Obasanjo and Election Pessimism

Be not rash with the mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any things before God: For God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let they words be few” Ecclesiastes 5:2. this quotation likened to Olusegun Obasanjo’s allusion about election in Nigeria

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has ruled Nigeria for eight years and therefore thought that in a democratic setting such as ours, nothing good can take place.

But that is a misconception of the highest order.. Life is dynamic. The statement credited to former President Olusegun Obasanjo in far away United States of America that even Jesus Christ cannot conduct credible elections in Nigeria is barbaric in this era of advancement for all facets of life. Such statement is tantamount to undermining the effort of President Goodluck Jonathan who is out to conduct credible elections based on his romance with electoral reforms process.

On the other hand, the statement is satanic; capable of causing tension in the realm of Christianity. It is ridiculous to note that our past leaders or rulers are pessimistic about the future of Nigerian state.

Which means without them nothing is credible in Nigeria. No wonder, Olusegun Obasanjo wanted to elongate his tenure for personal selfish interest, as the long serving president of  Nigeria.

We must think Nigerian projects beyond personality interest, if we must achieve any tangible result as a nation. Well, Christians would not go to war with him; but thank God that he did not say such remark about  Mohammed; if not he would have returned to see his Otta farms and houses on fire.

It is high time our past leaders stop voicing out inflammatory statements that is capable of destroying our hope in this country. Look, in United States, Jimmy Carter, the former president, is still very relevant in American dreams even at his old age. Bill Clinton and George Bush are not also left out, you see them supporting President Barrack Obama’s policies, but in Nigeria the reverse is the case; they want to run the incumbent down. As a nation, we must see the need to improve on the areas we are not doing well.

Ghana, our sister country in the same region, organised the best election in Africa and we are not bordered. If elections in Nigeria are “do or die affairs”, expect more death in 2011 general elections; now that the proliferation of small arms are unrestricted in our society. It is time for past leaders to support electoral reforms that is seen as hope to credible elections in Nigeria. Nigerians should look beyond party or personal interest when it comes to the yearnings of the people. Our elders and leaders should not see themselves as the best leaders because of the privilege endowed on them. Pessimism based on sentiments is a threat to the purposeful nation building. The future has many things to offer to Nigeria as a nation and as a people.  There is hope for Nigeria. Well, the statement has exposed to Nigerians and to the world the crafty nature of Nigerian leaders in terms of doing the right thing for Nigeria.

The statement by Obasanjo is in tandem with this biblical allusion; “can there any good thing come out of  Nazareth” (John 1:46b). but in the end, Jesus the Messiah came out of Nazareth and Nathanael was bewildered based on his prediction of  Nazareth. Likewise one day, even next year. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo will see the best election in Nigeria, more than the pervious ones ever conducted at gun point.

Like Lai Mohammed the AC Publicity Secretary has prayed, that God should prolong the life of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to witness credible elections in Nigeria.

Thus, putting things right in Nigeria, we must have Nigerian dreams. I have stumbled on two dreams that should be actualised by President, Goodluck Jonathan; “Adoption of electoral reforms and power for Nigerians.

Our past failures should be a springboard for national success. Democracy is not dictatorship by its inclination. Let the leaders and the led contribute to a successful future of Nigeria. Let us forget the pessimistic statement of Obasanjo and together build Nigeria for a better tomorrow. Let us support the president and other hard working governors to move this country forward . There is no K-leg again. Say No, to pessimism.

Ogwuonuonu resides in PH.

Evang. Frank Ogwuonuonu