DEFECTIONS: AN OPPORTUNITY TO RETHINK AND REMODEL ----Nimi Walson-Jack MY TAKE ON THE COMMENTARY……..John Idumange The defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), though regrettable can really be viewed as another opportunity to refocus, rebuild and strengthen the PDP in Rivers State. It is true that these are challenging times, but inherent in them too are beneficial circumstances the Party can use to its advantage. It is clear to all that intra-party squabbles based on ill-defined interests only end in attrition. That is why the opposition would like to instigate members of the Party to keep focusing on the disagreements and dramatis personae. As it is said of the popular game of soccer, we need to keep our eyes on the ball and not merely on the players. It is noteworthy that the strength of our Party lies in congregating around a shared vision, bonding together through challenges and working together despite the inevitable personality clashes and disagreements over differing perspectives or preferences in political issues. This unity in diversity, which other political groupings have not been able to sustain, is what is being challenged in the PDP. To build the team, the Party must, therefore, stay united more than ever before. In the words of Askhari Johnson Hodari ‘‘if everyone holds up the sky, then one person does not become tired’’. Our unity would be further strengthened by the understanding of the obligation we each have as citizens to participate in the political dialogue of our time and thereby ensure the safe passage of democracy from one generation to the next. There are still honourable men and women in the Party who are resolute, prepared for selfless service, and concerned about our challenges and under-utilised opportunities. These individuals are willing and ready to collaborate for beneficial change. This is a good sign and a critical resource. It was Winston Churchill who once said ‘‘when there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt us.” We seem to be in the same situation Gideon of the Bible was, when God gave him victory with only 300 fighting men down from the tens of thousands who started out. The leadership of the PDP in the Rivers State must endeavour to be ad idem with the aspirations of both its members in the State and the good people of Rivers State, on whose behalf the leadership mandate is exercised. Let me seize this opportunity to appeal to members of the PDP currently serving in the State government not to defect to another political Party or quit politics. Special appeal is also made to our Chairmen and Councillors to properly weigh the morality of converting the mandate, structures and property of the PDP, on whose platform they were elected, to any other Party. It is an accepted fact that knee-jerk decisions have always ended with a sour taste. I enjoin all Party members in government to remain with the Party under the leadership of the Chairman, Chief Felix Obuah, and continue to work for the best interest of Rivers State. Members of the PDP in the Wards and Local Government Areas are also enjoined to remain steadfast and committed to the political legacy of our Party and the ideas of the founding fathers. Let us not be seen as a set of people who cannot articulate sound political judgement due to squabbles that could be resolved. Let us embrace the politics of inclusiveness and shun the “winner takes all” syndrome as “the Umbrella” is big enough to cover all. As I had said before, politics need not, indeed must not be a zero-sum game. The idea that winner takes all has no place in a democracy, because if losers lose all, they will opt out of the democratic game. Sharing is essential in a democratic society - the sharing of power, resources, and responsibilities. Together we shall weather the storm, resolve our differences within the Party and chart a better course for our dear Rivers State. The Rivers State of our dream in which opportunities abound and are accessible to all, is still possible. The future is bright indeed. Hon. Nimi Walson-Jack Member, PDP AKULGA Ward 11 MY TAKE ON THIS COMMENTARY 1. Hon. Nimi Walson-Jack did not condemn the defections but saw that action as an opportunity to refocus and rebuild the PDP. The import of this statement is that if something goes wrong in a Party in power, there is need to refocus and rebuild the party to strengthen the institutions by infusing morality and internal discipline. The weaknesses should be turned into an advantage. THIS IS THE WAY LEADERS THINK. 2. Hon. Nimi Walson-jack emphasized the need for unity and team work. Team work according to him does not lie in not disagreeing but in coming together each time people disagree. THIS IS THE ESSENCE OF CONSENSUS BUILDING. This underpins his appeal for people in PDP to work for the unity of the Party instead of defecting or quitting the Party. 3. Hon. Nimi Walson-Jack is a leader as he appealed to all members of the PDP to play politics of inclusiveness and shun zero sum mentality in politics. I am really impressed by his comment when he said “Together we shall weather the storm, resolve our differences within the Party and chart a better course for our dear Rivers State”. Hon. Nimi Walson-Jack has demonstrated robust leadership qualities, which is very healthy for democracy. Hitherto, most politicians had believed in the unhealthy political taxonomy of winners and losers. If we believe in that democracy is majority rule, we must also believe that the minority should have its way. Ultimately, the winners and the losers seek to have good governance hence everyone is a winner. These are the leadership qualities and ideals that stand Nimi Walson-Jack out among the pack. Rivers State cannot possibly reject the choice of good governance and positive change. I had earlier said that a at now, the Governor of Rivers State in 2015 must be a competent, committed and focused person from the Riverine area of Rivers State and this is the consensus of public opinion. One person that readily comes to mind with astute leadership qualities is Hon. Nimi Walson-Jack. He is a man who is dogged, with tenacity of purpose, goal-oriented, humane, focused and purpose driven man who fits the bill. Just as King Alfred Diete-Spiff and Late Senator Melford built old Rivers State, so will a Riverine Governor take the State to the next level. My only worry is that the next Governor has to contend with the massive dead weight debt burden to be bequeathed by Governor Amaechi. I believe and rightly so that another riverine Governor will move Rivers State forward. This much we owe generations yet unborn and we cannot shirk this onerous responsibility. Idumange John is a public Intellectual
Posted on: Mon, 28 Jul 2014 11:10:19 +0000