POLITICS – NOT A DO OR DIE Affair
This commentary is from Ekiti State Ministry of Information and Values
Orientation.
Nigeria was ceded to the British overlords in 1861, which signifies an
indirect invitation of the colonial masters to occupy the territory
called Nigeria with its accompanied humiliation and servitude.
The unbearable condition of the few elites under the selfish leaders
in the early 20s gave birth to agitation for self-government to enable
us use the country’s endowment for the benefit of its people.
The disagreement and misunderstanding between Chief Obafemi Awolowo
and Chief Ladoke Akintola led to the crisis that brewed up in the
Western part of the country and which later turned out to be a
national problem that marked the end of the first Republic in Nigeria.
Politics is described as the science or business of government; the
acquisition of power to lead the people. It is associated mostly
with democratic system of government.
Should politics be a do or die affair under a normal situation?
The enthronement of leaders should primarily be the decision of the
electorates premised on antecedents of the aspirants.
It should be a serious concern to all and sundry to see anybody
willing to represent the interest of the public getting involved in
riots, rigging and other unethical and irresponsible activities.
Government is charged with the responsibility of protecting the lives
and properties of its citizens. Nigeria used to be adjudged one of the
most peaceful countries in the entire continent of Africa before the
advent of various insurgencies such I.S.I.S, Boko Haram amongst
several others that have contributed, in no small measure in
rubbishing the absolute peace that pervade the nations in Africa.
Nigeria is currently preparing for another general elections
originally planned to commence on Saturday, the 6th of February which
has now been extended by one week. So, jettisoning personal interest;
throwing-in the towel by accepting defeat; not ascribing the glory of
success at whatever level of participation to oneself as a party man
but to all Nigerians, amongst others will not only bring about a
successful tenure in office, but will equally bring happiness and joy
amongst the governed.
It is surprising to note that many lives are wasted during election – why?
The idea of wanting to get to positions at all cost which seems to be
a normal thing amongst our politicians should be discouraged.
Unfortunately, when observed critically, it is these unsuspecting
victims of this ugly development that are unnecessarily influenced and
used to kill fellow country men and women before, during and even
after elections. Unfortunately, too, such would never care to ask
themselves where the children of these highly placed politicians are.
‘Omo Olomo la n ran nise de torutoru’. Many of the children of these
highly placed politicians might have been forwarded abroad for
protection.
Nigeria is our own country, existence of different ethnics and
languages notwithstanding – God intentionally place us together to
co-exist and cohabit.
Governments at all levels, without any bias should put necessary
security measures in place to protect all Nigerians during and after
the elections. We should all be reminded of what transpired during the
1983 general election in the old Ondo State when many lives were
unnecessarily wasted on the platform politics. Prevention, they say is
better than cure.
The first and second Republics in Nigeria experienced problems based
on recklessness of our leaders at the time which brought the military
to the scene. Politicians should know that there is still life after
election. They should be more civil during campaign exercises and
always endeavour to put on the toga of ‘Omoluabi’.
Public Servants, artisans and the general public should henceforth
stop unnecessary criticism of people in power as this may trigger off
chaos.
Let all would-be leaders itemize and marshal his or her programme
line up and warm this and themselves into the hearts of both their
followers and the generality of the people with the aim of convincing
them to cast their votes for them.
Parents who value the future of their children should not because of
any short-term or temporary benefit or enjoyment allow them to be
engaged as thugs during any elections. The parents should always
remind themselves, together with their wards that the future of
Nigeria is still very bright and there is every tendency they get to
any height in Nigeria and for this reason they should not toy with or
sacrifice that opportunity on the altar of dirty politics.
To the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),
independence, neutrality, transparency, and integrity should be its
watchwords. The body should eschew any development that may mar the
successful conduct of the forth-coming election in Nigeria
re-scheduled to commence on Saturday, 23rd of February. Nigerians need
free, fair, credible, and transparent election. Electoral
malpractices such as vote buying, ballot snatching, and several other
vices associated with elections should be resisted.
Politicians should inculcate the habit of give and take;
winner-takes-all syndrome should be discouraged. The desire to serve
the people should be uppermost in their hearts. Let us all guide
against previous pitfalls in order to secure and guarantee a better,
dignified, reliable and dependable future for all.
