OPINION: Learning From ‘Ndi’ Anambra

BY RAYMOND OISE-OGHAEDE

It is no longer ‘hot news’ that the incumbent governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano has been voted-in for the second term in the recently concluded gubernatorial election. However, there are lots of lessons embodied in that exercise which are very necessary to be shared with the citizenry.  

As an analyst, I critically review issues and situations with the objective of identifying substances relevant for educating and sensitizing the people towards nation building. This is aimed at disabusing their minds from the destructive postulations and commentaries of ‘notice-me critics and agents of doom’ whose stock in trade is to promote hatred and mistrust in the society. Thus, it will be a disservice to Ndi Anambra and other well meaning Nigerians if the benefits inherent in this seemingly ‘cold news’ are not emphasized and used to prick the political consciousness of the people.

Though, the exercise was limited to the state, its importance to the sustenance of democracy and unity in the country cannot be overemphasized. The people made clear-cut and very strong political statements that deserved commendations and emulations.

Foremostly, they showed high level of decorum by conducting themselves orderly before, during and after the election that has been generally and overwhelmingly adjudged as free and fair. This feat is very commendable considering the fact that there were threats of violence from some quarters in the days preceding the exercise. Today, the election has entered the history of our democracy as one of the freest and fairest. In my opinion, the Ministry of Information and other relevant agencies ought to have used the opportunity to commend the people for the high level of orderliness and maturity exhibited in order to encourage other electorates across the country to take a cue for future exercises. Though, it is still not too late to do the needful, we should learn to always do the right things at the right times. It will require very minimal resources to put up media adverts and announcements in this regard compared to, the high costs and huge resources that would have been needed to calling the people to order and restoring peace if they had chosen otherwise.

Interestingly also, the outcome of the election is an indication that the people are not pushovers when it comes to taking electoral decisions. This is so, in view of the fact that in the build up to the exercise, various permutations were made and a large number of political jobbers and puppets predicted that power must change hands. They hinged their predictions on some imaginary factors and the intimidating influence/presence of the ruling parties at the center/region. All these were thrown into the trash can by the bravery and resoluteness of the people. They voted for the performances of the incumbent governor and his tendencies to do more. In as much as it is very important to mention at this point that, the action of the people does not necessarily implied that the other contestants are not capable of doing well if given opportunity, the electorates simply and consciously decided to stick to the ‘human` they know, rather than the ‘angels’ they did not know. They instinctively opted for the continuity of the visible good works on ground rather than the promises of heaven and earth (which might eventually not be fulfilled) from the other contestants. Today, it is a clear testimony that Ndi Anambra are more politically conscious and stable than most of us who blindly rely on directives from god fathers and money bags to take political decisions. This is obviously a show of good decision making and it is a message to politicians that the people can decipher laudable developmental projects and achievements from mere promises. It is also a clarion call on the electorates across the country to wake up from their slumbers and take their destinies in their hands.

Furthermore, the people also proved that they have faith in the Nigerian-State and that they would rather remain an integral part of the country than toe the line of disintegration. In spite of threats of violence and calls for boycott; they decided to heed the nation’s call of patriotism by trooping out in their numbers to perform their civic responsibilities. This gesture is a call on the federal government to beam its searchlight of developmental presence on the state. It shows that the people are committed to the Nigerian-Project and as such; they should be accorded all necessary encouragement to always feel at home in their country of origin.

Some people would wonder why this should be the case when they did not vote-in the candidate of the APC, but, the fact remains that APGA is also a registered and recognized  political party and the people have the right of choice. As a result, the central government is expected to be neutral in their relationship with every state within the federation otherwise; there would always be outcries of marginalization which will constitute unnecessary distractions. It is only a non-progressive central government that will be biased against any state within the federation on the basis of political differences.

Most importantly, I want to use this medium to say a BIG CONGRATULATIONS to Governor Obiano for this landmark achievement. You have shown how best to give the people their fair share of dividends of democracy by the so much you were able to achieve over the years. This feat is a strong message to all political office holders that, it pays to serve the people dedicatedly. My advice to you is to see this renewed mandate as a fresh challenge from the people to ameliorate on your good works. Give attention to all the local government areas according to the priority of their needs and not according to the number of their votes at the election. Good a thing, you won in all the local governments so, there should be no basis for discriminations. You should also endeavour to continue in your unification strides towards making the state the toast of the south-east in particular and, the nation in general.

Finally, this review will not be complete without also saying a BIG THANK YOU to Ndi Anambra for a job well done. You are indeed the pride of Ndigbo. You have proved to the world that you are well meaning citizens that deserved to be seen, heard and respected in the country`s  political calculations. You have shut the mouths of `notice-me critics and agents of doom`  . You have set a standard for other electorates across the country to wake up from their slumbers.  Posterity will surely remember you for good.

To the politicians and well meaning people of the south-east,  the Ndi Anambra have laid the foundation upon which the region should build its political empire and be a force to be reckoned with in the mainstream of the country`s politics. It is the surest way to socio-economic and political emancipation; LET`S USE IT WELL.

 

Oise-Oghaede is a Public Policy Analyst/Commentator. he writes from Surulere, Lagos and can be reached on 0802 3116867, 0809 9405562.