You must look at facts, because they look at you.Winston Churchill, House of Commons, May 7, 1925.THE battle has been fought and won, and while the victors relish their victories, the vanquished must go around licking their wounds. The 2011 elections will probably be in the front burner in the political history of Nigeria for a very long time to come. Maybe, only the story of the June 12 struggle will be able to contend with it for a very long time to come.It is high time that the political gladiators brought out their full arsenal. The masses became the deciders of their own fate in a new way. Many encomiunms have been poured on the energetic Professor of Political Science at the helm of affairs at the truly Independent National Electoral Comission (INEC). He deserves it and more. We must thank God that we still have the likes of Jega, men of integrity. The Nigerian populace must also be thanked for making this democracy work, at least as far as the elections were concerned.One must, however, warn that it is not yet Uhuru.The reality of our situation is like that of one who won the battle but must battle the war. The newly-elected members of the House, Senators, members of state Houses of Assembly and also the governors must be watched, just the way we watched our votes and made sure they counted. It was gratifying observing the keeness with which most voters monitored the elections and that is why , to a large extent, the success of the 2011 general election is synonymous with the success of the majority of Nigerian voters. Except for a few bad losers in the North who saw no hope in the judiciary, who remain our only hope, despite the Salamis of this world, the elections this year have greatly given one cause to be proud to be Nigerian.But then there are yet very many lose ends to tidy up. The losers must learn to allow themselves be cheatedif need be for the greater good of the generality of the people. When there are competitors in a game, there must of a necessity be losers. One hopes to God that there will be fewer litigations after the announcement of results.Nigerian politicians must learn how to lose. The fact that you did not garner the highest number of votes to make you the winner does not in any way mean that you are hated or that you are no good. It is time politicians begin to see this as an opportunity to go back to the drawing board, restrategise and contribute meaningfully to government, even when you are outside it. That is how to know a good statesman. The former British leader, Winston Churchill is still reverred by many, although some hate his guts. He never cared for oppositions to his ideas, some of which attracted great opposition. Youve got enemies Good. That means you actually stood up for something, Churchill was once quoted to have said.Someone once described Churchill as An astute man who could be ruthless when required. He knew the mood of the nation and how to tap into it and make it grow. He didnt care if he pissed other people/nations off, it was all about making a greater point.For those who must be outside the ring for now, Nigeria needs a virile opposition and it is not a sin to be in opposition. There was an event where opponents of Chief Obafemi Awolowo felt they had a good platform to ridicule him as leader of the opposition. One told him blandly that there will be a time he will become irrelevant as there will be nothing to oppose again. The erudite legal luminary and nationalist told him that, for a thinking group, there are always things to oppose. It is only when the opposition begins to play well its part that we can see democracy really grow. When those in positions of authority are challenged when they act with facts and statistics, they become more carefull, especially when they know that another election which will be credible will soon be around.When those who rule know that people know, then, they will be more careful of the mandate they hold and not take people for granted. There is a need to deliver democratic dividends to the Nigerian people, and the only way to ensure it is done is to make the Nigerian opposition competent watchdogsThe opposition had not really been up and coming in previous years in Nigeria. The nomination period revealed this. That they could not reach a consensus on some thorny issues like that of presenting joint candidates for some positions showed that they are mostly being guided by motivations other than patriotism. They owe us the responsibility of taking a hard look at government and then galvanising action to ensure we have electricity, pipe borne water and good roads plus a sound health and educational sector which functions well. That, they owe us, so as to keep their own hope alive till another election time.Tayo Lewis, 08055001746 or omotayolewis@yahoo.com
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