Need For “ffkism” To Be Introduced Into School Curriculum, And Instructively Taught From Insightful Perspective

With the recent defection of former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), still being discussed across every media outlet, there is no denying the fact that his brand of defection, or rather cross-carpeting which is quirky as it is nomadic in nature is unarguably a subject that is certainly on everyone’s mind. Even though politics can be described by children (and some adults) as boring and confusing, it is a fundamental part of the Nigerian society we live in. Against the foregoing backdrop, it means we all should have a basic understanding of why he chose to be a political nomad. Without resort to idolizing him, it is expedient to suggest in this context that his political shenanigan is inadvertently evolving to a political concept that can best be described as “FFKism” that need to be introduced into school curriculum, and be instructionally taught from insightful perspective.

The three reasons why this writer thinks “FFKism”should be encouraged to be taught in schools cannot be farfetched as Nigeria cannot afford to allow future leaders emulate his brand of politics which in whichever way it is analyzed from is nauseating.

If there is any reason why this view should not to be ignored with a mere wave of the hand, it is certainly democratic politics has since 1999 come to stay with us, and it is not going anywhere anytime soon. With our children being the generation of tomorrow, it’s important they are taught to understand how to eschew from the plethora of political shenanigans which FFK has over the years been unashamedly exhibiting. Without this basic knowledge there is a huge danger of the future generation being misled to be erroneously thinking that literarily prostituting from one political party to the other is normal.

In fact, discouraging children from emulating political nomads, such as FFK, can be made interesting and have long-term benefits by introducing “FFKism” as a topic of study to them. Too often, information just describes phenomena with no clear path of what to do with it. But the best insights reveal behaviors or phenomena and point to solutions or ideas. And because insights are grounded in human needs and desires, they lead to ideas that create value in people’s lives. Not only should the subject, “FFKism” be introduced into school curriculum, it should also be instructively taught from insightful perspective.

The reason for advocating that the subject should be instructively be taught from insightful perspective cannot be farfetched as the purpose is to ensure that it connects head and heart knowledge-information plus inspiration. Too often, information just describes phenomena with no clear path of what to do with it. But the best insights reveal behaviors or phenomena and point to solutions or ideas. And because insights are grounded in human needs and desires, they lead to ideas that create value in people’s lives.

It is not an exaggeration to say that not few subjects in the realm of social sciences have great information about people’s behavior; but they hardly offer students insight into why certain nauseating behavior is repeatedly exhibited to the detriment of the society. Against the foregoing backdrop, the subject should be able to make students understand why FFK is a political nomad as he has cross-carpeted back and forth between APC and PDP.

From the perspective of this writer’s understanding, Political Nomadism is way of life of any politician who do not committedly and loyally remain in any given party as an affiliate but move cyclically or periodically. It is distinguished from cross carpeting, which is noncyclic and involves a total change of party. Political Nomadism does not imply unrestricted and undirected wandering; rather, it is based on temporary stopover whose stability depends on the availability of what he or she can get; and in most cases, monies.

It is expedient “FFKism” is developed as a subject, introduced into the curriculum, and in turn teach the leaders of tomorrow what it entails for them to eschew the brand of politics. It will no doubt benefit anyone that studies the topic as it will shed more light onto the social nature of FFK, and compel them not to emulate him even as it will also provide critical insight and perspective to the solution of such political problems.

There is no denying the fact that grasping the subject will make our future leaders understand the dynamics of why a politician of his status would stoop so low by jettisoning ideological force, and resort to defecting to another party merely for selfish end. One may not be wrong that his defection to APC was propelled by the assurance he might have gotten from those he might have associated with in the party, and who might have equally assured him that he stands a better chance of cutting a larger chunk of the proverbial national cake by being a member of the party.

Ostensibly demonstrating the fact that FFK is a notorious nomadic defector, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Emeka Kalu, said on Saturday that the party would not lose sleep over the defection of former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement issued in Lagos, the former PDP governorship aspirant in Abia State, said the ex-minister’s defection to APC was a good omen for the party.

According to him, no serious Nigerians will take Fani-Kayode seriously putting into consideration his original disposition and criticism of APC as an “association of evil men in Nigeria.”

Kalu said: “Inasmuch as cross carpeting and party-jumping among Nigeria politicians along personal interest have become a norm, one cannot, but wonder the place of integrity, honour and conscience, especially at a time the nation needs men of integrity, pedigree and astute character that do not flow with the wind as fair-weather political hunters.

“Mr. Fani-Kayode is known to be a politician focused on his gains rather than the growth of PDP or the wellbeing of Nigeria at large.

“This is the only reason why a man will, after condemning APC, terming her ‘a gathering of evil men,’ still turns around to lick his vomit without honor. The party should lose no sleep over his defection.

“One of the qualities that set PDP apart is integrity and purpose. Therefore, it will not be a good breeding ground for fair-weather, insincere politicians whose only purpose is personal gains.

“I am not surprised at the defection of this particular President Muhammadu Buhari attacker. But, I am bemused that the same man that said APC is evil and shouted the suffering of the Nigerian masses to the rooftops, caused by the same APC, could suddenly turn around to join the same men to dine, not even another party. That tells you all you need to know.

“It is clear that one of the problems we have been experiencing in PDP is a case of betrayal within, respectable and valued men whose loyalty lies without. It is a good thing that such men are leaving PDP to their destination to give room for fresh air.”

Be that as it may, there is an urgent need for “FFKism” to be introduced into school curriculum, and instructively taught from insightful perspective as a way of saving future leaders from emulating his disgusting political style.