“We steal because Nigerians don’t stone us” – Rotimi Amaechi
“Eid-El-Kabir: I Was Not Stoned – Saraki. He made it clear that the missiles hurled at him were decorated feathers of blessing.” – Dr. Damages Njakiri, Sahara TV
Good day readers, you are welcome to another edition of the UINTELLECTION.
Growing up as a Kwaran, I have had the cause to hide away my face many times as a result of the major disrepute that characterises the political terrain of the state of harmony. When in political circles with non-Kwarans, I am constantly reminded of this that before I criticise politicians from other state, I should go meet my kinsmen to talk about the political mess in my state. They will say, “Eyin Kwara go sa…” This is the ridiculous situation an average Kwaran faces as a result of the Saraki’s dynasty and its hegemonic tendencies on the good people of Kwara state. Despite the fact that majority of Kwarans did not approve of the Sarakite regime, the regime still managed to hold strongly to the cords of power in the state, herein lies the mystery.
This mysterious political culture has now been projected to the Federal level for all Nigerians to have a taste of the political nuisance Kwarans have been tolerating for the past few decades. At this stage, it is only proper that Nigerians also have their version of the popular cliché initially reserved for Kwarans, “Awon Nigerians go sa” (Nigerians are stupid). For if Nigerians are not stupid, why would just one corrupt man with an impressive profile of corruption cases tactically manoeuvre himself to the number one law maker seat in the country? What were Nigerians looking at, when they could have followed Rotimi Amaechi’s golden rule to stone him out of office? Where were they looking when Saraki went ahead to conduct the Senate’s election on forged rules? Where were they…?
I am particularly happy at the helplessness of Nigerians in the face of this ambitious Sarakite storm. This is the same helplessness that Kwarans have been experiencing when other Nigerians have christened them as political cowards. Now, it is evident and clear who the greater fools are, Kwarans or Nigerians as a whole? One might argued that he is already facing the Code of Conduct Bureau but as usual, the remnant of the CAPTACAN elements in Nigeria’s political system will not allow that to translate to any meaningful outcome. These are the elements that made some senators to hastily pass a vote of confidence on Uncle Bukola, sending a signal across to Nigerians that no matter how corrupt he may be, that doesn’t tamper with his functions as the number one Lawmaker in the country. These are the elements that see his trials as a political witch-hunt and not as a right step towards the extinction of impunity in our political system. These are the elements that ask “why Saraki?” instead of “Did he steal?” elements that constantly remind us of the borrowed theory that everyone is innocent until proven otherwise… All these elements will only make Saraki stronger.
As God would have it, in the face of this helplessness and siddon dey look state of Nigerians, the rejected stone is now assuming the cornerstone of the building. Kwarans have largely demonstrated this irony in what should be regarded as the foiled “Ramification” attempt of Saraki by Kwarans on the Ileya Day. Starved workers of Ilorin finally got the inspiration from that age-long Yoruba proverb, “Bi a ko ba ri adan, aa fi Odide s’ebo” (If we can’t find the Adan (A specie of bat), then, Odide (Another specie of bat) would have to be improvised for the propitiation). They resulted to killing Saraki as an alternative to Ileya Ram when they could not afford the later due to the stinking poverty birthed by Saraki’s despoliation of the state’s resources. Though, we have since heard different versions of that epic moment in the emirate city of Ilorin, with sources from Saraki and the Kwara State Government establishing and de-establishing its occurrence. No matter what they tell us, the wind has exposed the fowl’s anus and no matter how brief the glimpse may be, it is an undeniable fact that a revolt is rising in Kwara state.
Nigerians, no doubt have sacrificed so much for Buhari’s change mantra. To allow Saraki to continue to go on the frolic of his own ambition would not only be a problem to Buhari’s administration but generally would be a clog in the wheel of change currently spinning in the country. This , obviously, is not about Saraki, this is not about APC, this is not just about Buhari, it is not about the Senate, it is not just about corruption; it is about our collective sanity and integrity as a nation. The revolt started by Kwarans is something commending and indeed recommendable to all Nigerians. It is advisable that we all speak together and put pressure on the Senate for Saraki’s impeachment and other similar clogs that may lay waste the Sacrifices we’ve made on the altar of Democracy. And to Saraki, he is my kinsman by state’s relationship; I know he is completely drowned in his own ocean of ambition and arrogance. My words for him should not be much lest they be carried away by the winds. “Uncle Saraki, kindly consult the pages of history and read through the chapters of Salisu Buhari, Patricia Etteh, Dimeji Bankole, Adolphus Wabara and others, for in those chapters lie great lessons, if but ye will learn.”
UINTELLECTION is wishing you a Happy Independence Day in advance. Do have a fruitful week ahead.
