I use to wonder why the Executive-Legislature relationship that was relatively cordial when Professor Yemi Osinbajo was Acting President suddenly turned belligerent immediately President Muhammadu Buhari came back. I still can't pin this dysfunctional relation to anything or anyone. However, my instinct is telling me there are loads of shadows lurking around the nucleus of power that is responsible for the destructive conflicts for selfish and unpatriotic ends.

That aside, the Senate probe on grass cutting contracts in IDP camps provided the goldmine this current regime failed to seize and climb the stellar moral grounds relating to zero tolerance on corruption - the mantra APC used effectively to sell its change slogan to Nigerian voters. But that window was shut by the AGF immediately the portal opened, using complex technicalities on a simple issue that requires pragmatism and street logic. 

It is apparent the matter was swept under the carpet by the Executive as no agency of government is seen to be conducting investigation on such serious issue. But the damage has been done already - more or less, a liability was created which the present regime will have to carry in its books as the image of selective fight against corruption was set to loom large across the political space which could cost the administration dearly in politicking ahead of upcoming electioneering campaign season. The rule of strategy was thus violated: a leader sacrifices the innocent loyalist to protect the core-values of his government - no single person is indispensable.

Had the right choices been made, Dinogate would have provided the opportunity for demonstration of high moral standing and efficacious ammo to cut the morbid overgrowth in the Senate. Dino was and is still Senate President Saraki pitbull in the Red Chamber. He has size and physique ripe for a bully, violent mien to settle misunderstanding through fisticuffs and verbal kalashnikov to assult, denigrate and silence opponents. These he effectively used to protect his benefactor and intimidate his oga's ardent and vociferous rivals. The case of Senator Remi is still a point of reference. It is no brainer that Saraki is vulnerable whenever Dino is taken out or otherwise subdued - many Senators could actually find their voices and bravery anytime the 'rottweiler' is caged away in a safe distance; some could even join forces to cause a tsunami that's capable of effecting regime change in the Senate.

But then, that's not gonna happen anytime soon. The Red Chambers is presently smouldering from the inferno ignited by attacks from the Executive and this time around, they are going for something big i.e. the temporary government shutdown. As insignificant as this may look, it is symbolic and could open floodgates of confrontations which would ground government business - the 2017 Budget laid before NASS last year is already a casualty. Succeses would engender boldness and propensity to become more daring. 

One of the ways out is raproachment, confidence and trust building and cessation of hostilities. Between, it is one APC government. And even if the President is not running for second term, he should be seen to take active interest in politics, unite the party and breathe life into its organs to function effectively in order for him to have a relatively cohesive platform for transition and consolidation of his legacy. 

But time is of essence; meanwhile, the Senate is deep in its quest to explore new grounds and each 'victory' emboldens the Saraki camp.