I have always asked myself questions and, most times, the echo from same rebound inside my inner walls, making running away difficult. The same way I have seen madness play out often, even with little choices on our part to either reject or accept, going by the configurations on the ground.
Yes! I may not have forgotten my voyage, especially at this time I am pushed. But exploration, sometimes, leads to new grounds and good returns. Now, I am back to the bit, as inner voice prompts that the men who caused, if indeed there are, challenges in Imo State are back as 2015 inches closer.
Obviously, Imo is a peculiar state, having recorded great heights in human development, including the record of a state with the highest number of professors, though with most of her manpower operating outside the state. It is equally of interest to discerning minds that with such manpower, forming Diaspora pool would deprive her change agents needed in redirecting the state.
Moreso, Imo can be dubbed a state where billionaires with little records of investments in the state cluster every four years ready to outwit the other in money politics that presently we can see flashes of coming bazaar for the political eggheads and anointed party delegates. In a recent discussion, I heard from a grassroots politician that some party men in his political ward came after him over his likely emergence as delegate. I laughed, wondering what there is in a delegate; but the folks playing the tambourine can best state what the rhythms are like.
The naira power politics, which kicked off in 2007, especially among the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirants, may have crept into other political parties as well. Presently, the PDP parades numerous candidates who, in their consultations to various local government areas and party leaders, has kept faith with naira power system, as it is a fight of the strongest financial base.
In one of the PDP stakeholders’ meeting, a chieftain of the party never betrayed his heart as he announced that any would-be candidate dreaming of flying the party’s flag must place his financial base on the table. It is possible that such financial armoury may be all there is to governing a state with greater potential, but can be described as being on her kneel.
The same story goes on in other parties like the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) where some assumed front-liners continue to tickle us with alleged debt profile of a particular candidate which is suggestive of either not having the financial power to prosecute elections in a supposed state where naira power reigns.
Interestingly, a closer look at these aspirants showed the same persons who ‘never die’. It is either they have been in executive or legislative positions or hobnobbing with the actors as political contractors and godfathers. Sometimes, I am at a loss on how some of these political actors have taken it upon themselves to be pushing these monies each time the whistle goes off, and none seems to ask some self-discovery questions on the likely return on investment (RoI), if these funds were channelled to productive ventures. It is equally possible that a well-crafted investment of these monies would have built certain homes, healing the sick and feeding hungry souls among those working with them.
I am further amazed at how some office holders push monies into the system, making one wonder the source, especially with little knowledge of previous businesses. Ours seem to be a country where the assumed corrupt are guarded by Security men while the rest scamper for safety.
Often, I heard some persons complain over the level of development presently in the state, with another group, which may be benefitting, beating their chest to counter the attackers of Governor Rochas Okorocha’s policies. Though, this is expected in a democracy with ruling party and the opposition on different sides.
My worry is mainly on the thinking that we can be doing the same thing all over, while holding our lamps thinking of its ability to replenish oil stock. Yes! I must state that the present political arrangement continues to shut out knowledge-driven candidates, but recycles men and women who if we believe that there is rot or stunted growth were instrumental in same.
Indeed, we must reject the tired legs that have kept us down, take a quick dash with the accidental public servants (apologies to el Rufai), whose brain power towers, having driven changes in their individual spheres or career. In Anambra State, former Governor Peter Obi emerged from accidental group and graciously handed over to same, Willie Obiano. In Lagos State, Governor Babatunde Fashola came from same stock, and I hope the likes of Akinwumi Ambode or Jimi Agbaje will emerge to consolidate.
Haba! Why can’t we rise for once in Imo to usher in any of the accidentals who may likely be shut out by party intrigues because a pact can never exist between darkness and light?
• Nnamdi wrote in from Owerri.
