Situated in the South-East of Nigeria and prides as the Light of the Nation, with an industrious business savvy population and elites of Nigeria in different fields, Anambra is a state with nationalists that staked their entire lives and resources for the freedom and independence of our great country, Nigeria.
Her people spread across the landscape of Nigeria contributing immensely to nation building, infrastructural and economic growth.
With high mobility across Nigeria, they are a very visible and progressive people. Their quest for human development and freedom has attracted a juxtaposition of love and hate among compatriots.
Their historical length as a people measures quite impressively with cultural, political and economic values that has attracted praise and sometimes suspicion but to the best of description freedom and human development anchors the very essential value of their existence as a people and that’s what they project and maintain where ever they find themselves across Nigeria and globally.
True democracy is a culture in the way of life of Anambra people enshrined in the traditional and economic system. In the spirit of this age long tradition, the people of Anambra are going to the polls today to elect a governor.
With so much hype and uncertainty about the security, the election will still hold. The people and the politicians are resolved and resolute that the democratic process will not be truncated by any factor therein. It has come a long way with it’s challenges but there will be triumph.
The political gladiators, the Mavericks and the hawks are positioned to do political intrigues some for selfish end and some for the good of the people.
The major parties and their candidates have crisscrossed all over the state with their messages. The voters are quite intent to exercise their franchise amidst the security challenges.
Good enough, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have rescinded on their threat of sit at home and no election. It’s a good development. This will erase and encourage voter turnout.
This last minute development is a demonstration of democratic value regardless of the secession agitation. If course, the people received the news with great joy and relief.
PDP, APGA, APC, ADC, Accord and YPP are the parties in focus with their candidates. How they have faired in the campaign is for people to judge with their voting power. They must exercise their fundamental rights. The election must be free credible and fair.
Voters must have right to vote for a candidate of their choice and the votes must count. The use of youths to rig or cause mayhem during the election must be discouraged. The best candidate will emerge if these principles are strictly adhered to.
Anambra cannot be taken back to the dark age where political hawks are the driving forces of the political landscape. Democracy is people-oriented and must be driven by the people. No individual or interests would override that of the people. Let the right candidate for the people emerge to work and defend their interest. Anambra is home to true democrats and progressive politicians guided by the virtue of freedom to the people.
That’s what our great nationalists fought for and left enduring legacies. The Light of the Nation must shine. Let democracy prevail.
Chief Patrick Osagie Eholor, the Global President of One Love Foundation writes from Benin City, Edo State.