Expectedly, a lot of frenzy has been generated by the remarks by Prince Engr. Dr. Arthur Eze OFR, in reference to the phenomenal presidential bid of His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi CON. Anything – words, actions and even thoughts – on Peter Obi generates high traffic and attention in this epoch-making era in Nigerian politics. This is fuelled mainly by social media and the sudden elevated political consciousness of the youths. Finally, many would say, as past efforts to get the vast majority of youths to play prominent, positive roles in the build up to general elections have been futile. In the past, decent youths have left politics in the hands of nefarious youths, but not anymore. Everybody’s eyes are now wide open.
To start with, it must be clearly understood that Prince Arthur Eze loves Peter Obi. Both iconic figures have been instrumental in various aspects in the development of their beloved state, Anambra and have had cause to work together when Peter Obi was Governor. Prince Eze is a known philanthropist that willingly gives a listening ear to governments in his home state, in other states and of course, presidents of the country. As a patriotic Nigerian and proud Igbo son, he maintains his pan-Nigerian outlook in a very open and unapologetic manner, not minding contrary opinions. This has made many misinterpret his comments and actions, but many more fully understand his inspiring nature and disposition to ensure progress of the society at all times. It is in this spirit of progress that the Prince offers his advice and opinion from his very experienced standpoint in the political affairs of the country, which he has been a part of, for some time now.
On the opinions he expressed about Peter Obi’s presidential bid, oh my; never has someone been so misunderstood at such a point. Prince Arthur Eze’s statement should be carefully reviewed and neither taken out of context nor used as an excuse to foster disaffection between him and any political party or group in the country, for he has no enemies and wishes for none.
In his remarks, the Prince assessed the current situation of the country’s political landscape, and rightly decoded the seeming resistance or as some say, unfounded fear, regarding a president of Igbo extraction. His conclusion was that at this present point, the two biggest parties in the country had failed to produce a presidential candidate from the south east, which automatically and drastically reduced the chances of a president coming from that region in 2023. This was what informed his advice to Peter Obi to restrategize and seek a better timing to launch his bid. It could even be in the next four years, not eight. It must not be eight, especially with the predicted impatience Nigerians will have for the next president based on the monumental task he will have to contend with. In essence, he is not genuinely worried about Peter Obi’s bid, but about the timing and platform, considering the lesser capacity of the party compared to the big two.
We may all recall that the initial game plan was for Atiku to become President and then handover to Peter Obi within same party. The forces against this proved too strong despite promises made and the concerted efforts of many well-meaning Nigerians. However, Obi is no longer in PDP and his return to the party looks dim. Therefore, it is natural that the party should consider someone else with equally very good credentials like Peter Obi for the same future role, and preferably someone from the south east as the next President under their party. Any good party plans ahead and this was simply what Prince Eze was putting across, hinging on the aforementioned developments and compelled permutations.
Why would Arthur, as fondly called by his doting admirers, take on a very popular figure like Obi at the zenith of his campaign popularity? This was not, is not and will never be the case. From my observation, even though I’m not from the South East of from Anambra State, the typical Anambra politician does not work against the wishes of the good people of the state, as the results are often counter-productive. Prince Engr. Arthur Eze not just knows this but is among those that preach and promote love and support for aspiring sons and daughters of the land. Besides, issues like these are family affairs that can easily be settled in private, facilitated by the natural psyche that exists among the people. In other words, let us refrain from crying more than the perceived victim. When friction occurs and the persons involved eventually resolve whatever may have caused some disaffection, real or as in this case, wrongly perceived, the instigators are often left behind – high and dry.
As we all work towards fairness and equity to be enthroned in the country in all spheres, we are urged to remain calm and not easily prompted to viciously go against contrary opinions, in sustained demonstration of our maturity and capacity to work together despite our differences. Only this way can the good times we desire be brought closer and eventually transformed to reality.
Dr. James Adebowale
Publicity Secretary,
Centre for Strategic Political Development