“If you want to raise a crop for one year, plant corn. If you want to raise a crop for decades, plant trees. If you want to raise a crop for centuries, raise men. If you want to plant a crop for eternities, raise democracies.”- Carl A Schenck

Exactly one month ago, November 11, 2023, Imolites went to the polls to elect a democratic leader of their choice. Having experienced underdevelopment, economic scourge, hopelessness, unemployment and Insecurity, the only choice before the people of Imo State was to catalyse a genuine change through the polls. But that was not to be.

Imo witnessed a huge electoral heist in the history of the state and indeed Africa. Before now, there has not been any reported election criminaly planned and heartlessly executed by the duo of the government in power and the electoral umpire INEC. It appeared there was a consensus to “snatch, grab and run” with November elections in Imo State.

For a few in government that are rejoicing, Imolites are devastated by the outcome of an election that did not reflect the wishes of the people. This was the case in most of the LGAs including Orsu, Orlu, Oru East, Oru West, Nkwere, Nwangele, Ideato North and South, Okigwe, Ikeduru, Mbaitolu, Ehime Mbano, Obowo, Owerri Municipal and indeed all the LGA’s. In these LGAs the results were either written before the election, falsified as most do not match with number of accredited voters, ballot box snatching as well as vote buying by the APC. A visit to the INEC hosted IREV will reveal a reservoir of cankerworms.

The November 11 represents a mindless rape on our democracy; and is a total departure from the culture, custom, tradition and character of Ndi Imo which primarily is that of peace, togetherness and human rights. Our guiding principle has been that of “Egbe Bere, Ugo Bere, Nke Si Na Ibe Ya Ebele, Nku Kwaa Ya” ( Live and let live, but the bird that won’t allow others should loose it’s feathers). This adage illustrates tolerance and co-existence which was absent in the Nov 11 election as the people were denied the opportunity to their choice.

In the words of Rigoberta Menchú “Peace cannot exist without justice, justice cannot exist without fairness, fairness cannot exist without development, development cannot exist without democracy, democracy cannot exist without respect for the identity and worth of cultures and peoples.” November 11, 2023 interogates who we are as a people. It is an ugly attempt to stamp an evil label on a people known for their vast knowledge and intellectual acumen.

But, then, the people’s expectations of a better society is not lost as Senator Athan Nnejilenanim Achonu, the Labour Party candidate in Imo State still continues to reflect and represent the authentic leader in the minds of Imolites. He represents the face of justice, freedom of choice, sustainable development, fairness, and most importantly he is now crested in the hearts of many as THE TRUE FACE OF DEMOCRACY. He is the ‘Ugo of our Democracy ‘

His blueprint for Imolites still remain unmatched and unassailably the best for the state. At least for now. His commitment to security, industrialization, education, local government autonomy, ease of doing business, rural infrastructure (roads, electricity, etc) agricultural development, among other documented plans are imprints of a sound mind poised for sustainable growth.

Senator Athan Achonu believes that the “care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only essence of good governance”, hence he (Achonu) is the ‘True Face of Democracy’.

Achonu’s campaign was a complete departure from the rest. He was original, brought in finese, class and intellectual depth into the conversations. He redefined how elections should be- void of violence, confrontation, laced with truth and authenticity. He understood the problem, proposed solutions, made difficult promises but with unyielding assurances to fulfill them. He raised the bar and exposed the many ills confronting leadership in Imo. He was fearless, bold and courageous.

He is a true believer in the Imo State Dream- good governance, sustainable development, youth growth and most importantly justice and fairness. Achonu showed Character and strength and despite all the fake propaganda intelligently won the hearts of the voters. A major takeaway is that he believes the people must come first; and above all leadership excellence is not rocket science and can only come from true leaders.

While we try our chances in court and await the Judiciary to do the right thing for the sustainability of our democracy at all times, Senator Athan Nnejilenanim Achonu still remains the ‘Ugo of our Democracy’. Igbo na asi “anya huru ugo jaa ya mma na anaghi ahu ugo mgbe nile.”

Engr. Chibuikem Diala arpa Writes From Owerri, Imo State.