FELLOW
IMOLITES, WHERE IS IMO HEADED FOR?
By Fred Nwaozor
The last time I checked, it had ostensibly
become imperative for me to come up with the aforementioned question or finding
towards ascertaining what the fate of Imo State entails as we look forward to
embracing the 2019 general elections in its entirety.
It is Ecclesiastes 3 in the Holy Bible that
advises us that “there’s time for everything” under the sun. That very verse is
trying to let us comprehend that whatever we intend to do ought to be done at
the apt time, else we will stand to regret our actions.
It’s on this premise I have thought it wise to
tender this enquiry, having understood that this is the right moment for such a
statement. This implies that my humble and candid question is seriously begging
for not just an answer but a sincere one.
If we
look inwards, we would observe that every dick and harry in the political
corridor is tightening his or her seatbelt with a view to attracting the
people’s support and encouragement as regards the fast approaching polls. In
some quarters, some of these politicos have decided to go spiritual having
perceived that physical means isn’t usually reliable. Please, don’t get my
analysis twisted.
The truth of the matter is that the ongoing
scenario has succeeded in blindfolding some Imolites who had allowed themselves
to be cajoled. It’s even more pathetic and saddening that some citizens of the great
and ancient state are still hell bent not to listen to words of wisdom that are
persistently knocking at their respective doors.
Most
times, people assert that I talk or write not unlike a prophet. The point is
that I invariably ensure I think deeply before commenting on, or analyzing,
anything. This is simply because I have understood strongly that a well thought
actions are often headed for the right direction. So, each time I hide under this
philosophy, people are compelled to believe that I’m a soothsayer.
The above question is not unconnected with the
fact that anyone who belongs to any society or group must regularly be ready to
ask him/herself the direction the association is heading to. Failure to come up
with such finding, I’m afraid, the group in question might fade off without the
knowledge of the member in question.
We must, therefore, always be willing to
ascertain the state or wellbeing of any society we found ourselves towards
enabling us realize what we are expected to do in regard to way forward. Of
course, no right thinking person would want his society, either immediate or
wider, to be characterized by crisis. This is the reason we are all required to
be careful and mindful of our thoughts and actions as they affect any society
we are into.
In this case, we are solely concerned about
Imo, the Eastern Heartland. It has become compelling for me to unequivocally
state that I’m so displeased with some key personalities who the citizens or
masses look up to. An elder statesman who refuses to be cautious of his actions
at all times has as well refused to be recognized as one.
Imo can only get better when we have
collectively agreed to make it so. No existing society gets better if its
teeming subjects are not making any effort or move in that direction. It is
only by the common might of the members of a certain organization that such
group becomes stronger. In other words, a house divided against itself can
never stand.
It’s our civic responsibility to ask ourselves
where Imo is headed for as we are damn prepared to witness yet another electioneering
era. It’s noteworthy that an outsider cannot do such manner of thinking on our
behalf. It is our duty to do the needful for ourselves rather than allowing
strangers take actions for us.
I
must inform us that the state will never forgive us after the 2019 polls if we
failed to do what was expected of us throughout the elections. We must, therefore,
not continue to sell our birthright for a mere pot of porridge yam.
We
may have erred in the past, but the joy is that another time has obviously come
for us to correct our mistakes. It suffices to say that a golden opportunity
has eventually arrived to enable us address all the wrongs we recorded in the
past.
It’s pertinent to acknowledge that absolutely
nothing is for sale as far as the forthcoming elections are concerned. Your
Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC), which remains your only power at the polls, is
not for sale neither is your vote for sale. Your conscience isn’t meant to be
sold for any reason whatsoever. Above all, you aren’t required to sell your
right or franchise. Hence, all our belongings need to be safeguarded with the
last drop of our blood.
Fellow Imolites, another time has come
for us to take another decision that would determine our collective future. One
thing we shouldn’t take for granted is the need to take a meaningful and sound
step that ought to be emulated by generations yet unborn. The decision-making
process is our collective prerogative, hence mustn’t be allowed to be hijacked
by any one or group.
Thus,
it would be very reasonable for each of us to sincerely answer the above question
if we are truly determined to get it right come 2019. If we want Imo to be
headed for the Promised Land, we must then be willing to contribute our quota meaningfully
and genuinely. Think about it!
Comrade Nwaozor, a rights activist, is
National Coordinator,
Right Thinkers Movement
_________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
Twitter: @mediambassador
