Nigel Hughes has recently been elected by the Alliance for Change (AFC) party, marking another chapter in his opportunistic political career. Hughes, a figure known for his cunning maneuvers, often presents himself as cleverer than the People’s National Congress (PNC) party led by Aubrey Norton. However, the reality is far from the grandiose image he tries to project.
Despite Hughes’ grand claims, the actual support for the AFC under his leadership is dismal. The party struggles to muster more than five thousand votes across the entire country. Yet, the AFC has the audacity to assert that it boasts over 50,000 supporters in Guyana allegedly. This is a blatant exaggeration if not an outright lie. In truth, the AFC has little to offer the PNC in terms of votes or influence, a fact that should make us question Hughes’ credibility.
Hughes seems to relish the idea that the PNC would reject Aubrey Norton as their leader, thinking he could outmaneuver Norton. However, this notion is laughable. Norton, with his solid political acumen, could easily outsmart Hughes. In fact, Norton could metaphorically eat Hughes for breakfast any day, underscoring the political insignificance of the AFC, which is increasingly seen as a dead entity in Guyanese politics. This should reassure the PNC members about their unshakable position.
Hughes’ perception of his influence is inflated. The AFC’s support base is minimal, at best only a few hundred loyalists. Norton must realize that any alliance with Hughes is a waste of time and resources. Hughes’ political posturing and self-importance bring nothing of value to the table.
AFC Leader’s Payroll Connection with ExxonMobil
Moreover, Hughes’ ties with ExxonMobil raise significant concerns about conflict of interest. It is preposterous that a political party leader can represent an oil giant in legal matters without any conflict. ExxonMobil must understand that meddling in Guyanese politics is unacceptable. The days when American multinationals could influence political leaders are long gone. In the 21st century, such influence is neither tolerated nor effective.
Amid growing concerns over potential conflicts of interest involving Nigel Hughes, leader of a political party and partner at a law firm benefiting from Exxon’s payroll, ExxonMobil has dismissed any allegations of impropriety. Alistair Routledge, President of ExxonMobil Guyana, was questioned on Tuesday about Hughes’ dual roles. Routledge responded, “That’s not the right question for the day, but I would say we comply with all laws and regulations here and internationally. So, we don’t believe we have any conflict of interest or any issues.”
However, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo sharply rebutted ExxonMobil’s stance, stating, “It was no surprise that the representatives of Exxon took the position that Nigel Hughes is not in conflict with Exxon Mobil. Why would you want to get rid of the leader of a political party in Parliament who is on your payroll and has publicly stated that he will put Exxon’s interest above that of Guyana?”
Dr Jagdeo indicated that the Government of Guyana intends to address the matter directly with ExxonMobil in due course. “Exxon will hear from the Government of Guyana at the appropriate time and place on this matter.”
It would have been appropriate for the President of ExxonMobil (Guyana) to avoid politics and concentrate on Oil and Gas production for his entity.
Norton should be wary of Hughes and question his contributions to the PNC. Hughes’ support is nothing more than a mirage, and Norton should demand tangible proof of any political advantage Hughes claims to bring. This will empower Norton to make informed decisions. If Hughes cannot deliver, Norton should cut ties and seek more reliable allies.
It is clear to everyone that the AFC, under Hughes’ leadership, is as dead as a dodo. Norton must decide whether continuing to associate with Hughes is worth the risk. Hughes’ dream of being selected by the PNC or even becoming president is a fantasy. Without a substantial base of supporters, Hughes’ political aspirations are hollow.
Aubrey Norton should scrutinize Nigel Hughes’ claims and reject any association that does not benefit the PNC. Hughes’ overblown self-importance and lack of natural political backing make him an unreliable and untrustworthy ally. The PNC should prioritize alliances offering genuine support and discard those, like Hughes, who bring empty promises and political hot air.
Aubrey Norton must instill confidence in the PNC’s future by rejecting the fact that the AFC has a considerable vote bank in the country. The AFC has no power base in Guyana. However, AFC will try to convince Aubrey Norton that they are popular, but Aubrey Norton must tell Nigel Hughes to show him a list of his voters. Furthermore, Nigel Hughes will try to convince the PNC hierarchy that he is better than Norton.
This is the beginning of a power struggle within the PNC/AFC to isolate Aubrey Norton. In the coming months, Guyana’s voters will witness the internal fighting between these two coalition parties. It is up to Aubrey Norton to exert his authority against Nigel Hughes, and failing to do so will jeopardize his authority within the PNC party.
Finally, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo defends our democracy by indicating that ExxonMobil must not interfere in our national politics. ExxonMobil’s primary role is to manage oil and gas production in Guyana, not to comment on Guyana politics, and having a Guyana political party leader, Nigel Hughes, on its payroll, is not acceptable to the people of Guyana and its modern democracy.