When in 2013, three political parties decided to embark on a journey into history, I am quite certain that they were oblivious of the individual interests that formed the creation of those political parties: Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP and Congress for Progressive Change, CPC. As separate political entities, it was almost impossible for them to wrestle power from the Political Giant, the Peoples Democratic Party, which had held on to power for 16 unbroken years after the emergence of democratic rule in Nigeria in 1999. This feat recorded by three otherwise mushroom or regional parties gave impetus to some major actors in this feat to begin to think like demigods. The ousting of a serving President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, from office and the smooth transition to an opposition party, was described as the best, free and fair election Nigeria has ever had, since after the botched June 12.
Maybe in the heat of the moment or in a quest to inject a more vibrant and younger player, the leadership of the party thought it was time to change the winning team to make way for a younger and roughed one, mindful that the days ahead would require that. Were they prepared for the twist in the story? Or was it a well-written script, waiting to come to life? Those questions remain shrouded in secrecy. A new player was introduced and he came maybe with too much ‘youthfulness’, but shortly after his emergence, the doggedness and oneness experienced in the past were replaced with an insatiable quest for power and control. The man Adams Oshiomhole became the centre of a brewing storm that was gathering clouds that members of the party were not quick enough to run to shelter to prevent the havoc the storm left in its track. There was also the element of godfatherism and betrayal. Foes became friends and friends became sworn enemies. A typical case was the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki. Whose alleged disloyalty to the demigods, led to his ousting from the party and denial of the party’s governorship ticket.
Can we forget Rivers State and Bayelsa State, were court cases held sway and parallel state secretariats with State Executives operated without as much as a whisper from the leadership of the party? The temple of Justice was manipulated to the extent that exparte orders were issued as if they were utility bills. Just a few weeks ago, the final move was made in Rivers State, to ensure the total collapse of the party, but the players burnt their fingers in the process when the court granted the Igo Aguma led group more than what they requested, unfortunately to their ultimate destruction. The result of their misguided actions has given Rivers State chapter of the party, a team of seasoned administrators, under the leadership of Dr. Sokonte Davies, who are overseeing the affairs of the party. The judgment procured mischievously by Aguma and his cohorts, to undermine the leadership of the party in the state who is also the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, backfired and their fingers got burnt in the process.
The national scene was not spared as the quest for control, led players to court and again the temple of Justice became desecrated by the erstwhile National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, the National Vice Chairman South-South, Ntufam Eta, Worgu Boms and other conspirators. Truth and justice eventually, won against evil and conspiracy. Like dancers who do not see their back or even know in most cases what dance steps they take, the leader of the party, and the President Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, who coincidentally is familiar with coups and methods of handling such, waited for all and sundry to bring forth their best before reining in the actors in the coup. The National Executive Council meeting, summoned today by Victor Giadom with the consent of Mr. President, rekindled the hope of several party men and women across the country. While casualties of war, nurse their injuries and re-strategize, one thing is certain, which is the All Progressives Congress will become great again. Written by: Dr Amandi Belonwu , A Concerned member of APC Rivers State
