ACF, Ndigbo, Yoruba or Nigerian President? - The Comedy of 2003 Presidential Elections
By
Matthew Atim
(NY, USA)
It is a sad shame that some people are making a mockery of the Nigerian electorate in this 21st century. The truth be told, Nigerians are well educated, hardworking, but can gullible to a point of falling prey to 419 even in politics.
It is no secret that Nigerians continue to suffer and wallow in abject poverty mainly due to a prolonged military misrule, indolent and inept political leadership. What the country needs is a visionary leader. One that will harness the country’s vast potential, and awaken this African albatross from a 40 year slumber.
Before we contemplate the next occupant of Aso Rock, it is worth examining how well we have fared in the current dispensation.
In 1999, Nigerians went to the polls en masse to hand over the Aso Rock keys to President Obasanjo with the hope that he will deliver them from the shackles of previous military dictators. Three years latter, all hopes for a reconstructed Nigeria have been dashed.
Anarchy and insecurity are the rule of the day. For the first time in the history of the country, the police embarked on a strike. Then there is the Attorney General and Chief Justice of the nation who was murdered (in his bedroom). Three months later, there are no hopes of catching the perpetrators.
Ethno-Religious clashes have engulfed the country from Kano to Lagos, leaving behind mayhem in their trails in Benue, Bauchi, Cross-River, Enugu, Kaduna, Kwara, Nasarawa, Plateau, Taraba, and Osun States just to name a few. It is reported that over 20,000 lives and property worth billions of Naira have been destroyed during the last three years.
As if not be outdone, the military stepped in to pour salt in the wounds. Under orders from their commanders, they destroyed Odi (Bayelsa State), terrorized, killed, raped, and maimed innocent civilians in Andoor, Zaki – Biam, Vaase, Gbeji, Katsina-Ala etc in Benue State. In the process, traumatized over 500,000 Tiv people into refugee camps in Benue State. These individuals may not get a chance to vote in the upcoming Local Government elections.
An inquisitive mind would ask – What has this got to do with the upcoming 2003 presidential elections?
Nigeria needs a visionary leader to unite the (110 million) toward rebuilding the country and Africa at large. Leaders that will guarantee security, promote peace and economic stability to the populace.
Instead what we are witnessing on the ground is that certain individuals with myopic visions are recycling the one thing they know best – sycophancy. They are showing how Nigeria has advance the 419 Scheme into politics. One thing these Tazarce court-jesters fail to understand is in a democracy, an incumbent does not need to be pleaded with to run for office. The records of incumbent public officers should speak for themselves. At least we are a democracy (on paper). Except if the concept of One party, One candidate was the reason why the PDP recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chinese Communist Party.
If the PDP didn’t have the likes of Rimi, Na’abba, Senator JK Waku, Governor Orji Kalu, one may be tempted to succumb to the fact that this idiosyncrasy of Tazarce displayed at Otta Farms, was a party ploy to pull a fast one on Nigerians.
On the other hand, rather than scout, and support a presidential candidate to lead the country, there is The ACF, Afenifere, Ndigbo arguing the case for presidency based on regional or tribal sentiments. This is an insult to the intelligence of many Nigerians. This is bad politics in poor taste. What mandate does this give the would be president?
Personally, I would vote an individual who advocates equality, socio-economic security for all Nigerians regardless of their ethnic or religious background. That individual could be Ekwueme, Harry Akande, Ghali Na’abba or Clement Akpamgbo.
There is a leadership crises in Nigeria. Nobody should be arm twisted to run for office. Especially if they have no original idea, and the foresight to move the country forward. This is the future of 110 million lives you are toying with. Give democracy a chance.
The dictionary defines democracy as "Government of the people, by the people", and not government of the people by the sycophants.