By David E. Oguzierem
Between 1999 – 2015, when the once largest and strongest political party in Africa, PDP, held sway, the only one word that mattered to its managers then was power. The wilded power with impunity as if life and death was in their hands. The decided the political faith of men without regard to morality.
I can still remember vividly how elected governors were removed at will by former President Obasanjo. From Ekiti to Plateau to Oyo to Bayelsa to Anambara, heads were rolling with the aid of federal forces.
Even the lawmakers, who were also members of the PDP was not spared the brutal axe. Between 1999 – 2007, we had six senate presidents. From Enwerem to Okadigbo to Wabara to Nnamani to Anyim, they were being removed and replaced like handkerchief. I believe that this inconsitent leadership affected the performance of the senators.
Allocations of opposition states were seized without apology. Lagos State is a good example. Unfriendly governors, such as Orji Uzo Kalu was decisively deal with. He was crippled and driven out of PDP. He later founded PPA.
The only period the PDP listened to voice of reason was under late President Umaru Yar’Dua. He was a gentleman. He wanted to be a democrat, but death took him away.
PDP leaders were corruption personified. They stole our resources with impunity. They stole like Abacha and IBB. They never cared about the survival of the Nation. GEJ, the sitting president was helpless. He was so scared to speak up. He was only interested in second tenure.
In an attempt for GEJ to achieve his mission, he relinquished presidential power to hungry tigers arround him. They unleshed the power on those who are not willing to join their gang of looters. They fought those who stood on their way of conquering Nigeria.
CRA was the chairman of governors forum. He challenged their unjust use of power. He questioned their inordinate ambition. They came after his neck with their usual impunity. They sent one Mr Mbu to supervise his impeachment. But the mission failed. CRA and his men were gallant. They kept vigil. No shaking.
Finally, agents of change defeated impunity in 2015. PDP was practically decimated. Power become powerless. Largest political party become mushroom party. Leading party became following party. Rulling party became opposite party.
Party is not in the name, it is in the characters that lead the party. PDP had the worst chunk of leadership. They are men of ungodly power. They have no sympathy so far their selfish agenda is accomplished.
Unless a new generation of men of intergrity arises, PDP’s days of glory is gone for good. Yesterday, I watched its leaders, especially its chairman, Prince Uche Secondus crying and wailing in Ekiti. I had no option than to weep for the dead giant.
I laughed because the ingredient of opposition politics is missing in their midst. The have no stamina, sacrifice, ruggedity, eloquence, appealing, finesse and humilty to mobilize voters. They are still arrogant and insensitive mafias.
For all I care, I can bet with my last card, APC will be taking Ekiti from PDP. They have no chances at all. They will loose Ekiti like they lost the presidency in 2015.
David Oguzierem is the CEO of TimeExpress Television (www.timeexpress.tv)
