It is with amusement and disgust we are watching the events at National Assembly unfold. Not long ago Nigeria was basking in the glory afforded it by well wishing countries for the uncommon behavior (in Africa) of the former president, Jonathan, in conceding the election even when all the votes had not been counted. Some people played down what Jonathan did as 'no big deal.' However, recent events at NASS should make people appreciate Jonathan better. That someone would sacrifice the interests of his own party and connive with the opposition to weaken his own party's grip on power is unheard-of and very shameful, but that's exactly what Saraki did no matter the spins put on it and the reasons or any reservations he might have had with the leadership of his party. There's nothing wrong with having a lofty ambition but that shouldn't override the interest of your party and the 12 million voters that voted your party into majority. Why join a political party when you will not subject yourself to the leadership of such party. It was clear that Saraki and his cohort were all bent in rejecting the primaries conducted by their party and would do whatever it takes to emerge as senate president and speaker respectively. Also, that a leader of Atiku's stature would congratulate them on their show of treachery and barbarism begs belief to say the least. It makes mockery of the polity in Nigeria when you are electing the same PDP people that have been rejected by Nigerians back to the senate, all because of someone's uncontrolled ambition. What Saraki's action is saying is that there is no difference between APC and PDP manifestos. Can you imagine the republicans in the U.S. having won the election to then turn around to elect Nancy Pelosi, a democrat, to a deputy speaker position (if there is such a position) in the house of Representatives? Unfortunately, that's what happened in Nigeria when Saraki connived to elect a PDP senator as Deputy Senate President. Saraki has undermined the presidency that belongs to his own party to the point PDP (now opposition party) finds it necessary to be defending Saraki against his own party. This sounds so absurd! How would Saraki now negotiate or persuade the likes of David Mark to pass bills that will fight corruption or cut the salaries and allowances of a senator to what a professor or vice chancellor of university earns in Nigeria? As it is, the crusade of President Buhari on corruption is severely undermined by the actions of Saraki. On his part, President Buhari is not without blame in the whole saga as he failed to realize that as President he is really the party's flag bearer. He has the power to persuade (although not command), using the prestige that comes with his office, the members of his party. At least that's how it is in most advanced democracies. President Obama on many occasions restrained members of his own party in order to get them to go along with him as he pursued his agenda. Buhari should have timely tried to intervene in the APC NASS crisis but he failed to do so, although all roads pointed to the fact Saraki would not have backed down which makes you wonder the mess the country would have been in had Saraki been Jonathan in the recently concluded presidential election.
Gboyega Olu
Watchdog for Good Governance in Africa
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