Barely a month to the Presidential and National Assembly elections and less than 50 days to the governorship polls, the political tension in Imo State has indeed reached a feverish stage. The APC South East rally for women and youths in held Owerri at the weekend is an eye opener of the tension gaining momentum in the political turf of the State.
Reports have it that supporters of the APC governorship candidate, Senator Hope Uzodinma and Action Alliance governorship candidate, Uche Nwosu, clashed at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, venue of the rally.
The rally attended by Aisha Buhari represented by wife of the Vice President, Dolapo Osibanjo and other top APC chieftains became a ground for supporters of Uzodinma and Nwosu to flex muscles and strength.
The violent dimension the rally took is worrisome. It signposts unsavoury developments that may take place before, during and after the elections in the State. If a mere rally could degenerate to such ugly scenario, what then happens when other political parties and their candidates file out on Election Day in the State?
Public office seekers should note that desperation in search for political power is archaic. It is not in consonance with modern norms of democracy. Candidates should focus on marketing their aspiration through campaigns and shun resort to desperate antics just to capture political power. Supporters of candidates should also not see election as a do or die affair.Emphasis should be placed on enumerating the fine qualities of candidates rather than resort to violence or arm twisting.
Imo State is at cross roads, in search for the symbol of good governance that will be of benefit to all. It is the collective duty of well meaning Imolites. We should pray for the best. God is the ultimate decider.
“Desperation in search of political power is archaic. It is not in consonance with modern norms of democracy. Candidates should focus on marketing their aspiration through campaigns and shun resort to desperate antics just to capture political power. Supporters of candidates should also not see election as a do or die affair”