“It is the time when all that went down during the election will be reviewed and revelations unfolded. It is the time when people who are wounded as a result of the election outcome will be tempted to give in to the prompting of wounding others. It is the time when the victors and their supporters are most likely, in the intoxication of victory, to taunt and gloat over the losers. Emotions at this time are fray, and how we channel it is the biggest job we must come together as a nation to agree on”
Finally, the long-awaited 2023 general elections wound up during the weekend with virtually all results announced — victors known and losers revealed. In all, it is a game, and all political players and enthusiasts must not forget this.
While there might be questions still hovering around the credibility of the polls, especially in the light of pocket of violence, intimidation and threats reported across some states, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the only body authorized to legislate over polls, deemed it not enough to have interfered with the completion of the electoral process, as against all odds, the process got completed, and all elective offices that were up for grabs now have candidate who have received the people’s mandate to govern them, at least, for the next four years.
While it can also be said to be sad that the process got completed without grievances and grudges; losing, most of the time, brings up suspicion of injustice, and to that end, the electoral act has earmarked the judiciary to umpire over complaints of electoral foul play and ensure that democracy is protected and perpetuated.
In all, not only are the winners moving on, and not only are some losers seeking redress, and others biddng their time for next electoral window, INEC must also move on in ensuring that it consolidates on its strengths at this year’s polls, and rights its wrongs before the next electoral polls. Analysts and independent observers have so far commended them for an improved performance at the governorship and state house of assembly polls compared to that which they produced in the presidential election. That is an indication that they are capable of more if not being criticized and challenged to put in their best performance. Ordinarily, it is debasing that we have to remind them of this to have them putting out their best, but understanding that we are below global best practice and we are only striving to meet the mark, it behooves on us to not for one moment stop trumpeting the need to be stellar in performance.
It is the time when all that went down during the election will be reviewed and revelations unfolded. It is the time when people who are wounded as a result of the election outcome will be tempted to give in to the prompting of wounding others. It is the time when the victors and their supporters are most likely, in the intoxication of victory, to taunt and gloat over the losers. Emotions at this time are fray, and how we channel it is the biggest job we must come together as a nation to agree on.
Revelations will be let out, and could come in shocking and law-contravening; attacking personalities, institutions should be far from our reactions to this, but seeking redress through the appropriate sources should be. If your candidate and their party lost, it is expected you take the defeat like a good sportsman knowing it has always been a game and will always be. There are bound to be winners and there are bound to be losers, plus losers today can be winners tomorrow. If you won, be magnanimous in victory and celebrate with all sense of decorum and modesty, not to the spite or chagrin of your opponents or their supporters.
Lastly, the truth is: the winners are not enough to rule the country. We all are rulers and leaders. We only need representatives to man positions and execute functions; hence election. To glide our country in the next four years of a new political dispensation into a more peaceful and prosperous nation, everyone is needed. The winners need a very good and active opposition to put them on their toes. So this is no time to exile oneself from the politics of the country. If truly the best interest of the country is what we all have at hearts, then it should be understood that it is a continuum that involves leaders, oppositions and the citizenry.
Isaiah 43:18 Forget what happened in the past, and do not dwell on events from long ago.
Professor Ofonime Emmanuel Bassey is a Security, Peace and Conflict Resolution coach with decades of experience in the practice and promotion of Law Enforcement, Peace and Security through the Nigeria Police and the United Nations.
He is a professor in Leadership, Peace and Conflict Resolution, a certified United Nation’s Trainer, and currently the Director of ICOF Institute of Leadership, Peace and Conflict Resolution in Africa.
Prof. Bassey has served and interacted at the top-level management of the Nigeria Police as well as internationally as a United Nation’s Monitor/Mentor in Kosovo, Europe.
With his marks well-established in Peace Leadership both in Nigeria and Africa, he is currently the President, NISSI Safety Management Institute: An Institute of Peace Leadership.
To his many humanitarian acts, he currently spearheads a campaign tagged “The Next Peace Leaders” billed to run from 2022-2023 with a target of training 37,000 young peace leaders.
For peace and security tips, consultations and trainings, reach him via:
Facebook: Dr. O.E Bassey
LinkedIn: Dr. O.E Bassey
Twitter: Dr. O.E Bassey
WhatsApp: +2347065828892
Mail: EmmanuelBassey@gmail.com
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