By Zakari Yakubu, Nassarawa Eggon
How on earth in this our civilised world, would the Chairman of our Party insist on carrying on with the state Congress when he is already in court. Are we so detached with what happened to our neighbouring Plateau State, where they lost all their elected members on the account of disobeying court orders. Or is there any greater interest than the interest of the party? Is there a ploy to cover up something, we would get to know in time anyhow? Why the drum of war where there are no enemies?
The political landscape of Nasarawa State has become increasingly chaotic, particularly within the ranks of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). PDP now finds itself ensnared in a web of self-interest, and the rise of a opportunistic politico-business cartel who are bent on planting seeds of factionalism. As the party gears up for its congress, which ideally should serve as a moment of unity, it instead casts a long shadow of impending doom—essentially, a stillbirth.
The PDP’s transformation from a party devoted to public service to one preoccupied with merchantile interests is alarming. Today’s leadership seems more concerned with personal enrichment than the growth of the party. Least the welfare of the state’s citizens. The ambitions of these primitive business men within the party now overshadow their responsibilities to the party and members, raising questions about their commitment to long-term governance.
Key figures, such as Hon. Francis Orogu, epitomize this self-serving mentality. Orogu’s recent actions foster a culture of distrust and reveal a notorious cartel mentality, where personal gain undermines the essence of public service. This internal strife further exacerbates the party’s crisis. Legal disputes that unfolded throughout 2022 drained essential resources away from grassroots initiatives critical for the PDP’s revival. Party leaders appear more focused on consolidating their financial interests than on addressing the legitimate concerns of their constituents, further deepening the party’s divisions.
At the heart of this integrity crisis is another actor Hon. David Ombugadu, whose notable financial ascent despite recent electoral setbacks raises eyebrows. His investments, including luxury hotel developments in Jos Plateau State and at Keffi Local Government Area, among other humongous acquisitions shortly after a tortuous electoral campaign followed by a financially draining judicial battle from the trial tribunal to the supreme court is confounding lending credence to the belief in some quarters that his quest for political power was actuated more by the desire to build a business empire than public service. Accompanied by influential figures like Hon. Francis Orogu and Dr. Mike Omeri, Ombugadu seems to be leading a coalition more interested in financial profiting than in political representation.
The emerging narrative suggests the birth of a business empire disguised as a political party. The centralization of power among a select few is eroding the fundamental values of the PDP, potentially sealing its fate as irrelevant and alienating the very communities it claims to serve.
In light of these challenges, a coalition of concerned stakeholders, led by Senator Ogoshi Onawo, is striving to intervene. They are determined to halt the imposition of candidates and ensure a congress that is inclusive for all party members. Nonetheless, Orogu’s obstinate disregard for a court injunction that halted the congress speaks volumes about his commitment to self-interest over democratic principles.
The emergence of this politico-business cartel poses a severe threat not only to the opposition party but to the democratic fabric of Nasarawa State. Allegations of exploiting communal divisions for personal gain warrant investigation and accountability. It necessitates scrutiny by institutions like the EFCC and ICPC to unveil the intersection between nefarious business dealings and political machinations.
The stubbornness of the PDP congress in Nasarawa State threatens to jeopardize its future. This situation serves as a dire reminder of how unchecked ambition can overshadow the altruism needed in political spheres. As the party flirts with destruction, there is an urgent need for action to reclaim the party from the grips of the politico-business cartel and restore its legacy as a true representative of the people. The very future of the PDP, and consequently, the future of Nasarawa State, hangs precariously in the balance.
Peoplesmind
