The Blacklist, the Hit list and #TheList: HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY NIGERIANS.

Many Nigerians have exhausted their lacrimal glands since the Code of Conduct Bureau slammed charges against the incumbent senate president Dr. Bukola Saraki. They are convinced that he has a bounty on his head and a target on his back placed by envious power brokers who are miffed that he emerged as the gavel custodian of the hallowed senate chambers. Some have even suggested that the president and not the All Progressive Congress (APC) is responsible for the unjust witch-hunt that the second term senator has to evade.

Senator Saraki has constantly reiterated that he is under scrutiny solely because he manipulated his way to the senate presidency; he has neither denounced the 13 counts read out to him nor maintained his innocence. His lawyers tried in vain to utilize the courts to prevent his appearance before the Code of Conduct Tribunal and to contest the jurisdiction of the CCT to hear such charges. His supporters have recently organized solidarity rallies and those in the senate have passed a vote of confidence. The House of Representatives only today mandated their Speaker to unfailingly take a position and visit the president in order to find a “political solution” to the impasse and preserve the integrity of the legislative arm of government. What political solution? Is he guilty as charged?

Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, docked at Code of Conduct Tribunal, Abuja. PHOTO: BAYOOR EWUOSO. tribuneonlineng.com

The 13 counts read out loud to Bukola Saraki range from anticipatory asset declaration to undeclared and chronically undeclared assets acquired since 2003 when he first assumed the governorship of Kwara state. Also listed were an undeclared bank loan and foreign exchange transactions from his domiciliary account with the Guaranty Trust Bank to an account in the United States allegedly belonging to him. The listed Ikoyi and Maitama properties as well as the bank transfers must be worth a few billions of naira and one of the counts against Saraki indicated that the property in that case could not have been attributable to his income or to any gifts or loans. These incredible charges if proven to be true cannot be simply wished away or overruled by a national vote of overconfidence.

It appears there is trepidation within the camp of the senate president and his supporters. They appear subdued probably made more apparent by the reported pelting of Saraki in Ilorin during the Eid prayers there. They seem to have altered their strategy and are now utilizing public sentiments and higher powers to prevail on the President to abort the witch-hunt. President Buhari granted a brief interview to Sahara TV yesterday; the Saraki support group is well advised to grab an electronic device to watch the president’s comment on the case which is in court and the folly that would emanate from interfering with the constitution and the judiciary.

If Saraki is dislodged from the high horse that is the senate presidency, then a cascade of events could ensue. The seemingly apprehensive politicians must be oppressed by the possible existence of a hit list which contains the names of noise makers and all those who will end up being indicted in electoral and economic scandals. A particular fellow flaunted his house and “autobots” prior to May 29; I think he is now sweating profusely from the knowledge of what might soon be. There was a rowdy session in the senate yesterday because a senator tried to confront Saraki with a point of order following the vote of confidence. He was however overruled by the gavel banger as out of order and told to “shut up” by a fellow senator after which hell’s front yard almost broke loose. The aggrieved senator did not fail to voice out his displeasure and accused Saraki of tyranny before storming out. Is there even a blacklist or a hit list? The memories of Umaru Dikko will surely serve to instruct these legislative gladiators to tread cautiously when dealing with the president.

The much awaited list of ministerial nominees has been finally presented to the senate president who is currently in the eye of the storm. I am optimistic that we would have a serious cabinet; sound enough to oversee this season of change. Dr Saraki’s defiance seems related to that exhibited by Sepp Blatter the FIFA president whose immediate lieutenants have all been indicted for corruption. Blatter maintains that he is the good guy but we all see beyond his smokescreen. I am also reminded of the former democrat governor of Illinois Rod Blagojevich who was sentenced to a 14years jail term for corruption and trying to use his powers to corruptly fill the senate seat vacated by Barack Obama after he was elected as the American president. He did not think he had done anything wrong and continued to exude confidence until he admitted during a press conference and after his sentencing that he was perhaps not humble enough and may have been too abrasive when he confronted democrats and republicans. The tragic story of Nicholas II, the last Tsar of Russia is instructive. He mismanaged Russia during the First World War and economic crisis followed. His people revolted and were repeatedly crushed by their king. Despite warnings and advices, he followed his own ways until a final revolution forced him to abdicate his throne. His troubles did not end there as Lenin inspired his eventual execution alongside his family.

The political elite should realize that opportunists abound who can easily manipulate uncertain situations to gain advantage even if it means sacrificing a “few” lives. They should not continue to parade themselves as if they are untouchables and above the law. In saner climes, public office holders and executives of large corporations resign when confronted with charges which question their competence and integrity. That is unfortunately not applicable in Nigeria at the moment but the possible outcome of next month’s trial could shake the foundation of Nigeria considerably. It will cease to be business as usual from then on.

The low-key Independence celebration planned for this year is appropriate for the season we have found ourselves in as a nation. It is a period to renew hope that Nigeria will fulfil purpose and be indeed great. There are those who still detest the president for whatever primitive reasons they assume is legitimate. It is time to believe in Nigeria and work even harder to spread the love.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY NIGERIANS!!!

GOD BLESS THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA!!!

30-9-2015