I try as much as possible to keep my opinion out of my articles, especially using this platform, but Nigeria, belongs to us all; therefore, I am concerned. Having the 'illusion', that things will work out, with just prayers and doing nothing, is one-big-lie we tell yourselves. I am an unapologetic believer in 'non- violence', as a means of resolving issues. To that respect, I use what I have, 'my pen', as a means of getting involved in the Polity.
Truth be told, it's high time we call 'a spade', what it is- 'a spade', if we must move forward. Our nation, is in shambles, and all most of our supposedly duly elected representatives in the corridors of power do, is- engage the resources at their disposal in 'power-tussle'. Dilly-dallying over this issue will not lead us anywhere.
The "predictable" outcome of Rivers State National and State Assembly election re-run, held on Saturday, March 19, 2016, is distressing. Despite reported 'tight-security', there abound allegations, and counter allegations of gross electoral misconduct; comprising of: violent attacks and killings, in the camps of Nigeria's leading Political Parties: the All Progressives Congress, (APC) and the People Democratic Party, (PDP).
Prior to the election re-run, big wigs from afore mentioned political parties, thronged Rivers State like gladiators, their 'do-or-die' countenance towards the re-run could be perceived by a blind man, from miles away. All, with the intention of grabbing more, and more wards into their respective party portfolios, while the territories they already have in their control, languish in penury, for lack of basic amenities- electricity supplies, good road networks, lack of clean drinking water, diminished quality education in our public school system, resulting to being subjected to pay incredible tuition in private schools. Lack of jobs for the teeming graduates, heartless embezzlement of public funds by top government officials and civil servants.
March 19th, 2016, killings and inflicting of injuries, in Rivers State elections re-run, was not necessary and should have been avoided, if the political gladiators, who attack directly, or sponsor attacks, would allow 'THE PEOPLE DECIDE'.
Don't give me that look of: 'Did you say attack, or sponsor'?.
I ask: Is there a smoke without fire?.
Blame it on hoodlums and cultists, all you want. I think these 'hoodlums', who are 'social-problems', created by 'irresponsible-leadership', know their boundaries. They will not over-step, except of course, some mischievous elements, in the corridors of power, beats to the tune they dance to.
Pictures of some of the damages, resulting from Rivers State election re-run crisis:
Nigeria, is labelled: a '3rd world' nation, not for of lack of resources. Name them- Human, Natural, we have these, in abundance. We are nevertheless, labelled a 3rd world', because of how we think/ reason. It is sad to note that every single one of these political gladiators, and sponsors, are supposedly well educated and believably well informed. Most of them have been around the world, they supposedly have seen, and know how things work in developed nations, which is a far cry from what is obtained here. Why then do we keep going down the road that leads to no-where, or at most destruction, when we should know better?.
What happened in Rivers on March 19th, 2016, election re-run, is highly regrettable, and should have been avoided.
Obianuju Mbanusi writes.
