NIGERIAN POLITICS: THE LUCKILY LUCKIES, LUCKILY UNLUCKIES AND THE UNLUCKIES

 By: Ekeledo Kelechi Hart 

If you are conversant with people and politics in Nigeria, you will agree that some people  are luckily lucky, some  luckily unlucky while others are not just lucky.

Examples of the three categories are hereby delineated below. (Note, this is base on observations and personal opinion of the writer).

LUCKILY LUCKY

1. Chief Olusegun Matthew Aremu Obasanjo.

He needs no introduction. Arguably the most favoured politician in Africa. Twice, he has been the number one citizen of the most populous back nation. First as a uniform man, second as elected. And all recorded a huge success. Failure has never known him as he retired
from active politics without losing any election bid. He has also seated and unseated Presidents and Governors. Best still, he is alive, hearty and healthy. What an uncommon favour.

2. Chief Theodore Ahamefule Orji.

After 35 years of service in the Abia State civil service, he stepped into politics having been appointed a Chief of Staff by  the then Abia State Governor, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu. He didn't end there as many others did, but grace not only  sustained him till the whole eight years at that office, he rose to spend another successful eight years as the Governor of the State and now a serving Senator. Never for once has he lost any political bid. It's a record yet to be broken. Whatever method he uses, he is just lucky.

3. Asiwaju Bola Aremu Tinubu.

He started active politics as a Senator in 1993. governed the  most commercial state in Africa  for eight years (1997-2007) amid persecutions. Currently, he remains the most relevant politician in the country having seated  and unseated many governors and even a serving President. Failure fears him greatly.

4. Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi.

His strong will and stubbornness have been a great asset to him politically. Having served out a two-term as the Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Amaechi almost effortlessly became the Governor the same State which he completed successfully for eight years. He fought with fire and triumphed, and today he is a super Minister.

5.Sen. Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

A fearless fellow who  has everything working for him, Saraki successful completed his eight year tenure as a Kwara State Governor. He joined the Senate about five years ago and today, he presides over the red hallowed chamber.

LUCKILY UNLUCKY

1. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan

He would have been the luckiest in Nigerian politics had he not lost out in his presidential bid in 2015 elections. Simply put, he'd always got the best without any contest. From Deputy Governor to Governor to Vice President and to President, that's Goodluck.

2.Chief Ikedichi Pius Ohakim

He came into the political limelight in 1992 when he appointed the Commissioner  of Commerce, Industry and Tourism,   Imo State from 1992 to 1993 under Governor Evan Enwerem. He didn't last in that seat due to military intervention. He once again returned to Imo State government house in 2007, this time  as the Governor. But he ran out of luck when he was defeated by opposition party in the 2011 Governorship election.

3. Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu.

In business, he is certainly a successful man but in politics, he has ceased to be have made two unsuccessful attempts to his Senatorial bid.

4. Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'Adua.

He was very lucky, but sickness and death made him unlucky.

5. Prince Abubakar Audu.

He was one man that knew the nooks and crannies of Kogi State Government House having been there twice. First from 1992-93. Second in 1999-2003 . He was on course for his third journey there until death snatched him away at the 11:59 hour.

NOT LUCKY.

1. Alhaji Nuhu Ribadu.

Arguably, his achievements as the EFFC boss till date remain unparalleled. Yet, he is a political failure. A onetime presidential candidate, Ribadu was instrumental to the formation of the APC Party but due to gross political miscalculations, he left the party for PDP. Consequently, he lost his govornorship bid with the PDP.

2. Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha.

From 1999 to 2005 he was fortunate enough to govern Bayelsa State. After then, he remained unlucky till death.

3. David Oluwafemi Adewunmi Abdulateef Fani-Kayode.

He is a good beneficiary of Federal political appointments having served as Special Assistant and later, a Minister to the President Obasanjo. He was with the APC from the start, but like Mallam Ribadu, he dumped the party for PDP and met his political woes there.

4. Hon. Oladimeji Sabur Bankole.

A once time Speaker of Federal House of Representatives, he lost his bid to retain his constituency seat for the second time at the Federal House. Since then, he has remain politically irrelevant.

5. Senator Ifeanyi Ararume.

He has made several attempts to govern Imo State but all to no avail.

Disclaimer: The Management and Staff of KamReports will not be held responsible for views expressed in this article. They are opinions and original work of the Writer alone without alterations or editing.