The PDP needs salvation. It can start by changing its image. It cannot allow the perception that it is the party that is soft on corruption linger. It cannot be the party preaching “all have sinned”. It must seek righteousness. But in the meantime it must find some vocal Pharisees. It has too many sin soaked and resigned publicans in the front pews. It should be the party now preaching not just the rule of law but the virtues of accountability and probity. Holier-than- thou is an indispensable disposition for any party in the opposition in a corruption infested country.
The PDP got power on a platter. And lived the life of one on whose laps success fell fortuitously. They thought themselves exceptional and gloried in that which chance bestowed on them. They thought they were the greatest party in Africa. They predicted their longevity in power because they were ‘ordained’ to rule . In a religious society, God is in everything. Even rigged elections. The electorate was poor, hungry and desperate. And even Bishops did not put themselves beyond being hired and bought . With hands in the public till and hearts filled with impunity, politicians’ fantasies mushroomed. They had so much to share and they preoccupied themselves with frivolities. Everyone flocked to the umbrella for shade , for succor, for vanity.
Disenchanted members always came back before they had finished leaving. No one wanted to be drenched by the rain. Opposition politics in any African country is fraught with risks and frustrations. State institutions, perennially weak and pliable, cannot distinguish between the ruling party and the state. But the tomorrow not foreseen came too soon. The public managed to get fed up with familiar corruption and wastefulness. Crude oil prices slipped in time to make PDP’s prodigality especially conspicuous and repugnant. Amiable and generous PDP. Sixty was devalued to sixteen, presumptuousness was cut to size, they lost . And relinquished power “in the interest of national unity” Life in the opposition was always going to be difficult for a butter fed and gluttonous party. Sheltered since birth, the PDP was not accustomed to lack. Opposition politics is grueling but will test the sinews in times of economic recession. That which had lubricated frictions and soothed chafed nerves is now in very short supply. And that which converted potential criminal prosecutions to family affairs has been relinquished. The PDP must endure. Tantrums won’t help. And dirty linens must be washed indoors. Such spectacles are not good entertainment now.
Nigeria is awash with comedians and PDP has vigilant enemies in high places. No one is interested in the similarity between Sheriff and Shugaba nor in what took Fani Kayode to exile in Ghana. The party must rebuild. ‘Agberos’ are good, they do necessary dirty works and throw vulgar darts. But the party needs respectable leaders. Governors who talk before thinking and spend more time beating chests than reading cannot be the face of the greatest political party in Africa. A national party cannot be mistaken for the Avengers of the Niger Delta.
The PDP got power on a platter. And lived the life of one on whose laps success fell fortuitously. They thought themselves exceptional and gloried in that which chance bestowed on them. They thought they were the greatest party in Africa. They predicted their longevity in power because they were ‘ordained’ to rule . In a religious society, God is in everything. Even rigged elections. The electorate was poor, hungry and desperate. And even Bishops did not put themselves beyond being hired and bought . With hands in the public till and hearts filled with impunity, politicians’ fantasies mushroomed. They had so much to share and they preoccupied themselves with frivolities. Everyone flocked to the umbrella for shade , for succor, for vanity.
Disenchanted members always came back before they had finished leaving. No one wanted to be drenched by the rain. Opposition politics in any African country is fraught with risks and frustrations. State institutions, perennially weak and pliable, cannot distinguish between the ruling party and the state. But the tomorrow not foreseen came too soon. The public managed to get fed up with familiar corruption and wastefulness. Crude oil prices slipped in time to make PDP’s prodigality especially conspicuous and repugnant. Amiable and generous PDP. Sixty was devalued to sixteen, presumptuousness was cut to size, they lost . And relinquished power “in the interest of national unity” Life in the opposition was always going to be difficult for a butter fed and gluttonous party. Sheltered since birth, the PDP was not accustomed to lack. Opposition politics is grueling but will test the sinews in times of economic recession. That which had lubricated frictions and soothed chafed nerves is now in very short supply. And that which converted potential criminal prosecutions to family affairs has been relinquished. The PDP must endure. Tantrums won’t help. And dirty linens must be washed indoors. Such spectacles are not good entertainment now.
Nigeria is awash with comedians and PDP has vigilant enemies in high places. No one is interested in the similarity between Sheriff and Shugaba nor in what took Fani Kayode to exile in Ghana. The party must rebuild. ‘Agberos’ are good, they do necessary dirty works and throw vulgar darts. But the party needs respectable leaders. Governors who talk before thinking and spend more time beating chests than reading cannot be the face of the greatest political party in Africa. A national party cannot be mistaken for the Avengers of the Niger Delta.
- Saturday, May 28, 2016
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