Man, they say, is a ‘political animal’ by nature. This fact is not under contention, but when man applies ulterior motives and starts politicking with the ‘corporate future’ of all concerned stakeholders in the society, he myopically and foolishly thinks (in the short term) he is outsmarting others; not knowing that, ultimately, he is taking such selfish actions at his own peril. At the same time, he is unconscious of the fact that he is boxing himself into a very tight corner in the long run, regardless of the perceived treacherous opportunity or, supposedly, undue advantage!
Selfishness, greed, nepotism and similar social vices pay no man any good, especially in a corporate world. What is expected of man under every scenario is to manifest the virtue of patriotism, to be selfless in service to mankind and humanity, in nation building and development. It is really sad and most unfortunate, for it is expressed in these popular traditional words of the elders that, “a community in dispute is always beneficial to the unscrupulous red caps” (“Ala adi nma bu uru ndi nze” as it is expressed in the Igbo language). This is the typical characterisation of such politicians that feed fat on troubled waters, a fact and truism in real life. By virtue of citizenship in a democratic setting we are all equal stakeholders to this business of our corporate entity (the social well-being of all in the land); and every one of us will attest that no one is a saint either.
This nation is already sixty two years old from independence but there is absolutely nothing to show for it. This is with respect to its global economic exploits and achievements, especially when the rich and abundant natural endowments and all her lost opportunities are put into consideration, on her exact heights and where its economy ought to be amongst the comity of nations. All we kept and still keep observing is the power play amongst the political actors or the politically advantaged persons, displaying ignorance at the gallery (instead of patriotic statesmanship), to the full glare of the entire nation and the world.
The games being played, centre mostly on acrimonious religious divides and ethnic discrimination and fighting. This is to the detriment of the poor masses that innocently offered them the electioneering mandate through politically-driven social contract at the polls. We are all living witnesses to the state of the nation, economically! Amid ever-rising inflation, local currency exchange rate in total shambles; and in the light of a very unstable and low productivity profile, virtually affecting all the economic sectors that are presently underperforming, the nation still has an irresistibly attractive huge market for transnational businesses to access, globally.
With the nation presently classified as the world’s poverty capital by globally acclaimed economic watchers, along with multinational and global finance organisations, it truly, at this point in time, calls for sober reflection!
Now, politicians are once again warming up for yet another display of the age-long series of never-fulfilled political promises to the electorates. This is being done through their self-serving campaign manifestos and a flagrant display of money politics, with unnecessary counterproductive power play; now that the 2023 presidential election is on the front burner. Can they, for goodness sakes, from within their respective political platforms (parties), sincerely and diligently conduct credible intra-party election processes (under the umpire’s supervision, the INEC)? Can they ensure fairness to all ethnic nationalities and groups concerned, allowing equitable participation, treating them freely without injustice but through laid down party resolutions (whether by consensus or direct or indirect voting, and the much talked about zoning arrangement)? Can they ensure picking the most eligible aspirants that are able and fit to fix the economy and put it on the right path and pedestal to corporate prosperity of the land, for the protection of the overall interest of our future generations?
This situation demands that all concerned, irrespective of our past national history, and the other numerous past events within the country, should for ONCE in our political history, be unanimously enthused with zeal, to actively participate selflessly. To patriotically live above board or political inclination, religious belief, and jettison any form of ethnic rancour, and diligently and transparently pick the BEST who can salvage this sovereign state from obvious recession and the collapse that knocks on a failing economy. This, to be done in the interest of our national life and economic future, and for generations unborn.
All stakeholders are urged to remain non-aligned for just this singular historical politically-driven economic transforming purpose at this critical stage of our national life. To possibly get it right this time around, by righting the wrongs, including institutionalised corruption, of the past.
This proposition might seem stupid and foolish in the eyes of some doubting Thomases, but it is a doable, realistic political work-plan if, every stakeholder sees reasons why the entire nation should make a U-turn and join hands, where every Tom, Dick and Harry, realistically contributes towards national growth and development. This must cut across party lines, for it to succeed.
A new political narrative for the entire nation needs now to be written with the opportunity the 2023 presidential election offers, if the politicians sincerely mean well for the peace and progress of the land. Let no corporate stakeholder make political mistakes, either as voter or candidate, particularly on this social contract, the forthcoming 2023 presidential election.
SUNNY CHUBA NWACHUKWU
Sunny Nwachukwu (Loyal Sigmite), PhD, a pure and applied chemist with an MBA in management, is an Onitsha based industrialist, a fellow of ICCON, and vice president, finance, Onitsha Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached on +234 803 318 2105 (text only) or schubltd@yahoo.com
