If Gov. Eliot Spitzer of New York Were A Nigerian Governor

By Dr. Phil Tam-Al Alalibo 

At moments like this, I am certain that Governor Elliot Spitzer of New York would have wished to be a Nigerian governor to enable him wiggle out rather easily from his sexual escapades and continue his stay in the Governor's mansion. For those not aware, the governor has been alleged to have an interstate tryst with a 'costly' 22-year-old prostitute named "Kristen" (real name Ashley Dupre) on numerous occasions; a venture that has gulped more than $80,000 of the governor's money over a period of time or perhaps, of New York taxpayer's money, though I hasten to add this has not been proven. As the embattled governor today tendered his resignation in utter disgrace with his emotionally battered wife, Silda, a Harvard educated lawyer like her transgressed husband, at his checkered side, I cannot help but ponder if he were indeed a Nigerian governor his sexual activities with a prostitute would be a non issue if not outright glorified; and this underscores the glaring disparity between the two societies.

The salient issues often lost in the argument are the dearth of probity, responsibility and leadership in the Nigerian political arena. Let no one be fooled, Nigerian governors are engaging aplenty in their own tryst with prostitutes; but the fact that it does not even make the news is evidence of the moral morass and abject decadence our society is embroiled in. So immune are our politicians to the needs of the people that when their actions are inimical to the greater good oftheir constituencies, they feign ignorance and proffer an inordinate amount of reason to remain in office. In Nigeria, in particular, and Africa, in general, our leaders do not know when to assuage the wishes of their constituencies and resign for the good of the nation even in the face of massive failings of personal and professional variety.

Just look at the examples – President Paul Biya of Cameroon has been in office since 1982, Daniel Arap Moi of Kenya was in office for twenty-five years, Robert Mugabe, at 83, an age he ought to be preparing to meet his maker, is not only basking in power, but continues to commit all manner of atrocities against his people. And Yoweri Museveni of Uganda has been in office since 1986 and this, after he noted at the onset that no one should be in office for more than two-terms. With the reckless abandon with which our leaders rule (not govern) and with the political debts they have to pay that facilitated their ascension to the throne, it is inconceivable that any of them would resign even when their countries are heading for the abyss of hell in a hand basket.

And at home, the Mrs. Patricia Etteh's saga presents a clear example of this malady that is afflicting our incorrigible tribe of politicians most of whom have ascended the throne on self-serving agendas. We should note the contrast here – that Spitzer resigned in forty-eight hours after he alluded to his personal failings, insisting that his shortcomings must not interfere with the peoples' business. But it took almost four months for Etteh to resign and that only after it was made abundantly clear that the Integrity Group in the House would stop at nothing to ensure the integrity of the House. In the case of Etteh, not even the death of a colleague, Dr. Safana of Kastina, provided the impetus for resignation and certainly not the fact that the nation was held hostage as they dabbled back and forth, boxing themselves in ways that would make Mike Tyson green with envy.

Most of us still remember the cases of Mr. Joshua Dariye and Diepreye Alamieyeseigha of Plateau and Bayelsa, respectively, both of whom were arrested by the London Metropolitan Police on money-laundering charges. We also remember that both escaped the long arm of the law to their respective states to continue governing. In the case of Alamieyeseigha, it was no surprise that he was even given a most enchanting welcome by his people complimented by well calibrated police salutes, all proffered to an ugly-looking cross-dressing 'female' fugitive that escaped from London under the cover of darkness.

As noted already, one of the reasons for their obstinate disposition in office is the fact that they must remain in power to repay their political debts. Thus, money bag politics become an albatross, an utter aberration to the true democratic inklings of the people. I am yet to see a Nigerian governor or high public official resign out of honor for a scandal that has plagued him/her while in office; and this noble act may very well not occur during my generation. They have all either been sacked or impeached out of office – the list is endless – Adolphus Wabara, Evan Enwerem, Chuba Okadigbo, Salisu Buhari (of Univ. of Toronto fame), Prof. Fabian Osuji and many more, all dragged out of office in the face of daunting corruption, instead of tendering their resignation and taking the path of honor.

In the case of the New York Governor, we saw his wife standing dejectedly behind him as he made his public confession of guilt.  Just out of curiosity, if it were a Nigerian governor admitting to sexual failings, how many women would stand behind him in the moment of public confession, that is, if there is one? Will all his wives stand behind him or will he elect one out of the pack of wives to be so disgraced at the podium?

And recently, the Health Minister, Prof. Adenike Grange, was alleged to have been arrested by the EFCC for embezzlement of N40 million un-used ministry budget and award of contracts without adhering to due process.  In any civilized society, such an arrest or even the allegation itself will be the catalyst for immediate resignation. But rather, what we had in this case was the employment of the services of spin doctors, trouble shooters, interpreters, soothsayers, native doctors, mind-changers all trying to distort the facts of the case and calling red, blue. Only in Nigeria would a public official be arrested and accused of a serious crime and the next day, he is offered a national award.

Gov. Eliot Spitzer's ill-luck is edged in the fact that he was the governor of the wrong state, in the wrong country and wrong continent. If he were a Nigerian governor, he would by now, in the midst of the public knowledge of his tryst, be meeting with the president to discuss important matters of governance and planning for his re-election, certainly not his resignation. If Nigerian governors were to resign based on their sexual indiscretions and entanglement with prostitutes and all manner of mistresses and small girls that loiter government house, there would be no governors left in any of the thirty-six states, maybe, not even a president – remember Abacha and the two Indian prostitutes?

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Author can be reached at alalibo@gmail.com - Article also published @ www.newnigerianpolitics.com 

Robot  Villager

# 1 ...Read the full article. Posted by Robot| 13.03.2008 00:23

fxo  Villager

# 2 Every now and again we are presented with clear evidences of our societies lack of moral credit compared to most of the civilized world. But unfortunately wrap views blurred by cultural and religious shortcomings in our communities fail to ginger a recognition of our civic responsibilities. Posted by fxo| 13.03.2008 04:40

delegiwa  Villager

# 3 If the Client 9 happened to be a Nigerian Governor, that wouldn't have been a problem at all. Some people from his village would've stormed the Govt house in solidarity while women would've gone naked to protest their son's innocence and his persecution and distraction by some invisible "detractors" who are hell-bent on saboutaging the good effort of their son. In all, the whole thing would just fizzle away and case closed. This is Naija you know. Posted by delegiwa| 13.03.2008 07:21

Ofunwa Villager  Villager

# 4 When this case of Gov Spitzer first came up, the first picture that flashed through my mind was that of T.A. Orji, the governor of Abia state, standing naked in a shrine i presume in the dead of night. Going by what Ngige told the world about this shrine, Orji was not there for any initiation ceremonies. He was there to swear an oath of loyalty to his godfather. Again, going by what we knew from Ngige, this is to ensure that every kobo the godfather demands is given to him without question. Eze Chikamnayo, a former commissioner in kalu's government also told of how they were taken to a shrine to swear an oath of allegiance to kalu and his mother before they were made commissioners. Abians, are we not stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea? Ugochukwu is not a good alternative and will never be but here we have a governor, the symbol of a state, the number one and the most ''important'' citizen of the state standing naked before a pagan deity, pleading his allegiance to his godfather and not to the state he was ''elected'' to defend it's interest. Spitzer as a private citizen could have chosen to live all his life between the thighs of ''kristen'' and no one will blink an eyelid but as a governor his action brought dishonour to the prestigious office he occupied therefore he had to resign. I 've always doubted the saying that a people desereve their government but not any more. several months after Orji's video of infamy came to light, nobody has called on the governor to resign, instead, some are talking the kwasiokorish logic of ''open'' and ''secret'' cult. Nobody seem to have seen the degree of dishonour that comes with having a governor that sold his soul to the devil and the mockery it heaps on governance itself. Is anyone still asking why Obasanjo only succeeded in heaping so much sorrow on Nigerians? Gbenga his own son told us why. How will such a man ever conceive a positive idea? A man that found his daughter-inlaw devourable, the crab that ate it's own head. What serious issue of governance will such a man have to discuss, one on one with any of his female ministers or even the males who are in the same league with him? It is only the mentally retarded that will still be guessing what Orji's four year rule will bring to Abia. We deserve our governments. Posted by Ofunwa Villager| 13.03.2008 08:53

RAYNOSA  Villager

# 5 =delegiwa;4294995597>If the Client 9 happened to be a Nigerian Governor, that wouldn't have been a problem at all. Some people from his village would've stormed the Govt house in solidarity while women would've gone naked to protest their son's innocence and his persecution and distraction by some invisible "detractors" who are hell-bent on saboutaging the good effort of their son. In all, the whole thing would just fizzle away and case closed. This is Naija you know. VERY,VERY TRUE ABOUT THE NIGERIAN SITUATION. LIKEWISE SOME PEOPLE WILL CONCLUDE THAT THIS CAN NEVER HAPPEN IN AMERICA or BRITAIN. This makes me sick when people tend to give the impression that only saints live in these so called civilliazed word. Posted by RAYNOSA| 13.03.2008 09:29

10Kobo  Villager

# 6 Laws are Laws, rules are rules. While l concur that there is no shred of shame in the loins of our leaders, at the risk of being criticized (and l would take it in good faith!), l want to posit that Just like "the people are a reflection of the society, the society is a reflection of the people". In Nigeria, the North is governed by Sharia, it allows a Governor to "legitimately and constitutionally" have four wives and if the husband is caught for cheating on his wives, they would rather "stone or flog" the woman. In the south, the 1999 constitution does not criminalize having more than one wife, in fact, our last President has more than four "official wives" and that does not even raise an eyebrow! So, where is the basis for comparison? Monogamy is a western culture and later, it became a law, to have one wife at at time (of course, there are ways round that, just divorce her and re-marry as many times as you wish; its one-divorce for a few Bob!!). Polygamy is criminalized. Now we must also realize that the choice of monogamy in the west was not foisted on them, neither was it taken from a religious perspective; it was borne out of necessity, the need for collective survival. Nature, environment and evolution are factors that generally "condition" the choice, culture and later, laws that generally 'moderate' or more technically stated, govern any society. Take it or leave it, it is scientifically documented that "the Asians are the least fertile, followed by the Caucasian while the Blackman sits ontop of the pack, with his unlimited libido. (compare a 70yr old Baba Iyabo with an average 70yr old Oyinbo, when it comes to 'Congo business' or Monkey business! :D ). While the whiteman recommends divorce as a panacea for a "failed-marriage" or a randy partner, the African setting recommends adding one more lady to the union, to spice things-up while "keeping it" in the family! :D and we are all very quick to brag about our "low divorce-rate", low homosexuality, low suicide rate, e.t.c but we forget that there is always a flip-side to any coin,; the down-side! Divorce-rate and Polygamy seems to be two side of the same coin: inversely related. That our leaders (and the led, in some cases), chose to be arrogant, insensitive, unresponsive, impervious to their conscience and totally disconnected to the people they govern, has more to do with society we have created and even much more to do with the people that are being governed. All the armed forces put together, are made up of Nigerians, our people, our brothers and sisters, Daddies and Mummies. They are part of the society that is being governed, by our wicked leaders. They feel the pain and the bruises being inflicted on us collectively. What can OBJ or Babangida or Abacha or even Yar'Adua for that matter, do all by himself? The Power of the leader is derived from the people, whether as part of the military, Police or Security Services, who props and protect him. So if "the people" (or some of the people) decide to prop-up and sustain bad leadership, for their own selfish reasons, then so be it; they must pay the price for their choice. Everyone has a choice. It would be delusional to even think Elliot Spitzer was delighted, happy or even interested in resigning: HE HAD NO OTHER CHOICE; THE PEOPLE, THE LED GAVE HIM NO ALTERNATIVE! and if he decides to "sit-tight" like the 'Nigerian version' of leaders, what will happen? There lies the difference between 'Nigerian people' and the American people'. First, a motion will be tabled in "the house", for his resignation. it will be seconded and a vote will be taken, majority would vote-him out and recommend prosecution thereafter; The state Attorney or even an independent prosecutor will take him o court an the judge will strip him of all his wealth and let him spend a long time in jail; and the citizens of NewYork will come together to celebrate another success of democracy and free-will. Now, the "Nigerian version" of that scenario will play-out like this: His Party BOT and chairman (most likely the PeeDeePee!) will convene a "secret meeting" and table their request, a certain percentage of the Governors monthly financial allocation (it used to be 10% in the good days but now, "inflation and rise in crude prices has increased it to like 35% :D ). The Guvnor would agree and the Party would issue a statement that it is solidly behind the Guvnor, one elderly truant from Ibadan would tell us the country would become ungovernable if the house dare convene, to start any impeachment process! The Guvnor himself will assemble some praise-singers who will collect bags of money and organize a "fifteen-million man-and-woman, NANS, kindergarten, primary and secondary school match" in solidarity with the Guvnor (of course, everybody will have pocketed his "geometrically-reducing cut" of the Ghana-must-go! :biggrin: ). Those that are left-out of the "share-share" or short-changed, would take to the streets and engage those that collected a share, in a street fight and citizens would die!. The same Guvnor would declare a state-of-emergency and MOPOL, ARMY, Regular POLICE will be drafted to the streets. The I.G or Commissioner of Police would state tersely that "l would deal ruthlessly with any trouble maker", everything is under control. By then, his men would have killed a few more Nigerians. He cannot allow some "area-boys" citizens to over-heat the system or In other to further "resolve the impasse", some Oba's wold travel to Abuja to collect their own "official, traditional Cola" so as to appease to their subjects that "the man is talking sense!" Our dear good Guvnor would not be left off the hook so easily, he has to quickly manufacture some contracts and award same to some defiant members of the house, to ensure their solidarity and refer the matter to a "due-process-committee or rule-of-law committee" and there and then, the Guvnor is given a clean bill of health after all, "the man did not rape any body's wife"! :D . So tell me, what is the basis of comparison? If Spitzer was a Nigerian, that "prostitute" might be the proud owner of an oil-block, by now and resignation would never has crossed his mind: He has to serve his people. TO SERVE AND TO PROTECT...:D :D :D Except we, "the governed" change the laws, the constitution and probably our culture, our mentality, our orientation and stop selling our rights for money, its will still be "Guvnor as usual" Dont mind me jare, l just like to wonder aloud :D Cheers, 10Kobo Posted by 10Kobo| 13.03.2008 09:38

Oghre  Villager

# 7 yawn yawn yawn..zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz It Nigerians are not prepared to do anything about it why complain?????? Posted by Oghre| 13.03.2008 10:02

planet1899  Villager

# 8 Nigerian govs are simply a complete write-off...what can one expect from such ingrates? Posted by planet1899| 13.03.2008 10:50

Jagunlabi  Villager

# 9 In the case of the New York Governor, we saw his wife standing dejectedly behind him as he made his public confession of guilt. Just out of curiosity, if it were a Nigerian governor admitting to sexual failings, how many women would stand behind him in the moment of public confession, that is, if there is one? Will all his wives stand behind him or will he elect one out of the pack of wives to be so disgraced at the podium? Yes i agree with you comment, up to the above statement. I don't think his wife is standing by him loyally, i think it's just a PR gimmick, till the lawyers are called. I don't expect any woman to put her self through an embrassing ordeal if her man can't keep his third leg together. As one of the male specie myself, here goes i but for the grace of baba God:sad::sad::sad: Posted by Jagunlabi| 13.03.2008 12:13

udokaamah  Villager

# 10 "If Gov. Eliot Spitzer of New York were a Nigerian" he would have resigned "if" it were politically inconvenient for his base of support to keep him. It gets a little tiring when persons glibly run a Western/Nigeria comparisons using undefined basis and perimeters. Recently one of NVS usual professional critics compared Senator Larry Craig of Idaho to Patricia Etteh. He was yelling on how patriotic it was for Larry Craig to announce his resignation immediately after his alleged bathroom misdeed became public. Well, Larry Craig has rescinded his resignation. Where is our "America we hail thee" man? On the subject of Elliot Spitzer, i insist that he did not resign because of some pie in the sky virtuosity called integrity. Elliot Spitzer is a politician. The political pressure coupled with the high stakes democratic primary nomination, coupled with the powerful enemies he made while serving as the Attorney General of New York City, became a conundrum and sank his career. I personally am of the opinion that Mr Spitzer should not have resigned. His moral lapse did not rise to the level of an official misdeed. There has been no allegation that he used public funds to procure an escort. He did not commingle funds or launder money for that purpose. He did not grope women that works for him. His tryst with Kristen was not during official hours. And he did not confer undeserved benefits on her as a result of her sexual favors to him. If the voters that elected him find his sexual habits objectionble, they would have the option of throwing him out in the next cycle of election. The State of New York does not have a sex police department. However i respect the decision of Mr Spitzer. I have a feeling he made his decision to spare his beautiful family further intrusion from the kleg lights of a media run amock. Let us show a high level of restraint when we praise a political system and run down another political system. Politics is about deals and trade offs. Spitzer's decision to resign is a politically rational option. A Nigerian politician would have done that. Posted by udokaamah| 13.03.2008 12:36

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