Political Notes from Thisday
One of the most beautiful things that have hit Nigeria’s democracy is the seeming two-party system, brought about by the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Except for the discerning, not a few could see the many good in this so-called revolution.
But as it is unfolding, albeit slowly, a lot of things are happening, unknown even to keen watchers of events. Outside its determination to wrest power from Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s alleged incompetent presidency is the internal cleansing that would soon sweep across the leadership of the APC.
For the doubting Thomases, here’s a teaser: It was at a recent meeting of leaders of the APC. One of the leaders and former governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, had just finished addressing the sitting when another former governor but of Borno State, Ali Modu Sheriff, indicated his intention to speak.
And so, he was recognised by the Interim National Chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande. While Akande, Tinubu, Gen. Muhammodu Buhari and a few others sat on the high table, Sheriff and others were on the popular side, expectedly.
As he continued to make his point in view of the issue on the card, he was interjected by the national chairman: “Can you please stand up to address us,” he said. Without wasting time, Sheriff allegedly retorted: “But Tinubu just sat down there to address us now. So?” That naturally sent shockwaves down the spines of all at the meeting as there was a loud silence, allegedly so.
Sensing trouble, Buhari needed nobody to tell him before he got up to address the gathering. Aren’t you laughing out loud yet? The effect of the message was clearly achieved and without much ado.
At another time, one of the national officers of the party was said to have approached Sheriff on the proposed registration exercise of members and hinted that Tinubu had elected to pick a chunk of the bill. It was said in a way that tended to confer respect and leadership on Asiwaju. He had not landed before Sheriff announced an even larger sum as his contribution to the cause. Bet you can decipher the message in that too.
However, if you are still in doubt, it is becoming clearer to all that the era of baba s’ope (The leader has spoken) is fast fading out. Now in the ship of the APC are those ready to match the leadership naira for naira and kobo for kobo- determined to deconstruct the ownership mentality that’s been the lot of its leadership. And trust, at the end of it all, Nigeria will be better for it. Second base jare!
