|
Like Kano, Like Lagos? By: Kabiru Tsakuwa
The recent outburst by the chairman of the PDP to capture Kano and Lagos in the next general elections has continued to elicit varying interests and responses from many commentators and analysts. But as to be expected, some members of the opposition parties have quickly dismissed Mr. Ogbulafor’s threat with a wave of hand; while others, probably more level-headed have call for cautious approach to the issue. They noted that, the PDP chairman knew exactly what he is doing in letting the cart out of the bag. What remain undecipherable to many however are the methods to be used in capturing those great cities. Will they used subterfuge and underhand maneuvering as in Zamfara and Sokoto; Bauchi and Kebbi states or will they apply crude formula as recently obtained in Ekiti state respectively?
Whichever formula the ruling party wishes to adopt in the great battle of 2011 in the two politically aware states is entirely its own volition. What is however noteworthy is the apparent insatiable greed of the ruling behemoth which despite being in control of 28 state governments and the powerful central government; still feels greatly unsatisfied.
To most observers, the reason behind PDP stance on the two most viable states may not be far-fetched. First, the two megalopolises of Nigeria, though located poles apart, shares so many interesting features that no legitimate government will feel secured and fully in control of its backyard without the two in its fold, much less a PDP controlled central government that has to contend with legitimacy and credibility baggage!
So, as the chairman of the PDP rightly stated, Kano alone with 44 local governments’ accounts for 6 states in terms of populations and importance, the same applies to Lagos, and the bulk of commercial activities and trading are controlled by the two commercial nerve centers. They also control the largest networks of banks, companies and several private enterprises. They are the most viable states that can survive with out the monthly federal allocation; if and only if, Kano like its counterpart, could summon enough political will to aggressively collect taxes on every taxable venture. For example, the over three million registered Achaba riders alone could give Kano more than 2 billion naira per annum, if they are made to pay paltry 30 naira revenue per day!
Beside that, the cosmopolitan nature of the two states constitutes a magnet which continues to draw people from far and near thus, turning them into melting ports of sorts. These gives them an edge and has ensures that they control between them a significant portion of the population of Nigeria and Africa. Any wonder then, that PDP has not hidden her desire to seize the two states albeit forcefully?
In terms of performances, Fashola seems to have taken the gauntlet right from day one in office. He was reported to have said that: ‘only non-performers crave for second term’. Any body with a faint knowledge of ‘Eko’ three years ago will readily testify to the giant transformations taking place at a super sonic speed today. The indefatigable governor has succeeded in debunking the long held belief by other governors that, one had to waste so much time to acclimatized and learn the nitty-gritty of governance before beginning to erect a landmark.
In retrospect, the governor of the nation’s most populous state-Kano has also mercifully woken up since his second coming. In fact, he has since been roaring like a wounded lion in many facets and areas of developments, especially infrastructures and urban renewal. The ancient city is now wearing a new look courtesy of the governor who despite having to contend with un-appreciative and skeptical populace; has mercifully remain undaunted. As a matter of fact, the unprecedented developments taking place there are enough to convince any genuine Kano-patriots to willingly surrender his arms and munitions; unless if and only if, there are other motives besides objective criticism.
Now the two states having becomes models for effective and responsive governance which in the weird thinking of the PDP, if allows to continue that way, clearly posed a serious danger to the hegemony and long term wishes and aspirations of the ruling party which hope to rule for the next 60 years; something drastic therefore must be done urgently to tamed the trends.
But Nigerians are not deaf and dumb, having clearly seen what alternative platforms can do to their lives, beside the liberty it accords them to choose from. I think the forgoing sufficiently locates the compasses which guide the new policy-objective of the PDP vis-à-vis the two states, as enunciated by its chairman ahead of the forthcoming 2011 general elections!
By all indications however, that ambition seem tall and might be an uphill task for the ruling party to accomplish, given the high political consciousness among the electorates in the two states; and the fact that, many wishes are almost always easier said than done. Over the years, it has proved impossible to carryout electoral frauds in those volatile states without jeopardizing the security of lives and properties of the whole country. But imperiling the security of the nation to gain political advantage has been part and parcels of the PDP; so Nigerians are probably in for some more troubles, unless something miraculous happen to dissuade the self acclaim largest party in Africa from playing with the deadly Anaconda.
Aside of this, the opposition parties currently in control may not be willing to let go of their highly prized possessions easily with out a serious fight. So to the on-looker, what all these translate to is the promises to see an interesting drama unfolding by the year2011.Untill then…..!! |