Recent political tempo in Anambra

RECENT POLITICAL TEMPO IN ANAMBRA: MY CANDID NOTE TO ANAMBRARIANS

Brethren, thinking about the future is a form of escapism. And, escapist stories concentrate on pleasant issues and are often intended to entertain an audience rather than involve them in complex or severe themes. Furthermore, an escapist thinks a lot about imaginary things thereby paying less attention to issues at hand. Believe me, there’re more issues attached to life than we presume.

A long life retributive vendetta could be gruesome, but that shouldn’t call for pandemonium among the concerned citizenry, rather, it ought to create an avenue for profound meditation which would surely lead to absolute sanity. Of course, we all know that sanity remains the sole pathway to any proposed societal/individual growth.

Lest I forget, today’s edition focuses solely on Anambra which remains one of the ancient provinces in Nigeria, ‘the giant of Africa’. Currently, the province (state) in question is being faced with high political tempo in line with the forthcoming gubernatorial election scheduled to be held on November 16, 2013.

Few days ago, one of my old time friends who resides in Holland, whom happens to hail from Anambra State called me on phone to verify the exact countenance of the ancient state as regards the aforementioned election. Candidly, albeit humourously, I told him that the state was receiving intense maltreatment from its subjects due to variety of interests.

By origin, I’m from Imo State, or a fully fledged Imolite; but interestingly almost twenty two percent (22%) of my Nigerian friends, if I’m not mistaken, hail from Anambra State, and this was what prompted my innermost motivation to present this piece. Above all, I’ve known right from my childhood, or as a toddler, that Anambra is a neighbouring state to my home state (Imo); thus, both are like sisters from the same mother. In other words, whatever affects either of the states, negatively or positively, has the tendency to affect the other. Let’s ride on!

According to the records lying on the desk of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the election in question would be accommodating four substantive contestants ranging from Chris Ngige, Ifeanyi Uba, Willie Obiano to Tony Nwoye whom are affiliated to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) respectively.

There had been numerous interests amongst the electorates regarding the personalities involved. This attribute is natural due to individual differences, because you shouldn’t expect everyone to dance to the tune of a particular candidate. But, the devastating aspect of these diverse interests phenomenon is that, a lot of the people concerned has chosen to embrace escapism thereby throwing realism to the dustbin.

In some quarters, I learnt the people are not widely in acceptance with the APC which remains Ngige’s political umbrella, whilst some of them believe Uba can trade on them if given the chance because they’re of the view that he possesses the mentality of a typical ‘Igbo’ tycoon who believes his money can acquire anything he desires. On the other hand, a faction believes Obiano is ‘Peter Obi’s boy’ therefore his paramount stride if he becomes the governor would be to protect Obi’s interests which would resurface the evil occurrence of god-fatherism in the state; and above all, it (the faction) sees the candidate (Obiano) as an inexperienced politician. Among all, considering PDP as one of the running parties, most of the electorates are immensely occupied with a view that Nwoye’s emergence as the state’s governor would create another avenue for the party’s reign of impunity as it’s allegedly noted by most Nigerians.

At this juncture, I sincerely urge the entire Anambrarians to wake up from their respective slumbers and embrace reality to the fullness if they truly want a genuine transition in Anambra come November 16. On this note, everyone is expected to pocket his/her selfish desire and reconsider what the state as a whole stands to benefit from anyone who happens to succeed the present governor. Thus, the interest and well-being of the entire state ought to be placed first before any other can come up.

For the above note to be upheld, the electorates must concentrate on individuality of the candidates’ idiosyncrasies, therefore, they’re expected to reason and vote as individualists. They ought to individually, not collectively, access the accomplishments and unique qualities coupled with background of each of the contestants; and while doing this, must not allow him/herself to be influenced by any external force/tool. So, you shouldn’t be an inertia.

Brethren, let’s inculcate the habit of embracing profound meditation especially at this moment of political trial. Don’t be an accomplice, and never you allow that miscreant to succeed. The ball is wholly lying in your court. Mind you, do not be deceived by a façade. Think about it, while I continue praying for Anambra!

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COMR. FRED NWAOZOR
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