Good People, Bad Politics? By Stanley Ibe

Nigerians are good people. Forget what politics and politicians
make us say and do to one another. There is inherent greatness in
the way we relate with our neighbors.

I saw this trait in practice this morning as I returned from
cross over service and observed a flame of fire over the gazebo of
my neighbor. Within ten minutes, we had over 15 individuals lending
a helping hand – some providing water hoses and fire extinguishers,
a few throwing buckets of water at the fire and others motioning to
people within the house to make their way out.

Moments after I shared the information on our community whatsapp
group, concerned residents rose to support a fellow resident in
distress. Our security personnel were also on hand to provide
whatever support they could. At that moment, there was no
discussion of tribe and tongue, we were all united in stopping a
fire which had spread from one gazebo to another adjoining
gazebo.

One of the great revelations of the morning was the speed with
which the FCT Fire Service responded to a distress call from one of
our neighbours. Within 20 minutes of making that call, we could
hear the sirens blaring and the vehicle heading in our direction.
When the fire truck arrived, the firemen were very professional in
discharging their responsibility. The fire equipment worked well so
the remaining embers of fire was out in no time.

As we approach the 2019 elections and politicians try to take
advantage of the existing fault lines, we need to remind them that
Nigeria is our common heritage. Like those wonderful neighbours of
mine, we need to stand together to defeat a common enemy – bad
leaders and bad governance. Let us think very carefully about the
ramifications of our votes and the profound responsibility we owe
to posterity in throwing up leaders – at all levels – whose primary
responsibility is the welfare and security of the people. Leaders
who prioritize the will of the people and honor the office of the
citizen.

As I look back at the events of this morning, I am gratified
that we can make our country better if we approached the coming
elections with the right perspective. This is not about any
individual. It is about the future of our country. Rather than
dance to the drumbeats of selfish individuals within and beyond
political circles, let us vote our collective interest and defend
it.

Happy new year Nigeria.