Diaspora Denial Of Political Positions In Their Locality

EZEH  WILLIAMS

 It is disheartening that Nigerian politicians see politics and political positions as a form of inheritance meant for a particular group of people, and this mentality has been in existence before independence.  

At all levels, the political elites use their positions to gather wealth, popularity and live a life of affluence, leaving the downtrodden, who originally ought to be the first on their priority list. They use them during the elections for thuggery, snatching of ballot boxes, destruction of lives and properties etc, but later abandon them by the road side still living in poverty.  To bring a change, some of the indigenes in Diaspora signal their interest in running for public offices but are often denied their rights to contest by some “political godfathers” and cabals.  

Sometime ago, on a trip back from the United Kingdom, i met one of those individuals yearning for a change and security in the political system by name Sir Obina Francis Chukwunyere, who sat by me on the flight. This gave me an opportunity to discuss with him and there he revealed to me his plans and dreams for his people when elected into public office. As a knowledgeable business man, as a man with a good heart and vision for his people, it was disheartening that he was denied this opportunity of service to his people and this wasn’t just a case peculiar to him, other responsible and well meaning individuals such as Mr. Chimezie Isiuku residing in USA aspiring for IMHA for Njaba, Dr. Alex Nabou residing in USA aspiring for a position at the Federal House and of course Sir Francis Chukunyere residing in Canada aspiring for IMHA were all totally denied. 

These are people with diverse experiences in nation building and unity but were unfortunately sidelined without respect for their previous efforts and contributions in the development of their communities. When they are needed for developmental projects, they are called upon and remembered and after endless commitments and sweat in ensuring they perform what is expected of them and success is achieved, they throw them away and refer to them as foreigners, whereas when it is for contributions, they refer to them as sons of the soil.

The local politicians never allow their selfless ambitions to see the light of day; they play blind to their humanitarian efforts such as free health checks, donations to hospitals and schools. 

 These home based politicians are aware of the fact that Nigerians in Diaspora are well groomed; they have seen the world and their experience is what they aim to bring back to base with all selflessness, tirelessness and integrity in delivering their duties. But unfortunately the home based politicians decide to pin them to the corner and label them “foreigners” and brainwash indigenes from voting for them. This unfortunate occurrences must be addressed else at a particular time, those in Diaspora will stop contributing to the development of their localities.  

To recapitulate, there is a popular saying that what is good for the goose is good for the gander, therefore, everyone should be given a fair chance to participate, be it resident or those in Diaspora,  inorder to move to a higher level of development.