Now the primaries are over

Boniface Chizea

Let us celebrate the fact that we have safely, successfully scaled the primary hurdles without the feared implosion. It would appear that what gave us the semblance of peace we now enjoy is that good counsel prevailed in most instances since as should be expected there were preferred outcomes but key stakeholders were ready to quickly accept and adapt to unfolding reality. And also the fact that the stable door was firmly shut by INEC. Once you have participated in one primary you were estopped from making another attempt.

The outcomes most certainly threw up surprises. Most Nigerians excitedly looked forward to having new faces on the block but ended up mostly with those who largely have been part of the problem in the past. Also there was the craving for much younger people. Even though age could be said to be only a number, but we ended up with some who are obviously infirm as a result of the ravages of age.

 And we must be truthful with ourselves, one of the reasons development has eluded us this far is the values our leaders in the past brought to the table. One is here not making any exceptions. The scale of corruption was massive, mindless and not sustainable. The looting of the treasury was reckless and most certainly condemnable. How many life does one have to live? And how much does one really need for a reasonable good life.

Good enough we are beginning to hear sound bites to the effect that corruption will not be tolerated going forward. That is music to the ears! But when we have a selection process so massively dollarised; how realistic is it to expect that such outlays will not be recouped through corrupt practices?

God is merciful that Obi’s faction of Labour party is the one recognised by INEC. Huum! It could have caused unimaginable unrest in the polity. Because like it or not Peter Obi has massive following. It is also surprising that Kingsley Moghalu is not the flag bearer of Africa Action Congress.

May be he allowed complacency to undermine his fortune. Taking things for granted that you stand out and therefore having a sense of entitlement could be dangerous. There is also this talk about the third force which I now suppose is a good idea whose time belong to the future except if INEC is still favourably disposed to mergers for the upcoming elections.

There is registration frenzy across the land as many notable stakeholders have added their voices to the need for citizens to be awake to their civic responsibilities. It is good as well as reassuring if holders of public office do so by popular mandate.

But INEC must be up to the task. Hitherto the organisation was beginning to garner some confidence to burnish its bona fides. But there is the need to guide its image jealously. The recent extension of primary conclusion deadline raised a few eyebrows more so after it had successfully resisted concerted pressure mounted in this connection.

INEC must now appreciate the fact that it is being watched. I took time out to revalidate my PVC at Sura/Sangrouse INEC Office here in Lagos. I was impressed with the conduct of INEC staff on duty there. They tried despite the pressure to do their work professionally. But report that was later received to the effect that some of those who wanted to register at Alaba market axis were being impeded must be ruthlessly nipped in the bud so that such experience will not multiply and sow the seed of unwanted discord.

Elections 2023 is very crucial to say the least. There is the urgent need for those with modicum of knowledge about the workings of the economy which is in comatose to take charge. The Nigerian economy is being assailed on many fronts that we cannot afford any experimentation going forward.

We need a leader who will be clear headed about the consequences of decisions and be ready to hit the ground running. There will be no time for luxuriating in celebration of victory after one has been sworn in.

The fortunes of Nigeria are dangerously spinning out of control and it is in urgent need of fixing. We need a leader who must appreciate that he must be armed with a vision of the type of country he would like to bequeath to us. And above all else we need a leader that will demonstrate fidelity to the promises he makes to Nigerians. We must remind all concerned that there is about one year to the handing over of baton. Attention must be returned to running the economy now that the diversion of attention due to the primaries will seem to have come to an end.

We are looking forward to televised debates real time amongst the contestants to market their agenda and convince us all of the practicability of such programs as we continue to pray for Nigeria in distress and for a peaceful, open and transparent 2023 Elections. Shalom.

 Dr. Boniface Chizea is a development economist and co nsultant