By Emeka Oparah
There’s an emerging dangerous trend in the South East, where people are demonized for their political choices. This is very wrong. I will resist it. I will denounce it. People are free to join any party of their choice. If you don’t like it, don’t support them.
I have observed this trend for sometime and it’s fast becoming a culture. We must NOT put our eggs in one basket. Politically savvy folks would even fan out and distribute themselves and benefit from any party in power. That’s democracy. Freedom of choice.
In the South East, the moment you act or speak in allegiance to APC, people start hating you, cursing you out and calling you names-and even start plotting your downfall or death. This is extremely immature and very provincial.
It is getting so serious and deeply engrained in our thinking and actions that even otherwise educated folks are imbibing this herd mentality, this politics of exclusion. Meanwhile, some of those leading and championing the culture are doing massive business and keeping long-term relationships with people from across the country.
I think it’s high time we stopped this silliness. I’m not a politician per se. I don’t belong to any political party yet, but I’m wise enough to tolerate any brother, any sister who chooses to join any party.
Politics must NOT limit personal relationships. We must not die at the same place or get buried in the same grave. We weren’t born same time. Even identical twins sometime have very diametrically opposed views and positions and lifestyles.
Enough is enough. Let’s be wise and mature about politics. You cannot be prescriptive in these matters. Come to think of it, what has supporting and voting for PDP since 1999 done for Ndigbo beyond some political appointments, which didn’t go beyond enriching the individuals so appointed.
As I said, I am not a politician or a member of APC, but I think this nonsense of demonizing people because they have chosen to join APC or be sympathetic to the party should stop. We are gradually descending into an intolerant people. Meanwhile we live and trade all over the country. This rubbish must stop.
Governor Rochas Okorocha and son-in-law, Uche-Nwosu
I did NOT say one word about the so called chieftaincy title of Uche Nwosu, the son-in-law of Gov. Rochas Okorocha and an APC gubernatorial candidate, by Mbaise kings because, to me, it meant nothing. If they decide to confer a title on him on New Yam Festival day, it is not the same as endorsement of his candidacy.
Even so, so what? Would that make him win? Traditional rulers, like religious leaders must not get involved in politics. They are meant to receive everyone and advice them like their children. That’s what I know.
I don’t care, if Uche Nwosu is conferred with a title as much as I don’t want him to succeed his father-in-law, who has literally messed up Imo State. If he becomes Governor, it would amount to a 3rd term by Rochas.
So, Imo people, including APC members must stop it-and I know APC people are blatantly and resolutely resisting it. Bringing his matter into a chieftaincy installation and New yam festival is absolutely NOT smart!!! These are my personal opinions and I’m very well entitled to them.
*Emeka Opara is a Corporate Communications Expert and Public Affairs Analyst.