What kind of human being returns to his or her own vomit? Because even a dog does not… But, obviously, some people, for whatever reasons seem to be comfortable around puke, whether it is theirs or that of others. I’m pointedly referring to how the elite Nigerian political class as personified by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). As it is, the party continually gains notoriety for infamous acts of some of its high profile members across the length and breadth of the country. And this trend does seem to abating anytime soon.
The latest is the re-arraigning of one of its recently re-admitted members, former governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, for embezzlement of N1.2billion while in office, at the Federal High Court, Ado-Ekiti. Even on that occasion, the high-handedness exhibited by security cohorts of the former governor spoke volumes of the brigandage associated with the PDP. At the court premises, it was reported that ‘loyal’ policemen to Fayose initially barred journalists from covering the court proceedings. It took the intervention of the state’s police public relations officer before journalists were allowed access. Now, that sends dangerous signals.
Yet, the same Fayose still aspires to hold public office. In saner societies, such ambitions would be a no-go after being arraigned on a 27 count charge bordering on mis-appriopriation of state funds. I find it also sad that Fayose is resorting to cheap legalese to buy time and perhaps a further lease of life for himself. Owoseni Ajayi, counsel representing Fayose had reportedly tried to stall the former governor’s re-arraignment. In a bid to frustrate the proceedings, Ajayi had sought to dismiss the EFCC’s counsel, Adebisi Adeniyi, saying it was only Rotimi Jacobs that had fiat to prosecute the case. It was a relief that Justice Adamu Hobon ruled in Adeniyi’s favour.
Fayose definitely lacks the stuff good leaders are made of. But, this is just my take.
It must be recalled that Fayose was first arraigned for the offence in Lagos in 2007 while he was still governor. The biggest challenge lawyers of the former governor could offer then came in the form of ‘lack of jurisdiction’ as it was pointed out that the offence was not committed in Lagos. Hence, it was back to Ekiti State. Well-known for his frolicking lifestyle, around Fayose, there was never a lack of the best comforts life offered. He explored them and it seemed that to him, cost was no restrain. As governor, there were various ways to pay for such a flamboyant lifestyle as long as Ekiti State coffer was still liquid. And seemingly, for his profligacy, he found ways to explore the state’s till.
I have often wondered why associations continue to adopt certain individuals despite allegations of treasury looting, stealing, and subsequent public disgrace labelled on such individuals. The PDP would do good to begin to renounce some of such individuals; rather it seems to make a penchant of rubber-stamping them.
Bode George, after being ferried off to prison was given a hero’s welcome by the party. Also, former chairman of the PDP Board of trustees, and former minister of works, Tony Annenih was recently asked by the House of Representatives concerning how N2.3bn that was awarded for road contract in 2001. These are examples of the sort of individuals sensible political parties should sever alliance with. Why does the PDP continue to swell its folds with characters like Fayose? Perhaps, the major reason why this severance may not be possible may be because birds of a feather flock together.
While in law, a suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond any reasonable doubt. In the eyes of the public, it is a different game. In the public glare, a suspect is presumed guilty should any accusation be levelled against him or her. And responsible politicians do the honourable thing of hiding their face in shame. In some climes, Fayose would have been ashamed for rubbishing the party’s name by such accusation of theft. But, sadly, this is Nigeria and the party concerned is the PDP, widely acclaimed as Africa’s biggest political party by its members.
However, with so much recklessness, the people of Fayose’s party plundered state funds, and like smart ‘crooks’ which most of them are, they covered their tracks. But, one can only cover his or her tracks well for so long. There comes a time when a wrong step is taken and a wide opening comes up. That crack for Fayose came with the allegation of theft in 2007. As it is now, the law machinery is grinding for Fayose who has another set date in court for January 24th 2013. I wish him well. And he had better be prepared to face judgment.
Lastly, while I do not speak for the entire Ekiti indigenes, I believe I can stick out my neck, that apart from the few crooks and PDP apologists in the state, the people are tired of the brigandage which the state was hitherto held by both Fayose and the PDP cabal. And for this, Fayose must not count on support from Ekiti people. Already, 31 witnesses are ready to testify against him. Interpreted in another way, Ekiti people no longer want to tolerate non-performers like him. Fayose may not know now but being accused of theft has proved he is a good example of a bad leader in the public square already.
• Akinbayo writes from Ado-Ekiti
