IGP Egbetokun’s Gambit -By The President’s Speech, by Pius Mordi

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, displayed the classical inclination of typical public office to scandalously show their loyalty to whoever appointed them to office, rather than the country. They are not inspired by goings-on in other climes where public office holders stand firm with their oath of office to defend the rule of law. The resilience of Mike Pence who shunned all entreaties and threat from maverick President Donald Trump to manipulate the process of confirming the victory of Joe Biden does not inspire Nigerian politicians. After emerging Senate President, Godswill Akpabio did not hesitate to demonstrate where his loyalty lies. In an early state event, he chose Tinubu’s customized headgear to show his appreciation and loyalty to the man that ensured his emergence.

In the recent council election in Rivers State, all the powers domiciled in Abuja were deployed to frustrate the election as part of the concerted bid to oust Sim Fubara from Government House in Port Harcourt. When Governor Fubara outwitted them, Egbetokun contrived to take over the headquarters of the State Independent Electoral Commission and scuttle the election. Beaten to the game, Egbetokun’s belated explanation for invading the premises is dumb. He recalled the Police men already premises only to replace them still with his men specially deployed to the state for the election.

Egbetokun epitomizes the deep seated challenge with having strong institutions in the polity. His oath of office to uphold the rule of law and maintain order ranks second to doing what will please his boss even when such directives undermine the independent status of a state that like others ceded some of its powers to the government at the centre. If there was any proof that the proposed bid to hand over state council elections to Aso Rock’s INEC is a brazen attempt at state capture, the failed attempts by Abuja to hand over Rivers State to their post boy on power grab, Nyesom Wike, will threaten democracy in Nigeria has demonstrated it.

Yes, state electoral commissions organize sham elections, but they took it from INEC’s playbook. If INEC decides to play by the rule and organize credible elections, the states will follow suit. Abuja cannot impose the do-what-I-say-and-not-I-do doctrine. This is still a federal republic despite its numerous imperfections.