As February 2023 Fast Approaches
The Evangelist edition
January 24, 2023
By Solomon OKPO
Nigerians are on the march again to excercise their franchise of electing leaders in the general election slated for the first quarter of 2023.
The country is already ticking with political activities as politicians criss-cross the 36 states and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory FCT, consulting and realigning in readiness for the all important election.
We are withnessing defections on a large and disturbing scale as the gladiators leave no stone unturned in their quest for power.
This of course is one of the characteristics of a typical Nigeria politician, a player without conscience but willing to engage in profane acts for the sake of power and money.
There is tension in the land accasioned by the spate of violence, kidnapping and outright murder of political opponents.
Thuggery is fast becoming the order of day again and this does not augur well for our emerging democracy.
The situation in the north eastern part of the country where the dreaded Boko Haram insurgents are keeping everyone on their toes has added to the woes of the people.
The country appears to be drifting as the 2023 general election approaches.
The Federal government is doing its utmost to reduce tension and I commend President Muhammadu Buhari for weathering the political storm confronting the country.
That President Buhari has been able to hold the different sections of the country together in the face of the diverse political and religious interests has made him a master of the game.
In Akwa Ibom State for example, the political logjam generated by the governorship ambition of some politicians has not augur well for the ruling party, All Progressives Congress, APC.
The disagreement has forced the defection of many founding members with their followers to the opposition parties where they are given warm reception.
While there is bound to be disagreement in party politics, the players should be able to resolve their differences amicably to strengthen the polity and enable the country to forge ahead.
Only recently, the United States of America USA, the United kingdom and the European Union EU, jointly condemned the statement credited to Katsina state Governor, Ibrahim Shehu Shema which described opposition politicians as ‘cockroaches’ that must be crushed.
The US, in a statement by its Embassy in Abuja, said it was deeply troubled by the Governor’s statement, in which he called for the killing of the “cockroaches of politics”.
The US said the rhetorical threat of violence undermines the Democratic process and is utterly unacceptable in a democratic society.
Similarly, the EU head of delegation to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS, Michel Arrion has described Shema’s statement as the begining of violence which much be shunned by all political players.
With just few weeks to the general elections, I expect the players to play the game responsibly and bear in mind that the survival of our democracy rests squarely on their shoulders. Nothing in the form of selfish interest should be allowed to overshadow their sense of National duty.
Our politicians should play the game according to the rules. The winners should be magnanimous in victory and the losers should play the good sportsmanship by congratulating the winners.
There should be no bloodshed because such is an ill-wind that blows no one good. Surely, we all have a duty to protect our democracy and by so doing earn the respect of the international community.
We cannot afford to be taken aback on account of our individual selfish interest. Let us rise above board as February 2023 fast approaches.
