The issue of AnambraState is a classical case study of a paradox. A state with so much potentials in both human and material resources struggling to find a headway. A state that has produced great leaders for Nigeria -Azikiwes, Okigbos, Ekwensis, Ekwuemes, Anyaokus, Ojukwus and many others, finding it difficult to get leadership to pilot its affairs.
A state that, through its citizens, exported true democracy to other lands – Azikiwe, Anyaoku et al – could not conduct itself, a credible election to produce a genuine leader.
A state of commerce, with arguably the largest market in Africa at Onitsha; a people that have spread their commerce to all nooks and crannies of the country, with diverse exposures, could not bring themselves together to agree on who governs them.
They could not bring the dexterity used in electing market leaders all across the country to bear on who should rule them at the state level.
A state which is like a beacon to the whole of the South East – if Anambra gets it right, it will extend to the other states . Why is AnambraState finding it difficult to do it right? Is it out of sheer greed? Or the much acclaimed republican nature of the Igbos? Is it in their mores and cultures? Or, a hereditary trait that we cannot do anything about? Why can’t they conduct elections with civility? Why do leaders refuse to accept defeat?
It is true that the Igbo man exhibits a lot of hubris as part of his characterisation – Chinua Achebe wrote so in his book THERE WAS A COUNTRY (p.76)… the dangers of hubris, overweening pride, and thoughtlessness…- but is that enough for them not to agree on a common candidate, even amongst their own stock?
The civil war has brought out the mercantile nature of the Igbo man. AnambraState was in the front line of the Nigerian civil war and the place was greatly ravaged, that it became a survival of the fittest situation. Anything to survive became the norm and values were thrown overboard. Money became the primary means of recognition. With money, you have power, if you do not have money, you are nobody.
As a result of challenges facing the Nigerian business environment, the quickest access to money is to be in government. In government, you have power and unlimited cash to throw around that even EFCC cannot query.
That is why people like the Uba brothers will do all they can to have control. Money has so much become the issue that the average Anambrarian does not care about their common wealth, which is the government business and infrastructures.
In fact, at a time, the seat of power and the state broadcasting corporation were attacked and vandalised by men in opposition backed by money and power. Till date, no arrest or charges have been brought against all those who perpetrated these acts.
If we say the Igbos are republicans in nature, Is it not supposed to be an advantage to democracy? Republican(ism) recognises no divine King ship or ruler ship. It is based on individuals and groupings. It recognises the majority.
Why has it not worked in the Anambra? It has not worked because, like the hubris trait earlier mentioned, the Igbos are one of the few tribes in the world that still practice discrimination amongst themselves.
They classify some people as Osu and others as true blood. The true blood will never accept the leadership of an Osu man, no matter how well read, wealthy, intelligent and exposed the osu man is. So, this caste belief makes it difficult for true representation to be achieved and this has also been extended to religious denominations; you now find the Catholics pitching their camps against the Anglicans, and so on.
Still on the hubris factor, we have noticed that in the academia, it is usually a helluva fight to put leaders into positions of Vice Chancellors and other headship positions.
This, they say,is because of the “book-book” and “too know” factors that will not make one concede leadership to the other. Such is the situation in AnambraState. In the PDP alone, they could not agree on a candidate until the Supreme Court decision, one week to the election.
Professor Chukwuma Soludo had to part ways with his own in-law, Dora Akuyinli because of clash in their gubernatorial interests. In fact, AnambraState has created a record in terms of number of candidates filing up for a governor ship election. With all of their intelligence, why can’t they agree on a simple democratic process to elect their leader.
The situation in Anambra is so sad that it has become the “dog in a manger” cast. If I cannot get it, let nobody get it. That is why three opposition parties: APC, PDP and LP, perennial rivals, decided to come together as one body to fight APGA which led in the earlier poll conducted.
It is time for the collective Anambrarians to sit down and rethink their positions. Whose interest should come first, is it the collective or personal ambitions.
The unity of Anambra will extend to other parts of the country as the Anambra man is the most widely distributed Nigerian because of his trading activities, like the Ogbomosho man in the South West and the Hausa/Fulani nomads of the North. So, bringing stability to their system will serve a positive influence on others.
It is important for the diverse groups in Anambra to come together and place their collective talents on the table- so to say- to move the state forward. Talents in trade, commerce, exposures to other climes, industry, even leadership from key individuals like Anyoaku.
Politics must not be a do or die affair. It is the empowerment of a few individuals to run the affairs of the state on behalf of the collective. Its goal is for the benefit of the people.
Those who are not ready to subordinate themselves to the collective will of the people do not deserve to be in position of governing the people. In other words, if you cannot serve others, do not expect to receive service from the people.
The present gladiators in the Anambra gubernatorial election should therefore, sincerely review their actions and act in accordance with the common will.
Anyone amongst them that emerges as winner should be given recognition by all. There is always another time. Next time may be yours.
Mr unny Ikhioya, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Lagos Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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