Many Nigerians still hold the firm belief that the second-term curse on most Nigerian politicians is real and kicking. Tales of power abuse, impunity, rascality, lawlessness, and brigandage abound from the top to the bottom, especially for second-timers in the seat of power.
That is not to say politicians don’t misuse their powers and privileges even when they are newbies at the helm of affairs. Interestingly, we’ve all being inundated about different invisible forces that always stand in the way of political leaders performing up to their tasks, responsibilities, and expectations once they are declared winners for a second term in office – this is especially so for those at the executive arm of government – where the real power is exercised. You may read Dr. Reuben Abati’s chronicles of his life and time in the Presidential Villa.
For instance, this singular yet valid observation of subpar performance by second-term politicians must have informed the secret longing of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s single-term tenure of six years. In the wake of having to serve just once for an extended period in office, leaders might stay focused on the job at hand without beaming their political searchlights on the tantalizing temptations of seeking re-election — as it is done in some of our neighboring countries where relative political stability have been enjoyed. Essentially, the clandestine approach to achieving that plot by former President Jonathan was the last straw that broke the back of the camel. Indeed, former President Olusegun Obasanjo equally tried his luck by tampering with the constitution albeit unsuccessfully. How would a President use proxy to sponsor a motion at the national assembly just because he’s desirous of an extension of the term of office for the President, Governors, and legislatures can be quite disconcerting? Simply and squarely, Nigerians knew the plan wasn’t designed in their overall interest rather it was orchestrated to be self-serving, particularly for sit-tight political jobbers. Expectedly, the counterintuitive bill was defeated as soon as it became a matter of public interest.
As the second man to win re-election in the history of Oyo state, Governor Seyi Makinde stands on the threshold of history. But winning a second term in office is just a piece of the cake of things to come. He is now considered the de facto ruler of what is today breathtakingly described as “PDAPC” in the state. Recall “PDAPC” gained traction when the likes of Rivers state Governor and his Oyo state counterpart decided to work for the Presidential candidate of the APC, who’s now President-elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu against Atiku Abubakar of the PDP in the last election
That way, the actions of the two governors helped popularized the concept. And regardless of what Governor Makinde’s naysayers might have insinuated regarding his re-election, chances are that he is better placed, poised, and positioned to surpass the legacies of his predecessors. Already, various legacy projects initiated by his administration dotted the state landscape. From the transformative Ibadan circular road to the reconstruction of the Agbowo shopping complex to the official flag-off of LAUTECH, Iseyin campus to the kickoff of Emmanuel Alayande University of Education among others. Added to this is the governor’s dalliance with the President-elect whose administration will open such an incredible opportunity for those on the good side of his book.
But that is not to say everything in Makinde in Oyo state will be smooth and rosy. Like others, he’s going to attract more enemies than friends. His handling of the state affairs will not change.
Consequently, his adversaries will not relent in pounding his flesh whenever the occasion arises. The tempting nature of power will get to him and probably like the rest consumed him. His recent bill to the state House of Assembly is a pointer to things to come. Recall late Senator Abiola Ajimobi had a cordial and harmonious working relationship with President Muhammadu Buhari such that the jinx breaker in Oyo politics was part of high-power delegates that accompanied President Buhari to the White House after the historic 2015 elections. Throughout his second term, he was a frequent visitor of the President at the Villa. So we might not yet call for drums because Governor Makinde has walked his way into the heart of the President-elect.
OYO101 is Muftau Gbadegesin’s opinion about Issues affecting Oyo state, published on Saturdays. He can be reached via @TheGMAKing on Twitter, muftaugbadegesin@gmail.com and 09065176850
