By Sani Danaudi Mohammed
The word ‘godfather’ conjures up different meanings to different people in Nigeria and many parts of Europe and America. It is simply associated with a cuddly uncle.
The godfathers can be broken down into two types: the first are those who manipulate the economy for their own benefit and the second are those that can be referred to as crisis fixers, social reformers, and populist advocates of the poor. The godfather defends his adopted sons when they run into problems, either with law enforcement agents or members of other gangs.
Godfatherism sometimes manifests itself in the politics of developed countries of the world and Latin American countries in terms of some criminal underworld groups sponsoring politicians during elections in return for the protection of contracts. This kind of situation is euphemistically referred to as party machine’ politics in the American political science literature. The word ‘godfather’ appears in parenthesis in many western political studies.It is different in Nigeria. The patronlclient relationships that popularized the term in Nigerian politics have cultural roots among many Nigerians peoples.
Political godfatherism in Nigeria started with nationalist activities of the 1950s. The educated elite which constituted just six percent of the total Nigerian Population Champion this struggle for Nigerian independence. The educated elites, most of whom had only primary education, were respected for their knowledge and bravery in confronting the white man. They became I dolised by their people and their personal opinions became the formal interests of the ethnic groups they claimed to represent. People who wanted to join in politics went to them and deferred to their ‘good judgment’ in almost all things. These father figures were the leaders of regional political groups that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s: the Northern People’s Congress for the Hausa-Fulani dominated northern Nigeria; the Action Group for the Yoruba-dominated South-west, and the NCNC for the Igbo-dominated eastern Nigeria.
The role of the godfathers at this time was to show the way for the other Nigerians in a colonial period. Their Job at that time was to teach our followers how to disrespect the white man who wanted to rule us for ever. The political godfathers of this era included the then Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello,who led the NPC; Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who led the AG, and Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe of the NCNC leader. The other elder statesmen that fell into this category in Nigerian politics include Mallam Aminu Kano and Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim. These political leaders, up to the point of their death,dictated who could occupy political offices in the geo-political regions they led. They were ‘clearing houses’ for political opportunities, though,those godfathers acted like the trainees by mentoring the Future Leaders without paying any leap Service to what they or their wards will get in return.
THE POWER TUSSLES
The March 18th Governorship in the State will be well documented in our national archives for the unborn generation to read as been the most kingly contested elections. The incumbent Governor Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed CON of the PDP and the immediate past Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Saddique Baba Abubakar of APC. The inability of the heavy weight politicians in the State to unseat Kauran Bauchi is now the topic of discussion in almost all gatherings in and outside the state capital. That questionable political enterprises at trying to play an omnipotent factor in Bauchi politics has been to the discomfort of not only the incumbent governor himself but every well-meaning Nigerian within and outside the State is an understatement.
Governor Bala Mohammed won it against the heavy weight politicians of the State who suddenly became united in their movement to unseat him. The team was led by the Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Alhaji Bello Kirfi a former Minister of the first Republic, Mallam Isa Yuguda Former Governor of Bauchi State, Former Senators Nazif Gamawa, Isah Hamma Misau, Shuaibu Rama Gardama,Dr. Isa Babayo (Talba Katagum) and Former Members of the House of Representatives. There are many notable and strong men that made up these groups of Bauchi Mafia that wanted the incumbent Governor to go but were playing to the gallery of “Mu muka Kawo shi” (We brought him .
The victory of the Governor was Predicted long before the election for obvious reasons knowing fully the level of orientation of the Bauchi Voters. They resisted all odds to ushered in Mallam Isa Yuguda against the mighty Governor Mu’azu , asa beneficiary of the Bauchi Political enlightenment of the citizenry, he should have Predicted their lost.
Perfection is an attribute of God only as only him is perfect,To those setting perfection are always placing demands that can ever be made.Many are of the opinion that despite the shortcomings and challenges of the current administration of the PDP in Bauchi. The electorates seem to be more comfortable with Bala Mohammed at the moment. The visible projects ongoing across the 20 LGAs were the tools that pave the way for his Second term.
The defeat of the Bauchi Political Titans may not be unconnected with the manner most of them were engaging the Governor on a Personal ground Particularly his acclaimed issues that were more personal. Marriage is one of the Sunnah of the holy Prophet and it should not have a been a political discussion at the first place. Acquiring a New House is more of a cultural phenomenon of the Nigerian Political elites. To an ordinary Bauchi man on the street, there is no correlation between the Governor’s House and the issues bordering him long as he point!sense and touch directly the impact of Government. Their campaign were not issues base to gain the sympathy and Support of the voters but it was more of a personal affair than the collective interest of the stater.
THE LESSONS AND THE HEROES
The conflict arising from godfatherism has become one of the greatest problems crippling the Nigerian political system. Beholder of the Political Office becomes a stooge to his godfather because he that pays the piper dictates the tune. By the time the godson refuses to meet their (godfathers) demand, he is eventually impeached from political office. In Nigeria fourth republic dispensation (1999 till date), the Saraki-Lawal face off, Nwobodo- Nnamani quagmire, Adedibu -Ladoja crisis, Uba-Ngige, Kwankwanso/Ganduje,Goje/Inuwa Yahaya, Tinubu/Ambode,Oshomole/Obasaki,Akpabio/Udom, Yarima/Shinkafi and others. Though many survived and others consumed by their godfathers, Kauran Bauchi has survive the nightmare of the So-called Political godfatherism.
The issue of godfatherism In Nigerian politics is as a result of societal decay, which has encroached intospheres of the Nigerian polity. It is therefore suggested that Nigerians resist this unhealthy attitudes that have continue to keep us far away from the spheres of human and infrastructural development.It should not be treated as a party affair, but should be offered political, Social and legal treatment by the government and the stakeholders in Nigeria.In Bauchi State, the People have won and are now the heroes of the power Tussles that played out between the incumbent Governor Bala Mohammed and the Bauchi Political Titans.
The biggest Lesson is that,As human beings,We should know the level of our operations and influence. The dominant discourse then was that,those against his second term ambition Cannot be shielded from the current challenges of the State whether good or bad.The reason is simple, with their privileged positions in the past, they have little or no history to document for been the friends of the Talakawas including the acclaimed unpaid Pensions and Gratuities. They should know that only the Almighty Allah gives power to whoever he wishes at the time he wishes. This is the true picture of the just Concluded Gubernatorial election in Bauchi State.
Governor Bala Mohammed has won but the Bauchians who refused to play to the gimmicks and gallery of the godfatherim are the heroes. Now that the elections have been won,I hope that he forgives and not to be distracted by the ongoing conversations. His dreams of achieving the Bauchi Sabuwa should form his priority of his second term in Office.After all, it is not a war but just a game where the best performing player wins. I have said it before that,if he is not the best,he is not the worse but at least he has done better despite the intricacies and shortcomings.
Danaudi is National President of Arewa Youths Advocate for Peace and Unity Initiative writes from Bauchi. He could be reached via [email protected]
Excellent analysis