As at today, we have thirty five days to the much awaited and talked about 2019 senatorial election in Kogi Central. Yes, all the gladiators have heightened their preparations for eventual win or loss. Certainly, only one winner would emerge at the end of what promises to be a keenly contested election in the history of Ebira Nation. It goes without saying that this is the first time a senatorial election will generate so much interest and anxiety in the land.
The above scenario is not misplaced because for the first time in the political evolution of Ebira Nation, two graduates with rich profiles and outstanding pedigrees are going into the same election, these candidates are Alhaji Yakubu Oseni, a seasoned banker, tax administrator and social reformer, and Barr. Natasha Hadiza Akpoti.
Another epoch making part of the election is that this is the first time an election is generating so much interest among the citizenry: students, artisans, political class, drivers, market men and women, young and old.
The expectation is so high indeed and flowing like a river. It has come to be that, this coming election will witness an Avalanche of the gathering of observers, journalists and other political pundits because of the calibre of the people involved. However, there is one nagging issue we need to deal with and properly address before the D-day. That thorny issue is no other than the seeming gathering of storm in the form of political violence, acts of thuggery and brigandage that is beginning to rear its ugly head in some part of Kogi Central.
Such cases have been recorded in several places like Ogaminana, Ihima, Eika and Obangede. When I look back at all these foreboding events, I cannot help but ask myself if we had not learnt any lesson from our previous acts of violence that brought shame and odium to the land, particularly in 2003 general elections in Ebira land.
Indeed, it is unfortunate that some desperate politicians and other criminal elements in the land want to take us through our past history of violence and destruction of lives and properties.
As a senior citizen and journalist, I promise to continue to condemn in totality any act or conduct that will take us back to Egypt. It behooves on well meaning members of the society to rise up and strongly condemn this level of unwarranted intimidation that will put a slur on our collective image if it is not timely nip in the bud.
The security agents must be above board to discharge their duties without partisanship and bias, all political actors must bear in mind that Ebira people are sick and tired of any form of political violence now and the future. This is because the previous acts of violence had not added value to our lives.
Indeed, posterity will not forgive us if we wilfully allow another orgy of violence to occur again in the forthcoming general elections. God forbid!
– Otori Ozigi is a former Public Relations officer of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Journalist and PR Expert
