public spending and has put the House on a fast lane never experienced before since 1999.
He has the support of a group of lawmakers who have mastered the game of legislative intrigues; a clique with a combination of wit and grit, and a seasoned cabal on the politics of impeachment.

With that formidable backing, the Speaker could begin to count his blessings, but this jubilation should be tempered by the concern that   good money can be used to undo him.
And when it comes to passing round cash to stabilise the House, you may count him   out, because unlike the people that want him out, he lacks those ‘essential skills’.

Making 60% of the ‘big boys’ Chairmen of ‘first rate’ Committees, is not enough, when money moves in. And it happens most times. Money decides the rules of the game. We even hear some Governors from the South West and the South South are putting together “some resources” to line legislative pockets and have the young man removed for refusing to play ball on the heavily indicting power probe report.

You may say allegations of graft in the purchase of vehicles for Committees is bad enough, but politics have a way of hiding graft and unveiling it, depending on what suits the situation.   

Don’t also forget that the ‘old boys’ building a defence around him now may go for the jugular if they see that losing him, wont really mean losing their ‘juicy committees’. It happens. Just check it out for yourself: most of the members still holding their committees today were put there by Patricia Etteh, but quickly crossed camps when the push came to shove, and were retained by Bankole.

And two more things: To be perfectly honest, the Speaker lacks diplomatese and the very necessary political gift of turning enemies to friends. That was the strength of one of his predecessors, Aminu Masari. Take for example: fewer than 50 members contribute to debates on Motions and Bills on the floor, whenever he presides. He keeps recycling the same debate group on the floor ad nauseam.

There is no doubt   that some of the most recognised on the floor like Reps. Emmanuel Jime, C.I.D Maduabum, Ali Ndume, Femi Gbajabiamila, Habib Fasinro and a few others are sound minds with enough clout to deepen our democracy, but o! come off it
Bankole’s politics of recycling and an unwavering belief in a micro clique is a sad reflection of Federal politics, which may prove devastating. The seeming presumption that  majority of members not recognised for contribution on the floor can’t make meaningful contribution is counter-productive.

The other side to look out for in this trying time is the Civil servants. They too are complaining. It has become a routine for them anyway, but it could pay putting an ear to the ground to hear the grunting of an ant.
That said, lets look at the other stories: Despite the controversy raging in the House on the alleged graft in the  380 cars for members or Committees, the Committees are working as hard as never before.

 For example, the House of Representatives Committee on Marine Transport despite odds, is active to make sure Nigerian Ports are dredged to attract business and more money for the Country.
For example twenty-nine years after it was initiated by President Shehu Shagari Administration, the Onitsha Port , among others is yet to be completed due to meager budget earmarks, triggering the anger of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Marine Transport.

Expressing his frustration on Tuesday with the poor state of ports in the Country, the Chairman of the House Committee on Marine Transport, Rep. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi said the House would make sure the trend is reversed.

He said the House Committee and its Senate counterpart would push for the development of ports to be prioritized in subsequent budget allocations for the maritime sector.
He wondered why the Federal Government through its agencies would neglect the dredging of ports that would have served as alternative routes for heavy cargo transportation and in turn boost  the economy of the Country.
“The House of Representatives Committee on Marine Transport feels strongly that the project which started over 29 years ago is yet to be completed.

“We intend to reverse this trend and ensure that this noble project is completed during the Administration of President Umaru Yar’Adua. We want a substantial part of the 2009 budget proposal to be channeled to dredging of the Lower Niger so as to make the inland water ports commercially viable and operational in the spirit of inter-modal system”, Ugwuanyi stated.

The Legislator on behalf of his Committee noted that the “dredging of the lower River Niger would provide the channels for easy movement of vessels and spark a commercial revolution of monumental proportions in the Onitsha Ports and other parts of the Country.”

The Committee which has been one of the most active Committees in the House, has  embarked on a tour of ports in the Country with the view to having them reflected in the 2009 budget.

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