It has become the order of the day in Nigeria for politicians
to decamp into the ruling APC. It is rational that if you don’t want the
country’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
EFCC, to harass the hell out of you, there is a panacea: Join the ruling party,
the All Progressive Congress, APC.
The examples are legion, but we will mention a few: Since Joshua Dariye former
governor of Plateau State joined APC, his trial stopped. Since Uzor Kalu former
governor of Abia State joined APC, his trial with EFCC suddenly ended. Since
Sullivan Chime former governor of Enugu State joined APC, his trial with EFCC came
to a halt. Since the former Governor of Bauchi State, Isa Yuguda joined APC,
his trial with EFCC terminated.
The saints at the moment are those who join the ruling
APC, or who go to any lengths to heap blames for all the country’s problems on
the past administration. In this season of opportunism and sycophancy, saints
have become devils and vice versa. It is so unfortunate that with subtle
intimidation and witch hunt from the State, politicians are rushing into the
ruling APC in search of a haven for protection, especially those with a
perfidious past.
The frantic spate of decampment of politicians
nationwide into the fold of the ruling party as we move towards 2019 election
is venal and self-seeking behaviour. The exodus is borne out of self- preserving
instincts of dishonourable characters within our society. They are all shady
characters who want to escape the long arm of the law.
The deluge of defections into the APC should be a
matter of concern for discerning and well-meaning Nigerians who want a country
founded on justice, equity and rule of law. Let no one be deceived by the trend
of defections, it is nothing but a desperate measure by corrupt politicians to
evade prosecution for economic crimes.
There is need for vigilance on the part of civil
society and the international community, because the spate of defection
portends grave dangers for the nation’s democracy and the anti-corruption fight.
It is painful and regrettable that those who should speak out against this travesty
are keeping mute, because they are either afraid or they are also lobbying for
choice appointments within the government.
Comments
Post a Comment