PDP crisis of shame

THE current crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is
completely absurd and disheartening, particularly when you consider
the fact that those behind it are people who have benefited from the
party. Some have occupied key offices as long as 12 years, enjoying
all the benefits of this office.
I beg to disagree vehemently with those who are happy with the current
situation in the PDP; some see it as an opportunity for other parties
to get stronger.
But why would a serious political party throw its door open to rebels.
I am very sure that what is happening now in the ruling party would
happen in any other political party in Nigeria today. Come to think of
it, are these politicians not the same?
It is a fact that politicians and political parties everywhere in the
world do have their differences. However, no one will vow to pull down
the party except he has his way in any issue.
Among the so-called PDP insider opposition, who benefits if PDP is
destroyed? What we have seen elsewhere in the world is that if you
belong to a political party and later disagree with that party's
philosophy or ideology, you could leave to form another party with
those you share the same ideological concern with or join an existing
one. You do not have to say that you must destroy that party or pull
it down at all cost.
It is only a fool that will applaud extreme radicalism as Governor
Chibuike Ameachi has very much demonstrated. Mr. Amaechi's extreme
radicalism in the manner he has taken issues against the PDP
leadership and the Presidency is unheard of.
I have no doubt that he could not have done this under Former
President Olusegun Obasanjo. Perhaps the reason for this lack of
respect for the party authority by Amaechi and a few others is because
President Goodluck Jonathan is a gentleman and a civilian. I guess
Amaechi and his fellow rebels misunderstood the fact of President
Jonathan gentility but we must also understand that compromise is
never a sign of cowardice anywhere.
The show of shame orchestrated at the National Assembly by the PDP
factional leader Alhaji Baraje with the cooperation of the Speaker,
Alhaji Tambuwal and the so-called G7 Governors even while peace talk
is still on going within the party is totally condemnable.
I will be very surprised if the IGP will not arrest Baraje and Co and
charge them to court for breach of public peace.
I am not a PDP member so let nobody think I am speaking for PDP.
However, I feel very sad over the actions of the extreme radical
elements within the ruling party. I am concerned about our nation and
our hard-earned democracy. There is no doubt that the actions of these
few disgruntled elements within the PDP border on treasonable crime.
We therefore cannot afford to fold our arms and watch our hard-earned
democracy truncated in whatever disguise.
All the Northern governors involved in this crisis were in their
states when the Boko Haram took over the reigns of power and they
could not do anything to stop them. This current move must be plan B
by some elements who are likely to be sponsors of Boko Haram but now
fighting through this means after they realised that Boko Haram has
practically been dismantled. And for Gov Amaechi, I would like to ask,
whose cause is he fighting and what would be his reward if Jonathan's
government is destroyed?
After brow-beating his Rivers people to submission by destroying
their properties, how can he now be talking about justice and equity
and calling Jonathan a dictator. That is being hypocritical because
he is dictator even in handling the PDP affairs in his state.
Nigerians must also know that it is possible the G7 governors are
afraid of what will happen when they leave office and President
Jonathan is still in power.
If not, how can these fellows demand as a condition for peace in the
PDP that President Jonathan must forfeit his constitutional right of
running for a second term? And for Bamanga Tukur, is he on a term-less
tenure in office? Why would anybody not be patient? Those who are
opposed to Jonathan's second term ambition should present their own
candidate to contest against the President within the party.
Politics is about give and take and not take and take, therefore
Nigerians must not pretend and keep quiet over this recklessness that
is now a major threat to our hard-earned democracy. All well-meaning
Nigerians must understand what is at stake and rise up to the occasion
NOW.
Let us save our democracy by rejecting all the lies of the disgruntled
insider opposition of PDP. Let's negotiate Nigeria! Let's have a
constitutional conference NOW! Let's work with the counsel of Senate
President David Mark! It is time to talk.
Dr. Martins Iwuanyanwu , a leadership specialist, wrote from Lagos