Sometimes there exists a fleeting and deliriously exciting event or moment in the life of every state when it teeters between what everyone suspects and dreads, and what almost everyone knows might happen but wish it never did. In that moment, months or even years before it exerts any practical pressure on the kindred spirit that suppose to hold the state together, the heat of the moment becomes a powerful, blinding force that negates all sense of reasoning. That's when things snap.

They open up in all directions like a hall of mirrors. Ogun state politics and politicians bear a striking resemblance to this surreal twist. Anyone who has closely been following the political events in this gateway state, one of the smallest states in Nigeria but blessed with many star dust will be indeed saddened by the regularity at which key political figures from the state rake up mud on each other.
Governor Gbenga Daniel knows he is up against great challenges.

And some of them are self-inflicted. Reflecting on the myriad of problems facing his administration during last week's opening of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) in the state capital, Abeokuta, the governor, represented by the state commissioner for information, Mr. Sina Kawonise said ruefully: “In Ogun state, it has been “one day, one trouble”. He also made references to the investigation of some of its officials by the anti-graft agency, EFCC, as well as the alleged “killer squad” that the state government is accused of using to silence its opponents.

Indeed, Ogun politics has become sickening enough to induce vertigo even from the admirers of all the combatants. The truth remains that politics in that state and those who run its affairs have become a cruel thing to behold. Things have reached such a dizzying proportions that they are the equivalent of a broken family whose members seem hell-bent on destroying their “fathers' inheritance” rather than share it. That's why even simple things that should have been a rallying point for unity of purpose have become a battleground for muscle-flexing.

Every passing day, at least since two years now, the feud between the State Governor, Gbenga Daniel, and Dimeji Bankole, the Speaker of the House of Representatives is deepening. It must be said that conflicts are not unusual in a democracy or between two powerful political figures. Though not the ideal thing, such conflict can poison the very institution of democracy instead of strengthening it, if not handled with care. The rift between Gov. Daniel and Bankole is like the fight of two elephants; it's the grass that bears the brunt. The Ogun citizens are the worse for it.

From the time their paths crossed almost three years ago when Bankole, a youngish and brilliant lawmaker emerged as the Speaker of the House of Reps following the ouster of Hon. Patricia Etteh, it has been for both Gov. Daniel and Bankole, like the proverbial meeting of the trickster and the tricycle at an intersection. If one pushes the other down, the one down keeps coming back, trying the same trick, using the same strategy, again and again, drawing lines in the sand and waiting for his political foe to come across.

No one wants to give credit to the other for work done or facilitated.
Something about the behavour of Gov. Daniel, as the speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Tunji Egbetokun says, leaves people on both left and right of the state, feeling betrayed and disappointed. We will come back to Egbetokun's claims shortly. The noblest platform for shedding light on how Ogun politics is being run, not by virtue, but by vice, is the drama, the spectacle that unfolded during the recent commissioning of the Sango-Ota bridge in the state. It shows the extent to which the Ogun politics has been polarized.
Ordinarily, the occasion was supposed to bring joy. But it brought sorrow and widened the fault-lines that divide the two politicians and to a large extent, other forces fuelling the crisis from the sidelines.

The common thread that runs between Gov. Daniel and Speaker Bankole is all about who takes the credit for the completion of the bridge. Wittingly or unwittingly, Minister of Works, Sanusi Daggash allowed himself to be the blight and blakean 'rebel' in the feud. Anyway, lets sketch briefly the trajectory of this bridge. This much is not disputed by either party: that the Ota road and bridge project was started by the administration of former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who hails from the state. However, the project was not completed before the Obasanjo presidency completed its tenure in May, 2007. Those familiar with the history of the project said, regrettably, there was no provision for the project in the subsequent Federal budget in 2008, and construction giant, Julius Berger (JB) is not known for giving a “free lunch.” The bridge was therefore abandoned.

There was no evidence that the Ogun State government did anything to mobilize Julius Berger back to site as his neighbouring state government of Lagos has often done, in similar circumstances. Bankole, according to the House of Reps, used his influence to cause the project to be included in the 2009 budget. Late President, Umaru Yar'Adua, it was also not in dispute, released N2.5bn to JB through the former Minister of Works and Housing, Dr. Hassan M. Lawal.

The current Minister of Works was no where near the corridor of power during this period. Bankole, according to evidence provided by the House, visited the progress of work as part of the oversight function of the House of Representatives. In sane climes, what's the 'big deal' giving Bankole credit for his role, no matter how marginal, in the completion of the bridge? But that is what pernicious politics can do. Instead, Gov. Daniel has been widely reported in the media as having referred to Bankole as a “curse, not a blessing”, to the state. Tongue in check, and refined language appear not to be none of the virtues of Gov.

Daniel on that occasion, as he was reportedly quoted to have said; “Let us give honour to whom honour is due”. He praised the efforts of two former Presidents - Obasanjo and Yar'Adua in the realization of the project. But he reserved his sound bite to Speaker Bankole; “What is the input of our younger brother who is parading himself as the owner of the project? Tell him to go and look for another project.” The Minister of Works was also quoted widely in the media to have “joined” the fray when he reportedly said;” People should not hail Bankole over the completion of the fly-over (for) the actual person who deserves to be praised is former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo”. Obasanjo, I am sure, knows this is crude politics. As one who tolerates drama well, the former President must have had a good laugh. He only tolerates Governor Daniel whom he sees as an ingrate who bite the finger that fed him.

Those privy to the role allegedly played by the Works minister, have decried his conduct. Two weeks before the official commissioning of the bridge, the minister reportedly met with Gov. Daniel, who allegedly told him (Daggash) that he (Daniel) would not be at the ceremony if Speaker Bankole showed up. Did Daggash monitor the travel of the speaker on phone and relaying same to Gov Daniel as alleged in some quarters? Was there any quid pro quo between the two men as alleged by some people?

Eye witness accounts on the two sides have defended both Gov. Daniel and speaker Bankole. Ogun State Commissioner for Information and strategy, Mr. Sina Kwaonise says the speaker courted trouble and got it. Hon Eseme Eyiboh, spokesman of the House of Representatives and Mr. Kayode Odunaro, senior media consultant to the speaker put the finger of blame on Gov. Daniel and works Minister, Daggash. If the allegations against the minister is proved, it makes sense that President Jonathan who appointed him, and the Senate, which approved his appointment, give him at least a reprimand to serve as deterrent against future conspirators. Ogun needs peace. Did Daggash scuttle that peace?

When I wrote in this column, April 27, 2010, on the ongoing plots against Bankole, one of the reactions received noted that the speaker should look beyond the “Progressive elements” in the House led by Hon. Dino Melaye and look in the direction of his home state. He said, “this much is plain truth, in Ogun State, Bankole has a united enemy in the former President and the Governor of the state. He claimed that though “others” who have ax to grind with the speaker have signed on in this plot. What their beef? The meteoric rise of Bankole and the possible role he may play in the Ogun politics next year. May be, it is time to stop him in his tracks. But the Ogun State speaker, Hon Egbetokun has other of accusations against his Governor.

He attributed the alleged assault on senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello at the marriage ceremony of Gov Alao Akala's daughter on Gov Daniel as well as the alleged beating of a former information commissioner in the state. Is the Governor guilty as charged? It's hard to say. What's happening in Ogun state politics is a rude reminder that our politicians are yet to imbibe the culture of tolerance. This much is clear: democracy finds its strength and blossoms in an atmosphere of give-and-take, not on winner - takes- all. Gov. Daniel should not leave a legacy that awakens sad memories that the young star talents from his state must be stopped in their tracks before they hit national limelight. For Bankole, he must watch his back, very carefully. The smoking guns are still coming.

http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/opinion/2010/aug/10/opinion-10-08-2010-001.htm