When I read the news of the army breaking into the stadium in Port Harcourt and occupying it as if they have invaded a small country, I stopped to puzzle at the symbolism this scenery generates and how in countries where rule of law and common sense pervades, citizens would have been abhorred by this. The paradox of using the local army on civilian citizens and property in a bid to promote a democratic cause (presidential campaign) is mind boggling. The mental picture I got, imagining Nigerian soldiers forcing through the gates of the stadium and harassing civilians who were unfortunate to have the job of protecting the stadium on that fateful day still haunts me. Why on earth will anybody with common sense not see the wrong in the use of military force to invade a territory in a city that is at peace, all in the name of getting a space for campaign? Are there no legitimate means of securing same venue without recourse to force and violence?
I will try and avoid the controversy of whether it is right or wrong to deny PDP the use of the stadium. The reasons for that decision, biased as it may seem, are best questioned, faulted or upheld, albeit using appropriate processes and systems. Even if it is inappropriate to close the stadium, the best way to gain access is never by use of violence. An inappropriate action does not often require an inappropriate responds. Where there is rule of law, systems are in place to address such anomalies.
This is where leadership and character comes in. A leader is judged by the decision he makes all the time, but especially when it behoves on him to observe the rule of law. Nyesom Wike’s decision to use the Nigeria military to invade a stadium in Port Harcourt calls to question his quality as a leader. It shows his violent nature and portends the way he will lead the state if he is voted in. Our State is in socio-political and economic quandary because of acts of hooliganism and violence, such as this, that it has been subjected to in the past. Wike wants to continue such acts and that is inimical to the progress of Rivers State.
The tension in the air because of the forthcoming election can be cut with a knife. Acts like this heats up the polity and add to the sense of danger pervading the state. People are living in fear because of the preponderance of election related violence in the state. Domination and fear as an election tactics can only spell doom for the state. Instead of militarising the state, gubernatorial candidates should be selling their electoral programmes to the voters. They should inform the voters what they intend to do for them as the next governor of the state. They should convince the voters based on their well thought out programmes and proper articulation of the needs of the voters. Rivers people are intelligent people and they know that the era of the supremacy of the gun is over. They need results! Intelligent debate on the problems of the state and how these problems are to be solved must be the foundation on which electioneering campaigns are built, not intimidation and violence.
Wike made a bad decision on this. His judgement is flawed and this cast doubt on his capacity to occupy and handle the demands of the exalted post of governor. If he fails in a minor decision like this one, how can he be trusted with making the right decisions on weightier matters facing Rivers State? He has shown his personality anchors on brute force and intimidation. Time and again, even in his jingles and campaign messages, these themes of brute force and intimidation rings through.
Personality defines an individual. It colours ones perceptions and behaviour. It is difficult to change. It’s like the spots in a leopard skins. That’s who the leopard is. Wike’s core personality borders on brute force and that is who he is. Just reflect on most of Wike’s speeches and actions you know about, you will likely come to the same conclusion as I have. It is ‘commonsensical’, therefore, that peace loving and gentle people of Rivers State will not allow an arrogant and violent person to be at the helm of affairs in the state.
Common sense must prevail. The supremacy of the law must be adhered to. Good judgement is expected of leaders. Respect for people and authority must be maintained by all, including those who think they are above the law and act violently with impunity. Rivers People, the choice is yours. Based on the foregoing, I have made up my mind who deserves to be the next governor of Rivers State, Have you?
