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Every time the election year approaches, governance is tense and the Nigerian system is aligned by interest. Lots of unions and dissolution occur day in and day out, and the space becomes tense every day before, between, and beyond Election Day. It is also sad to see that we make greater mistakes at the end of whoever is elected. In the end, the struggle between the north and the south remains a greater influence on our governance.
In the north, the assumption remains that their vote is a determinant factor and they must endorse whoever will lead the nation. It is said that sometimes it is not about who is the most qualified, it is more about who will protect their interests. Northern Nigerians have long seen power and commerce as the most valuable assets you can own in Nigeria. They are blessed with the ability to rally around their own at any time, no matter what the cost. They respect their leaders, obey their leaders, and are very loyal to their creed without disrespecting their values, come rain or shine. Even when they disagree, they do agree when a stranger is onsite or provides insight. Every northern man understands that their leader must be respected, and every leader equally understands why it is important to keep the followers at bay.
Unlike in the south, the reality is that competition is growing by the day, and the wise ones have to be wiser while the unwise ones are getting wise by the day. Their combined experience is almost equal to their education. This act led to a struggle between races and regions within the south, tussling for power without giving in to each other. Average southern Nigerians are all the same in terms of intelligence, standards, and soviets. Everyone is an authority. In the south, it is about a circle of influence opposing another, struggling for the same tall order.
When it comes to the north and south of Nigeria, one northern man is the other’s brother. Even when their interests clash, they ensure everyone gets a meal on their mat, a hut to lay their heads on, and a place for solace. Even when they enslave the poor among them, they ensure it is presented as a call to faith. But, in the south, the margin is clear-cut, the poor know their place, and the rich indulge in all forms of intimidating flamboyance. The leadership system is factionalized, and there is no resolution on unity at any time. The poor man must factor in a means to outsmart a privileged man to hit his rock of wealth, and the rich ones are intentional about keeping the less privileged man at bay. Imagine a situation where the Sultan and the emirs create a caliphate in northern Nigeria. In southern Nigeria, the two prominent and paramount rulers like Ooni, Obi and Alaafin will find a reason why they should never sit together.
In a nutshell, Nigerians must realize that, be it the north or the south, what matters is quality leadership and selfless stewardship. We must ensure that all standards are in place to install an outstanding and performing leader in the next elections, be it for states or national offices. We must continuously ensure that we outlive our selfish interests for selfless aspirations. We must understand that the nation is like building with three bedrooms even when we all own our toilets, we collectively must secure the compound, the environment, and the valuables therein are safe. Even when their are states and zones, what matters is protecting the marriage for the children not to suffer, to do this, we must search and elect credible, creative and conscious minds in our government offices without nepotism, favouritism and undue processes.
Olajide B.O.Y.
Ayekooto Fact Finders
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