“2019 Elections and Machiavellian Romantic Rhythms Between Buhari and Saraki” — by Sesan Michael Johnson

“2019 Elections and Machiavellian Romantic Rhythms Between Buhari and Saraki” — by Sesan Michael Johnson as published on July 24, 2018

Between 2015 and now, evident in Nigeria’s polity is the continuous row between the Caliph of Aso Rock (Presidency) and the Caliph of the Senate. Not too long, the Supreme Court exonerated the Waziri of Ilorin in a seemingly controversial circumstance. By the way, what has become of the alleged involvement of Saraki in the popular Offa robbery saga?

The Buharists opine that Saraki’s caliphate must collapse since it did not receive the blessings of Buhari’s caliphate. Without mincing words, the Sarakists see the anti-corruption blalala (whips) trolling their Caliph as political persecution in a Machiavellian style; though they could not prove that their principal did not commit the ‘offences’. What are the reasons for these contestations? Is it all about the interests of the state or the welfare of the citizenry? Why is Buhari afraid of the ascendancy of Saraki’s profile? Why is Saraki undermining the hegemony of Sai baba? These are fundamental questions that must be appropriated and interrogated within the framework of the complexities, realities and imperatives of 2019 Elections.

Unarguably, nPDP played critical roles in the ascendancy of APC into power. The same group has been undermining the leadership of APC. On the group’s exit buhaha, Adams Oshiomole and Buhari have been having series of meetings with the group (now rAPC). To some commentators this group should be allowed to leave APC — good riddance to bad rubbish (in their voice). According to them PMB will win the 2019 election without rAPC, since Mr President has done so well to deserve second term in office. They also argued that these are corrupt persons that must be pushed out of APC. After all, Buhari who is the leader of APC is Mr Incorruptible!

Methinks their cogitation seems to be premised on idealism and morality. But I believe readers know these Machiavellian politicians think and act realism. As mused recently by Dele Momodu; this is a case of Arithmetic of Politics. rAPC/nPDP literally represents 5 Governors of northern extraction, 30 Senators and over 100 federal honourable members. In terms of electoral votes, this is huge. Whereas, this is why PMB and Oshiomole are aggressively romancing Saraki and his cohorts (the picture below succinctly captures that).

With a censorious look into the electoral history of PMB (3 defeats and 1 victory), one may be tempted to conclude that 2019 is a forgone issue for PMB if the threat of rAPC/nPDP materialised. Anyways, within the remix of political permutations, differentiations and integration; anything can happen in an election.

What’s the stake of the citizens in the sophistry of rAPC/nPDP in line with 2019 election? Do you think they are determined to help the masses? Or they are doing it for God’s sake — nitori Olorun?

Why this current ‘rapprochement’ between the two Caliphs (PMB & Saraki)? Some are saying the fact that Mr President is now graciously romancing Saraki (The so-called Mr Corrupt) shows that after all Mr Incorruptible himself is corrupt. O ko pe aja lobo fun wa ni — naming the dog as monkey. I concur with them that this romance between them is eroding the little integrity remaining in Mr President.

What good will the separation of these two groups (APC and rAPC/nPDP) do for Nigeria/Nigerians? What about the settlement of their rift? These are questions begging for answers.

The electorates must understand the corollary and imperatives of the thinking and workings of politicians. In voting, voters must vote their conscience and shun the whims and caprices of politicians. The politics of 2019 Elections is going to be a complex puzzle to crack…. Only time will tell

Professor Akinkunmi ALAO on "History, Law and Society in Nigeria" as reported by SMB Sesan Johnson

Professor Akinkunmi ALAO on "History, Law and Society in Nigeria" as reported by SMB Sesan Johnson

In an auspicious and historical moment yesterday (Tuesday, August 14, 2018) at the Oduduwa hall of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; Professor Akin Alao delivered the 324th Inaugural Lecture of the university. Significantly, it was the 11th by the department of History of the great university. Dignitaries included the VC of the university, other key officials, and professors from all shades of knowledge and from different universities. The president of the Historical Society of Nigeria (Professor Ogbogbo Chris B N) also graced the occasion. There were traditional rulers in attendance. There was an assemblage of great academia such as Professor Oyefeso Siyan, Professor Victor Edo, Professor Abimbola Adesoji, Dr Adetunji Ogunyemi, Dr Saheed Amusa, Dr Alimi Shina, Dr Remijius Obinta, etc.

The professor of legal history themed his lecture "History, Law and Society in Nigeria". Fundamentally, the crux of his thesis is the connect between law, history and society. He professed that the constitution of the nation has arbitrating roles to play in guiding the rubrics of relationships and actions of the people in an organic society like Nigeria. While historicising his thoughts; he pointed to the pre-colonial Yoruba's belief system of 'iwa' and 'omoluwabi' that helped maintained social construct and organic solidarity, as well as tranquility and harmony within traditional legal frameworks of the Yoruba organic society. However, he berated the fact that brutality of colonialism and westernisation had eroded these and replaced these with individualism and capitalism premised on the hegemonic grandstanding of the colonial master.

Professor Akin Alao cited historical instances in the post-independence era where the Nigerian legal system had failed in its constitutional duties to correct some anomalies in Nigeria's political history and conflicts on constitutionality. But he opined that harbingers of the country's laws must use it for social change and to uphold constitutionality. In addition, the law of the nation must be utilised to orchestrate the needed developments and progress the country needs.

Professor Akin Alao frowned at the delusion towards history and the study of history. He argued that history is germane to social change and nation building. Thus, in his disquisition, he opined that, inherent in african indigenous legal and political frameworks are distinctive methodologies and epistemologies that could be used in the service of economic and political liberation of the citizenry. He advanced his thought by demanding that even within the remix of localism and globalism, there should be a distinguishable autonomous legal hybrid that is African in its imprimatur.

Distinguishably, professor Akin Alao made case for pluriversalism in African historiography. He also promised to design programs that will accentuate the study of history, particularly legal history in Nigeria.

Significantly, his closing statement was that 'history carries the soul of a nation and any nation that neglects its history is a nation without a soul'.

I use this opportunity to say big congratulations to this great, dynamic, resourceful and erudite professor of history. I am proud to be one of your students, sir.

"History as an agency of development" - by SMB Sesan Johnson

"History as an agency of development" - by  SMB Sesan Johnson

With knowledge of the histories of constitutional developments, political alliances and elections in (Pre and Post-Independence) Nigeria, it's tenable to say one should not be aghast with the gales of defections, decamping and/or cross-carpeting. But in recent times, I am beginning to realise that post-1999 youths of this country lack basic knowledge of the differences between governance and politics. Whereas until recent intervention, history as a subject was removed from the curricula of secondary school education in Nigeria with its attendant effects in higher institutions. One of the arguments has been the connection between history and national development?

With the ongoing project towards reintroducing the subject, historical knowledge must be appropriated to promote human agency towards development. To move forward, history scholars must demolish all the pathologies and pedagogies of knowledges that undermine development in Nigeria; and rejig all shades of paradigms on politics and governance. Why must we do this? There's a high connection between history and development. We may not be able to necessarily provide all the answers to all the problems of today but our goal is to raise questions and also inspire citizens to raise fundamental questions that provide development templates for the nation. This will enable citizens to interrogate the policies and actions of policy makers and politicians in proper perspective. Historical pedagogies and epistemologies must not only amplify the elitist ideation but also use to elevate the welfare of the poor.

Amidst the cacophony of discordant narratives and dysfunctional political machinations pervading our political psychics, the electorates must be aware that all of these are to win the souls of the masses. As these politicians of all shades fight over identities, categories and personal ego, the electorates must remain focus on the agenda for sustainable development. As they remix their dichotomous fight of oneness and otherness (APC versus PDP or other political parties); the electorates must conscientiously look out for men and women endowed with integrity and competence

"A Clarion Call to Parents and Teenagers" by SMB Sesan Michael JOHNSON

"A Clarion Call to Parents and Teenagers" by SMB Sesan Michael JOHNSON

#SummerHOLIDAY #DevelopSkillsAndCapacity

Without mincing words, parents and/or adults will agree with me that certificates aren't enough again. Certification without appropriate skill sets can not make a candidate fly. I am encouraging parents and guardians to encourage their wards to pursue learning of skills during this summer holiday. This will help in the discovery of their talents and in its development. It will expose them to capacity building early in life.

Teens please don't waste your time during this long holiday. Learn new skills and upgrade your capacity.

Register with a technologist or technician (#apprenticeship) to learn new skills. Don't say the time of the holiday is too short. Skills can be learned in instalments. What you learn determines what you earn.

Volunteer to work with an entrepreneur (small or big) as an #intern to upgrade your capacity. Don't worry about cash, the experience will pay off in the nearest future.

There are many skills you can go for (Microsoft package, shoe-making, graphic designs, web development, fashion designing, social media management, costume making, digital marketing, plumbing, software development, carpentry, welding, event management, languages, music instrumentation, photography, video editing, etc). In a nutshell, use this holiday to upgrade and add values to your to your life in order to become valuable.

Baba versus Saraki: Boss versus Actor" - as written by SMB Sesan Michael Johnson

Baba versus Saraki: Boss versus Actor" - as written by SMB Sesan Michael Johnson

#Caution: This is a fiction

Dogara, can't you see that baba is not relenting on crucifying us? But with all the blood of Jesus I had used to nullify baba's power in our last power service in church, Sai baba is still adamant. Really, so you can bring Jesus into this dirty politics we are playing. Please, stop wasting your saviour's blood. You are a bad guy, Dogara. By the way, since you attend Champions Chapel; what's the take of your G.O. regarding your.....I mean our manoeuvring of the political equation? Bukky, please leave my pastor out of this. He's too holy to be dragged into these dirts. Hmmm! But you know as my mother will say in Yoruba "inu igbe lowo wa". Indeed, in this game; baba is the boss and you are the actor. I am just a learner.

Bukky, why did you ask me to meet you here in a hotel notorious for prostitutes? I don't like this place, my Christian instinct is warning me to get out of here. Is there any difference between politicians and prostitutes? We both move from one suitor to the other. Politicians just like prostitutes are not loyal to one customer. We are more concerned about our patronage than patriotism. Let's go back to business. We must strategise on how to survive this onslaught by the new party leadership. Don't you see that even the look of the new look of the party is synonymous to wickedness. In the history of the world, such a stern looking leader should be feared. Can't you remember your history of the world, Mussolini, Hitler and Stalin all wore khaki uniforms? And he too wears khaki about. He's not a politician like us. He is a uniform man like baba. Baba has even dropped his own uniform. Their combination as party leaders is bad for us. Then, Bukki; how do we deal with him? We must activate our demonic instincts. Baba is going to call us for a meeting soon and that's why I called you here. We need to be on this same page. Let's threaten him that 30 senators and 130 honourable members are ready to defect with us. Haba, Bukki we don't have up to that. Of course, that is the only language that can quicken baba's conscience. Remember, baba wants 2019 by fire by force.

A motorcade stops at the entrance of the Aso villa. Is that the Chief of staff? How far with the intelligence report? What's been the communication line between those two bad guys? I never knew that they are very brilliant. I thought they can't repeat what we used that Sokoto boy to do for that umbrella party in 2014. Baba, the last intelligence info leaked to us by that Kaduna Senator says they are bent on decamping tomorrow at the Senate. Walahi, I will deal with these bad boys. Idris! What are you going to do to stop this defection that Bukki is orchestrating? Don't worry baba, it won't happen. Can I explain what we are going to do? Don't worry, I got no time for that, just do the needful but I need result regardless of the method. (Interjection) Baba, please I know how to deal with that Ibo guy. He's not leaving his home tomorrow. Allow Idris to handle bukola.

That's Mr Crusty, an American diplomat on a courtesy visit. What's his mission here at the senate? He got no mission. I used my network to arrange that visit. Why? To show to Nigerians that we are working and to also deceive Aso Rock that we are having international friends. That will caution them a bit in the way they are dealing with us. Walahi, you are a strategist. Mr Senate President, this is the guy you asked me to fetch for you. Bring him in. Your Excellency, sir. You can have your sit. I still couldn't forget your strategic contributions towards my emergence as the Senate president. But you really subjected me to serious wahala that nite before my emergence as president. How do you expect me to survive sleeping inside the engine burnet of that car? I salute your intelligence. I never knew you had emptied the engine and panel-beaten the interior of the burnet for me to lay. Thanks to Allah that those mumu did not figure it out.

The Police is asking me to come down to their headquarters for further investigation on Offa Robbery. Intelligence report says I will be detained and not be allowed to preside at the Senate tomorrow in order to avert the planned defection. What can we do? Boss, no qualms. Just assure Idris and his boys that you will honour their invitation. I will tell my own boys to use our avatar phone line to call the DSS to lay a siege on your convoy while you attempt to leave home tomorrow’s morning. Our boys will be ready with their cameras and social media to give this wide coverage. This will achieve two aims. First, this will paint the Police black and perhaps attract public sympathy to your cause. We will call it a siege on democracy. Second, it will throw the camp of the enemies into confusion. Third, it will give you the opportunity to attend the Senate sitting. Hmmm! This sounds great. But then, how do I escape the police siege? You can use that voodoo to disappear while at home and appear in your office at the Senate or you will not follow your convoy back home tonite. Where will I sleep tonite if I don't go home. Hmmm! This time around, you will sleep on the ceiling. You will enter via the opening in the toilet at the reception of your Chief of Staff. So, pick one out of the two options.

Good morning distinguished Senators. As we speak, the house of the Deputy Speaker is under siege. In the same manner, my convoy was also blocked today. But thanks to God who enabled me to be here this morning to preside.

Idris, why did you allow that Kwara boy to carry out his threat? I can't explain how he managed to transmit himself into the Senate. More, I don't know who ordered the boys to lay a siege on his convoy. Call me Oshiomole, prof, Mustapha, and Lawan. You guys need to crack your brains to crack this Kwara boy.