It was the presidential candidate of the second republic political party, the Great Nigeria People’s Party, GNPP, Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim, who is known for the slogan, “politics without bitterness”. This slogan is, however, more relevant to the present day Nigerian Political arena more than as attacks and counter-attacks on personalities instead of issue based politics continue to rise. A terrible trend already taking shape even before the 2023 campaign has officially kicked off.
This is more so especially when or where most of these attacks come from certain individuals or are directed to one or few persons. Sometime ago, a respected cleric was quoted to have described a certain presidential candidate as a “stingy man”. Also, a presidential candidate had described his counterpart and his ethnic group in a very condescending and provocative manner. Most recently, another candidate was quoted as saying that a certain political party ‘will continue to labour in vain till death’.
It must be observed that the above statements coming from would-be leaders or statesmen are unpalatable to the ears in all intents and purposes. It beats imaginations if these attacks on persons and not issues has got to this level before the commencement of campaigns, what will then happen when the campaign is officially lifted. Our political elites need to know that the polity already heated, must not over-heat it.
What is needed in this nation now are politicians and leaders who will play the game according to the rules. Men and women of impeccable character, both in their actions and utterances. The citizens or populace should also do their part by being careful to note all the antecedents of people to be voted. They must be people who have shown in their life styles and outbursts to be people of tested ability and proven integrity.
All the stakeholders must live up to expectations. The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, should be prepared to play its roles well, devoid of any corrupt practices like favouritism, conspiracy, intimidation and harassment of political opponents, but willing to conduct a free and credible elections.
The courts and election tribunals on their parts as ‘Caesar’s wife must live above board’, being the ‘high priests in the Temple of Justice’, as well as the ‘presumed last hope of the common man ‘ ought to be ready to deliver quick, impartial, fair and unbiased judgment.
Written by SIMON NWAFOR EZEOFOMA
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