Nigerian Politics and godfatherism

 Oladapo Oyetunji

 The political imbroglio in Nigeria has been a long-standing issue that has plagued the country for several years. Since 1999 that democracy has returned to Nigeria, politics has been characterized by a volatile political landscape and intense rivalry among different political parties and factions.

                       L-R Late Lamidi Adedibu                                                   Sen. Rashidi Ladoja

 

Some of the key factors contributing to the political imbroglio are the struggle for power and control of resources. Some years back, there was a political crisis in Oyo State between the two political gladiators, Late Lamidi Adedibu, the leader of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the then-State Governor, Rasidi Ladoja. The crisis led to the impeachment (rightly or wrongly) of the Governor while his deputy late Otuba Adebayo Alao-Akala, the godfather’s favourite became the Governor. It took a year before the impeached Governor was re-instated by the court. Clearly, it was the intention of Late Adedibu (the political juggernaut himself) to be in control of both the party and the government. The attempt was resisted by the Governor, hence, the impeachment process.

L-R Rauf Aregbesola, Adegboyega Oyetola

 

In what appear similar, the immediate past Governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola hjad a running battle with his hitherto boss and predecessor, Rauf Aregbesola. Oyetola was the Chief of Staff to Aregbesola from 2010 till 2018 after the former became the Governor. The scenario put an end to the 12 years rule of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State.

Moving forward, the impasse the 2023 witnessed, perhaps the mother of political crises between the incumbent Governor and predecessor (the godfather) with Rivers State serving as a case. The conflict gladiators in this case are the Governor Siminalayi Fubaraand his predecessor, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesome Wike. It was one event that almost put the oil-rich state into a state of political turmoil. The state is rich in oil and natural gas reserves, which has led to fierce competition among political elites for control over these valuable resources.
Godfatherism has often resulted in conflicts and power struggles, leading to a highly unstable political environment.
Another factor is the deep-rooted ethnic and cultural divisions within some of the states. For example, Rivers State is home to several ethnic groups, including the Ijaw, Ikwerre, Ogoni, and Etche, among others. These groups have historically had their own political interests and aspirations, leading to a complex web of alliances and rivalries, as well as backstabbing and intrivues.
Political violence has also been a recurring incident in states especially due to the overbearing instinct of the godfathers. Election periods often witness heightened tensions, with reports of electoral malpractices, voter intimidation, and violence. Some of these tensions and criminal activities, are sometimes orchestrated by godfathers and have further deepened divisions and animosity among different political parties and factions.
The former governor of the state who is now the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike has reportedly claimed that he bought forms for all the contestants under the People's Democratic party (PDP) including the incumbent governor Mr Siminalayi Fubara with an agreement to do his biddings and allow him some privileges beyond what is stated in the constitution. Purchase of forms for candidates and providing resources (in whatever form) are known with the godfathers. That is why the godfathers expect so much (including dictating what to do) from their godchildren.
The role of political leaders and their personal ambitions cannot be overlooked. Rivers State has witnessed power struggles between prominent politicians who are vying for political control. Like Rivers, like other states, these political leaders often mobilize their supporters to further their agenda, leading to clashes and confrontations among the major actors and their respective followers.
Efforts have been made at different times to resolve the political imbroglio in Rivers State especially between governor Fubara and his political godfather, Barr.  Wike. These include the intervention of national body of the party, elder statemen and even the president.
About three weeks ago, President Bola Tinubu called all the warring factions to a meeting in Abuja and they reached an agreement in order to broker peace. Yet some persons (godfathers in their own rights) like Chief Edwin Clarke believe that the governor should not obey the agreement, thus calling for the governor’s “rescuing” himself from the pang of his estranged godfather.
However, finding a lasting solution has proven to be challenging in the case of Rivers State as it requires addressing the underlying causes of the political unrest. Some possible steps to resolve the political imbroglio could include promoting dialogue and reconciliation among the different factions, improving transparency and accountability in the governance of the state, and ensuring equal access to political and economic opportunities for all residents.
 Additionally, there is a need for strong leadership committed to peaceful coexistence and the overall development of the state against personal or pecuniary gains. However, Nigerian politics is said to be all about personal interest. Only if patriotism is ranked above self-centeredness will there be a way out.