Jonathan, An Examplary Leader – Ogbe

Hon Joseph Ogbe is the Labour Party, LP candidate for Nembe Constituency I  in Bayelsa State House of Assembly.  In this interview, he speaks on some salient issues.
An interview with our Senior Reporter Enoch Epelle,
What is your reaction to the Presidential and National Assembly Polls?
The presidential election has come and gone, but the memory will linger for long. The outcome of the presidential election is something that I don’t really want to discuss at the moment, because I see  it as a big loss to the people of South-South and South-East zone, who demonstrated strong support for Jonathan.  Personally, I feel we have just allowed a golden opportunity to re-elect one of our own for another four years to slip away.
In Nigerian politics, the presidency is the ultimate trophy, and a well deserving one for us.  Never in the history of the country have Nigerians been blessed with a selfless leader.
How do you see Jonathan’s conduct in the aftermath of the Presidential Poll?
Of course I voted for President Jonathan, because I believe in his leadership style, his philosophy and his transformation agenda.  He is an uncommon leader who repeatedly demonstrated that he loves this country.  Nigeria is so blessed to have gotten a selfless leader in Jonathan, who has proved that it is possible to lead a country as big and diverse as Nigeria without being blinded by ethnic and religious sentiment.  I am proud to be a Nigerian at this point in time.
We all saw how Mr President congratulated Buhari even when the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC had not finished collating the result.  To me, that is the hallmark of sportsmanship that the coming generation of leaders across the country, and Africa should emulate.
With that singular act, Jonathan has sent a very powerful message across, that people can lose election without urging their supporters to resort to bloodletting.  You will agree with me that never in the history has a Nigerian leader demonstrated this exemplary leadership.
How was the conduct of the elections in Nembe, where you will be contesting the House of Assembly election this weekend?
Despite the fact that the people voted overwhelmingly for President Goodluck Jonathan, some officials of INEC colluded with the PDP to disenfranchise our people.  I can tell you authoritatively that armed thugs unleashed mayhem on some voters, whose only sin was their resolve to vote for the candidates of their choice.  By that I mean the candidates for the House of Representatives and the Senate.
It was based on the anomalies that occurred during the election that we petitioned to prevent recurrence on April 11.  We are optimistic that the REC would act on some of the lapses we observed during the election in order to make every vote count.  For me and my supporters, election is not a do or die affair.  We stand strongly against electoral violence in whatever guise.  All we want INEC to do is provide a level playing field for every candidates, so that genuine winners and loser will emerge.
Do you strongly believe that INEC compromised?
The truth of the matter is that we have people on ground, who monitored the election for us.  These observers worked with some concerned people of Nembe, who feel that the right thing should be done.  We have evidences to back up our claims.
Why did you leave the private Sector for politics?
For me, politics is about service to humanity.  We cannot wish away the harsh realities confronting our people who struggle to make ends meet. Politics presents a formidable platform to change the way our people live. It amazes me that some of our youths who end up in criminality could have taken a different path if a lawmaker had initiated a bill that would make it compulsory for people without a higher degree to be trained free of charge in one technical area of skill. The people of Nembe Constituency 1 are facing real challenges that can be tackled if they are well represented at the State House of Assembly.
I did not just wake up one morning to declare myself fit for election. I have always wanted to serve the people.  The people themselves are aware of this fact, which is why they are solidly behind me.  My people lack potable drinking water, electricity, well equipped primary and secondary schools, while the women, many of whom are bread winners for their families are not supported to expand or improve the little businesses they run.
The people in my constituency deserve good representation to live the good life.
The election is a few days away. What are your expectations?
As far as this election is concerned, I have done my homework, I have met real stakeholders, and I expect a favourable election.  I want to use this opportunity to appeal to my supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding.