Tinubu, Saraki, it’s time to settle the scores, by Jacob Ogunseye

The raging differences between the duo of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki may bring a catastrophic end to the All Progressives Congress’s influences and successes if the flame of rivalry is not quickly curtailed. The contributions of the two party chieftains to the successes of the party in the last election were enormous. Tinubu led a major bloc to partner with others, which culminated in the formation of the APC. Saraki joined hands with the renegades of the Peoples Democratic Party already in the fold. This helped immensely in cementing the victory. The combined efforts of these gladiators was key to the election victories of President Muhammadu Buhari and others. The teachings about life is that we are mirrors of one another and that no one is an island

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo said the true force, which propels our endless political disputes, our constant struggles for political advantage. It is often not our burning concern for democracy; it is often our dedication to the principle of the rule of law. Majority of the APC supporters across the world frowned at the callousness of Senator Saraki in his apparent hunger for power that resulted in back stabbing his party men and leaders to enable him emerge as the number three citizen. His calculation was beyond his party; he literally dined with the devil, neglected associates and sacrificed discipline. At the end, the deed was done and he successfully installed a member of the opposition party as deputy. What a ruthless ambition

Nevertheless, though Senator Saraki might have been encouraged by party’s adversaries and personal ego, it is time to give peace a chance towards attaining common goals of change. I keep thinking: we teach children to use dialogue to solve their disputes. We teach them not to hit and fight or bite. We teach them to embrace one another to settle scores. But look at what adults are doing. It is absurd. The comments of Asiwaju Tinubu over the “news” published by one of the country’s tabloid that the duo were planning to derail President Buhari should not be taken lightly. His position is well known and I believe he has the support of the majority, but his continuous acrimony with his party men might be costly.

What APC lacks is communication. If there is no communication, then there is no respect. If there is no compassion, then there is no empathy. If there is no empathy, then there is no forgiveness. If there is no forgiveness, then there is no kindness. If there is no kindness, then there is no honesty. If there is no honesty, then love is lacking. If love is lacking, probably God is. If God doesn’t reside there, then there is no peace. Continuous existence of polarisation in the party will widen the gulf and create barriers. Barriers breed factions, which could be challenging, leading to break-up or collapse of the party. The party can only win in an atmosphere of unity.

No matter the disagreements over positions that had existed between Senators Tinubu and Saraki, even though bitter in nature, yet the purposes and goals for which they fought are clearly understood. Conflict can and should be handled constructively; when it has the potential to benefit those involved in the  relationships. Conflict avoidance is not the hallmark of a good relationship. On the contrary, it is a symptom of serious problems arising from  poor communication.The need to act faster to resolve this conflict is now. The energetic crocodile was once a delicate egg. Party leaders, including President Buhari should not close their eyes; rather, they should strategize to unify these change agents before they wreck  irreparable havoc on the party’s structure.