Godfatherism in Rivers, Edo Should Finish — APC Chieftain Declares
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Federal Commissioner on the Federal Civil Service Fee, Henry Idahagbon, has known as for a direct and acutely aware effort to finish the tradition of godfatherism in Nigerian politics.
Talking throughout an interview in Abuja on Sunday, Idahagbon described the apply as a poisonous “Nigerian invention” that continues to stifle the expansion of democracy throughout the nation.
The previous Legal professional-Basic of Edo State identified that whereas influential political figures exist in developed democracies like the USA, the Nigerian model of godfatherism is uniquely harmful.
He argued that the extent of management and interference seen in Nigeria is unparalleled and has led to vital instability in a number of states.
Idahagbon highlighted the continuing political turmoil in Rivers and Edo states because the clearest examples of the “damaging impression” of this technique. He famous that these two states presently symbolize probably the most excessive circumstances of godfatherism within the nation.
Reflecting on the fallout between Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Governor Godwin Obaseki, he recounted the non-public dangers concerned throughout that interval.
Idahagbon revealed that on the top of their dispute, Oshiomhole’s safety was so compromised that personal preparations had been wanted to escort him from the airport.
He additionally shared a chilling account of being the one particular person current in Oshiomhole’s residence when thugs tried to set the constructing on fireplace.
The APC chieftain noticed {that a} related sample is presently unfolding in Rivers State. He criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for “respiratory down the neck” of Governor Siminalayi Fubara just because he helped him into workplace.
In keeping with Idahagbon, this sense of entitlement over a successor’s administration is precisely what the political class should work to dismantle.
Providing an answer to the recurring friction, Idahagbon urged outgoing governors and presidents to exit the stage fully as soon as their tenure ends.
He instructed that the desperation to handpick a successor usually stems from a concern of prosecution or a insecurity in a single’s personal file.
“If governors do properly, like I imagine Gov. Alex Otti of Abia is doing in his state now, you don’t want to find out who succeeds you. Anyone can succeed you in case your data are clear.”
Idahagbon concluded by calling for a nationwide embrace of the mantra “one man, one vote,” a precept championed by Oshiomhole throughout his time as governor.
He emphasised that transferring away from godfatherism is the one method to shield the integrity of the Nigerian polity.