It was Suzy Kassem, a young, dynamic and composite American writer, poet, philosopher, and multi-faceted artist of Egyptian origin who is the author of the award winning book “Rise Up And Salute The Sun”, that strongly opined that; “To know the good from the bad, study a man or woman’s history of actions, not their record of intentions.”
In fidelity to the ‘takeaway’ that is dished from the above quote of Suzy which I wholeheartedly subscribe to, it is necessary to re-echo the sentiments expressed by the quoted writer that the deeds and actions of a person are the premise on which their today’s promises are hinged. What should never escape us in this narrative is the fact that it’s in character that the real man is explained not in personality, for most often than not personality is invented to suit one’s outward projection and intended acceptability, whereas in character is the real individual better experienced and correctly evaluated. Unlike personality which can be projected, altered or modified at the whims and caprices of the inventor, character is unconscionable acts which cannot be easily faked, hence it presents itself raw and unadulterated at all times. It is in the above sense that I subscribed to the message of the quote above which simply stated is to the effect that in dealing with today’s reality yesterday’s actions are essentially imperative and expedient. That implies that the past actions of those who are now presenting themselves to us to serve at the Apex level of leadership in Nigeria needed be scrutinized and ascertained to be above board, otherwise we make again the mistake of dealing with a painted sepulchre as immaculate whereas inside is full of maggots and dead bones.
Nigeria has a date with history in the forthcoming 2023 presidential elections. The reasoning for this assertion being that the country Nigeria is now a shadow of her old self, not that she’s ever been perfect but we all can agree that she kept depreciating in value from what she used to be. As such, it is apropos to posit that the country is at it’s lowest ebb now, especially when measured in the scale of her recent past. And one may wont to ask, why is it so? Definitely any and every discerning mind would easily point to the leadership/leaders who had or are presiding over her affairs.
Going memory lane, from time past, we observe something very unusual going on in the leadership of the country today which wasn’t what it used to be, and that is that the leadership of the country began with very young, educated and talented Nigerians holding sway in government, both from the northern or southern hemispheres the story was the same, judging from the likes of the legends of our heroes past; likes of the great Zik of Africa; indomitable Awolowo; irrepressible Tafawa Belewa; the ever present Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; Gen Gowon Rtd et al. A quick glance at history points to the fact that the said statesmen were either in their late twenties, early thirties or late thirties when the burden and responsibility of leadership were vested in them at some stage. One will be right to aver that they performed excellently well. Unfortunately today what we seem to have as leaders are recycled entities, who have tested power, remained within the corridors of power for such a long time and have sworn never to release it to the younger generation. In order to achieve their self oriented ambitions they have kept re- circling themselves in leadership to the chagrin and utter consternation of the younger generation who has been impoverished by the activities of these guild of gerontos piloting the affairs of state. The worst of them all being the present occupier of the seat of state, a rustic, medieval, anachronistic and moribund nomad that since he left office as a tyrannical coup plotter and head of state almost thirty years before he was presently repackaged and foisted on Nigerians as President. It is sorry to note that in the 21st century, the said man has never deemed it necessary to upgrade himself in anyway and manner, yet the compromised and integrity challenged ruling class of the likes of Tinubu, Atiku, Kwankwaso and their likes came together as partners in crime to foist the calamity upon us, same manner they’re gathering together now to foist themselves yet again on us;those who cannot be trusted to make informed judgements cannot be trusted to make for good leaders, hence we should reject them for what they represent-colossal failures.
It is a wise saying that “Once beaten, twice shy.” I am wont to ask: Nigerians, should we allow this gathering of vultures to execute their evil mandate yet again? if we allow a repeat of 2015 in 2023, then I can tell us for free that we are of all humans the most miserable. We are witnessing the grand deceit being plotted and some of us are yet undecided and indecisive on what to do, forgetting that evil strives where good people choose to stand aloof.
From antecedents, Peter and Datti are proven change agents, catalysts who have not allowed the corrupt Nigerian system to unduly influence or sap them of the good in them, also not prone to compromising standards towards getting to their destinations in life, we should encourage them and help ourselves.
We have an opportunity in our hands now to change the political narrative of Nigeria for good; never in the history of Nigeria has it been this good, being presented with a combination of the finest of us as president and vice presidential candidate. In Peter Gregory Obi and Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed we can best say that our escape from perennial leadership failure is ultimately remedied, and should we miss this opportunity to make the difference, then we’re doomed as a country indeed because it’s not always at each electioneering year that we get to have such formidable team and credible alternative to pick from.
Peter and Datti are both young, debonair, savvy, enlightened and positively exposed. They are sound, analytical, practical and practicing economists; tested and trusted, resourceful, erudite, composite and intellectually elucidated minds. For whatever it’s worth Nigerians should see beyond ethnicity and religion, rally round this duo to be able to turn things around for us, our children and children yet unborn. By their past antecedents in both leadership, management and business we’ve weighed them in as responsible and successful, no doubt they’ll replicate the same in the management of our collective patrimony and general leadership effect for the overall good interests of the country.
Therefore, we owe it to ourselves to join hands in this rescue mission which has become increasingly important if we must come out of the shackles of poverty and endemic systemic corruption that is daily strangulating the positive growth and development of Nigeria and Nigerians.
Let’s collectively resolve to take our country back, with Peter Obi and Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed on the steering wheel as pilot and copilot of the NEW NIGERIA.
Written By Ugochimereze Chinedu Asuzu
