an article you must read The word Godfather brings back memories of a popular movie, The Last Don, which was based on a novel written by Mario Puzo. The film reveals the display of naked power in a highly competitive criminal world, which best illustrate the manifestation of godfatherism in the contemporary Nigerian politics The Nigerian political process prior to the year 1999 has been dominated by military role, but with the introduction of democratic role after several years of political subjugation or hostage in the hands of the military, the political process seem to be under threat with the emergence of political mentors or godfathers of public office holders [godsons]. These godfathers are rich and had so much political influence within their individual states and the country in general. They decide who become governor, legislator, local government chairman etc in their constituencies. They ensure that they get into political offices through whatever means whether legitimate or illegitimate, largely employing unconventional methods to achieve their aim of political relevance. They believe that every man has his price and would spend money to win the support of other people in the pursuance of their political interest; elections are rigged with falsification of electoral results to achieve their objective with members of the opposition suppressed or assassinated if becoming difficult to handle. The role of these godfathers vis-à-vis their modus oprandi is yet to convince many people that they portend something good for the political process in Nigeria. As they often appear benevolent to some people whom enjoys one favour or the other from them in their Mafioso operation, but desperately dangerous. Their formidable political structures and mechanism if well utilized could strengthen democracy and improve the political process. But, on the contrary the political process in Nigeria is like sitting on a political bomb to be ignited and we all know the consequences of such, particular as no meaningful development can be achieved both at the local and national levels. The attitude of these political godfathers portray their disregard for the rule of law in a country believe to have constitution where nobody is suppose to be above the law of the land. With their enormous wealth and influence in government, they have affected the three Arms of government, the executive, legislature and judiciary. Particularly security outfits to the extent that the neutrality of the Nigerian police force and judiciary leaves us with the question for posterity to judge. More worrisome is manner with which corrupt public officials (godsons) are protect and exonerated of corruption charges in legally technical manner call plea bargain which allows them to continually enjoy their loots. Nigerians are therefore not happy with the abysmal performance of a large number of governors, legislators and local government council chairman; who unfortunately cannot be called to order as long as they remain in the good books of their political godfathers. This has translated into bad governance with the failure to socio-politically and economically transform our societies regardless of the huge amount often allocated to the various levels of government that have not been able to justify such government spending. As long as political sons continue to pay homage or remain loyal to their mentor and godfather their stay in office is guaranteed regard less of their performance or the people interest. Thus the several fighting between godfathers and their political sons that has occurred in several states of the federation becomes interesting. There is now the cries of confidence between some state governors and their godfathers is spreading like a plague and the combatant are battling for the control of their states, in a manner that will qualify for a national disgrace while the people and government suffer this ugly development..Danny music promotions
Posted on: Thu, 12 Sep 2013 21:40:26 +0000
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