By Adisa Adeleye

It is observed that since the May general election in Nigeria, events seem to have been moving fast as being expected by many patriotic citizens. The new rulers, both at the state and federal levels, have been ushered into their elevated chairs with costly dinners, sweet wines and pleasant launches to marked the beginning of a new era.

The new era has been elegantly styled, especially by the media, a period of peace and prosperity, and probably so. If the bombings in Kaduna and Bauchi were painful distraction, the killings  and destruction in Ibadan (Oyo State), Boko Haram constant destructive stance in Maduguri (Borno state) stand as a perfect remembrance that all is not well yet in spite of fake appearance of peace. Or is it that propitiation to the gods requires more blood of the innocent Nigerians?

The destructive tendencies of the past being sadly smuggled into the present situation tells an ugly story of a country marching forward and still looking back; perhaps relishing the orgies of the past. The answer lies in the determination of all Nigerians to be resolute in their determination to fight acts of terrorism and embrace the spirit of a peaceful co existence.

In the cautious trek towards the state of greatness, President Goodluck Jonathan has met with the leaders of prominent parties, inviting their parties, as reported by the media, to participate in Government of National Unity (GNU). Except for the absence of CPC party leaders (the party is still contesting the presidential election in court); all other parties were reported to have agreed to the president’s idea in principle. However, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has surprisingly and painfully come out against the idea of a National Government in any form, describing it as anti_democracy and a ploy to silence the opposition.

The ACN’s reason might be considered politically sagacious, considering the false idea of the past in constructing the idea of a National Government to be that jobs for the boys to silence them. It is easy not to forget the experience of the recent past and fall flat for mere juices of ministerial appointments.

I firmly believe in the concept of a genuine National Government which is built on agreed policies on special issues – Power, Health, Education, Infrastructural developments. All ACN state (except one) voted massively for President Jonathan to execute the vision of a new Nigeria. The pertinent question is, why did you persuade majorities of your members to vote for a leader you could not work with?

It is a great pity that the present crop of ACN leadership is a poor student of Nigeria political history or that it lacks proper understanding of the chemistry of Nigeria Nation. The greatest Yoruba leader of the last century Chief Obafemi  Awolowo  made a disastrous political error in the 1960s by constituting an opposition in a country that was yet to fully understand the concept of real democracy (like today).

The consequences were dismal – Awolowo was sent to jail, mid west was carved from old western region (while other regions remained intact) and the Action Group Party became divided and eventually collapsed. The Federal Government (NPC) and its allies (NCNC and others) led the country blindly into a disastrous civil war.

If the political instability and economic uncertainties of the horrible sixties are still with us till today, the blame would be put firmly on the shoulders of visionless leaders who could not seize the available opportunities that prevented themselves during that period.

The ACN leadership also noted that the need for a Government of National Unity should not arise during the period of ‘peace’. Is the country at the moment enjoying real peace or graveyard peace? What environment is more dangerous than the present where there is the possibility of threats to lives and properties of individuals and actual acts of murder and arson in some parts of the country with victims left uncompensated as if it is their destiny to die in the hands of political jackals and religious and ethnic hounds?

While the radicalism of ACN is recognized throughout the country and the adherence of its members to the concept of true federalism appreciable, there is no need to constitute a lone opposition (in an atmosphere where is not much difference between one party or the other in terms of political ideology or economic principles. it is a funny scenario of PDP today, ACN tomorrow or CPC, the other day. In spite of political progress, voting (especially block voting) is still being influence by ethnic or regional considerations.

In consideration of points discussed above, my sincere advice to ACN leadership: is play sensible politics by sending your best team (the Fasholas) into the federal cabinet of President Jonathan and instruct your federal legislators to work with their counterparts to ensure that the Executive follow the part towards greatness and prosperity. And the ACN states should show by example traits of greatness and prosperity.

It is expected that President Jonathan would stand by his words of leading a talented team of dedicated workers, incorruptible and clean. The country needs constant electricity supply to promote adequate production and growth. Electricity supply which was tolerable during election period has now relapsed into its characteristic epileptic stance, starving homes and industry the necessary power.

It is gratifying that the National Assembly in Abuja has elected its leadership democratically as reported. This, people say, is good for democracy. The north has (democratically) taken control of the National Assembly with the south satisfied with the presidency and perhaps, the control the heights of the economy. Perhaps this would signify the end of political zoning, – a concept developed and executed by members of the ruling party to share the booties and reward its members. That is also good for democracy.