The desperate desire by the Presidency in Abuja to shut Bayelsa State governor, Timipreye Silva, out of next year's governorship election in the state is nothing new in politics. As a matter of fact, his punishment is coming too late. Thank goodness that it is not the former garrison commander, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo that is involved.

One very paramount thing that we are yet to come to terms with, when it comes to power game is that political sins are never forgiven. Even if Goodluck Jonathan is good enough to overlook Silva's' sins' against him when he stood alone in the rain as Vice President, Dame Patience Jonathan would not be patient enough to forgive him. Moreover, the president would need a perpetual loyalist to ensure that he is treated like the Commander -in- Chief that he is, on home front.

The pains and humiliation of a seating president not enjoying the loyalty of his home governor is too much of a risk for Jonathan to take.

The actions of Abuja in this whole saga, is simply to protect its interest, which is the hallmark of politics. Mr. President cannot afford rebellion from his own home in the face of growing instability around the country. So power must be used effectively or we should have no business being in power. According to Machiavelli, a Prince should not mind incurring the charge of cruelty for the purpose of keeping his subjects united and faithful. No body, born of a woman, except a coward would allow himself to be boxed into a corner, when you have an enormous power such as is available to the president.

Come to think of it, how popular is Silva in Bayelsa State? And what is his performance rating? Instead of crying over spilt milk, he should, if he is popular enough, decamp to any of the numerous political parties, the same way Isa Yuguda, decamped to the All Nigeria's People's Party (ANPP), when he was denied the ticket of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), in the prelude to the 2007 general elections. He won. Or Olusegun Mimiko, who defied Aso Rock, left the PDP, joined Labour Party and won Ondo state governorship.

If Sylva thinks he enjoys the backing of majority of Bayelsans, Bayelsa elders or Goodluck Jonathan notwithstanding, he would overcome.

One question we must answer is this: Supposing Jonathan lost the presidency due to lack of support from his home governor during the succession palaver, how would we have explained that? If the counsel of Niccolo Machiavelli is any guide, Silva's political sins in that scenario would deserve political amputation.

Governor Silva's fate is also a serious lesson for other politicians and non-politicians alike. No one knows tomorrow. So, if you are digging a hole so that Hamman would fall into, please dig am jeje, incase na you go fall inside.

umm, no forgiveness in politics, one of my prof, usually, say there's no forgiveness with amnesia, but why are some people so vindictive
your nemesis would always catch up with you,