Let’s Have Peaceful Transition

10 May 2011

editorial

As the next set of governors get set to officially resume their duties, there is need for caution on the part of the newly elected ones. This is even more necessary now, not only because of the experiences of the past, but also for the indications of coming grudge fight between in-coming governors and their predecessors. Indeed, some governors-elect are already vowing to probe their predecessors, even before they are sworn in, just as others are raising alarm that the present governors, whom they will replace, are on a looting spree. We are of the opinion that not much progress can ever be made by an athlete who is running and always looking backward.

We advise against the new governors starting on antagonistic point in confronting the great task before them.

The exchange between the out-going and in-coming governors in some states is already creating tension and bad blood which may not be in the interest of the electorate. We have had experiences in the past where new governors devote huge time and resources to “fighting” their predecessors, so much that little time and attention is left for the actual task of governance.

For such governors, their victory at the polls does not end the bitter electioneering rivalry. Their predecessor is ever seen as an enemy, from whom all ties must be broken. This attitude sometimes causes new governors to, more often, abandon the uncompleted projects of the previous administration, forgetting, sadly, that government ought to be a continuum.

However, we are not opposed to probes where it becomes necessary. After all, the past should shape the future. Enquiries about what went on in the past are legitimate as it will guide the policies and disposition of the new government. But it must be done without malice or desire to “nail” the predecessor. In any case, the anti-graft agencies are in place to treat all cases of financial malfeasance of government officials. Indeed, Nigerians are far more aware now, as they will always seek to know and understand how their resources are being spent by those in authority.

We are not unaware that some incumbent governors have been reckless with state funds. Many have hardly drawn a line between the public till and their private pockets. Some are even so crafty that they line their pockets through inflated cost of projects. Some former governors are presently being tried for their financial misdeeds while in office, just as others have had their ill-gotten wealth confiscated by government. Thus, where there is manifest and brazen rape of the state treasury, the law should be allowed to take its course, without undue political fireworks.

In all, governors, new and old, must be magnanimous in victory. They must make efforts to carry everybody along, even their opponents. Also, out-going governors must avoid taking actions that will be deemed to be aimed at undermining their successors. Some of the out-going governors are already taking decisions which may create security problems and unsettle the incoming administration. We advise out-going governors to desist from such acts and concentrate on how to properly hand-over the reins of governance to their successors.

Governors must always remember that they are elected to govern; to ultimately make life easier and better for the electorate. How well this is achieved is what will count at the end of the day. Not how many real and imagined battles they fought on the political turf. And that is what will create fond memories in the minds of the people they govern, and also define their place in the history of their states.

AllAfrica – All the Time