The last time I checked, just like most other states across Nigeria and the country in general, political power would unarguably be changing hands in Imo on this day being May 29, 2019.
At the moment, every dick and harry domiciled in Nigeria, Imo in particular, is apparently well informed concerning how critical the current state of the nation is, especially as regards the political circle.
The Nigerian 1999 Constitution, as amended, boldly stipulates that every elected political leader in the country shall reign in his/her office for a period of four years, upon which fresh elections would be conducted by the electoral umpire to usher in another set of elected leaders.
Since the commencement of the Fourth Republic in 1999 with the emergence of Chief Achike Udenwa as the first democratically-elected Governor of the Eastern Heartland in the said era, the State would be witnessing its fifth interregnum today, meaning literally that the ongoing republic has graciously clocked twenty.
The fourth interregnum saw the enthronement of Chief Rochas Okorocha as the fourth democratically-elected Governor in this era for a second term in office. This 5th power transition is ushering in Chief Emeka Ihedioha as the fifth elected Executive Governor of the State in the 4th republic.
The Udenwa’s administration was predicated on “Redemption” mantra. Subsequently, that of Chief Ikedi Ohakim was centered on “Clean and Green Initiative”. Whilst that of Okorocha was based on “Rescue Mission’ mantra. The just enthroned Ihedioha’s government is reportedly going to focus on “Restoration”. It’s noteworthy that, in all, what matters to the people is governance.
Nigeria as a country has really gone a long way, both in politics and life generally. Her contemporary democratic system has equally covered a tremendous distance thus far having transcended to the point of witnessing five different interregnums.
Nigeria truly deserves some tangible accolades having proceeded this far and been able to sustain a system of government that’s much and widely celebrated across the global community. She has indeed done novel in the eyes of the discerning onlookers.
But how prepared and keen are the teeming Nigerians, Imolites in particular, to continue enjoying this democracy? This is a question every concerned mind would like to ask. One may equally ask; is democracy actually enjoyable?
The candid answer to the latter is Yes. Democracy is arguably enjoyable in all ramifications, because its elements are unequalled compared to other systems of government. It has been popularly opined in various climes that the worst democracy is better than the best autocracy among others.
Aside the key rudimentary features, such as freedom of speech and what have you, that make a democratic pattern very unique, it’s the only system that imbues the people with the power to enthrone and recall any elected officer, as the case may be.
Beside all these beauties, the greatest of all lies in governance. Democracy ably allocates power to the people to decide the type of governance to be instituted in their respective lands. Hence, institution of good or bad governance mainly depends on the people.
The aforementioned facts indicate that the people possess the power to repulse any despotic government as it pleases them. Several occurrences, both in the past and present, have showcased that the beauty of democracy is unparalleled and unquantifiable.
However, the citizenry cannot smoothly sustain democracy by talking down on their leaders. As much as we perceive unfair or uncalled leadership, it’s as well pertinent to acknowledge that a redress cannot be actualized by tendering destructive criticism or other related reactions.
As Imo witnesses yet another interregnum that’s ushering in Chief Ihedioha, every facet – to include the government, the governed and the onlookers – is expected to keenly and painstakingly embrace a rethink in all their doings towards meaningfully contributing their respective quotas in the days ahead.
The best thing that would happen to any leader is to be widely celebrated while in office and having left the arena. It’s worth noting that no leader can receive such manner of encomium from the followers if he fails to lead sincerely and passionately.
Leadership pays only when the leader extract any element of prank from his day-to-day leadership stride. So, if a certain leader truly wants to be loved by the people, he must endeavour to unconditionally carry everyone along in his scheme of work.
On the other hand, followership equally pays only when the follower extract any form of partisanship in his/her daily doings. It takes the candid efforts of both the leaders and the followers to bring the anticipated good governance.
On their part, the onlookers who may not be citizens of the country or state, as might be the case, are also expected to remain rational and impartial at all times. As they make effort to contribute their quota, they mustn’t come up with anything targeted to disrupt the existing peace or that would bring disunity among the entire citizens/residents.
As Ihedioha comes on board in his leadership of ‘restoration’, I urge him to strictly focus on pertinent and critical issues or matters that would critically help to strengthen the socio-economic base of the Eastern Heartland. He ought to be able to eject sycophants or bad bloods from his team in its entirety.
It’s noteworthy that the state in its entirety is in need of viable policies that would strengthen peace and unity among the overall residents of the state. Anything short of this would be irrational and disastrous.
Similarly, the new governor must equip his caucus with good number of eligible technocrats – who must be truly Imolites – to enable him aptly pilot the craft to the desired destination. He should therefore not hesitate to jettison the ones found to be bad as the journey progresses.
For Imo to get and remain better, we all must be ready to tell ourselves nothing but the truth. So, as I candidly congratulate Mr. Governor for this golden moment as well as wish him well, I enjoin His Excellency to take into cognizance that Imolites are earnestly in need of nothing less than gold.
Hence, he shouldn’t be reminded that the expectations of Imolites are very high, thus the need to concentrate solely on the priorities to the detriment of frivolities. This is a fact the new government mustn’t joke with if it’s truly ready to do the needful.
Chief Ihedioha alongside Engr. Gerald Irona who has hitherto been well informed about the State ought not to be notified of what Imo actually needs at the moment. Think about it!
Comrade Fred Doc Nwaozor, National Coordinator of Right
Thinkers Movement writes via frednwaozor@gmail.com
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