Edo PDP:Is the sky falling on us?

By PRINCE JOHN MAYAKI

This piece is a reflection of the ruminations of some leaders of the former ruling party in Edo State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). It was in Uromi, the residence of Chief Tony Anenih, where his followers, after incurring political injuries from an emerging democratic hollocaust now sweeping through the state, and championed by Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole; asked; Is the sky falling on us?

They had gathered for stocktaking and appraisal of the political undercurrents pervading the state. Remember they held sway since the democratic dispensation in 1999. They dictated the political pace and whoever felt he or she was offended was shown the way out by de-registration or expulsion.

There was almost no opposition party; just a fraction of them; the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). It was factionalised by the monstrous party. The people of the state were like slaves before its leadership. Democracy was allien to its leadership. Dictatorship replaced democracy.

They prefered us being slaves. They were not different from the kings who thought God gave them rights over other people however, the day of reckoning is here for all those anti-democratic forces who had toyed with our collective future.

When they converged, unfortunately in confusion and utter disharmony and regret, they pondered on the looming political calamity ahead just as some others would prefer jumping ship but 'Mr. Fix It' was busy scripting an advertorial to condemn the just-concluded election in Etsako Central won by Mr. John Oghuma of the Action Congress.(AC)
While halting betwen two opinions, they asked themselves; "Can we ever agree that the democratic space has been liberated by Oshiomhole? You know he is a fighter for justice. He is one of those who respect the rights of the ordinary man and woman and this is the only person we can queue behind", a leader from the Edo South Senatorial District confessed in hush tones.

"Where did we get it wrong? “Another die-hard loyalist asked rhetorically. "Did we mix with the wrong company of election riggers,and ballot snatchers,
"Importantly, I think we should understand that what is at stake is Edo. What is at stake is not Oshiomhole or Action Congress (AC). As insensitive as 'the leader' is, we cannot discuss these issues with him. You know the implications; let us keep criminal silence on these issues, please", he warned.

"Again, have we actually fared better under the leadership of Oga? We are now laughing stocks in the society and people see us as enemies of the state, we didnt bargain for this. If the sky is falling on the leader and his party, cant we abandon him and join the progressives? Even, I suspect he does not like me before now.
"This state belongs to us all, not an aggressive leader. It is in that light alone that we should look at the option of helping the Action Congress party in achieving its people-oriented programmes than these baseless criticisms we had engaged ourselves. You would agree with me, the charade we organised called elections into the councils on December 14 that 2008. You saw the intra-party wranglings and how it landed us in election petition tribunal our own government set up. We rigged ourselves and we also went to the tribunal to challenge ourselves into political office. Don’t you think this alone stands logic on its head?

"Ol boy, I am also not ready to feel sorry for this our 'Mr. Fix It' anymore please. Or do you think he can still fix these naughty issues the Comrade has unsettled him with? You saw the outcome in Akoko-Edo my own local government and Etsako Central where the party Chairman and former deputy governor hails from? Put that aside, there is also a likely re-run in my local government; Akoko-Edo South Constituency, do you think this Oshiomhole man will not finally rubbish him?
"You saw the leader's mien after the election and that of our Chairman. Even Ugbesia. Do you think Admiral Mike Ahkigbe's stance against the leader is for naught? If powerful personalities like Akhigbe and Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia can chest out against Oga, that means a lot to his integrity and political survival.

A senatorial aspirant from Etsako in the 2006 PDP primaries joined the fray. He said "in the leader's little conscience, he lived in the age of the divine rights of kings. The king takes a decision, and the people yield and say it is God who took the decision. But these are what Shakespeare described as men "dressed in little authority." They want to turn themselves into gods to be worshipped. Of course, Ugbesia confirmed that Oga is god to him.

"He rigged me out of the Senatorial contest and gave it to a colourless man. Now that the party stands almost helpless, it is interesting to see that, at least on the surface, the Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole-led Action Congress government is waking up to some developmental projects after years of our criminal ennui. Our party injured Edo State for the period we stayed and the people have resisted the parfty at the polls but, I bet you, I will join them to reposition the state no matter whose ox is gored", yes ooo. They chorused.
Mayaki is a founding member, Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa.

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