“God-Fatherism” in Nigerian Politics: When Will We Be Free?

It is no news that the APC has disqualified State governor Godwin Obaseki from further participating in the party’s primaries this year. The Chairman of the Screening Committee, Prof. Jonathan Ayuba, he clarified that Obaseki had failed to produce his Higher School Leaving Certificate, among others. This has sparked numerous controversies on the micro-blogging site, Twitter, as “Twittizens” have come out to express displeasure over the muddy state of political affairs.

However, it would be wise not to completely believe the facts of the case, because we all know what exactly is at play here. God-Fatherism, one of the vices that are afflicting the Nigerian politicking scene, has reared its ugly head once again. How has this come to be? Why does it keep re-surfacing? Most importantly, is there any hope for that youth who desperately wants to influence and effect a change in this corrupt system? These—and more—are the issues I will be treating during the course of this article. Stay with me.

Oshiomhole’s Stand on God-Fatherism—Then and Now.

“Against the background that I came on the platform of a new political party, part of my mission was to purge the state of godfathers, which is the precondition for liberal democracy to thrive. And to create a new political environment that is sufficiently liberal, such that the people, not the godfathers determine who becomes what in the politics of our state.”

Well said, Comrade Oshiomhole! Now, isn’t this the perfect definition of democracy. More than ever, it is obvious that people have either forgotten their rights, or have chosen to believe that no organisation and strategy will be able to win against the vile will of these so-called godfathers. Unfortunately, it seems like the system always finds a way to corrupt even those who desperately want to make that change—as obvious from the quote above.

The Raging Feud between Godfather and Godson—Bringing Obaseki into the Picture.

The feud between godfathers and godsons has been existing in Nigeria long before now. In fact, so often and so consistent, it is almost possible to predict that this godfather will turn on the godson—eventually. It all starts with the godfather proclaiming that he can demystify the myth that success in politics is impossible without the help of some special group of people. People who control the wealth and influence of the nation and have connections everywhere.

Even so, these to-be godfathers come to the realisation that they will not be able to hold onto power forever—leading to the arrival of the godson. They try to do everything in their power to make sure the successor that they choose emerges winner. In the frenzy of trying to keep a leash on the newly arrived, they forget that one of the primal desires inherent in any human is the desire to be free.

Nobody certainly wants a godfather breathing down his neck, dictating to him how he should run his state, No! Deep down, we all want to be free from any and every semblance of bondage in our lives. Consequently, the feud between godfather and godson is born.

If It Is So Wrong, Why Does It Still Exist?

Well, the answer is obvious, isn’t it? In one word—greed. A chieftain of the APC, Prince Tony Momoh, rightly agreed that an outgoing governor who wants to play godfather might not have anything to hide, but could only want to adopt someone he trusts; a step he describes as natural.

The problem, however, arises because politics in Nigeria is war, instead of service. Everybody wants to keep grabbing without distributing anything. The chase for money and power has now become a stronghold such that the person wants to continue to take from the system, what he has been taking before.

Can We Overcome?

The billion-dollar question. Is there hope? Can Nigerian democracy rise above the ashes to become something of which we can all be proud? In my opinion, as long as someone is out there who believes that he can take a stand, shine his light, and make a change, there may still be hope yet.

Nevertheless, if we truly want to change things, it may take more than just belief. What is your opinion on the matter? What do you think people should, or can do? Let me know your opinion in the comments section below!