By Okoi Obono-Obla
In my time growing up as a teenager, we loved scholarships, and we had an irresistible urge to acquire knowledge.
We usually chose our mentors from among young people in the community who were noted for academic excellence. It was the era of acclaimed and celebrated writers like Mario Puzo, James Hadley Chase, Harold Robbins, Leon Uris, Wole Soyinka, and Chinua Achebe, to mention but a few.
During the annual vacations, which normally fell in July to September, I remembered that in those good days, we had to live in town to visit one of the divisional government libraries to immerse ourselves in books, journals, and newspapers. This was in order to boast and regale our schoolmates with stories from the books.
One of the most interesting books I’ve ever read is ‘The Godfather,’ written by Mario Puzo and published in 1969. Mario Puzo – 1920-1999 – was an Italian-American author, the son of Italian immigrants.
‘The Godfather’ sold approximately 9 million copies in its first two years of publication.
The novel conveys several messages and themes that resonate with audiences. Some of the most significant include:
•The American Dream: Illusion vs. Reality
The Godfather’ explores the idea of the American Dream, which promises success, wealth, and happiness to those who work hard. However, the story reveals the darker side of this dream, where success is often achieved through violence, corruption, and moral compromise.
•Family and Loyalty:
The novel and its film adaptations emphasize the importance of family and loyalty in the Italian-American Mafia. The Corleone family’s bonds are tested by internal conflicts, external threats, and the moral consequences of their actions.
•Power and Corruption:
‘The Godfather’ portrays the corrupting influence of power and the consequences of seeking and maintaining it. The characters’ pursuit of power and wealth leads to moral decay, violence, and ultimately, destruction.
•Identity and Cultural Heritage:
The story explores the tensions between traditional Italian-American culture and the adoption of American values. The characters’ struggles with their identity and cultural heritage serve as a commentary on the immigrant experience in America.
•Morality and Consequences:
‘The Godfather’ raises questions about morality, guilt, and the consequences of one’s actions. The characters’ choices and actions have far-reaching consequences, leading to a downward spiral of violence, betrayal, and tragedy.
•The Dark Side of Capitalism:
The novel and its film adaptations critique the excesses of capitalism, highlighting the ways in which wealth and power can be accumulated and maintained through ruthless means.
The current crisis in Rivers State illustrates the pernicious effects of godfatherism in politics. A godfather expects absolute loyalty and obedience from their protégés and demands quid pro quo benefits in return, brooking no betrayal whatsoever.
Politicians who strike deals with their political godfathers have a thing or two to learn from the Rivers State saga. Essentially, any benefits they receive from their godfathers are ultimately detrimental, akin to “chalice poison” – something that appears beneficial at first but ultimately causes harm.
This phenomenon is rooted in the culture of godfatherism, where powerful individuals use their influence and wealth to sponsor politicians, expecting loyalty and obedience in return. This can lead to a loss of independence and a prioritization of the godfather’s interests over the greater good.
The consequences of such arrangements can be severe. Godfathers may demand quid pro quo benefits, manipulate election results, and even resort to violence to maintain their control. This undermines democracy, perpetuates corruption, and harms the community.
The Rivers State saga serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the risks of relying on godfathers for political advancement. Politicians would do well to prioritize their integrity, independence, and commitment to serving the people, rather than succumbing to the allure of short-term gains offered by their godfathers.
@Okoi Obono-Obla
