Absurdity in the Domain of Power -By John Kokome

The events of the past week in the US could be likened to Samuel Beckett’s Theatre of the Absurd. Using prominently “absurdity” as the central theme of his message. Power we know corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

The world was taken aback recently, when it experienced one of the most bizarre political scenario at the famous US Capitol Hill, a building renowned for housing the hallowed chambers of both the Senate and House of Representative. History was made not for good, but for the invasion by hoodlums believed to be supporting the failed re-election bid of President Donald Trump for a second term in office which he unfortunately lost to Sen. Joe Biden now President-Elect.

On January 6, 2021 a day representatives were to meet to formalize, the presidential election results, rioters believed to be supporting President Donald Trump in a bid to overthrow President-Elect Joe Biden’s electoral victory stormed the Capitol smashing windows to gain access to the hall. A woman was reportedly fatally injured and a police officer lost his life from injuries sustained while confronting the rioters. Three others also died in the Capitol area due to medical emergencies during the mayhem. Political observers around the world did not hesitate to condemn the dastardly act, which has dinted the sanctity and the political credential of the US before the international community. Many have argued that an invasion of such magnitude would have a damning effect on the democratic credentials of the country.
The US is seen by many countries in the world as the greatest advocate of democratic principles and a beacon of hope to the survival of democracy in the world. The invasion is not only a desecration to the America-State, but also a slap to lovers and promoters of democracy across the world. However, the unfortunate incident has laid a very dangerous precedent for tyrants and dictators who want to hang on to power at all cost.

To say that a sitting President of the United State of America would by his action and inaction encourage an act of insurrection in the state leaves much to be desired of the entire macabre dance that played out at the Capitol. The America people must rise up now to correct this anomaly for posterity sake. Political leaders must understand that power is transient and that the kind of legacy you leave behind would be counted for or against you. Just like a game of soccer you win some, you lose some, you can never be a winner all the time, and the same is applicable to politics. Politicians must learn to play by the rules of the game.

I join the rest of the world to condemn the shameful and despicable action of the mob. There must be sanction for bad behaviour to serve as a deterrent to others who may want to attempt it in the future; ugly history must never repeat itself again.

With less than 10 days to stay in office, President Trump might go down history as the first American President to be impeach from office twice and subsequently removed from office few days to the expiration of his first term in office.

There are moves by the House of Representatives led by Speaker, Nancy Pelosi to invoke the relevant sections of the constitution, to either compel Vice President Mike Pence, to invoke Article 25 of the constitution to declare the President incapable of holding office, and if that move fails, they might be looking at the option of commencing impeachment proceedings against the President. Whichever way the pendulum swings the last few days in office of Donald Trump promises to be interesting with so many intrigues to go with it.

With Vice President Mike Pence, politely turning down the request by the speaker for him to invoke Article 25 to remove the president from office. The legislatures would obviously explore the last and only option left to them, which is to commence an impeachment proceeding against the president.

Whether President Trump would survive the move and be allowed to complete his term in office or he will be unceremoniously removed from office events of the coming days would tell.

John Kokome
A Communications Strategist & Public Affairs Analyst
writes from Lagos
kokomejohn@yahoo.com