Few weeks from now, a new script would be written and an entirely different political equation created. The script is all about the nation’s political phenomenon. As a two-time former governor of one of the richest states in Nigeria and a former senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he has built for himself such a formidable resume as to warrant Nigerians to regard him as a force to be reckoned with.
Those close to him point to his strange powers; they even suspect that he is a deity of sort with some kind of supernatural means. Stories of unusual events woven around him especially in recent times and the seemingly mysterious powers he is said to possess has all but catapulted him to unbelievable prominence. The stories may be true or imaginary; but what is undeniable is that he is a pillar, a bulldozer and a crafty operator—including the beneficiary of unexplained stupendous wealth. Luckily for us, his teeming admirers, no one has said he possess charms capable of making him to disappear at the clap of his fingers—meaning he is human afterall.
The story of this titan is arguably one of the greatest epic of our times. It is a tale of immense drama and excitement, of rebellion and treachery, of innocence against mindboggling sleaze. Since his exit from power in 2007, he has continued to wax stronger in all spheres of our civil and political life. One of his most effective strategy is to employ the culture of imposition in the arena of politics; in the social circles, he doles out cash at will resulting in the cult like followership he got as a result. That’s how he became a Kingmaker; all these worked well until that unforgettable day in 2018 that he made a disastrous political calculation to halt the tremendous stride of development springing up in the State—a decision that was entirely personal and nothing to do with the welfare of Lagosians!
That was the turning point of his inglorious reign as the undisputed godfather of Nigeria’s politics. Many Nigerians, amongst them influential personalities remembered how they prostrated for this very powerful leader, but at the end he rebuffed their entreaties. Like Okonkwo in “things fall apart” who slaughtered a boy who called him “father”, so did this godfather to a young promising “godson” who subsequently withdrew from the political space. That, this action was taken in a civilized environment rattled the nation and opened the eyes of other members of the ruling All Progressive Congress party. Yes, they call him the “Lion” meaning that he is supposed to be a wild animal like his namesake in the forest.
It therefore follows that if he had taken that decision to abort the career of his godson in the forest, the decision would have been viewed as normal, since the forest is the abode of wild animals; but this is a civilized environment where only standard norms are expected! How do you—a leader—disrupt smooth democratic flow and throw your own house in quandary? That ignoble decision has backfired spectacularly today. For example, as his ruling APC prepares for May 20, 2022, primary election, two governors in his enclave—the Southwest– are going to be challenged whereas up north in Borno, Yobe and two other states, the governors are returning unopposed! Herein lies the dilemma and the backlash created by his selfish actions.
So it was with big surprise and shock to see a trait that aligns with wild animals in his actions. Everyone was miffed. That’s when “karma” set in. And since then nemesis followed. Karma is a force or law of nature which causes one to reap what one sows; destiny or fate. On the other hand, nemesis is akin to a deity who doles out rewards for noble acts and punishment for evil ones. Now the political phenomena is in search of a “trophy” he says is the biggest of his life —a lifelong ambition—the presidency of Nigeria. Along the way, he again made the disastrous decision not to bring back his former political godson and instead added salt to injury by imagining he can always have his way.
The deity forgot that expiry date exists and instead of humbling himself has forged ahead as though he is invincible. Why not, afterall, where else can a non-state actor become so powerful as to subdue a constitutionally elected government? A non-state actor before whom the governor of his own state tremble? Therefore, it is not a surprise to see his “lifelong” ambition being truncated by unnatural means. Thus at a time that he needed the support of all his so-called godsons none is forthcoming. At the national level, it is only the blind that is unaware that he has been abandoned—ostracized by the power brokers and the unforgiving hand of karma.
Left to money alone, no one stands a chance with him. Even in Lagos, the seat of his government allegiance to him by whoever is simply to secure the proverbial “second term” and thereafter swing the big hammer against him. One decision! And there goes paradise lost! You can see that John Milton, the author of this poetic book who lived in the 17th century is still relevant today. And so if the kingmaker fails to clinch the APC party ticket as is evident it would not be because he did not deserve it—it would be because of his decadent actions and skewed decisions.
He is clearly parochial, a crafty and selfish leader. Nigeria needs leaders who are humane, nonpartisan and humble. The myth hitherto built around him were nothing more than a figment of puerile imagination and the handiwork of sycophants and bootlickers. The nation—like Lagos, deserve leaders who can bring about genuine change—decent infrastructure, new roads, bridges, social welfare schemes. The nation does not need leaders who holds the people hostage and relish in newspaper advertisement to showcase phantom development. Lagos is not a business empire for the kingmaker’s perpetual domination; neither is he the sole administrator.
In Edo State, tired of the overwhelming influence of late Chief Tony Anenih, a certain fellow by the name Osaze Ize Iyamu told him to his face” “no man is God” In the same Edo State when they saw the encroaching interference of this very high chief, they told him straight away: “Edo no be Lagos” and finally to the destructive Comrade Adams Oshiomole, who himself was an over bearing gadfly, they rallied together and knocked him down. In Kwara State, the almighty Bukola Saraki was shown the exit door with the consuming force of “oto-oge”. Today, the kingmaker who decided to become King himself remains the last godfather standing. His obdurate pride would not let him see the hand writing on the wall, but karma—this very unforgiving natural force —will see to it. He should have listened to those who advised him to remain as a kingmaker.
