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MADUAGWU: Southeast Deserves Commendation

By KODILINYE OBIAGWU
11 April 2015   |   11:12 pm
HOW did the voting pattern that saw the South East vote against APC? Let’s start by being different. Southeast deserves commendation. I have observed a kind of political maturity blended with self-confidence; of course, both are siblings and go together.

Prof Chimdi Maduagwu1HOW did the voting pattern that saw the South East vote against APC?   Let’s start by being different. Southeast deserves commendation.

I have observed a kind of political maturity blended with self-confidence; of course, both are siblings and go together. Southeast progressed from political sincerity to political consistency.

One may question my idea of political sincerity, so, I explain. By that, I mean that the zone had, hitherto, based its decision on the reality of who she is. Disadvantaged by virtue of who they are, almost, always antagonised, they chose to seek ways of integration with minimum conflicts.

Now, there appears to be a swap with Southwest, who, hitherto, had been consistent. Now, Southeast is the consistent zone, while Southwest has become the sincere zone. Having said that, I believe that Southeast has demonstrated that it can stand on its own now.

The result of the presidential election has defined the new Igboman. Relationship with the APC at the centre?   On a possible relationship between South East and APC, I say, yes and no. But a projected no.

During the time of realignment, the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), which is a Southeast party, rejected the invitation of the new alliance, which formed APC.

I think there should be consistency. Ndigbo should be able to maintain that. Nigeria and Nigerians are noted for changing rules and decisions midway, but this can’t continue forever.

At this point in our political experience, we should be advancing toward building structures that are strong and indeed formidable.

Was it a mistake voting for PDP? Southeast did not vote APC and does not regret it. It was a conscious political decision, which appears to confirm the postmodern idea of coincidence as against consensus.

It means that that was my conscious assembly of thoughts and opinions; rather, some deposited or internalised experiences of south easterners unconsciously played out.

What appears amazing is the consistency of the game. Southeast will not regret it. The situation will help to strengthen its politically. Fears of marginalisation?   On marginalisation.

I do not know how else anyone can define that better than the constant state of Ndigbo. For 45 years since the civil war ended, the Igbo have remained practically outside the mainstream of the affairs of the nation.

They appear more or less like colonised people. That is painful.  No doubt, someone will take me up on that and count the number of Igbo people in government and positions zoned to them, well that confirms my point.

If you can count, with ease, the involvement of people in their own affairs, then the point is established. The way it stands now, Ndigbo are not expected full or even marginal participation in the new government and there is no problem.

Have Ndigbo shortchanged themselves? I do not regard that as ‘shortchange’ rather I think that the situation created by the deferment of truth.

The true position is that Ndigbo will have to negotiate other issues that are more contingent. Let’s examine the voters’ registration and accreditation in the last Presidential/National Assembly Elections, who is fooling who? Is it not a shame that such ridiculous figures are returned for states like Abia, etc.

No official of INEC has as yet expressed worry over that. From my point of view, I think that the results of the March 28 elections are more of a blessing in disguise.

Now, the important point is for Ndigbo to maintain the consistency. Let all elected PDP members so remain.

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