"There is an emerging light at the end of the tunnel” – Afripol’s Emeka Chiakwelu,
Nigeria is gradually but steadily getting comfortable with democracy and the peaceful re-election of Governor Adam Oshiomhole of Edo state is a testament and indication to this development. Governor Adam Oshnole deserved a praise on the way he conducted himself in the campaigning process towards his re-election but the greatest respect and honour should go to the people of Edo that never relent in exercising their constitutional rights and boldly casting their votes to the candidate of their choice without titling to fear and intimidation.
Emeka Chiakwelu, Principal Policy Strategist at Afripol, appreciated the violent-free process: “Nigeria is maturing and democratic dispensation is gradually taking root. At this moment the entire people of Edo state and Nigeria in general should be proud of themselves. All the actors in the process especially His Excellency Governor Adam Oshiomhole showed the way and believed in the process. Oshiomhole respects the process and the people; they came out in great numbers and rewarded him with re-election. Governor Adam Oshiomhole visible achievements speak for itself. "
Nigeria can rejoice on this peaceful election but the country is not yet out of the wood. There are still some elements of bad influence and bad apples that have not accepted that the power belongs to the people. For in the true democratic setting, the voters have the final say on the outcome, thereby electing a candidate of their choice. In this case the vast majority of Edo voters believed strongly in Governor Adam Oshiomhole and returns him back to second term. Governor Oshiomhole held steadfast to the social contract with the voters, he performed at a level that the people appreciated and they re-elected him as the chief executive office of Edo State.
In victory there should be humility that rested on strength, strength to bring everybody together including the losers and opponents. By so doing it serves as an example that democracy is not about making enemies but about building bridges into a successful and strong society where everybody is working together and needs of the people are fulfilled. It may not be easy to convey such a mindset but the extension of olive branch will become a threshold for healing and bringing everybody together.
Adam Oshiomhole is gracious in victory and should work with all Nigerians especially Edo people who are serious about building a strong society without bitterness and rancor. The federal government of Nigeria especially President Jonathan deserved some praise on how he marshal the requisite resources needed to maintain peace and security on the day of election. Nigeria must not rest on its laurels but must continue on the process and path of building blocks of democracy. It is still faraway but God’s willing; Nigeria will eventually realize her dreams of becoming a true democratic society.
Afripol is committed to democractic capitalism and liberty in Nigeria. Africa Political and Economic Strategic Center (Afripol) is foremost a public policy center whose fundamental objective is to broaden the parameters of public policy debates in Africa. To advocate, promote and encourage free enterprise, democracy, sustainable green environment, human rights, conflict resolutions, transparency and probity in Africa. www.afripol.org info@afripol.org
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