Make I make ‘Dem’ vex small – by Frank Ofili

I do not particularly support Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential ambition. Left to me, rather than throw his hat into the presidential ring, he should back Prof Yemi Osibajo for the Presidency in 2023 and remain kingmaker and godfather of Lagos politics.

But that is me. If Tinubu decides to run and Nigerians elect him, all well and good, I will support his government. He has paid his dues in Nigeria’s politics and deserves the top job. His aspiration to be president is quite understandable, given his contributions and achievements.

What I cannot understand is why all the bile thrown at him about being godfather or no godfather. Is he the only godfather in Nigerian politics?

Atiku Abubakar is godfather of Adamawa politics, why is it not a problem?

General Danjuma is godfather of Taraba politics, why is that not a problem? David Mark is godfather of Benue, why is that not a problem?

Former Delta State Governor James Ibori is godfather of Delta politics – he stll bestrides the state like a colossus even after 14 years he left power – why is that not a problem?

Even while in a UK prison doing time for fleecing the state, Ibori determined who got what in Delta State, and it was not a problem. Now out of prison, his country home at Oghara is a political Mecca of sorts and it is not a problem.

Odili, Amaechi and Wike were godfathers of Rivers politics at different times. Wike currently holds sway, ruling (not leading) the state like an emperor. But it is not a problem.

So why is Tinubu being godfather of Lagos giving some people sleepless nights? If he is godfather of Lagos and Lagos is working – working much more than other states in Nigeria – how does that deny anybody their ugba, okporoko, or nkwobi?

Truth is, sad as it is, Godfatherism, whether in politics or outside politics – is a culture in Nigeria. It is an essential feature of leadership recruitment in Nigeria. So why all the noise? Abeg make una let me hear word.