that they are ill – equipped and to occupy such important positions. It will be important to see if any of them are re – elected back into office or ever trusted with important political positions ever again. However, trusting the electorate in Nigeria as I know them to be, all it will take is for these miscreants to pass a few bundles of Naira notes around and they are bound to get the mandate they require.

This is where my grouse with the electorate starts. The level of poverty is Nigeria is so high that some people see electioneering activities as ways of receiving largesse from politicians in exchange for their votes. This dangerous tendency creates a scenario whereby unscrupulous politicians entice voters with money, and make electoral promises which they have no intentions of fulfilling. Once they have assumed office some politicians are too engulfed in lining their pockets with government revenue, they forget in entirety the poor masses who had voted them into office. The few courageous individuals who attempt to approach their representatives are often fobbed off with all manners of excuses or innuendoes. This is essentially how people like Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu can strut around the political arena unashamedly, benefiting from illegalities without any meaningful contribution towards improving the lives of the impoverished and downtrodden. The fact of the matter is the people in Ibadan have been so intimidated that they have no courage to ask Adedibu and his goons of what essence is the enormous clout he has if it is not of any meaningful benefit to them. The arrogance with which Adedibu bestrides the town of Ibadan like a colossus is a slap on the face of all those highly educated people in Oyo state who have been harassed into submission and unable to challenge his misdemeanour.

The people of Oyo   State should arise and live up to their responsibilities, and tell Adedibu and his gang of imbeciles that they are not ready to stand for any of his selfish shenanigans anymore. They should give their support to well meaning and capable politicians who are ready to provide selfless service that can stimulate development, peaceful coexistence and respect for the rule of law in our fledging democracy. By their affirmative actions they should reduce Adedibu, Alao – Akala and all other destructive influences in Oyo   State to a level of irrelevance in our national politics. Enough is enough. No more Amala politics. Other States in the Nigerian Federation should learn from the experiences in Oyo, Plateau and Anambra   States . They should resist all dictatorial tendencies from unscrupulous politicians and signify to them that they are no more willing to be the ‘’Gbegiri’’ with which ‘‘Amala’’ is to be eaten.

Robot  Villager

# 1 Amala Politics vs. Gbegiri Electorate By Akingbogun Olukay...Read the full article. Posted by Robot| 10.12.2006 22:25

bakoso2000  Villager

# 2 This is also a good lesson to people like Governor Ladoja who always want to ride on the back of a Godfather into a political office. You cannot serve God and the same time mammoth. People like Adedibu will never be relevant in Nigerian politics if politicians allow themselves to be voted in by the people and not selected by some Godfather. When elected representatives actually serve the people and keep their electoral promises, they have nothing to worry about and they will always enjoy the support of the people at any given time. Can we say this of Ladoja? You have to have more than the constitution and the rule of law on you side in a matter like this. This is his second change to make it right with the electorate. Posted by bakoso2000| 11.12.2006 10:42

makinde  JJC

# 3 hallo, well, that is only if Nigerian politicians and masses will understand the implication of 'amala and gbegiri politics'. it does not advance the course of a nation and it will never. Makinde Posted by makinde| 11.12.2006 12:13