It is no longer news that Nigeria had unfortunately in the most recent years, been burdened down by the tripartite problems of insecurity, economic woes and evident threat to national unity and peaceful co-existence. With the clamour for a break away of certain parts of the country more heard today than of recent times. The conscious decision of the ruling party to settle for a consensus candidate in the forthcoming national convention and furthermore, the decision to choose an individual that would tackle these three burning matters head-on cannot be over-emphasised and would be a decision based on wisdom and national interest first above politics that will usher in the resulting tonic needed to make Nigeria work post 2023.
The declaration recently of the southern governors forum and leaders of thought of southern extraction, demanding for the right of the south to produce the presidential candidate in 2023 is borne out of a reaction of mistrust, neglect, frustration, and desire to be fully involved with affairs that controls the region. The counter declaration and opposition to the southern governors and leaders of thought, expressed by the Northern leaders (led by the NEF) depicts a region that has fears, anxiety,and doubts regarding the continuous welfare of their region post 2023.
These diverging factors and scenarios have greatly fuelled the raging animosity and rancour that has continually pervaded the Nigerian political, social, and resulting economic space and done greater harm than good in the past years, with the need to utilize the coming election mainly for healing, national bridge reconstruction and above all meet the yearnings and desire of both divide in a well balanced 1-way solution that breeds 2-ways.
It would leave no one in doubt that Senator Orji Uzor Kalu is the living politician alive with an exceptional and extensive national outreach and capable to offer that much needed reconciliation platform and 1-way solution that would harmonize the 2 sections of the country into being united again. His recent conferment with the title of Kibiyar Kabi at far away Kebbi state is not only well deserved as one that sees and embraces the North as brother to the south, but goes further to show a leader that continually yearns to build reconciliation and unity even when the odds are high.
Simply put, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu is the politician the North can trust completely to hold their hand as a brother and the south can trust whole heartedly to reflect balance and justice, thereby offering the much needed 1-way solution that solves 2-ways problems that had lingered. The consensus choice of the person of Senator ORJI Uzor Kalu would resolve the over 6-decadeslong argument of marginalization of eastern Nigeria, clamour for the turn for the presidency by southern Nigeria and above all, resolving the fears of betrayal and mistreatment being expressed by the North post 2023.
Imagine a government that showcases national unity, progressive attitude, and regenerative strategy? Imagine a system where all would be heard, and all heard would be resolved?
Imagine a new era whereby the political atmosphere of the country will be geared towards a continual national reconciliation and unified growth.
The situation and prevailing circumstance in Nigeria today, bemoans the need for placing National interest above politics, regional, sectional, tribal and religious interests. Doing what is expedient and necessary for the much-required nation building, harped with instant positive results. There can not be meaningful development, no matter how much our nation tries to achieve same if the issues surrounding national unity and peace building are not resolved. These also cannot be achieved if politics and sentiments are not waved aside to carry out actions that would place the right man for the vintage position to make the repairs happen.
The APC has of recent times and up until this moment have held power over the years, haven managed to keep the various blocks that constitutes it intact. A great feat!!! if I may say, owing to the complex nature and enduring task of keeping a united family in Nigerian politics (Appreciation to first H.E. Chief John OdigieOyegun and most recently H.E. Mai Mala Buni And Senator John Akanudoedehe leaderships of the APC at various set times). It will be to my premise and personal opinion to believe these feat and years of experience should help the ruling APC even as it strides towards her national convention in a few months from now, with the choice of “CONSENSUS” supported by myself and million other Nigerians and seen as the right step towards getting the right thing and right man on the presidential stand to tackle other parties in the coming election in 2023.
With Senator Orji Uzor kalu possibly chosen, Nigerians, the APC and the international community would be more than ready to see a new Nigeria with positive gains and strides achieved within a very short span of time. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu will not only do what the nation expects but will go further to correct the wrong notion amongst many regarding his years of governance in Abia state, by leaving Nigeria a healed, prosperous and united nation upon completion of his tenure.
Engr. Paul Arabome (MSPE)
Writes in from Calgary, Canada.
(Email: Arabome1@gmail.com)