THISDAYonline

When like an insidious ailment, news of the death of the late Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the federation, Chief Bola Ige was brought to the door-steps of Nigerians on the 23 of December last year, one of the issues that came to the fore of political discourse was whether or not his demise, though excruciatingly painful, would be an issue for possible consideration when the country would usher in a new dispensation, particularly in this part of the country, South-west. The reason for that was not just ostentatious, but because the people of the South-west geo-political zone are known with a style, especially when it comes to the realms of politics.

Again, the question was imperative when circumstances surrounding the death of the late Justice Minister was daily becoming controversial and every group, individual that mattered were also recriminating one another over who was actually responsible for the death of the former governor of old Oyo State. Even the Ooni of Ife, Olubuse Sijuade II was not spared in the filth. But what however gave credence to that notion was the statement allegedly made by the Osun State governor, Bisi Akande that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was behind the gruesome killing of Ige. He would not stop at that. He added that Ige would be an issue in next elections and that no matter what the PDP does, it would not clinch victory in the state, come 2003. At that point, many political observers began to look at the death of Ige as a possible factor in 2003, even though the PDP leadership would dismiss such.

It is four years now that "Hope 93" gave up the ghost shortly after taking the "Abuja Tea". His death automatically put an end to the predicament the country was going through- crisis, strike, sanctions etc. He died a month after his tormentor, Late Gen. Sani Abacha left for the great beyond. It was a mixture of sorts: thesis, anti-thesis and synthesis of political events. Human rights activists, rights groups, non-governmental organisations and the entire civil society protested and sought for justice. But all these are perceptibly fizzling out of fashion. The hoot about the name; Abiola, is perhaps, no longer in vogue in terms of political relevance. In fact, it is not as significant to people as June 12 that Abiola literally died for. Though, the two go hand-in-hand, certainly not Abiola alone as a deceased.

Nothing could possibly confirm this than the Sunday celebration of the demise of Abiola. Some people barely recalled it was four years that the man died for democracy as he is being described. Even those who were at the fore-front of the struggle then would think there was no need to celebrate Abiola if June 12 is celebrated. The zeal was no longer there. Fatigue had set in, diminishing return had taken its turn. Yet, Abiola remain dear to the heart of many. He remains, even in death, a benefactor to many. Lives of some people would have been a thing of history should Abiola not have come into such lives. He was practically everywhere. A philanthropist of worth with largely unmatchable humanitarian gesture.

Ironically, all these would translate to nothing in 2003. Abiola's name might neither be a moving nor a determining factor in the forth coming general elections. While it is expected that the name- Bola Ige would shake, intimidate, motivate and possibly elicit passion of eligible and prospective voters in Osun State and its neigbouring states, the name- Abiola may still not achieve that feat.

In 1999, a combination of Abiola's death, the unjustifiable annulment of June 12 and the then Clout of Afenifere, a pan Yoruba socio-political group whose relevance is gradually dwindling signalled success. It meant so much at the mention of the name (Afenifere) and almost everything could possible scale through. But intense political rivalry seemed to have prevailed and dumped in the trash, all the sentiments associated with the political past of the South-west. This has become keen and rife to the extent that the name of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo will hardly make an impact. If any, it would be very insignificant. The style of the game has changed and the trend has left behind sentiments but embraced constructive issues.

Poignantly though, the shift in the trend is contingent to a large extent, on the argument over what name and emotion have earned the people and that should the style still holds sway, what will the future look like. Even as it seems that the name of the justice minister may play some fast one on the people, that is hinged on its recency; the value may not last though.

In the light of these therefore, the 2003 general elections would not entertain any such emotion as displayed in previous elections. People and issues with prema face backings would determine what. Nigerians would ask questions, the people of the South-west would seek answers to certain issues. It is true that the Yoruba have a thick skin and tend to go towards a direction they choose to, but such would not condone factors as sentiment and names that would not translate to fortune would make no impact. It would be purely an intellectual warfare and the those endowed with wisdom and intelligence that can make the people and meet their needs would have their ways.

Nonetheless, the memories and good works of Abiola would remain indelible in the artery of the nation's body polity. It will continue to be a reference point and generations unborn would be told stories of how the June 12 elections were cruelly cancelled and Abiola, silently killed. But the name Abiola, may neither be a factor nor an issue in 2003.