Political notes:
Abaribe’s politics of survival An experienced and clever politician, Enyinnaya Abaribe is trying to avert an imminent political disaster. He has been in the corridor of power for so long
Abaribe’s politics of survival
An experienced and clever politician, Enyinnaya Abaribe is trying to avert an imminent political disaster. He has been in the corridor of power for so long and he is not ready to abdicate or be left in the cold. Power is sweet. Outside is hot. Even, the former Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, now cries foul, saying that he is hungry. But tears are not coming out from his eyes, which means he is only pretending. He only wants more power and money.
Abaribe is a doyen of parliamentary politics. Having crossed from the Executive arm, where he was shoved aside, he has stuck to his senatorial seat, starring at the man who removed him as deputy governor from a corner because he is also in the Senate.
A serial defector, Abaribe, a gifted talker, is being described by those who are jealous of his meteoric rise as a political harlot. This has been reframed now. He is a co-nomad. From PDP, he moved to ‘APUGA.’ Now, he is going to Labour Party (LP) so that he can ride on the wings of Alex Otti, the no-nonsense banker-governor of Abia State. The reward for inconsistency is certain - the attainment of power by being wise.
There is no similarity of ideas. Woe betide ideology; it is a waste of time and intellectual effort. Who is ready for grammatical postulation when the path to making money is assured?
Next time, Abaribe can still switch. At 71, age is still on his side. Nigerian politicians always live long.
If any aspiring politician wants to learn the strategies for survival, let him contact the senator. He is a great politician and fine gentleman who can also stand as surety for symbols of self-determination in the moment of anxiety.
Makinde chasing shadows
A successful engineer can become a successful politician if he learns the ropes very well. But, it is not the begining that matters; the end is more important.
After eight years, who will GSM of Oyo hand over to? He was the hero of the G5 onslaught and resistance. Suddenly, a deep gulf developed between him and his peers.
Today, the governor is partyless; running from pillar to post. He remains popular because he has achieved a lot for his state. But who will defend those legacies and build upon them?
Is Seyi Makinde teaming up with Atiku Abubakar? Would he earn the forgiveness of the venerable Waziri? Well, politics is not about enmity; it is about interest. No permanent hostility. But, can he be considered for running mate? Would 59 year old GSM not run faster than the octogenerian warhorse? If he becomes vice presidential candidate, would his people in the Southwest abandon number one, BAT, for the the constitutional second fiddle, an addendum, a footnote?
Would Makinde go to APM like his friend, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State?
Can he look downward South and embrace NDC, led by Senator Seriake Dickson?
His supporters in Oyo are anxious and restless. Makinde must make a decision this week. But where is he heading?
Oyo APC and consensus
The majority is rooting for Sharafadeen Alli, the run away Ibadan chief who prefers the huge security votes to the five percent pitiance reserved for local chiefts. His ambition is gaining momentum in the ancient city of Ibadan.
Alli knows he has not earned the crown. But by divine providence, he is surrounded by helpers, from the palace to the common folk in Gbagi and Dugbe.
Penkelemesi is on the prowl. He is roaring like a lion. But the senator cannot be devoured. There is a kingly and presidential cage. This latter-day Penkelemesi is not like his illustrious grandfather, who took Western Region by storm. He survived a lot of battles at the district council, regional and national parliament. He was alleged to have misappropriated public funds. The public rose in his defense. He had money and he knew how to spend it. He was an elite, but he threaded the populist path. Why can’t the banker emulate his progenitor? Why can’t he research into the 1950s and adopt the style of the eminent politician?
But it is not yet a walk over for Alli. Havibg Remi Oseni on his side is not enough. He enjoys the palace shield, no doubt. But he needs to further engage Teslim and Florence. The two control the APC structures.
Getting the ticket is not enough. The party must be intact. Election is funny. Makinde is watching from sidelines. He will strike soon. Prepare for a predictabe onslaught. Put your house in order.
Alia, Akume: what manner of reconciliation?
After the peace meeting, the reverend and the chief laughed. Few minutes later, they frowned their faces. What is happening in Benue APC?
Akume said the stakeholders had agreed on automatic tickets for all, including the cleric-governor. His Excellency said the former godfather was misquoted, clarifying that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation only ‘prayed’ for automatic tickets.
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Now, the governor has smiled home with a return ticket. It is automatic. The fate of others hangs in the balance.
Another reconciliation meeting is urgently needed in Benue APC. There is need for the renewal of pre-2023 mutual confidence.
Yahaya after Goje
He was a commissioner under him when he was governor. Now, the old man appears to be at his mercy.
Who will settle the rift between Senator Danjuma Goje, former minister and ex-governor of Gombe State, and Governor Yahaya Inuwa?
Goje is not ready for retirement. He took serious offence against his former mentee who is troubling his peace. Where was Inuwa when he was a minister? The governor is unperturbed.
Power has changed hands and the old master is about to be edged out. His name is not on the list prepared by Inuwa.
But the governor should know that those likely to take over from him are also understudying him and mastering his styles. A time may come when he would find himself in Goje’s shoes.
There is need for truce in Gombe APC.
