AUGUST 30 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS IN RIVERS STATE AND OUR INSTITUTIONS
Emmanuel Udogu
OPINION ON THE ILLEGAL FORTHCOMING LG ELECTIONS IN RIVERS STATE
We were once told by a political entrepreneur that his political structure in River State was dismantled by actions of the governor, and was not going to tolerate the fact that he was stripped of his power with which he controlled the politics of the state. He immediately warned of a political battle since his position of privilege was threatened by the policies of his “installed” new administration.
Consequently, he informed the nation and the world that come hell or high water, he was going to fight with all his might to reinstate his political structure in Rivers State. Afterall, he added, “power can’t be handed to you on a platter of gold.” You must grab it, snatch it, and seize it by hook or by crook–i.e., the “end justifies the means” in the Machiavellian tradition.
In other words, in this war, to regain power,
FORGET THE RULE OF LAW!
FORGET THE CONSTITUTION!
FORGET MORALISM!
FORGET THE INTERESTS OF THE CITIZENS OF THE STATE AND COUNTRY
OPT FOR “THE STATE OF NATURE!”
In my view, the current political imbroglio unfolding in Rivers State is problematic in Nigeria’s nascent and wobbling democracy since the future leaders of Nigeria are watching the disturbing character of our current politicians. In short, they are selfish and not leading by example.
Today, for example, 70,000 Nigerians are languishing and suffering in Libya, in their bid to cross the Mediterranean sea to Europe, because lawmakers would not “let the poor breathe.”
The actions of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of government on the current politics in Rivers State are unconstitutional. Below is a video–an excerpt from Arise News by Rufai Oseni–that summarizes the current state of affairs in Rivers State and the republic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBdYAZKXq4Q
Scholars and observers are writing on the current political developments for our children–the future leaders of the country–to read. You want your children and grandchildren to read about your positive contributions to the country’s development. Don’t you?
Do not forget the catastrophe in the country that followed the crisis in the so-called “Wild Wild West” of the 1960s. WE HAVE NOT FULLY RECOVERED FROM IT.
(See Falola and Heaton, A History of Nigeria, pp. 164-180).
Please learn from the political mistakes of the past, and develop Nigeria’s “democracy” as a model for West Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Africa!
Ike Udogu