IGBO, MARGINALISATION AND VICTIM MENTALITY

KRESTAN UKAH

As the race for 2019 general elections is getting set, political zones, vested interests of different shades and colours, races and tribes are directly and indirectly mobilising for the all important exercise. Ambitions and aspirations are being articulated towards achieving future relevance.

From all indications, Ndigbo seem to be gearing up toward our usual political trademark – delusion and shadow chasing. One can discern from body languages, actions and inactions of the Igbo political elite that Ndigbo in PDP are not prepared to upgrade their near traditional second fiddle political ambition.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) few weeks ago concluded its elective convention where the position of the National Chairman was thrown open to all the Southern states. The Igbos in PDP did not consider it expedient to vie for the post. Attempt in most cases is no crime but can be recognised as a matter of seriousness and commitment. Instead of any show of interest in the exalted position, we know that Ndigbo in PDP are anxiously angling their usual noncompetitive and most of the time useless positions as “deputies”.
In the words of Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, “The Vice President, in Nigeria political setting, is merely a political vulture who waits to feed from the carcass of The President, if he dies. But in Nigeria, a president never TRULY dies. That leaves the Vice politically castrated”.

We keep on crying and blaming others for our self inflicted political woes but refusing to demonstrate seriousness when it matters. We always fail to realise that a victim mentality is a prolonged form of self-destruction, a.k.a suicide. Those individuals and their zones who attempted getting what belonged to every member of the PDP from the South will command respect and regard than those who were nonchalant and timid about their right. Byron Katie said, “As long as you think that the cause of your problem is “out there” –as long as you think that anyone or anything is responsible for your suffering –the situation is hopeless. It means that you are forever in the role of victim that you’re suffering in paradise”.

In every political contest like any human contest, a winner must emerge. But history records those who are part of the culture of competition in the electoral process. It is the civilisation of electoral competitiveness that yields dividends in democratic process. Sitting on the fence waiting for the second fiddle position is therefore a lazy approach to politics. And this is the bane of Ndigbo in PDP.

The victim mindset dilutes the human potential. By not accepting personal responsibility for our circumstances, we greatly reduce our power to change them. The constitutional framework allows individuals, states, and zones to attempt anything aimed at ensuring competitive democratic processes. What you get as a nonchalant party man/woman is a meaningless and useless gesture from an equal partner. Ndigbo should not be repeating the same thing all over and be expecting different results.

The second fiddle (Deputies) ambition is no longer feasible if we must stop the perceived marginalization of Ndigbo. Rochas Okorocha has in the past contested twice in the primaries against Buhari. He is respected and acknowledged as a faithful party man, and when he talks APC listens. Ndigbo must choose to deal with injustice humanely and break the chains of negative thoughts and energies, and not let themselves sink into them.

To our numerous “Deputy infested” Igbo political elite in all the political parties, make it a New Year resolution to reject this lowly selfish political ambition. It makes you a dog in the manger; it renders you impotent. Politics is about the greater good for the greater number. But your selfish ambition of deputy positions is seriously retarding the political and economic progress of Ndigbo. The time to beat a retreat and change is now!

Krestan Ukah writes from Lagos.