By Nkem Ossai
It was Albert Einstein who once said, “The leader is one who, out of the clutter, brings simplicity … out of discord, harmony … and out of difficulty, opportunity.”
Another philosopher said, “To know the good from the bad, study a man or woman’s history of actions, not their record of intentions.”
Chijioke, in his 58 years on earth, has never been found wanting even in this sea of corruption that has become the lot of our nation. Like Peter Obi, he has minded his footsteps with equanimity. No wonder fate brought him face to face with Peter Obi.
Armed with four university degrees, he still remains down-to-earth, and feels your pain, cries and laughs with the lowly, in a country where being empathic is seen as a disorder.
There is a popular saying that you don’t necessarily need an atomic bomb to destroy a nation because politicians who value their pockets more than the life of citizens do that every day. The experience of our recent past is impactful enough to guide our choice of the next governor of Enugu State. Sentiments will not be there to help us if we make a wrong choice (God forbid).
Even our Creator is concerned about making a wrong choice when choosing a leader. No wonder in Exodus 18:21, when Moses needed additional help, God told him, “But select capable men from all the people — men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.” This simply means, appoint or elect them across the board. Right now, we need additional help badly because a lot has been destroyed and a lot needs repair.
We often thirst for meaning and direction in our lives and workplaces. So, choosing the right leaders for your organization is essential. They are the individuals that others will look up to, listen to, and use as examples. Chijioke has fulfilled all of the above.
You do not need the whole world to change the world for the better. You just need a few with clean hearts and clean brains. In two months, Peter Obi positively revolutionized the behavioural pattern of a psychologically dilapidated Nigeria and brought her to her senses, though those forces that held her down are still pulling. Nevertheless, we have begun the march for freedom.
We need to jettison our former beliefs, our affinity with the old order and our unholy alliances; damn their consequences (if any) and embrace the promising future. We have tried them severally and they have failed us severally. The recent threats coming from them is enough testimony that nothing will change. While we are busy convincing our people to toe the new path that is life-saving and life-giving, they are busy threatening our very lives with thunder and brimstone. Is that the way our society should go? Is this the future we wish to beaqueath to our children — a future of violence? Haven’t we had enough of this brutal past? The murder in Enugu East should be enough reminder that they are never going to change their usual attitude unless we change them.
I should think that the right thing is to embrace the emerging new order in Chijioke Edeoga – Okaome — miraculously ignited by the Peter Obi revolution. He is a born servant-leader, well educated, humility personified, honest, strong-willed, hardworking, empathic and selfless. What else do we want in a leader? Is this not the great hope we have dreamt of and waited for?
To some of the youths who have delibrately made their body available for destruction, by willingly choosing to play the big chest, they have no one to blame but themselves. They should remember that these people have their own children tucked away in choice universities in Europe and America. It’s you that are played up here as expendables. Think about it.
Vote for Chijioke Edeoga! Vote for LP all the way in order to create a condition synergic to peaceful leadership in Enugu State. Divided attention means chaotic attention. It means strife. It means confusion. It means distraction which does not give room for sustainable development. Do not be deceived. Remember, we have had 24 years of unfulfilled dreams, promises and jamborees. Enough should be enough by now.
Shine your eyes. Go there on Saturday, 18 March, 2023, and be the history you are expecting.
_Tiyi eka ne mbe eserh madu eto._
By Comrade Nkem Ossai
(Odenamuo)
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