The macabre dance in the political scene in our country is one dance, too many. With developments in the political spectrum, students of political science and their lecturers at all levels may not lack research materials, given daily developments in Nigeria politically, almost on daily basis. The world too, has a lot to learn from Nigeria for the simple reason that laws and their interpretations get people worried each time landmark judgement was delivered either for or against.
Our brand of democracy, sincerely may have defied all known theories on how democracy should operate, because things happen in quick succession, and the tone of events on the political sphere continues to go higher and higher all the time. You see people now carry placards to support who is sexually harassed or accused, impeached or sacked by the law courts. The list of negative things that are happening are endless. Developments in the body polity are in a constant flux and indeed, are becoming very scary, especially for the onlookers.
The rave of the moment is that politicians of same and opposite parties are planting and supplanting themselves freely this time and thereby heating the polity. The intriguing thing however is that, despite all the push backs and forths politically, the society, surprisingly, continues to march forward and as they say, “life goes on”. The return of Mudashiru Obasa, the speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly (LSHA) to his duty post after he was impeached by his colleagues two months ago, again, has added to our political woes, despite that the situation is now under control. What that means is that the development to an extent, has punctured the activities of LSHA that had remained peaceful since the return of democracy. Obasa was accused of high handedness by his colleagues, and having served over a decade on the seat, the members felt that his time was up.
He was also accused of disrespecting the governor beyond publicly admitting that he was qualified like every other person to occupy the number one seat in Lagos. The Lagos politics is very complex such that if you do not align with the political thoughts of “Baba Sope”, you are doomed politically. Maybe, that was the mistake in this case. All the accusations levelled against him are now history, since he has now returned as the speaker by the help of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who intervened at least, to save the speaker’s political career.
The crux of the matter therefore, is whether the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu who was fingered as the mastermind of Obasa’s removal will be disposed to working with him cordially at this time of his second coming. Again, if there is love lost between the Governor and the Speaker of the State Assembly, what kind of legislative activities and appropriation will happen in such a state? These political gerrymandering going on in the country to a large extent, have done more harm than good, given that the people are putting on smiling faces. We want to assume that the meetings that happened behind closed doors that paved the way for the Speaker to reclaim his mandate were genuine such that the people will not go back to the trenches.
We want to assume that the LSHA that is currently on recess is for all honourable members to go home and rediscover themselves with the understanding that a house divided against itself cannot stand. For the Speaker to bounce back means that all warring factions have now sheath their swords. Therefore, let this development be a lesson for all the parties involved. Let peace return in the Lagos House of Assembly and let the people’s representatives ensure that there is tranquility in the Hallowed Chambers of Centre for Excellence!
On the annulment of Local Government election in Rivers:
The declaration of the Supreme Court on the Rivers State local government election accordingly, has been complied with by the State Governor, Siminialayi Fubara. We have seen celebration upon celebrations since that judgement was delivered. We hereby advise that the political gladiators in the state should desist from actions that would undermine the peace of the people, given the tensed situation in the state ever!
Democracy is for everyone whether you lose or win cases, but one fundamental thing is that nobody should be undermined in the state. Those who did not win today may win tomorrow. Everyone should play according to the rule of the game, and allow the will of the people to prevail if we must enjoy this our society much cherished democracy being tested daily.
