Gen. Cecil rtd. : His Thought Provoking Press Statement, A Wake Up Call.

OPINION

Gen. Cecil rtd. : His Thought Provoking Press Statement, A Wake Up Call.

By: Oriaifoh Godwins

It is a common saying, that: 'Politics is a dirty game'; but I am of the opinion that, Politics is not a dirty game, but a noble one, though played by some people that are 'dirty'. The recent Press statement by General Cecil Esekhaegbe rtd, where he succinctly explained how he swam in the murky waters of politics, and how he endured the heat in the kitchen of politics, attests to my above assertion.

Yes, if you are 'clean', and wish to remain so, the game of politics is definitely not for you; at least going by the way politics is played in Nigeria. If you are upright, frank, open minded and plain, you have no business playing active Politics. 

This reminds me of what Chief Ekeoba, the proprietor of the one time popular Omega Hotels, Irrua told me about late Admiral Augustus Aikhomu, when he granted me an interview for publication in a Magazine. Chief Ekeoba said, Admiral Augustus Aikhomu had one weakness in politics; once he sat in a meeting with politicians, and they all agreed on a course of action, he kept it and held on to the fort, unknown to him that others have since deviated from what they had agreed on. According to Chief Ekeoba, that discouraged Admiral Aikhomu a lot in politics. What Chief Ekeoba said about the late Admiral, in my opinion, paints the picture of a trained and professional soldier who retired from service and ventured into the murky waters of politics, an otherwise noble game, but he unfortunately found himself in the midst of some 'dirty' politicians. Like Admiral  Aikhomu, Like General Cecil? Big question! But, General Esekhaegbe's recent Press statement, tend to give an insight into the answer.

The General Cecil Esekhaegbe that I know, does not play the politics of attacks on personalities, he would rather market his preferred candidate/s based on their pedigree, capacity and reputation, and he doesn't also attack rivals or political parties...all these, are clearly verifiable facts that I can evidently substantiate. This clearly shows that, we can still have some noble people of high integrity in politics, even if such people are few. Yes, such people should be encouraged to take the lead in sanitizing the madness that has apparently completely taken over the act of politicking in Nigeria.

The people's General's thought provoking press statement should be an impetus that must 'fire up' many like him that are endowed with potent and positive political vibes that can change our political narrative for the better in the interest of the helpless populace, some of who have given up in despair.

Did I hear anyone saying; "so, what is it about General Cecil's Press Statement? Yes, there are lots to it. For example, in his words: 

"I did not support and midwife the process of Esan Agenda for personal gains, and the lost to be a godfather to the governor". 

We all know that, many so called political godfathers today, only support candidates to win elections so they can use such candidates to achieve their personal goals when they eventually win and get into office. Yes, some may argue that, it is a common practice the world over, but in the case of Nigeria, the poor masses are often at the receiving end. So, must such practice continue?

Again, referring to Senator Okpebholo, the Edo state governor elect, the General said; 

"while we will not unnecessarily interfere in his thought process, and how he intend to run his government, we shall not however play the ostrich, as we will hold him accountable for his promise to govern well, for the benefit of Edo people". 

Isn't this beautifully loaded? I wish many heavy weights in Nigeria politics today, that have 'midwifed' many into political offices can say the same.

General Cecil, in his Press Statement, also said: 

"Please, those not satisfied with any decision(s) by the incoming governor, can please have a private discussion with him. My leadership is not godfatherism".

"We have elected a governor and he should be allowed to govern with a clear thought process".

If all the above, are not a reflection of a man that means well for the incoming administration, and the people of Edo state,  I wonder how else it can be explained.

Just like he said in the Press statement that Comrade Adams Oshiomhole advised him, people like General Cecil are never allowed to have their way in Nigeria politics. They are often discouraged and frustrated out of politics; but again, do we have people like him in politics today? I Dare say yes. I know Ambassador Professor Martin Ihoeghian Uhomoibhi, another Esan man who unfortunately, some forces of darkness tried to bury in Edo state Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,  but little did they know that he is a seed that will soon germinate, grow and blossom.

On a final note, I want to use this opportunity to call on all politicians in Edo state and Nigeria to take a cue from General Cecil's thought provoking Press Statement and turn on a new leaf, as the old order is mundane and must be discarded; as the journey of a thousand miles, begin with a step, and this General Cecil's step, is the right one in the right direction.