One of the major problems facing Nigerian politicians of the contemporary time is their inability to make integrity their watch word. To many of them, their promise or assertion is not their bond. They are never faithful to the things they say. To many politicians in this clime, politics is all about telling lies and deceiving people.
As the games of 2014 political parties’ primary elections held in Imo state played up , one man, I mean one academic turned politician earned my respect the more and that is prof Nnamdi Obiaraeri.in the build up to the senatorial primary election of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, prof Obiaraeri had told journalists who approached him for questions that he is a committed Member of the PDP, who believes in internal party principles and democracy. He had promised to remain faithful to his party whether he wins or not. Let me quote him “WITHOUT BEING IMMODEST, I AM A PROFESSOR OF LAW WITH INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION.I WILL NOT DUMP PDP SIMPLY BECAUSE I DID NOT WIN THE PRIMARY ELECTION. I HAVE SOUND PRIMARY ADDRESS WHICH I CAN FALL BACK ON IF THE PRIMARY DID NOT GO IN MY FAVOR. POLITICS IS SERVICE, NOT A DO OR DIE AFFAIR”
And since after the primary, marred with some shortcomings, which did not go in favor of the erudite professor of law whom I have Great regards for, he has remained faithful and committed to his promise. A season that witnessed various politicians carrying the flags of other political parties after losing in the primary elections of their political parties, there saw the renowned professor of law keeping to his words. Not that Prof Obiaraeri does not have the capacity to fly the flag of another political party and make great impact in Okigwe zone on February 14, but is about a man and his integrity. Prof Obiaraeri enjoys overwhelming support and solidarity across the length and breadth of Imo north senatorial district. He is greatly loved by the youths not just from the zone but across the state. In terms of having good programs, Obiaraeri has one of the finest manifestos amongst all the interested persons. I am not surprised with that because as a top flight legal guru, it would had been unbelievable if his plans for the zone were not attractive. Apart from that, the don is at home with every development and dynamism of the people of the senatorial district. I don’t know if he was the only aspirant in PDP who personally toured all the 64 INEC wards in Okigwe zone in the build up to the primary election. I will say that he knows the peculiarities and challenges of all the communities in the district and has their antidotes. If u hear him speak, you would know that he desires for paradigm shift in representation in our country. U would understand that he is patriotic about Nigeria and wishes her well through sound, responsible and robust lawmaking. I believe that Prof Obiaraeri is a top legislator our country is yet to have. But I commend him for keeping to his promise and making his word his bond. I am strongly convinced that Prof Obiaraeri’s time is coming and when it is apt, nobody or thing will stop it. You are my hero my Prof.
By Chidiebube Okeoma
