A Perspective Of Imposition In Ekiti Politics

By Omotoso Okeya

Imposition of candidates by some powerful political leaders and godfathers is an age-long syndrome in Nigeria’s politics. The phenomenon gives undue advantage to less qualified people as representatives of the people and disallows internal democracy to thrive. Whenever the less qualified people are unjustifiably imposed; the consequences are bad governance, violence, insecurity and underdevelopment.

However, the politics of the days of Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Ezikwe and Tafawa Balewa was not also devoid of imposition. It has been so difficult to eradicate the scourge simply because the powerful individuals behind it are usually the founder, co founders, position holders or financiers of the political parties. They dictate where the pendulum swings in most cases. Hence, political office seekers would lookout for an individual who is believed to have the ability to bankroll their electoral expenses and deliver desired outcome in every contest.

The average Nigerian politician sees politics as a business venture. Godfathers usually require their sponsored godsons to bring something in return. This is because the godfather has expended so much resources on him. And, for those wanting to gain power, personal wealth and those of “power brokers” are patronized to fight their way into power (Tarl and Shettima, 2010).

Anyway, the above is not totally strange, even in international relations, most powerful and affluent countries of the world hardly give assistance to others without tactically or diplomatically looking for something in return: America and China examples. IMF too would only lend with interest. Except God, I think we can only realistically rely on charity organisations as only free giver.

However, the so called imposition of candidates in politics can equally be viewed and analysed from a divergent perspective vis-à-vis the various allegations and counter allegations of imposition against some political leaders in Nigeria and Ekiti State in particular.

The likes of Lateef Jakande, Bisi Onabanjo, Adekunle Ajasin, Ambrose Ali and Bola Ige were anointed at Ikenne as governorship candidates of the UPN in their respective states ahead of 1979 elections. The party primary was only held to ratify these preferred candidates of Chf Obafemi Awolowo as the supreme party leader. It is on record that these choices of Awolowo did not disappoint the people of their various states. They were set of selfless leaders and achievers.

In the recent times, Its not unfounded that Senator Ahmed Tinubu of Lagos State has been severally alleged of imposing his cronies as successive Lagos State Governors after he served out two terms. But, I have no doubt that Tinubu’s succession agenda is paying off in the state based on the excellent performances of his mentored successors.

Imposition is not a problem peculiar to any state or political party. In Ekiti State, both former governor Ayo Fayose (PDP) and the incumbent Kayode Fayemi (APC) are being alleged of imposition of candidates.

The present members of Ekiti State House of Assembly are usually tagged as “SMS Legislators or JKF Boys,” buttressing the fact that their anointment and success as preferred candidates of the party was secretly communicated to them through text messages by the governor, while other contestants were still rigorously mobilising and campaigning for the already scheduled party primary. Anyway, they all became jittery and disgruntled when they eventually knew that the deed had been tactically done.

Ayo Fayose has also been alleged of imposition by some of the beneficiaries of the said imposition who have joined a factional group out of their personal ambitions, complaining that they didn’t acquire enough wealth under his watch. Nevertheless, I do not personally think that those who have tremendously benefitted from the perceived shortcomings of Fayose should be the ones that would lead his persecution after all, they were able to manage him during their hey days as elected and appointed officers. None of them voluntarily resigned throughout the tenure, including a self acclaimed millionaire who was only assisted to buy a piece of suit at 14K on credit from mama Okocha on the eve of his swearing-in as commissioner.

Anyway, some of the ingrates who suddenly turned against him immediately after the expiration of his tenure thought the man would still remain in custody by now. Hence, the effort to take over the mantle of leadership and completely erase his finger prints from Ekiti politics. Man proposes while God disposes.

As far as Ekiti politics is concerned, i have a personal perspective of Fayose as a destiny helper, mandatory benefactor, head lifter and glory announcer, sent by God to some people. Fayose evidently transformed some people from abject penury to affluence, from no person to somebody, and from grass to grace. Yes, they received the favour and blessing they were not qualified for through him.

Gbenga Emiloju, in one of his writings says, everyone needs helper. Even our Lord Jesus Christ needed his disciples to fulfil His earthly ministry and to have people who would continue with the ministry after his departure.

Considering the background and calibre of some of the people Fayose promoted to enviable positions of authority, let’s see him as an instrument God has used to promote not only the appointees but their entire families and communities.

Nobody becomes anything without the consent of God. He said, I will have mercy upon whom I will have mercy. God appoints and dethrones kings. Fayose actually promoted some of these appointees to enhance political participation at the grassroot.

Leaders are agents of God and their hearts can be touched towards a particular direction or decision through which some would be benefitted or be punished. Remember, God deliberately hearkened the heart of Pharaoh in order to punish the Egyptians.

In a nutshell, those who have benefitted from both the action and inaction of Fayose should thank God instead of blackmailing their benefactor.

Today, a politically versatile Senator Biodun Olujimi, has the resources and political wherewithal to even contest as president which she couldn’t have dreamt of without the accelerated promotions God had given her through Ayo Fayose in Ekiti politics. I think its more honourable for iya Olujimi to broker peace and reunite with her boss.

Therefore, if Fayose is charged with imposition, all the beneficiaries of imposition, including Senator Olujimi are accomplices and would be charged with aiding and abetting because the act couldn’t not have been performed alone by the principal.

I did not gain appointment or contract in Fayose’s regimes. I usually base my writings on personal belief and conviction with the information at my disposal about Ekiti politics.

Should i become the Sanya Atofarati or Bumi Olugbade of the PDP Repositioning Group tomorrow, I will still maintain my position that, Fayose is the leader of Olujimi in Ekiti politics, notwithstanding the incessant attacks of Olujimi and her men friday on my personality. I wouldn’t join issues with them because i was not trained to attack personalities.

Mine is not a lone voice in the wilderness, my position has equally been corroborated by one of the leaders of Olujimi’s group, Senator Duro Faseyi, a two-term Reps member, who publicly declared that, Ayo Fayose remains the leader of PDP in Ekiti State. Anyway, I don’t just have the materials and courage with which I can promote a child over his father as the head of household.

Let us pray: may the Lord assign the right person to help our destiny. (Amen). After all, God used Gen Sanni Abacha, a dictator to create Ekiti State. Expecting only a saint as helper of destiny may suffer delay. Therefore, do not join the multitude to malign your helper who is not a saint. Perfection is a special attribute of God.

Omotoso Okeya,
Journalist & Public Affairs Analyst.