Politics of Godfatherism and its
Implication on Socio-Economic and Political Development of Nigeria
Fatima Ahmed
Department of Political Science
University of Maiduguri
Borno State. Nigeria
Email: [email protected]
Mustapha Alhaji Ali
Department of Political Science and Administration
Yobe State University
Damaturu. Nigeria
Email: [email protected]
Abstract
In
contemporary democracy politics of godfatherism has become a universal issue in
the political development of many countries Nigeria inclusive. The paper
studied the implication of politics of godfatherism on the socio-economic and
political development of Nigeria. Certainly, the politics of godfatherism have
entered every hook and crannies of the
nation and have affected the political structure of the country. This paper is
qualitative in nature; data were obtained from secondary sources where numerous
articles, newspapers, magazines, books reports, and archives were
systematically reviewed. In elucidating the topic under examination, the
researcher used Elite theory. This theory
was advocated by Vilfredo Pareto in 1935, the postulation of the theory is that elites are replaced by another group of
elites, meaning that the majority are unavoidably governed by the minority. The
study found that the politics of
godfatherism has a negative impact on the socio-economic and political
development of the nation by confining power in the hands of the few elites at
the expense of the masses (electorates). This has affected the socio-economic
and political development of the nation, and by extension led to inter-party and intra-party defections,
decamping�s and conflicts among the party members. Therefore, the study
recommends the implementation of the direct
primary election in the selecting
candidate into elective positions. In addition to that, INEC should make a law
that will discourage money politics and should as well punish the culprit involved in such an illegal political act.
Keywords: Development; God-Fatherism;
Implication; Impacts; Nigeria; Political; Politics; Socio-Economic
1. Introduction
In
Africa and other developing countries like Nigeria, godfatherism has become the central point of political vandalism
this is as a result of the overconcentration of authority and capital of
politicians explains the ascent for the control of the structures and
organizations by the political class in the nation, this struggle, and the resulting values have obstructed
significantly on society in a various ways (Ohiole & Ojo, 2016:1).
Politics
of godfatherism and regionalism has featured prominently in the political
history of independent Nigeria. The problems arising from godfatherism are
myriad and it is one of the greatest glitches facing the Nigerian political
system. The problem is such that the god-son oftentimes is a stooge of the
godfather �and he that pays the piper
dictates the tune (Edigin, 2010:174)�. The failure of the god-son to
meet the demands of the god-father is often punished with impeachments or denial
of re-election. He also observed that with the return to democratic rule in
1999, the country witnessed a heightened tempo in the politics of godfatherism,
which has affected the socio-economic and political development of the country.
A
study by Ohiole & Ojo (2016:11), disclosed that democracy in
Nigeria has not been fully established and the phenomenon
of godfatherism has endangered democratic process and the socio-economic lives
of the citizenry. Political godfathers is a condition in Nigerian political
process influencing against the democratic
establishment in order to satisfy their selfish interest they are even ready to
manipulate the democratic body and its mode of operations, by overpowering
public office holders like the governor
and council chairman to dance to their tone. The activities of these political
fighters have deprived the people of
voting for their ideal applicants as their leader. This has directly affected
the political arrangement and the national economy of the nation.
However,
Nigeria with a projected population of 196,651,048 and� one of the largest nation in Africa blessed
with human and material resources, is by far the most populated nation in
Africa (Ali, Zakuan, and Ahmad, 2018 & UNDESA, 2018). It has three tiers of
government structure these include
federal, state, and local government. With six geopolitical zones across the
nation. Nigeria comprises 36 states and Abuja. It also has 774 local
government, and federal capital territory
(Ahmed & Shehu, 2014). With all these features yet
Nigeria is characterizing with politics of godfatherism since independence this
is as a result of the majority and
minority domination and poverty that was artificially created by the politicians
among the citizens to subjugate them to lower class. Political godfatherism in
its simplest form can be generally seen as a practice which involves the
sustenance of a kind of social and political relations in which the inferior
looks onto the superior for the dissemination and self-actualization of firm
roles, desires and connections which unite both together or in which both have
equal pole but with the greater influence of what the inferior gets in the
process (Majekodunmi, 2013:71).
Nigeria has all
the below types of godfathers:
most especially those who serve others, those who
expect the society to serve them, and even those who channel their resources
into criminal activities. Our interest in this paper is on the politics of
godfatherism in the democratic government (Albert, 2005:81).
Godfathers
in some nations are inspired by their resolution to regulate public policies in
favour of their concerns. For instance,
in Nigeria, the primary motive of political godfathers is to control the
treasury of the state. The godfathers in Nigerian politics are primarily
concerned with appropriation of government contracts, political/public
appointments and plundering the coffers of the state. They are in advantaged
positions to decide the political confidence of candidates to political offices
and as such those that are not only seen but confirmed to be �loyal� cannot be
�given� ticket to be the flag bearer of the parties. This is to ensure that the
godsons will be answerable to them when they were elected into power. Because
of these conditions, some contenders defect to other parties where they do not
have such influential figures that would aggravate them from their political
ambitions (Okolie, 2006:171).
From
the above expression, it is understood
that democracy is a competition among the elite
for control and entree to state power. However, it is contended here that in
Nigeria the disaster of democracy can be traced to the failure of the political
elite, as a class. Since 1954, there has been a fusion of the elite such that
political elite also institutes both the
economic and social elite. To be sure, the emergent political elite since 1954
have dominated the political territory to the exclusion of new candidates. The
old elite has to controlled the political
passage such that where they are not opposing for political positions, they
desire to constitute themselves as the power
behind the curtain, thereby, leading to the phenomenon of 'godfatherism'(Uadiale, 2012:94).
Looking
at the above set-up it is understood that politics of Godfatherism has eaten
deep into Nigerian politics this corresponds
with the opinion of Plato, Aristotle, Tacitus, and other classical philosophers
who largely centered on the concentration of political power in the hands of a
few in the early Greek and Roman society. Thinkers such as Pareto, Mosca,
Michels, and Marx too devoted their political analysis on how power is used and
misused by the ruling class in diverse settings. The domination of power by the
hegemonic class in many parts of the contemporary society can thus, be said to
be nothing new but has a vigorous pedigree (Albert, 2005:79).
1.1 Brief History
of the Nigerian State and Democracy
The
Nigerian state was established because of the defeat and occupation of Lagos by
the British between 1861 and 1914. In the year 1861 and 1914, all areas around
the Niger River were progressively apprehended, some by power and others
quietly give to British domination and
rule. These areas which shaped the Nigerian state were before the conquest and
occupation of Lagos, and the January 1914 unification were different
nationalities, ethno-religious and geopolitical groups which were either separate
or independent of one another or to a less extent inter-related to one another.
With the 1914 unification, these areas from the Northern and Southern regions
of the Niger River were amalgamated together and made as one political entity
called (Nigeria). From 1914 to 1960 Nigeria remained under the British colonial
rule which in addition brought party politics and the western styled
parliamentary democracy into Nigeria over the years of colonial rule (Ali & Isah, 2018:116).
In
a related development a study by Isah and Ahmed (2018), disclosed that political activities
in unified Nigeria began around 1922/23
when elections and a political party Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP)
was recognized and conducted. This political movement and parties in Nigeria
continued to develop up to 1960 when Nigeria attains its independence. The post-independence era also witnessed an increased number of political events as well as
growing number of political parties and politically related groups and
associations which had by January 1966 before the coup reached 81 (Mohammed, Aisha & Saidu, 2018).
1.2 The Advent of
Politics of Godfatherism in Nigeria
Politics
of Godfatherism became widespread in Nigerian political movements in the 1960s, and early post-independence where
leaders became political godfathers (Mamah, 2004). The action of
political godfathers was obvious with the coming of civilian rule in 1979.
However, the military governments that branded the 1980�s jammed its
achievement. Similarly, a study by Alabi & Tunde (2013:6), pointed out that the political
godfather phenomenon is not new in Nigeria
politics. This circumstance started during the First Republic when the leading
supporter of independence of Nigeria
(Zik, Awo, Tafawa-Balewa, etc.) intolerant and managed political activities in
Nigeria. However, there are lots of changes between the philosophical
godfatherism of the First Republic and the unpolished form Citing (Gambo, 2007). Bernard drew
the basis of godfatherism in electoral politics to the city of Chicago in the
United States of America in the pre-world war II era, which he expressed that�when the heads of criminal gangs
sponsored politicians in elections, manipulated the results to get them elected
and, in turn, received protection and contracts from their political godsons (Bernard, 2009)�.
Moreover,
the 1999 civil rule attended another form of political godfatherism, which
reached its ultimate during the unpleasant obliteration of lives and belongings
that viewed the violent hostility between the political godfather (Chris Uba)
and the then governor of Anambra state (Chris Ngige). This act leads to a new dimension to the exercise of
political godfatherism in the Nigerian political movements where the godson
dance the tone of the godfather in order to accomplish his or her
political dream. This is contrary to the
roles played by godfathers in Nigeria�s democratic movements between 1958 and
1983 (Mamah, 2004).
2. Problem Statement
Politics of
godfatherism has become part and parcel of the political
condition of actualizing the political dreams of many contestants in Nigeria.
Politics of godfatherism has eaten deep into the political movements of many
nations Nigeria inclusive. Politics of godfatherism has affected the political and economic development of Nigeria. Several
issues were observed as a cause of
politics of Godfatherism. The central argument is that in the Nigerian politics
�Godfatherism� has become the major problem to many candidates to win or fail
in an election. Godfatherism is extensively practicing in all parts of the country,
it is observed that to contest for any political post it has become necessary
to have strong political godfather before considering and run for any elective
offices or even political appointment. This is because many contenders cannot
win an election without the support and
influence of the godfather. So also, many individuals cannot get appointed
without the support and influence of the godfathers that decide the faith of
the state. But with the support and influence of godfathers, many aspirants contest and win the election. because of
the power of the godfathers and incumbency.
The power,
influence, and incumbency have created a serious
problem between the contestants and the electorates, and by extension has
affected the socio-economic development of the nation. This is because most of
the candidates dance to the tone of their godfathers not the general populous.
And it is the godfathers that are dictating the candidates what to do and not
to do. This problem of the dictatorship
of the political fathers has created a wide gap�
between the contestants and the electorates. It is understood that all
the positions won or appointed because of the influence of godfathers cannot
yield positive development. Because the political godfathers asked contestants
or appointee to sign a treaty to ensure that they agree with all the promises that they had entered with the
godfathers. However, (Gideons, 2010; Ohiole & Ojo, 2016:2) noted that the contestant makes
sure that all the money spends on he/she during the election were paid fully with interests. This led to a political crisis between the aspirants and the
godfathers, by extension between the citizens in the states. This political
crisis has created a wide vacuum between the godsons and the godfather. Based
on this, the paper merit to examine the impacts of politics of godfatherism on
the socio-economic and political
development of Nigeria.
3. Objectives of the Research
�
To
examine the implication of political
godfathers on the socio-economic development of Nigeria.
� To investigate
the relationship between godfathers and godsons in political movements in
Nigeria.
�
To
proffer solutions to identified problems
4. Research Methodology
This
paper is qualitative; here the researcher used a secondary source in obtaining appropriate and interrelated
literature. Here several documents such as books, articles, magazines, and
newspapers were referred. All the relevant literature
accessed were thoroughly studied and reviewed for the purpose of this
study (Creswell, 2009; Zaleha, 2018).
4.1 Research Design
Considering
the nature of this study the researcher uses a case
study approach in approaching the topic under examination. This is
because the approach helps the researcher in understanding the phenomenon
deeply. In addition to that, it also provides an in-depth
understanding of a case or cases under inquiry.
Case study approach helps in developing an in-depth
explanation and examination of a case (s) (Creswell, 2009; Zaleha, 2018).��
5. Theoretical Framework
In
explaining this paper there are several theories that can support the study, but for the purpose of this research, the researcher adopted Elite theory to explained and supports the topic
under investigation.�
5.1 Elite Theory
The
study used Elite theory in explaining the topic under examination. This theory
was offered by Vilfredo Pareto in 1935 the supposition of the theory is that power is rotated among the elites, this
means the elites are substituted by another group of elites, meaning that the
masses are unavoidably ruled by the few elites at the expense of the masses
(the electorates). It is understood that this idea was begun by Pareto and Mosca in 1935 the law of elite rotation, in line with the above
assumption and to support the argument elite theory sees �elites� as players
governing the state and national resources, and occupying key positions related
to power networks (Yamokoski and Dubrow, 2008). Thus, the
perception of elites is more carefully connected to the Weberian knowledge of
power, understood as the competence of executing one�s will, even against the
will of the general populous (Weber, 1922:696). However, it is understood that
power can be accomplished through material and/or figurative resources.
Subsequently, elites can simply be defined
as those in control of capitals (Reis, 2005). This theory
resided on how power is rotating among the elites in society. More so, the theory believes that power can only be shared
among the elites at the expense of the masses.
6. Literature and Conceptualization of Godfatherism
Godfatherism
is an impediment to Nigerian democracy. It is adversative to the freedom and
welfare of the peoples. Therefore, the problem
of godfatherism should then not be preserved as a party affair but should be
treated with legal action by the government and the party stakeholders. To gain
control over the state structure, politics of Godfatherism need to be tackle
and control, this is because, with the
politics of Godfatherism, godfathers often adopt different systems to
outmaneuver their oppositions. Therefore, it is observed that in Nigeria, several approaches were used to win
elections such as rigging, thuggery, violence, and
manipulations of results in the interest of the godfathers (Wenibowei, 2011:72).
The
term Godfatherism have been defined by several scholars based on their
perception and understanding. In a study by Adeoye (2009:70-1), the term used to define the
connection between a godfather and godson. A godfather is a kingmaker, boss,
mentor, and principal, while godson is the beneficiary and recipient of the
legacy of a godfather. A godfather is someone who has built unbelievable
respect and follower (voters) in the community
and possessed a well-organized political stand, and general acceptance from an electorate that could secure victory for
candidates of his choice (Adeoye, 2009:72).
In a related view
Jibrin Ibrahim defined the category of godfatherism, during an interview
granted to the BBC on 10 November 2003 as �men who have the power personally to
determine who gets nominated and who wins the election
in a state�. For instance, Governor Chimaroke Nnamani of Enugu, who had a
running battle with his godfather, Senator Jim Nwobo, for over two years,
defined godfather from his own personal experience as follows: The 'political
godfathers' in Nigeria build a collection of supporters around them and use
their power, which is often tied to financial deliberations, to operate the
rest of the society toward his or her interest. Political godfathers use their
power and influence to block the involvement of the masses from Nigerian
politics. The elite theory explained the
above situation that power is rotating between the elites and subjugating the
masses to subordinate positions. This signifies that the elites and the
politicians are political porters: They decide who is to take part in the national politics and under what situations (Albert, 2005:80).
Politics
of Godfatherism is one of the philosophies that open tinny doors when it comes
to defining who gets what in the political division. Though, in the framework
of this study, the literary meaning and characteristics of godfather need to be emphasized. Literarily, Godfathers
in the Nigeria context refers to the men who have the power generally to
regulate both who gets selected to the election race to wins the election (Alabi & Tunde, 2013:5).
In another development, a study by Edigin (2010:175), describes
or sees godfather as a human being who plays god to his people. He
provides their basic needs for them, protects them and assists them to secure
and achieve their objectives. He further states that �his support could be seen as an investment,
which he believes must yield some profits in the near future�.
Therefore,
the demand for sustainable democracy in Nigeria is to expand both the political and socio-economic situation of the
country through massive people participation in the policy and decision-making process, but contrary to
Nigerian political system where those that reached political power in both arms of government Legislative and Executive
were elected to power through the influence and support of some political
�godfathers� in many states. Nevertheless, the yearning of political godfathers
is to hold political and socio-economic powers, both at the center and the
local units as strategies to administratively influence the activities of
political office holders. Such as the Governors and Legislators in terms of
employing people into numerous posts, such as Ministers/Commissioners, Chairmen
of the boards, Secretaries to the various Institutions, DPM and Treasurers of
Local Governments as well as allocation of some developmental projects into
various local government of interest across the state (Alabi & Tunde, 2013:2-3). This is in line with the
summation of Elite theory which buttressed that political power is shared among
the political elites at the expense of the masses (electorates).�
To
explain the above assertions Albert (2005:81), noted that an important issue
raised by Pareto and Marx in their works is that political elites insulate and
isolate themselves from their society and try as much as possible to reproduce
themselves from within. They do all possible within their reach to ensure that
non-elites do not join their membership. This is in line with the postulation
of the Elite theory, which believes that power is rotating among the elites by
sidelining the masses to subordinate or to fallowers positions. To
ensure this, the political elites maintain a safe, functional distance from the
rest of society. They reproduce
themselves on an individual and selective basis in a process which Pareto
specifically referred to as the 'circulation of elites'.
In
a related development, a study by Alabi & Tunde (2013), disclosed that
most Nigerian policies are usually
determined by political godfathers to allow them
to fix in their contenders to the corridor of power. In the recent time,
Politics of Godfatherism has extended to upper, lower and state house of
assembly, where all the contenders most have an influential godfather that
would back him/her before winning an election. This signifies that political
godfathers are the key to political success in Nigeria polity.
7. Politics of Godfatherism in Nigeria
Politics of godfatherism courses a lot of problems in the political
movements of many states. These problems
include intraparty and interparty
conflict, party defection or party decamping. However, these conflicts arising
from godfatherism has become one of the major problems affecting the political
arrangement of many nations Nigeria inclusive.
For instance, politics of godfatherism become
widespread in the Nigerian political system from 1999 to date, when those in
power became the political godfathers in states
politics. The deed of godfathers was noticeable in the state in 2007 when late
governor Mamman B. Ali of the blessing memory came out to vie for the post of
the governorship in the state, only a few politicians were in support of his
intention to contest for the post. Most of the political leaders and the party stakeholders
were not in his support. This is because he has no political godfather that
will support him to vie for the post, but he keeps on struggling in actualizing
his political dream to become the governor of the state in 2007. However, Late Senator M. B. Ali scored a major
victory at the Supreme Court.
The victory was in respect of a case brought by late Senator U. Al-Bashir
disputing the replacement of his name with that of late Ali as an aspirant of
the All Nigerian
Peoples Party (ANPP)
for the 2007 governorship
election (Com, 2018).
In a similar opinion a study by Albert (2005:81), pointed out
that: �men who have the power personally
to determine who gets nominated who in the state�. Governor Chimaroke
Nnamani of Enugu, who had a running battle with his godfather, Senator Jim
Nwobo, for over two years, defined godfather from his own personal experience
as follows:
an impervious
guardian figure who provided the lifeline and direction to the godson,
perceived to live a life of total submission, subservience, and protection of the oracular personality
located in the large, material frame of opulence, affluence and decisiveness,
that is, if not ruthless ... strictly, the godfather is simply a self-seeking
individual out there to use the government for his own purposes.
In line with the above assertion a study by Ohiole & Ojo (2016:6), unveiled that the
battle line in Oyo State was drawn between Lamidi ADEDIBU � the kingpin of
Ibadan Politics (godfather) and the (godson) governor of the State, Rashidi
LADOJA. Adedibu demanded to have donated financially in �installing� LADOJA as
the state governor, with an arrangement that the governor will be faithful and
obedient, taking orders from him and to subject public resources, to his
private impulses and whims.
Nevertheless, LADOJA defaulted and declined to play according to
the rules of the game. This led to confusion in Ibadan the state capital. After
the 2003 general elections till January
2006. Because of this confusion, many
lives and properties were lost. The State House of Assembly was also divided
into two and this led to the suspension of fourteen (14) members out of
thirty-two (32) � members State House of Assembly. Then, LADOJA was arraigned
in less than 30 minutes in January 2006, this gave the opportunity for the
deputy governor, Alao AKALA, another godfather who is willing to serve the
godfather well. This position was sustained up to December 7th,
2006. It was after eleven-month Supreme Court ruled out the case in favour of the governor, that his removal was
illegitimate, and he was returned after eleven (11) months out of his office.
His coming back to the office was confronted with the grave fight from his former godfather�s (ADEDIBU) camp, which led
to break in law and order of the State capital for few days and living many
blameless inhabitants with various kind of injuries (Azeez, 2014; Ohiole & Ojo, 2016)
In a similar view Sale (2018),
disclosed that same thing applies to Yobe
North senatorial district where the ruling party has fielded the longest-serving senator in the state, Senator
Ahmed Lawan, the current Senate leader.
Political analysts in and around the state posited that Adamu Maina Waziri has contributed immensely in making PDP
in Yobe State weak. They said since the inception of democratic rule in 1999,
Waziri has been the sole gubernatorial flag bearer of the party and has never
for once won election or allow somebody to make any move to contest. He is
being accused of pocketing the party and tilting it to where it will serve his
personal interest. Some party faithful in the state went to the extent of
accusing him of working for the ruling
APC. Presently, there are serious
political crises between the present Senator and Waziri. Based on the political
analysis if this internal party wrangling between A. Waziri and M. Hassan, if
not amicably addressed before the coming general elections, it will no doubt
lead to PDP losing the seat to APC, and if this happens, APC will be happy,
because Zone� B is the only Zone� among the three senatorial Zones that is being represented by PDP (Sale, 2018). To
minimized this problem of godfatherism
the study suggested for the direct
primary election in the country.
8. Direct Primary Election
In order to
minimize the problems of godfatherism and
uphold free fair and credible election in Nigeria the paper suggested for the
proper adoption of direct primary election. This is in line with the
declaration of APC National Chairman in 2018, and in preparation of 2019
general election. According to (Oladesu, 2018; Ojeifo,
2018) the APC national chairmen declare the
implementation of direct primary elections in the APC across the 36 of the
federation this is to overcome the problem of godson and godfather domination
in the APC political movements. He believes this method of the direct primary
election would help in electing the right aspirant for 2019 general elections.
This idea arose in a leadership meeting with the party caucus in Abuja. Comrade
Adams Oshiomhole-led National Executive Committee, he declared that all the
contested would be elected through the direct primary election this is to ensure
equality and justice to all contestants and to sustain free, fair and credible
election. This decision was not in any way vague.
In line
with the opinion of APC chairman, the
president supported the implementation of the direct
primary election for all APC candidates across the federation (Oladesu, 2018). The chairman clarified the acceptance of
the direct primary election which would
give all registered members of the party the chance to take part in the process
of defining those to represent the right and interest of the party members at
all level of governance. This basically describes the distinctive democratic
style (Ojeifo, 2018).
The national chairman highlighted that:
We note that direct primary election is free from the vices associated
with the indirect primary. Direct primary cannot be wrought. It is not disposed
to corruption, we want to grow democracy. We want the party members to have
ownership of the party. We want to give our members a sense of belonging (Oladesu, 2018:1-2).
The
All Progressives Congress (APC) was
requested to adopt the direct primary for the selection of its candidates for
2019 general elections to enhance inner democracy, the Chairman emphasized. He explained that he suggested for
the implementation of the direct primary election in order to �liberalize� its shadow polls by making
all registered APC members automatic delegates. He added that this option will
lessen the corruption and manipulation related to
the delegates mode of selecting the contestants, which always causes huge
post-primary violence and crises in the nation (Oladesu, 2018). To him, the
implementation of a direct primary
election helps in no small measure in minimizing the power of incumbency in the
political movements of Nigeria. This would encourage the general populaces who are willing and interesting to participate and
contest for any political position of their choice. This assertion is measured
by Elites theory that power is rotating among the Elites at the expense of the
electorates.
To
curtail the problem of godfatherism all the political parties should adopt and
implement these policies of the direct
primary election, this would help in sanitizing the election process at all
level of government. It would as well lead to free fair and credible election
by electing credible candidates in electives positions. Although, some states
across the nation didn�t adopt the direct primary election. This is because of
power incumbency and interest to manipulate the political power to a certain
geopolitical Zone� that has been
dominating the state politics for many years (Sale, 2018). Politics of Godfatherism has become part and parcel of
Nigerian politics. Looking at the structure of the National and State House of
Assembly it is noted that most of the members have
dominated the position since 1999, some have inherited the post and sustain it
for many years because of the influence and the power of Godfatherism that has
denied the masses from contesting for the posts. This is the true picture of
the Elite theory that believes in power circulation among the elite in society (Yamokoski and Dubrow, 2008).
9. The Causes of Politics of GodFatherism in Nigeria
The
study found that there are numerous factors that lead to the politics of
godfatherism in Nigeria. Among which are: the power
of incumbency, influence, money, political thugs, money politics, lack of
political awareness, selfishness, greediness, lack of exposure, over-ambition, nepotism, and politics of regionalism among others. There
is an emerging tendency in Nigeria which
labels that an anticipating contender must have and depend on the godfather
with the necessary capital, influence, and
power to get he/she voted and acquire power. The consequence is that participants
are more depending on their acceptance from the electorates, but on their
selected godfathers to support them secure elected positions (Aderonke, Awosika & Olanrewaju, 2013:70).
In the same way, it is understood that corruptive tendencies
intensify the economic base of the godfathers by making a wide diversity of
difficulties in the politics and rule because the godfathers use their influence, capital to place their godsons
and wards in several positions of power. So also those in power use their
position to decide the next to represent the interest of the citizens at all
cost (Oviasuyi, 2009:73)
A
study by (Ohiole & Ojo, 2016:4) noted that election sponsors are rich, powerful and influential
individuals which come out freely to pay kindly towards the voting success of a
party or sponsor candidates during an election. More so, Ohiole & Ojo (2016), added that the political godfather might be
less concerned about the active politics or organization of r�gime but thinks of
approachable policies from the administration. �Nigeria�s godfathers in the 21st century
sponsors election, but not all election sponsors are godfathers�. Though,
Godfathers reign across all spheres of the society: academics, legal, and religious environment.
To
support the above statement, Popoola, (2014:1-2), unveiled that political godfather and godson fight has
been upsetting the nation socio-economic development. This fight rooted
in the crash of interest, needs, values,
and capitals, involved political office holders in the highest ladder of government.Which invariably affects the
socio-economic and political development of the nation.
10. The Implication of Godfatherism
Politics
of godfatherism affects the national
economic and political development in no small measure this is because the
influence of the political godfather and the loyalty of the godson in the political
movements. The study found that politics of godfatherism had so much inclined
the political life and socio-economic development of the country and
particularly in this present regime. It had added enough care at the present
regime because of its need approaches of expression. It has become almost
unbelievable for an individual to hold political power either by election or
appointment without patronizing his/her political godfather because of their
power and influence (Joe,
2010:1-2). In this case all the activities of
the godson must be in line with the interest of the godfather, this is to
sustain the political relationship of godfatherism.
A study by Chukwuma (2008:87), disclosed that the politics
of godfatherism has a negative implication on the political arrangement of
Nigeria and the citizens. Certainly, the right to select an aspirant of their
choice to rule them is run-down given the conditions in which godfathers are
the deciders of who is to contest or imposed candidates of their desire on the
general individuals in the society. This is, to
say the smallest and actual aggression to the faiths of democratic rule.
Politics of godfathers
in the Nigerian states are not simple sponsors of political campaigns, rather
they are people whose influence stems not just from wealth but from their
capacity to organize violence and corruption to manipulate central, state or
local political schemes in support of the candidates they champion. A study by Oluloyo
(2014:3), observed that godfather request a considerable grade of control over
the government not in order to support or form government policy, but to
extract direct financial return in the form of government resources stolen by
their politicians or gave to them as further opportunities for the implant. The over-concentration
of influence, wealth and power of politicians describes the ascent for the
regulating of the political structures and institutions by the ruling class in
society. However, the struggle and the resulting standards have impacted
significantly on society in various way.
In the present emerging democratic practice, the power struggles among the
members of the ruling class have given rise to violence in different forms and
digress. In a related opinion study by Ohiole & Ojo
(2016:10-11), revealed that Nigeria politics has been characterized by
godfatherism, religious and tribal politics, money-bag politics, regionalism, and party politics.
Ohiole & Ojo
(2016:11), added that political godfatherism is based on political substitution
relating to financial and moral aid where the godfather is the main donor and
the godson the primary receiver, as a result, the common people are being destabilized with no dividend of
democracy. Meanwhile, Godfather has
endangered the existence of Nigeria nascent democratic practice. For instance,
the illegal removal of Oyo State Governor Ladoja in 2006 lead to political
uncertainty in the state.
In a
related development Oviasuyi
(2009:74), showcased that there has been a lot of
calamities in Nigerian politics and Administrative
crisis of self-assurance in the chosen legislatures, a loss of faith in the
democratic rule and a rising deterrent at government, also, a rising
frustration at the insignificance individual's vote in the political
development. All these catastrophes are disasters prompted by the unholy
association of godfatherism, that believe in the power of incumbency and influence in the nation.
According
to (Aderonke, Awosika, & Olanrewaju, 2013:71) politics of Godfatherism is not
a new phenomenon in the political
movements of Nigeria. It has only assumed a new system, under the present republic
of democratic governance.Partly because the Nigerian economy is at the
primitive stage of wealth accumulation by the politicians and commissioned
representatives with little or no productive capacities. In Nigeria, it is
thought that politics is the only way of achieving state resources.
However,
it is understood that politics of Godfatherism and politics of godson has become the prevailing feature explaining the
modern politics in Nigeria. The role of a
political miracle has impacted on the body politics of the state virtues which
are now a possible menace to the state
democracy and democratic development (Aderonke, Awosika, & Olanrewaju, 2013:71). Nigeria joined the comity of
democratically governed countries, it has continued to experience an unmatched
rise in political wildness ranging from an increases
crime tendency, political killing, armed robbery, and religious riots because
of the crisis that arose between
godfather and godson (Ohiole & Ojo, 2016:2). This crisis has affected the
socio-economic and political development of the country.
For
instance,� a study by Ukhun (2004:16) unveiled that most of the
contestant work with the godfather's
instructions, they cannot execute any important project without the opinion of
the godfathers. This affects the socio-economic development of the state. For
example, if the godfathers sponsor a candidate into an elective position, such
as governor, or president, then he has the power and right to recommend for the
post of commissioners or ministers for a political position into the cabinet
and to request for exaggerated contracts, and if he refuse to comply with the
godfathers request than problem would emerge.
The
present trend of politics of godfatherism is not only a threat to Nigerian
political culture, orientation and socialization, but also to the Nigerian
legal system since there are glaring abuses, confusion, manipulation and
widening gap in the constitutional interpretation and adherence with provisions
of the political parties among Nigerian politician, particularly the
legislators at the federal and states levels, who have now established a
political market for politics of godfatherism based on personal interests
hinged on flimsy political excuses (Ali & Isah, 2018:129).
The
coming of godfatherism demonstrated a great peril not only to good governance
but also to the socio-economic development and firmness democratic rules.
Feasibly, one of the most alarming and destructive effects of godfatherism in Nigeria�s fourth republic is the area of making nonsense of a truly free, fair
and credible electoral process in which the voters by right are anticipated to
freely elect people of their choice into public office to represent their right
and interests (Nkwede, Ibeogu, & Nwankwo, 2014).
11. Findings
From
the available literature reviewed, the study found that the truth is that most
honest, accountable and dedicated political aspirants in Nigeria are not
financially buoyant they are not influential and did not possess the financial
capacity to compete and win in the primary
election and proceed in the general
election. A study by Adeoye (2009), noted that most of the party
aspirants are hiding under the canopy of political godfathers in order to win
the election. Though the introduction of money-politics into Nigeria political
system gave birth to the politics of
godfatherism, since then the politics of
godfatherism became very strong and effective in influencing the political
arrangement of the nation. Because of this,
the relationship between the godfather and the godson is based on political
agreement (reciprocal relationship).�
Because this mutual agreement and reciprocal relationship most of the
political godfathers are ready and willing to sponsor a candidate that will
dance to their tone by fulfilling all the agreement? This finding is in line
with the statement of the Elite theory which beliefs
in power control within a certain group of people. In view of this, those
contenders that are desperate for power had to pledge cooperation of the
political godfather for a definite delightful ticket or else they would not
have the ticket to contest for any political post (Adeoye, 2009:270). According to (Aderonke Awosika, & Olanrewaju, 2013:74). Politics of Godfatherism and
political struggle have become the
central attribute portraying Nigerian politics these days.
In
line with the above finding, a study by Olarinmoye (2008:69) revealed that:
One thing with politics is that you must believe in
godfatherism. If you did not believe in it, you would not be in daddy's
place," Reverend Jolly Nyame, the governor of the Taraba State, told
Nigeria's The Sun newspaper. He then added that "Whether you like it or
not, as a godfather you will not be a governor, you will not be a president,
but you can make a governor, you can make a president." �I am the greatest
godfather in Nigeria because this is the first time an individual single-handedly put in position every
politician in the state.
Based
on the above finding Coker (2004), mourned that
�godfathers of Nigeria politics have always used their influence, power,
positions, and resources for their
personal gain to the disadvantage of the poor masses (electorates) to influence
the political arrangement in the favour
of their aspirants.
The
study further found that the politics of
godfatherism leads to intra and
inter-party defections among politicians.
It is clear in all the intra-party conflicts and inter-party defections in
Nigeria are not limited a single politician has shown an express concern about
the current security challenges and provision of social amenities in his or her
constituency, local, state, and or the federation. This depicts the
politicians� primary concern and interest in electoral victory, continued
political accommodation and relevance, and control over public resources (Ali & Isah, 2018).
The
study also found that the nature of establishing and operations and character
of the Nigerian political parties is generally not strong, disjointed, non-
ideological and twisted towards only winning
the election at all cost and gain control
of political and economic powers of the state. This is mostly accomplished through the influence of godfathers at the
expense of the citizens. And, at the expense of other strategic functions of
political parties in a stable and enduring democratic situation. The Nigerian
political parties are neither strong nor ideological in content and character.
Any political and party system without strong and ideological political parties
can hardly achieve the objectives of democracy (Okonkwo & Unaji, 2016;Ali & Isah, 2018:128).
12. Recommendations
To
minimize the effect of politics of godfatherism on Nigerian socio-economic
development. The study made the following recommendations as recognized by (Bernard, 2009). He suggested that these factors must be considered to shorten these
unlawful political acts (as cited in Alabi & Tunde, 2013:19):
� The study
recommended that all political parties should accept the principles of direct
primary elections at all level of governance, this would give room for every
interested inhabitant to contest and participate in politics.
� There is a need for massive political enlightenment
campaigns to educate the general populous on the negative effect of political
godfatherism on the political development of the nation. This will help in
minimizing the problems of political godfathers.
� Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC) should accept the use of electronic voting
for all elections in the nation to limit electoral cheat this will reduce the
elections rigging and will as well encourages the interested candidates to vie
for any position of his or her choice.
� There
is a need for increased confidence in the duly elected officials and increase
faith in the democratization process.
� The impression
of paying a large amount as allowances
and salaries to elected political leaders should be stopped, this is to
discourage the godfathers and those politicians that are contesting for money
sake. This will make all elective positions in the
Nigeria context unattractive.
� To avoid confusion
and misleading of the electorates or the voters, all political parties should
positively stipulate time and venues for the primary
election.
� It is, therefore, suggested that godfatherism should
not be treated as a party affair, but should be offered political, social and
legal treatment by the government and the stakeholders in the state.
� Electorates
should be allowed to vote for the preferred candidates during elections without
pressure by political monsters who are part of the devices of godfatherism.
� Power of
incumbency should be controlled by employing provisional government in place of
incumbent President, Governor and Local Government Chairmen shortly before the
beginning of the next elections campaign. This will limit the practice whereby
the public office holders oversee over the elections in which they are
contesting and collaborate with godfathers to rig the election outcomes.
� All political
party should make the price of nomination forms affordable, this would create
an avenue for the masses to contest in their various constituencies, local
government, state as well as the federal level.
� The electoral
law should lay stress on appropriate conduct of primary elections into various
positions to improve the rights of the voters in the choice of their aspirants
or representatives.
13. Conclusion
This
paper concluded that the politics of
Godfatherism has affected the socio-economic development of Nigeria.� However, it is obvious that the politics of godfatherism is not a new
phenomenon in the history of Nigerian democracy.
The study noted that politics of godfatherism is affecting the socio-economic
development of the nation negatively, by influencing the elections result in the favour
of their contenders that would dance to their tune after the election by
awarding them with contract and appointment to give to their friends and
relatives at the expense of the masses (electorates). The effects of
godfatherism are visible and featuring on the people face. This has changed
into a hydra-headed monster as observed
by Aderonke, Awosika, & Olanrewaju (2013:74), which explained that if nothing
is done on the politics of godfatherism in this nation can shorten the
hard-gotten democracy. The study further expressed that Nigerian politics
characterize with these types of godfathers: Most especially those who serve
others, those who expect the society to serve them, and even those who channel
their resources into criminal activities. The paper completed that politics of godfatherism has become a social phenomenon
that has entered the hook and crannies of every state
and has dominated the political settings of the nation. This paper concludes by
knowing the inevitability of godfathers in politics but there is a need for appropriate supervision of
godfather/godson relationship.
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