It is no coincidence to assert without mincing words that Nigeria is a nation-state in dire need of political stability, progress and emancipation. But how can the aforementioned be achieved in a country that harbors over 80% tolerance for political and civil unrest?

I make bold to assert that there are some few opportunists who are bent on using politics as a veil to elicit chaos and instability in the society. Such persons are a clog in the wheel of progress.

It is no coincidence to assert without mincing words that Nigeria is a nation-state in dire need of political stability, progress and emancipation. But how can the aforementioned be achieved in a country that harbors over 80% tolerance for political and civil unrest?

I make bold to assert that there are some few opportunists who are bent on using politics as a veil to elicit chaos and instability in the society. Such persons are a clog in the wheel of progress.

My discourse is hinged on finding a way forward and paving way for the actualization of democracy goals and democratic society that knows no turbulence and unnecessary squabbles in the political terrain.

One thing that beats my imagination is the inability of Nigerian governors to put its house in order for peace within the political cycle to reign. It rattles me and leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

After conducting an election to democratically elect a new chairman to spearhead and pilot the affairs of the Governor’s forum, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers state polled 19 votes to beat his opponent Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau state who polled 16 votes. The outcome of the election caused ripples and instability as both contenders are laying claim to landslide victory. Governor Amaechi in his acceptance speech promised to unite the forum and work with Mr. President to explore the virtues of democracy. He also pledged his allegiance to Mr. President who is apparently not in good terms with the newly elected chairman. Governor Jonah Jang who was backed by the chairman of PDP Governors forum Chief Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom state was taken round to PDP bigwigs as the newly recognized chairman. He was taken to the chairman PDP board of trustees, Chief Tony Anenih, PDP national chairman Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, and Vice-President Namadi Sambo. Governor Jang who arrived Plateau state after the election on Sunday the 26th of May 2013 spoke to journalists at the Yakubu Gowon airport and stated that he accept his emergence as the new chairman as the will of God and implored his rival chairman to honorably back down and work with him.

It is true that a house divided against itself shall not stand. Nigerian governors are ideally hoped to be custodians of political stability by dissipating their energies and resources for the entrenchment of lasting peace, unity and development. Now that the Nigerian Governors Forum is divided and chaos is brewing, what can be said of Nigeria? That its politicians are so desperate and craving for power at all cost through a do-or-die means? The failure of our Governors to broker peace and reach a compromise is capable of sending a wrong signal and projecting Nigeria in negative light before the international community. It also has the potentiality of strangulating democratic, social, economic and developmental goals.

I am deeply pained and worried that the leaders we have reposed confidence in by given them our mandate are the ones derailing our hopes and aspirations. The earlier our governors put their house in order, the stronger our democracy and the better for us all. Now that things are not stable, it calls for sober reflection and deep rethink by our leaders. Remember history is riddled with leaders that have left an indelible mark in the sands of time.

by Dapar Satmak Alexander

Dapar Satmak is a mass communication student of the University of Jos, he writes for ViewPointNigeria from Jos, Plateau state.

He can be reached at the following email address: [email protected]

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Nigerian Governors and Political instability by Dapar Satmak Alexander