Democracy in any part of the world as a system of government is one that generates utmost concern and attracts the attention of people from varied background, especially due to its wide acceptance as the most suitable and prescribed mode of governance through which the generality of the people partake in their common patrimony through their elected representatives at various segments of leadership.
The end of democracy is not anchored on electing leaders through the ballot alone.There is something short-legged and shortsighted about our discourse of the entire concept.As it has been,if we can troop out in the rain or sunshine to queue behind either the Eagle or the Stallion, depending on which has paid higher or make more promises or done the loudest jingle,then most of the problems instituting democracy would be over. Simple logic, bad political theory. Fair argument.
Maybe there is something meritorious in this short term view of the dramatic process, if only for the reason that it is a very bad Nigerian view of things. We are a people of the moment; fastidious about immediate obstacles, believing that once road blocks are removed, the rest of the journey will be smoothly.This is probably why we jubilate each time somebody comes along shouting new slogan in the name of “New Era”. In our public mind,once a bad ruler has been overthrown,we usually mistake the fact of change of baton for the essence of paradise.We follow up shortly with solidarity rallies,stage-managed visits by the ubiquitous “traditional rulers” and the now familiar national hobby of congratulatory messages in the newspaper which more or less proclaim “forget us not when the contracts begin to roll”!.
Soon after, when the new leader settles into his predecessor’s bedroom,sips new wine in old bottles and gets his induction from the immemorial and omnipresent civil (dis) servants, the different between the ancient regime and glorious dawn becomes blurred. We all go back into despair and gaze heavenward in a charmed circle which the poet Christopher Okigbo(God reward his tribe) described as a going and coming that goes on forever.
No adult Nigerian in his right mind can question the historical justification for the case of the primordial Secret Ballot system. It may not be the most space-age for electing leaders in Liberal democracy. We are not a spacale-age society yet.We all are still villagers in more senses than one.This is why we return home every week to seek the assistance of Babalawos, Alfas and Dibias to settle boardroom disputes in our Manhattan-Style office blocks.Not to talk of the wide patronage which we all-high and low alike accord to imported superstitions in the name of religion.
But even at that level of common sense, the electorates know their true friends despite their haplessness. They know who is trustworthy and who is fake and coming for fanfare.They understand the organic behavior of all aspirants around them, because the entirety of those seeking elections into various offices are not from the moon. Those Who have been living in the city who have come to test the firm resolve of the people to ascertain what they can snatch from them, have family history.
Akiotu Sunday who’s further moniker is Ekpetika was the Director General of the just concluded National Assembly election in Etsako East and he delivered a landslide victory for the APC. He’s a quintessential man of many parts,who is famous for his philanthropy. Upon his ascension to power as DG, EKPESON was quick to realize the historic burden history has thrust on him. He seized the moment, becoming the rallying point to stop the growing opposition from continous bad leadership enveloped beautifully with avarice.
His leadership as DG has been lofty and all inclusive. He has pacified all quarters and struck a balance on the sharp disparity between the older men, youths and army of ETSAKO East women which he calls mothers. He has detached himself from the intoxicating hubris of power and continued to alleviate the suffering of the people.
Ekpeson will provide more water for communities , will not only grade roads in Etsako East Local Government Area, complete and equipped hospitals with the requisite health care facilities, he will ensure they are functional. He’s a certified politician who has maintained mutual friendship with people outside his political party, the APC He will tighten up the security architecture and leave no stone unturned.
Therefore, a transparent man with zero opacity in Ekpetika’s salt, should be held shoulder higher than any other in the race for Etsako East Local Government Council Chairmanship seat.
—Ekpeson Media Team