I am highly excited by a new development in Nigerian politics i.e the emergence of new active politicians and contestants. This new breed contestants were mostly hitherto not even card-carrying members of political parties. They are activists and analysts, critics and columnists. They also share intellectual rationality and are versed in social, cultural, diplomatic and legal policies. They are most times angry and aggressive due to their passion for the project Nigeria.
They have all the qualities required for productive parliamentary performance and should have since been participating in politics. But before this dawn they restricted themselves to criticising deaf governments and advising obstinate politicians. Others participated in governments and most times have bad stories to tell. Many were almost compromised while in difficult position of inability to publicly denounce a group they are apparently part of.
It is by now obvious that only passionate people can spearhead reform and only the competent can rule. What is more competent than a proven record coupled with intellectual capability and adequate knowledge on the problems and solutions.
They include I.G Wala, Ibraheem Dooba, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’i, Nasir El-rufai, Nuhu Ribado and many others whose names give sleepless nights and headache to many who benefit from the unfair status quo.
They will certainly meet staunch resistance and unfriendly opposition. They will surely find it hard to adapt to the turbulence and tribulations in the Nigerian political water. And lastly they may not even win the election.
But the most important thing is their participation signals a new dawn and the beginning of political transformation. Their presence has planted a seed of change. Change in perception of who is a politician and who should lead. Change that will inspire young men in early twenties like me. Change that we will only see its result in decades to come.
If you are a critic or activist and truly believe in your passion for a better Nigeria and you don’t belong to a party and ain’t committed to a certain candidature, then yours is sadly an exercise in futility. Some don’t even have a valid voter’s card and think noise or flowery writing will change Nigeria.
Most parties will finish their nominations in December and if you think you can do better than anyone leading or representing you, then its a great disservice to Nigeria if you don’t make yourself available to replace the ticks. The other option is to channel your robust activism towards the success of any aspirant you believe in. And if there is no aspirant worthy of your sacred support, then then you have only on option and that is the first one I mentioned. You have two months to do that, otherwise you have to wait till 2019, that is if Nigeria is still existing.
You may be a professor or lawyer, doctor or cobbler, hermit or harlot, trader or treasurer but one thing surely affects you and the way you go about with your occupation. That thing affects your well-being and image, future and safety. That is leadership and it is currently at its worst. This is a period of emergency and everybody has a role to play and has to play it for the Nigerian dream to come true.
The seed is sown and one day we or our children shall harvest the fruit. You and I have a duty to water this weak seed. It is not our right but a duty.
Dr Marzuq Abubakar Ungogo,
National Youth Corps member serving in Gombe State.
a2marzuq@yahoo.com
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