It is one of the great realities of Nigerian politics that although political capital and industrial and economic power reside in the urban centres, the grounds from which these all important resources stream are to be traced to the rustic regions. So if the elites in the cities root for a candidate who has no foothold in the hinterland the chances are that such a politician would be under a grave delusion to expect ballot victory without the support of the rural folk and their elders.
So when a candidate secures assurances of loyalty for his cause among the teeming rural lot and those who constitute their elders and adds that up to the endorsement of his followers in the cities and in near-urban areas, he is certain to coast him to victory on polling day.
This is what is playing out in Bayelsa State, where ex-Governor Timipre Sylva and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the December 5, 2015 poll is enjoying the combined support of the citizens, towns and riverine cum rural areas as ballot day draws near. He isn’t running on one leg, as it were, by resting only on the support of one segment of the electorate. The complete politician that he is, the literary-minded Sylva has worked his way into the hearts and minds of the great rural populace, even if he will be governing from the urban Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State.
The world witnessed the celebrated development the other day when the Bayelsa Council of Elders came from all over the state to declare their support for Sylva. Key among those who were at the gathering of these traditional rulers who represent the grassroots were the Chairman of the Council of Elders, Chief Francis Doukpoula and the Chairman, Council of Traditional Leaders and Amanyanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff.
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They said Sylva was not only eligible to run, but also that he has their backing. Their words: “We have given you our blessings and support. We urge you to be peaceful and bear no grudge against anybody… We will like to say God be with you. We also rejoice with you in your aspirations…”
Reports said there was a voice vote from the Elders which confirmed that the endorsement of ex-Governor Sylva was freely given.
The Elders’ reference to a grudge and the call on Sylva to have a forgiving spirit is an allusion to what the former governor experienced at the hands of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and others who disqualified him from a second bid for the governor’s office in 2012. The traditional rulers were able to secure a pledge from Sylva that he would bear no malice against anyone for their role in that infamous politics of exclusion. Of course, it will only be natural if Sylva should fume with rage at the injustice against him and the people of Bayelsa who wanted him to stage a comeback. It will be indiscreet of him to embark on a vindictive mission now and when by the Grace of God he wins the December 5 election. The true mark of a mature and forward-looking politician is to forgive wrongdoings against him and plan for progress.
Seeking revenge or bearing a grudge plants one in the past, preventing one from moving with the times. A good politician who truly wants to serve his people would not allow the dead past to bog him down. He would also not be dragged into a provocative argument and debate, the type the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa is bent on doing over the Elders’ approval of Sylva.
The party says the traditional rulers’ action is “misleading”, and adds that the endorsement “was contrary to the situation on ground.” Of course, Sylva does not need to engage in any argument with PDP over this, matter since the party is challenging the Elders who issued the approval of Sylva. For the objective observer it remains to be seen, however, who is really on the ground: the Elders who live and dine with the grassroots people and can influence their voting pattern or a far-flung PDP that has long lost touch with the people in the rural areas?
Whose voice could command more attention among the people: that of the wise Elder who stays with you in rough or good weather or that of a fly-by-night carpetbagger whose home is not among the people?
The point we can’t wish away about the chiefs’acceptance of Sylva is that it is a reflection of the signs of the times. The perception of traditional rulers as a conservative pack unyielding to change is fast receding, giving way to a new group yearning for change. These Elders want to be identified with the transformative change mantra the APC and Sylva are known for. They do not want to be swept off the ground by the broom Sylva is waving.
These Chiefs have seen the unstoppable march of the change gale at the centre in Abuja and in some states of the federation. The sweeping storm has blown off everything unproductive in its path. These discerning Elders don’t want them and their people in their tens of thousands to be swept off the scene of progress. They don’t want to be destroyed by the swirling wind of change.
The second point to note is that these Chiefs are no strangers to the politics of Bayelsa. They were around in the first coming of Timipre Sylva. They were eyewitnesses to his reputation as a high-voltage performer as governor. They believe that his departure resulted in a serious setback for the state and its citizens. To undo this misdeed of the past, they have opted to bring Timipre Sylva back as governor of Bayelsa.
*Dr. Alata is a Governance and Development expert based in Abuja. She can be reached on: mabotaalata@yahoo.com