We have come to a point in the history of our beloved country where the level of political consciousness and participation is like never before. Since independence in 1960, this country as we know it has survived fifty-four years of both civilian and military rule. In spite of the numerous challenges and problems that have bedeviled Her, She has emerged stronger and better over the decades.
In 1962-63, the Nation was plunged into a crisis, following the regional disagreements over the figures which followed the Census exercise of 1962 and a repeat exercise in 1963. This crisis and the irregularities that encumbered the 1964 general elections and 1965 western regional elections all ensued into serious socio-political disorder which culminated in the Nzeogwu coup of January 15, 1966.
From this point onwards, the Nation's political scene grossly degenerated into a state of inter-ethnic suspicion and inter-tribal hatred. By July 30, 1966, a counter-coup had already been executed, ushering in a military Government led by Gowon.
It is, therefore, upon the issues which followed Gowon's ascent that I write this article.
Upon the emergence of Gowon as the Military head of state of Nigeria, some Northerners felt it was time to embark on a pogrom against their Eastern counterparts. The targeted mass slaughtering of Igbos resident in the North eventually culminated in the Nigerian Civil war, a ravaging Holocaust which lasted three years; costing the nation millions in Human capital and setting the economy back by several years. It is imperative, however, to state that all these destructions could have been prevented if the North had adopted the spirit of good sportsmanship, by reining the natural human urge of being overtly excited by victory and power.
Today, some forty-eight years later, history has successfully replayed itself, but in an unarguably better and democratic manner this time. Even more fortunate for us is the fact that this time around, the country is inhabited, not by ethnic and religious bigots, but by a more educated, enlightened and tolerant citizenship.
Despite the fact that we have come a long way in our quest for national integration and unity, it still burdens my heart to find a few extremist and discordant elements amongst us. These are the people who do not understand the concept of democracy and electoral laws. It is imperative to state that in every election, the constitution empowers qualified adult citizens to either run for elective posts, participate as part of the electorate or better still engage in both roles. The choice of candidate is solely done based on the discretion of the individual or group as the case may be. This right to elect a political candidate of your choice should be universally respected and tolerated by others, even if it conflicts with their own choice .
It is now clear that the recent presidential election which had about fourteen contenders has ended with a clear cut winner emerging the most victorious at the polls. However, it is worthy of note to state that there is no victor or vanquished; in the words of the General himself, "it is a collective victory for all Nigerians".
After so many decades of getting it wrong, the ideals and principles of democracy is finally beginning to reflect in our electoral processes.
After fifty-four years of existence, the voices of the common man is beginning to get heard by the political aristocrats. From this point onwards, our leaders would no longer take the opinions of the masses with levity. Through the medium of this election, we have sent a very strong message to the political elite. Power can no longer be grabbed at will using military force, neither can elections be manipulated to suit any single individual or political cabal.
Furthermore, this new development in our political frontier is, undoubtedly, a prayer answered. We only aspire for a replication of such improvements in every other area of our nation's multifaceted fronts.
On a conclusive note, I advice every citizen of this great country to embrace this new phenomenon with open arms, keen eyes and critical minds.
Our roles as patriotic citizens of this Nation does not end with filing out under the fiery sun or heavy rain to thumbprint every four years. Our service to this country is a continuum which involves the constant probing, criticism, appreciation and encouragement of our leaders to not only perform, but to also exceed expectations.
The result of this election is a victory for the suffering masses and the civil servants, the unemployed graduates and the generator-powered businesses, the outcome of this poll is a victory for us all and for democracy in Nigeria. Therefore, instead of engaging one another in childish, pedantic and derogatory debates about whose candidate won or lost, our focus should be redirected to the challenges of the near future and the fountain of positive change we all gravely thirst for.
I enjoin us all to buckle our seat belts, so that when the wind of change and transformation blows, none of us would be caught napping.
Onyeoziri Favour
(Writer, poet and blogger
Rouvafe.blogspot.com)
No comments:
Post a Comment