The drama at the senate

Nigeria appears to be a proper stage for a theatre of the absurd. The theme, plot, scene, and characters are doing well in an increasing order. We are never behind in anything which suggests to the world our directors, cast and the audience are not serious individuals. Wherever human beings live there must be a level of drama and conflict but when handshake goes beyond the elbow, it may mean another thing. Unlike before, when we used to have a single individual within the senate supplying the drama, the mace snatching tragedy of yesterday was more than what Nigerian electorates bargained for.

In a broad daylight, in an open glare of several national television stations covering the event, the commandos entered our hallowed chamber, beat some assembly staff and made away with the mace, a symbol of legislative authority. The security became so compromised as the actors were able to drive past three security gates unhindered.

Examining some of the fundamental issues which culminated into this open show of shame, one cannot but agree with the good book which says ‘where there is no vision,  the people go wild and when the foundation is destroyed, there is little people with good conscience can do’.

The foundation of what happened yesterday had been laid at the inception of the 8th national assembly.  For the first time in post-1999 Assembly, we have self-serving goals of individuals prevailing against the party wishes. It is also the first time that an overwhelming majority of the ruling party will concede sensitive positions to the opposition just because two individuals seem to know their ways.

Since this leadership arrangement is a delicate compromise, the leadership must be firm and willing to take actions against a possible voice of opposition contrary to its commands. This eight assembly has a higher number of members being suspended from performing the duty their constituencies elected them for. This in itself is an illegality even though the act had been justified through an application of chamber’s code of conducts.

But as if that is not enough, several alleged illegal acts are being perpetrated by members at various time.

The man in the picture, Senator Omo-Agege’s ordeal started when he and other ten senators spoke against election reordering. An agenda well favoured by the power brokers within the national assembly. Senator Omo-Agege’s voice was considered too loud. His voice then attracted the attention of the gods within the red chamber. Since a scapegoat must be chosen to serve as a deterrent, keen observers knew from then he would be on his way out.

It was not a surprise when his ninety-day suspension was orchestrated and announced. For the novice,  the implication is that Senator Omo-Agege will be rendered ‘jobless’ till the end of the eight national assembly. This also has grave implication on his future political fortune. Again, a very vital concern is that his stew’s pot had been broken so to say.

But if we analyse this, what is national assembly all about if not for the multiplicity and divergent opinions? Why is it that some senators are more powerful and can go away with any brazen act, which in the eyes of the public deserve punishment, but are left to walk free when others cannot? The simple answer is traceable to the camp each belongs to.

If the allegation made against the suspended Ovie Omo-Agege is anything to go by, this he had denied.  This act is like carrying the sacrifice beyond the coven. Is this show of shameful and brazen act the solution to the problem of this perceived injustice? Senator Omo-Agege already approached the court for this injustice, can’t he ask for an accelerated hearing? I believe even if it takes six months for him to get judgement, his salary and allowances can still be paid. His political fortune will still be guaranteed and his image would have been better positioned.

My other concern is why is our national assembly always in the news for the wrong reason most time? Why do we keep demarketing the brand we are all trying to build? In this age of viral information spread, do we realise the video and footage of this act will reach the global audience within seconds? What kind of impression are we spreading to the global community?

Before I close, I have one other thought.

On Nigerian youth political participation.

Each time I monitor youth political emancipation across Africa I often ask myself when will Nigerian youth wake up to the reality? Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)  and Democratic Alliance (DA)  are formidable political parties in South Africa led by Julius Malema (37 years) and Mmusi Maimaine(38 years).  Each of the two political parties named with these individuals are less than six years old but it is obvious they have gained prominent ground as members of the parliament, mayor and what can be referred to as province governor.

Nigerian youth at 45 is still struggling to be personal assistant to a political godfather,  struggling to get a special assistant position with a local government chairman,  state commissioner, governor, national assembly members, federal minister or if luck shines on them, the President. Nigerian youth has a great future beckoning to them which they are not embracing. They are leaders of tomorrow is still the slogan here.