₦airaland Forum

ith great ease. In fact, words are twisted, at will, to wear new shades of meaning that will astound mother tongue speakers of English language.

Although such linguistic colouration is permissible in second language situation, but the way and manner our politicians do it has reached a dizzying height that would warrant scholarly inquiry.

One word that has assumed new meaning in our political lexicon since the present democratic dispensation is ‘deputy,’ the qualifier to the position of deputy governor.

The word, deputy, which ordinarily means, courtesy of Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, International Student’s Edition, “a person who is the next most important person below a business manager, a head of a school, a political leader, etc. and who does the person’s job when he or she is away.”

Based on the above definition, a deputy governor is like an alternate governor, especially in the absence of a governor. Ordinarily such a position should not pose a problem in advanced democracies where democratic ideals remain the norm.

Also the 1999 Constitution allows a deputy governor to act in the absence of a governor to avoid a power vacuum that will exist when a governor travels or is removed from office by ill-health, impeachment or death. But in Nigeria, the impeachment clause in the Constitution has been used arbitrarily in removing governors or deputy governors.

Some deputy governors had become governors when their governor was either impeached or died in office. Alhaji Balarabe Musa of Kaduna State is the first governor to be removed in office through NPN-engineered impeachment which paved way for his deputy to take over.

This was followed by the PDP/EFCC-induced impeachment of Governor Diepreya Alamieyeseigha of Bayelsa that made his deputy, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, the governor. Similarly, deputy governor Virgy Etiaba became governor of Anambra State when Governor Peter Obi was impeached from office.

Deputy governor Ramalan Yero recently became governor following the death of Governor Patrick Yakowa in air crash. There are indeed other cases of deputy governors that have been removed from office either through impeachment or forced resignation or death.

The deputy governor of Lagos State under Bola Tinubu’s regime, Mrs. Akerele Bucknor, resigned her position when it was obvious that she was going to be impeached. The recent resignation of Akwa Ibom State deputy governor under Godswill Akpabio and the impeachment of deputy governor of Imo State, Jude Agbaso under Rochas Okorocha over fraud allegations are some fresh cases in point. Recently, Mrs. Funmilayo Olayinka, the deputy governor of Ekiti State left office through death.

While the Constitution recognizes the deputy governor as that of alternate governor, former Anambra State governor, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, the white goateed Harvard trained scholar and statesman, the Okwadike Igbo-Ukwu, defined the post of a deputy governor as that of a spare tyre.

Such a classical definition coming from somebody with a Harvard PhD is not unexpected. During his campaign, Ezeife impressed on his people that “Only the best is good for Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, PhD Harvard.”

No one can beat the simplicity, fluidity, eternality and finality of such rare campaign message. While I had in the past agreed with Ezeife’s scholarly definition of a deputy governor as a spare tyre, I want to improve on that definition based on the current political exigencies of our times. Many reasons abound for my shift in position.

Most owners of cars in Nigeria value their spare tyres because their safety and continuation of movement is assured by having a good spare tyre. In most cars, the spare tyre has a special compartment made for it alone.

It does not share such space with anyone come rain, come shine. Most car owners ensure that the spare tyre is in good condition and is always gauged to capacity. In some SUV cars, known in Nigerian parlance as Jeep, spare tyres are enclosed in a special case or bag hung beautifully in a special position at the rear of the SUV, especially those with inscriptions like 4×4 without supplying the sum.

At times, some ubiquitous school children or some deranged adults supply the answer, 16, in bold wicked dents on the Jeep, which would warrant a visit to the panel beater. Don’t blame the children or the adults for finishing the job the vehicle manufacturers failed to do because of their ignorance. Who says that Africans don’t think?

Spare tyres command more respect and better treatment than deputy governors. Some Nigerians have defined the position of a deputy governor as that of a wife.

On the surface, it appears they are correct. On a deeper level, you discover that the position of a wife, especially the first ladies, is even superior. In most families, the husband is assumed the head while the woman is the tail.

Some women liberators, feminists or womanists among them, impress it on all of us, that while men are the head of families, women are the neck. And there is no way the head can do without the neck. A neckless head and a headless neck are both doomed.

A wife is treated like a human being but a deputy governor is not. A wife is someone’s daughter, sister, aunt, mother etc. A wife is powerful. The maverick Occidentalist scholar, Dr. Chinweizu has theorized that while it is true that men rule the world, their wives rule them.

In his polemic treatise, Anatomy of Female Power: A Masculinist Dissection of Patriarchy, Chinweizu argued convincingly that the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. And the only hand that does that is that of a woman. A wife is aware of her husband’s wealth.

Husband and wives share things in common. Some men so loved their spouses that they have no room for extra-marital affairs or what is locally known as “body no be wood.” In Nigeria, no deputy governor is treated as a wife even when such a deputy is a beautiful lady.

In Nigeria of today, a deputy governor is just there in name. To some state actors, the deputy governor does not really exist and the occupant is not human. If at all he exists, he is a dispensable item, rag, that if done away with, nothing will happen. The deputy governor is an orphan, an outcast.

He has no brother and no sister. He is alone in this wicked world which Nigeria is part of. What it takes to do away with a deputy governor is for the governor to ask him to resign and if he fails to comply, the governor will order the rubber stamp state legislators, the lap dog of every state executive, to impeach the unwanted element.

And before you know it, the inept and powerless legislators would commence impeachment procedure on the deputy, who the state judiciary cannot rescue because their hands are tied or that their mouths have been stuffed with crisp naira or dollar notes. Governor Ramalan Yero of Kaduna State recently revealed the frustration and disdain he passed through as deputy governor in the hands of overzealous state functionaries including personal aides of the late governor Yakowa. Yero is not alone in such abuse.

President Jonathan also suffered similar mistreatments in the hands of some powerful aides to former president the late Musa Yar’Adua. Let powerful governors remember that they have joint ticket with their deputies. Hiding under some subterfuge to undo their deputies is wicked and evil.

The governors have their way simply because the Constitution did not provide a safety valve for deputy governors. The framers of the Constitution did not envisage the situation today where deputy governors are removed with ease. Let those amending the Constitution, if at all they will do it, think of ways to safeguard the position of deputy governors.

Current intimidation and harassment of occupants of such office is an affront to democratic ideals. Let us call a spade a spade. The desecration of the office of deputy governors, if not checked, can snowball to desecration of other offices including the governors; thus leading to the ugly scenario of the hunter becoming the hunted.

All state legislators, whose roles are implicit in this perfidy, should redress their steps. They should realize that they were elected to serve the interest of all citizens including the deputy governors they removed. Our democracy will be imperiled by uncritical and zombie-like deputy governors. Outside acting as governors, let the Constitution assign specific roles to deputy governors and shield them from undue impeachment. Office of deputy governors should be treated with honour and respect.

U are a disgrace to manhood.see what a woman is doing to you

Y dont u lodge her in a hotel instead?

Best president ever , GOODLUCK

HATERS GO KIS NAKED WIRE

Waiting for frosbel to coment

Divepen: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MODERN CHRISTAIN LADIES AND MODERN PROSTITUTE.ESPECIALLY WITH THEIR DRESSING AND BEHAVIOR
EVEN HARLOTS ARE WELL BEHAVED

are there nt muslim harlot

Y dont u get the one for naija road such as 911 and keke napep

Foolish thread containing foolish list Compiled by a foolish guy

Na true talk na.

THE DAY UNA STOP MEETING UNA PASTOR TO PRAY FOR UNA , NA DAT TIME WE GO STOP TO DEY PRAY THROUGH MARY.mtchew

Mzsolex: I've noticed this trend for some times now, and am just wondering why is it always gotta be Atheist against Christians... Why do Atheist attack and speak againts Christianity alone. I mean last time I checked it's not only Christianity that believes in the existence of a supreme God.

So why always Christians?

. THEY DARE NOT FACE MUSLIMS OR ELSE SHARIA OR GET BANNED.

THEY DARE NOT FACE PAGANS OR ELSE THE THUNDER OF SOGO WILL STRIKE THEM.

THEY WOULD RATHER FACE A LOVING FORGIVABLE CHRISTIAN

If catholic isnt first church, then which is first church

k4kenny: Of course they are. Some men can't stand it when their wives are giving the kids so much attention. M̶̲̅ε̲̣ am so demonstrative in shwing affection for my kids, plenty of hugs nd kisses . Hubby doesn't really complains, he just stares with a funny expression like 'what's wron with this one sef?'
I was once at a family function where a 13month old boy was playing with his mum's b00bs (boys and b00bs sef ), the husband on seeing that, came over to them with such anger and slapped off the kid's hand saying ' how many times have I warned you not to play with my wife's b00bs ). He hit the baby so hard I was shocked, thought that was a bit over reactive. His wife clearly wasn't happy to see her lil boy spanked so hard but she just kept quiet.
I don't know the reason for their jealousy, maybe d daddys should come and explain from their own perspective.

d boy deserves the slap.full stop

enilove: What do you expect?You expect people who hate the truth to hail you?You should realise that you have started a war against the Satan and powers from the pit of hell, and they will do everything to silence you.
That is the truth, especially on the issue of Catholic.

You are in a battle.Remember Eph 6:12" For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,but against principalities,against powers,against rulers of darkness of this world,against spiritual wickedness in high places."Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day,having done all,STAND."

Any where the truth is said,you must expect to see few people,the minority.
Jesus said in Matt7:13" Enter ye in at the stait gate( tight and difficult gate):for wide is d gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction,& MANY there be which go in thereat:Becos strait ( very small ) is the gate ,& narrow is the way,which leadeth unto life,& FEW there be that findeth it."

Only few will accept and love what you are preaching.The few that have heaven as their focus or goal.
Jesus christ died for our sins,most of the apostles died in the process of preaching the truth.If you don't expect any confrontations,abuses,curses ,then you have not really started preaching the truth,because it is bitter.
You should expect criticisms and respect others views as well,because no one knows it all.

Do not be discouraged,and do not be ignorant of the divices of the devil.

Thanks

na who be dis?

Yea, why didnt one appear when pastor ayo was made can president

The Catholics are richer, more organized, have snappier costumes, wider influence, more members, more history, don't waste their time on Y-Answers and are way more consistent than any Christian church. I'm not Catholic but I know you've gotta be envious.

with the thread i see here on nairaland, i wonder why

If another candidate wins, can arinze go to court and protest?

If we no pay tithe, pastor no go make money

So your papa no be your father abi ?

leonshom: If you have experienced a broken heart and you were able to heal the pain, can you share with others who are currently broken hearted, so they could get back to their their normal life on time !

.. A surgeon heals a broken heart. For more info, visit kanu heart foundation

Before mariage, i wil endure. After mariage , i wil beat her double

She thought world wil end in december 2012 so she broke up with me and repented and gave life to christ.

She came bak last month asking for reconcilation. I rejected

flexshop: RULES

AT LAST A GUY HAS TAKEN THE TIME TO WRITE THIS ALL DOWN
FINALLY, the guys' side of the story. ( I MUST ADMIT, IT'S PRETTY GOOD.)

WE ALWAYS HEAR 'THE RULES' FROM THE FEMALE SIDE
NOW HERE ARE THE RULES FROM THE MALE SIDE

THESE ARE OUR RULES!

PLEASE NOTE. THESE ARE ALL NUMBERED #1 ON PURPOSE!

1. MEN ARE NOT MIND READERS.

1. LEARN TO WORK THE TOILET SEAT. YOU'RE A BIG GIRL. IF IT'S UP, PUT IT DOWN. WE NEED IT UP, YOU NEED IT DOWN. YOU DON'T HEAR US COMPLAINING ABOUT YOU LEAVING IT DOWN.

1. CRYING IS BLACKMAIL.

1. ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT. LET US BE CLEAR ON THIS ONE:

SUBTLE HINTS DO NOT WORK!
STRONG HINTS DO NOT WORK!
OBVIOUS HINTS DO NOT WORK!
JUST SAY IT!

1. YES AND NO ARE PERFECTLY ACCEPTABLE ANSWERS TO ALMOST EVERY QUESTION.

1.. COME TO US WITH A PROBLEM ONLY IF YOU WANT HELP SOLVING IT. THAT'S WHAT WE DO. SYMPATHY IS WHAT YOUR GIRLFRIENDS ARE FOR.

1. ANYTHING WE SAID 6 MONTHS AGO IS INADMISSIBLE IN AN ARGUMENT. IN FACT, ALL COMMENTS BECOME NULL AND VOID AFTER 7 DAYS.

1. IF YOU THINK YOU'RE FAT, YOU PROBABLY ARE. DON'T ASK US.

1. IF SOMETHING WE SAID CAN BE INTERPRETED TWO WAYS AND ONE OF THE WAYS MAKES YOU SAD OR ANGRY, WE MEANT THE OTHER ONE.

1. YOU CAN EITHER ASK US TO DO SOMETHING OR TELL US HOW YOU WANT IT DONE. NOT BOTH.
IF YOU ALREADY KNOW BEST HOW TO DO IT, JUST DO IT YOURSELF.

1. WHENEVER POSSIBLE, PLEASE SAY WHATEVER YOU HAVE TO SAY DURING COMMERCIALS.

1. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS DID NOT NEED DIRECTIONS AND NEITHER DO WE...

1. ALL MEN SEE IN ONLY 16 COLORS, LIKE WINDOWS DEFAULT SETTINGS..
PEACH, FOR EXAMPLE, IS A FRUIT, NOT A COLOR. PUMPKIN IS ALSO A FRUIT. WE HAVE NO IDEA WHAT MAUVE IS.

1. IF WE ASK WHAT IS WRONG AND YOU SAY 'NOTHING,' WE WILL ACT LIKE NOTHING'S WRONG. WE KNOW YOU ARE LYING, BUT IT IS JUST NOT WORTH THE HASSLE.

1. IF YOU ASK A QUESTION YOU DON'T WANT AN ANSWER TO, EXPECT AN ANSWER YOU DON'T WANT TO HEAR..

1. WHEN WE HAVE TO GO SOMEWHERE, ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING YOU WEAR IS FINE...REALLY.

1.. DON'T ASK US WHAT WE'RE THINKING ABOUT UNLESS YOU ARE PREPARED TO DISCUSS SUCH TOPICS AS FOOTBALL OR MOTOR SPORTS.

1. YOU HAVE ENOUGH CLOTHES.

1 .. YOU HAVE TOO MANY SHOES.

1. I AM IN SHAPE. ROUND IS A SHAPE!

1.. THANK YOU FOR READING THIS. YES, I KNOW, I HAVE TO SLEEP ON THE COUCH TONIGHT.. BUT DID YOU KNOW MEN REALLY DON'T MIND THAT? IT'S LIKE CAMPING...

the best nairaland post i read dis year

She is crying because protestant fail to recognise her for who she is

Atheist are confused entity

Imagine pope squating on the floor and bowing his head on the floor. Imagine him with kettle doing abolution,..lol

A xtian can stay a day without debating,criticising, arguing and insultin. An atheist e.g logicboy cant

Girls are the cause. They flex life when they are 20 ,date difrent guys önly to wake up in their 30s

Re do the wedding

Slimzy baby: hahahahaha.....u are on point bro,abeg help me warn SEXKILLZ to leave my sister alone cos my sister no go marry ALBINO

serously, is sexkilz na albino

Anytin adeboye says is right and sensible. He cant make mistake. He is God sent. Lol

Wat of national pledge , ...SO HELD PE GOD