BETWEEN IKYANGE AND KYENGE: A Classic Display Of Leadership Failure

By Orshi Daniel

Last Tuesday, the political health of the 8th Benue State House of Assembly was nearly thrown into coma following unrest on the floor of the Assembly as reported by both the print and electronic media.

The main actors were the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange and Hon. Dr. Kester Terna-Kyenge, member representing Logo State Constituency. Whatever the reason or reasons for the altercation and subsequent fracture of legislative business for that day was, it is becoming increasingly obvious that the House is courting the dark side of history. For the purpose of emphasis, the House leadership under the Speakership of Terkimbi Ikyange is currently battling with the badge of corruption arising from discrepancies noticed in the purchase of vehicles for members. In saner climes, the leadership of the House should have resigned their positions pending the outcome of investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and possible prosecution.

 But here in Nigeria, the love for power defeats the twin pillars of morality and civility. While the Ikyange led leadership is hanging onto power in a rather stubborn and arrogant manner, the leadership of the governing All Progressives Congress in Benue State is deliberately deaf and blind to the show of shame presently playing out in the APC controlled Assembly. The opposition People’s Democratic Party which occupies the Deputy Speakership is likewise culpable in this regard. These parties should have impressed it on their members involved in the financial scandals to honourably resign their positions.

 However, where there is leadership failure, serious issues of this nature are reduced to the level of individuals and political affiliations. The only way out of the imbroglio is for the two leading political parties in the state, the APC and PDP to offer leadership with the sole aim of entrenching democratic ethos. It is neither Ikyange nor Kyenge, it is all about the sanctity of the institution of the legislature and democracy.