BY: YUSUF AUWAL SALE LULU
Not all politicians like criticism, but they seem battle-ready as soon as one is dropped on them.
Politics of conflicts between those in power and those in opposition are not uncommon, It emanates either as a counter or as a fresh attack to scuttle the tides of waters around the opponent to score political points.
However, the recent feud between politicians in power and those in absolute opposition has taken a peculiar turn, resembling a battle of accusations where both sides reside in glass houses vulnerable to scrutiny and critique. In this kind of situation, throwing stones may be tantamount to a signed suicide.
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One of the prominent examples of this ongoing saga, is the controversy surrounding the former governor of Kano state, Umar Abdullahi Ganduje on his dollar scandal, where he was allegedly caught on camera stuffing dollars in his pockets way back in 2018 which was claimed to be a kickback payment from contractors the accusation that the former governor debunks.
Abdullahi Ganduje has faced serious allegations of corruption, particularly in the widely circulated video purportedly showing him receiving bribes in dollars.
These videos that were made public before the 2019 elections trended on social Media platforms which almost set Ganduje off balance, affecting the image of the governor who was then in power preparing to run for his second term in office.
In opposition then, the present government dwelled upon this scandal, hurling accusations of corruption and malfeasance at the incumbent.
Yet, amidst the continued dollar video outcry, it’s essential to note the proverb phrase “glass house” in which the opposition finds itself as incumbent.
The political terrain in the country is such that words have to be traded with caution. instances of corruption and misconduct are not exclusive to a single party or faction.
Thus, while condemning former governor Ganduje on alleged misdeeds or an attempt to drag him to court for bribery, the state government must also address the skeletons lurking in its closet as claimed the ex-governor citing alleged scam in local government funds, which he pointed out fingers at former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
All things being equal, the accusation against and counter accusations that seem reactive from both sides, culminate in the probable instance that “He who lives in a glass house shouldn’t throw stones at others” The question of who among the incumbent and the opposition laughs last, defends of the powers of the wigs and that of the the pen which we all await to see.
Similarly, the case of Governor Nasir El-Rufai and the state of Kaduna State’s treasury offers another facet of this kind of feud. El-Rufai’s former administration has faced criticism for the state’s current financial woes.
He was alleged to have dried the state treasury empty and burdened with debts before he exited power.
The incumbent governor Malam Uba Sani in an Opposition kind of protest pronouncements, was caught in a dilemma trading words but in his case carefully with caution, mindful of the glass house in which he resides, to castigate the former governor for his handling of the state’s finances, highlighting the apparent mismanagement and fiscal irresponsibility.
However, once again, the glass house analogy comes into play, while El-Rufai’s government may be under scrutiny, it’s essential to recognize that financial mismanagement is not confined to a single political faction, every politician has his skinned skeleton lying in his cardboard.
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Opposition leaders must be prepared to address any fiscal shortcomings within their ranks, before casting stones at the incumbent government. On the other hand, communication managers around government auspices should also learn to play the pen professionally to know that, where the river flows, lies the strength of the tide.
In this tug-of-war between politicians in power and those in opposition, the battleground is littered with accusations, scandals, and finger-pointing.
Yet, amidst the chaos, there is an opportunity for reflection and introspection. Both sides must acknowledge their vulnerabilities and shortcomings, understanding that the public’s trust is earned through transparency, accountability, and integrity.
And as the feud rages on, politicians on both sides of the aisle must remember the fragility of their glass houses. Rather than engaging in a futile exchange of accusations, they must work towards enhancement of innovation a culture of accountability, and good governance. Only then can they hope to rebuild public trust and effectively serve the interests of the people.