 Published
January 17th, 2011
In recent times the life
blood of politics and elections in Nigeria has become openly
physical, partly because of the unusual power struggle
between politicians.These types of fights amongst political
aspirants or leaders in the country will be surpassed by a
new one as we are about to see now and this recommended
fight will be between Jonathan and Ribadu.
Jonathan and Ribadu will be drawn to a wrestle under a
written consent, and the fight must be fully expected by
Nigerians both at home and in the Diaspora.
We all know the grim nature of Nigerian problems at this
time, as well as the struggles that continue to confront the
people.
In particular, we now know a system of free and fair
election is a major problem in Nigeria, as Attahiru Jega and
INEC recently experienced with the text case of Delta’s
recent gubernatorial election, however, that should not stop
us from trying to make it better.
We will all admit that in a complex society like Nigeria
with its numerous social, political, institutional and
infrastructural problems, there is need for a leader who is
both physically and intellectually strong. Brothers and
Sisters, what better way to show one’s physical strength
than through a show of manliness and a feat of strength
which could only come through a flesh and blood type of
fight such as an all-out wrestling between J and R.
The wrestling match should be a onetime fight in a major
public ground, and while the nation expects both a winner
and a loser out of the fight, the goal of the mêlée should
not be about the destruction or disqualification of an
opponent as they must both be ready for the series of
intellectual debates that will follow.
Again, they should fight first and let’s see who will
recover fully as that will be one indication of a show of
persistence, and vigor which will be required as they vie
for the control of the presidency. It takes energy to fully
face the tide of debates, especially when the debates must
shift across the federal capital, different states, and
rural areas. No excuses, as the people across the country
deserve such openness.
In some of these places, there will be rough roads, heat
from generators, poor air conditioning, damaged areas and
other bad positions which are not unusual to average
Nigerians. Both J and R must be psychologically ready to
fight through these commonplace hassles and hazards as they
set out to debate for the presidency.
Through this all-new way of rolling out national debate in
front of the people, everyone can quickly ascertain which
one of these frontrunners has the energy to bear the
desperation and pressure carried by many in the country on a
daily basis.
During the debates, we will witness the intellectual rigor
of J and R, and determine who is the intellectual
lightweight or intellectual heavyweight? Unlike anything
else, there will be no room for a draw in the fight as the
citizens will be looking for a clear winner or loser in the
daylight brawl as well as debates. We know they will argue
about economic, education, healthcare, security and other
institutional reforms, but first we must determine who among
them has the fighting spirit and competitive power to handle
an irregular nation like Nigeria.
The nation is in need for a non-violent and institutional
revolution, and one of them must unleash the physical and
intellectual energies that will be needed to clean the
country, and guide the hopes and needs of the people.The
problems of challenging the results of the fight, and any of
the pre-April debates will be unnecessary as everything will
be in the public sphere followed by instant judgment. The
results will be more credible and transparent unlike the
actual April election which as will all know could be mired
in fraud.
Nigerians live in an extraordinary time, and it is now up to
Attahiru Jega to set the date for the all-out wrestle and
the subsequent debates. But to ensure the democratic
process, let the likes of Jonathan, Ribadu, Buhari, Shekarau,
Utomi and others join in the April Presidential election
with the hope that INEC will work towards ensuring a minimal
atmosphere of impartiality as no election is perfect.
Again, before anything else, let the apparent two popular
politicians, Jonathan and Ribadu take the lead through
push-downs and takedowns within a contest that is certainly
more of a perfect match, then Jega can take it from that
point. Best of wishes to the people.
John Egbeazien Oshodi, Ph.D , DABPS, FACFE, is a Forensic/ClinicalPsychologist
and an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Behavioral
Science, North Campus, Broward College, Coconut Creek,
Florida. joshodi@broward.edu
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