S.O.S ALIEME

Godfather functions as a kingmaker, manager, mentor, and teacher. A godfather is someone who has developed unimaginable respect and supporters in the society and enjoys a well-organized political network and widespread acceptance from the voters that could ensure success for representatives of his preference,”

In the Yoruba culture, godfathers are known as ‘Baba Kekere’ (small great father), ‘Baba Isale’ (father of the underground world), or ‘Baba Nigbejo’ (great helper in times of trouble). The word ‘Baba Kekere’ was coined to describe community leaders with whom people of lower social status identified as a means of ensuring their own social, physical, economic, and political security. For instance, the majority of Yoruba refugees who arrived in Ibadan in the early nineteenth century settled with the ‘baba kekere’. As a result, it shows how people of lower social status join forces with people of higher social integrity, typically for financial gains.

Godfatherism is a philosophy based on the idea that a few people with significant wealth who have the power to arbitrarily decide who gets a party ticket and also determines who wins or loose an election. The godfathers intend to rule by proxy. As a result, they use violence openly and indiscriminately against those who stand in their way, including their godsons. In Nigerian politics, godfathers are fear merchants and power brokers. On a regular basis, people throng in and out of their homes, running errands or requesting one favour or another. In certain cases, the relationship between political godfathers and their adopted sons is transactional. As Nigerians say, it’s a case of “you rub my back, and I rub your back.”

Just like every business man/woman, godfathers invest in their godsons and expect returns after winning an election. This is most times accomplished by lucrative political positions, contracts, land grants, political control and power sharing with incumbents, and, if the allegations against some of them are to be taken seriously, unjustified requests for monetary backing.  The privileges a godfather receives from his godson are strategic. In several cases, he requests the right to appoint about 80% of those who are to function in his godson’s cabinet. Many godfathers often make it certain that they have complete influence over the situation. Most of the godfathers also make sure they influence majority of representatives in state legislatures, and they readily use these to threaten governors with impeachment at any time misunderstanding occurs.

Political godfathers in Nigeria make more money from the political process than anybody else in Nigerian politics. Those they imposed as commissioners, permanent secretaries, board chairmen, and other officials make equal monthly payments to their godfathers, just as the principal godsons do.

Do you recollect the case of Chris Uba, a self-described godfather, who used miscreants and Nigerian police to kidnap his godson, Chris Ngige, the elected governor of Anambra State? Ngige’s crime was his refusal to let his godfather, Chris Uba, nominate all political positions and take the lion’s share of the state’s allocation and instantly pay him N2.5billion. Chris Uba claimed that was what he spent in making Ngige the governor. What can you say of the Kwara state scenario, where Saraki the ex-Senate president was in competition for relevance with his former protégé Mohammed Lawal, who was at the time the State Governor? Saraki who has brought four of his political godsons including Lawal into power had a fallout with him due to sharing political commissions and gains. Mohammed Lawal’s refusal to agree to Saraki’s wish led to serious political crisis between him (Lawal) and his godfather (Saraki). The peace of Ilorin was shattered. During the upheaval, many people were assassinated, maimed, injured, and so on. However, when the junior Saraki won the State Governorship election in 2003, all of that came to an end, and the rest is history.

Similarly, the battle line was also drawn in Oyo state between Ladoja (the present Olubadan of Ibadan) and Adebibu. Adedibu claimed to have contributed financially to the ‘instalment’ of Ladoja as governor, with the understanding that the governor would be loyal and submissive, obeying his orders and subjecting public resources to his personal whims and caprices. Ladoja, on the other hand, reneged and refused to abide by the rules. This resulted in the chaos that erupted in Ibadan. Many lives and properties were lost, and the State House of Assembly became polarized along two (2) lines. In January 2006, Ladoja was impeached in less than 25 minutes, paving the way for his deputy Alao Akala.

Alao Akala, his deputy, is another eager godson, eager to better represent the godfather. His return to office was met with fierce opposition from his former godfather’s (ADEDIBU) faction, resulting in a break of law and order in the State capital for a few days and the deaths of several innocent people. Other instances were between Ambode-Tinubu in Lagos; Kachalla-Alimodu Sheriff in Borno. In these cases, the godfathers made sure that the disobedient godsons were not re-elected for a second term and that some of them were impeached.

The case of Nyesom Wike and Similayi Fubara is presently the talk of the town in Rivers State. Nyesom Wike’s rise to power defied established godfathers, challenging Dr. Peter Odili, Chibuike Amaechi, and former First Lady Patience Jonathan. However, his relationship with Sim Fubara exposes the fragility of godfatherism. The crisis surrounding Wike and Fubara threatens peace, unity, stability, and development in Rivers State. The political crisis in Rivers State has taken a complex turn with recent court judgments further fuelling the turmoil. The crisis stems from the rift between Governor Nyesom Wike and Sim Fubara, his preferred successor. However, their relationship has soured, leading to a bitter power struggle.

The situation in Rivers State is a stark reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria’s electoral system and the need for urgent reforms to prevent similar crises in the future. As the state teeters on the brink of instability, it is essential for all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue and finding a peaceful resolution to the crisis. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent directive to the Inspector General of Police to safeguard council secretariats and local government chairmen is a welcome development in addressing the escalating tensions in Rivers State. This move demonstrates his commitment to upholding democracy and protecting public institutions. By addressing this crisis, he can reaffirm his commitment to democratic principles, booster public trust, and pave the way for a more stable and prosperous future for all Nigerians. The world watches as Nigeria navigates this critical juncture, and a successful resolution will resonate as a testament to the strength of its democracy. As Nigeria navigates its complex political landscape, confronting godfatherism is crucial for a more equitable, democratic future.

God Bless Nigeria!!!