The emerging Kogi uprising – by Frank Ofili
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I am aware of the constitutional processes to recalling a sitting Senator in Nigeria. Those processes are nothing short of obstacles deliberately put in the way. Why should it be so difficult to recall a non-performing legislator when it is not so hard to elect him? But this is topic for another day.
Let me say this however. If the people of Kogi West Senatorial zone scale the constitutional huddles and successfully recall Senator Dino Melaye, it will mark a turning point in the re-ordering of the relationship between leaders and the led in this country. I see a replication all over the country. That will be very good development indeed.
Nigeria has missed too many opportunities. In the past three years alone Nigeria has missed at least 3 opportune moments for what could have amounted to a Nigerian Spring.
The first was the calamitous 2014 Nigeria Immigration Service recruitment in which dozens of unemployed Nigerian youths died in stampede in stadia across the country. That was a very big opportunity. Tens of thousands were gathered in stadia across the land. And the recruiters, out of inexperience, did things that precipitated a stampede, people were crushed to death. Those tragic deaths ought to have triggered an on-the-spot outrage, thus precipitating a Nigerian Spring. But we missed it.
Just like we are now missing the opportunity presented by Buhari’s war on corruption. As always, we allow sentiments and emotions to get the better of us.
The ongoing Dino Melaye recall process presents yet another opportunity. I pray that the people of Kogi West Senatorial zone succeed. For one thing, Dino Melaye is a bad example of not only a parliamentarian but a representative of the good people of Kogi. I enjoin all restructuring proponents to support and help the people of Kogi West.
This is a good opportunity for the restructuring to start. I am saddened however that I don’t read many of them supporting the emerging uprising in Kogi West. Sentiments, emotions or politics again?
