March 19: A Case For Peace

March 19, 2016 is another date Rivers
people will decide who they want to
represent them at the State House of Assembly and the National Assembly. It is the date for the re-run elections that Rivers people must use to disappoint the apostles of doom and retrace the oneness of the Rivers people.
Following the orders of the Court of Appeal on the various electoral petitions after the last General Elections, nearly all the seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly won by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Rivers seats at the Senate and the House of Representatives were declared open for grabs again.
As expected, campaigns have begun, although low keyed, the influence of the re-run has become very real in Rivers State and beyond. In addition to allegations and counter-accusations between the major political parties, the state of insecurity can no longer be accepted.
Politics is supposed to be for the interest of the people, not to take advantage of them or to kill them. Politics is supposed to be an opportunity for the people to choose who they want to serve them and in what capacity and not a contest for the meanest and the most violent. But that is what it seems in Rivers State
The Rivers people, like other ethnic groups in Nigeria have made their political preferences over the decades. The political party most rooted in the Niger Delta is very well known by all, but to change that over night will be quite a herculean task. In fact, any political party that hopes to change that order must appeal to the people and not shoot them, they must work and give time and not expect a sudden summersault.
Politics is not about playing games with the lives of Rivers people. It is not about the political fortunes of any person or group. It is about the best interest of the good people of Rivers State. Politics should afford the individual the opportunity to offer him/herself for service and not to kill. Politics is not an end to itself, but a means.
Even as anyone would want to pretend and claim, Rivers people know the trouble makers. There are political parties that can no longer be mentioned in some communities and the people reserve the right to say no. To force the people to do otherwise is a call to crisis. The true Rivers spirit played up when the Supreme Court affirmed the election of Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike as the Governor of Rivers State. There was spontaneous dancing in the street.
Even as we cannot dictate to the people, the handwriting on the wall is very clear. Contesting against the will of majority of Rivers people can be tough, but should not expose the lives of the people to danger. Besides, the hope of making Rivers people to vote against the ruling party in the State will be another expensive joke.
But to confuse the setting and gain power by hook or crook, some politicians have resorted to dangerous propaganda. They have alleged being hounded with court processes and State powers. On the other hand, militant youth and militant operations have joined the fray. This is condemnable. It is capable of destroying all that the State had gained over the years.
Only recently, Governor Wike had to raise the alarm that some politicians have prepared the list of persons that would serve as electoral officers. This is a definite recipe for crisis.
That is why we expect chiefs, elders and opinion leaders in Rivers State to rise up and save the soul of the State. The State cannot afford to leave its future on political contest. Politics will come and go, but Rivers State will remain. Politics is about the victory of the majority and not the wish of the evil one.
Rivers people must rise up against violence in the forthcoming elections. Rivers people must act as a family in times like this. Rivers people must look out for those who love Rivers State first and not their political party. Those who are bent on militarising the elections must be avoided. Those who hope to impose themselves on the people must be shunned.
Once again, Rivers people must be allowed to choose their leaders. In doing so, the State cannot afford to risk the blood of its own youth. Even as political parties will be free to canvass for support, arming the youth should not be an option. Clearly, there will be life after March 19, 2016. Certainly, there will be nothing to erase the bloodline among the people. So safety must be the first consideration.
Therefore, in a few days, when Rivers people will be required to file out to elect their leaders, we expect everyone to come out with their safety assured and let the better candidate win. It’s only a contest, not war.