THE most important thing about last Saturday’s governorship election in
Ekiti State was the equanimity, grace, humility with which Dr. Kayode
Fayemi conceded victory. Such moments are rare in our politics and made
all the difference to how both sides received the result.
Dr. Fayemi chose his words and the weight they borne delivered on
the type of politics Nigerians want to embrace. Our people are tired of
leaders who lead them to war, usually from behind, with the masses as
cannon fodders.
Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti (l) and Governor-Elect, Mr Ayo Fayose, during Fayose's visit to the Governor in Ado-Ekiti on Monday
Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti (l) and Governor-Elect, Mr Ayo Fayose, during Fayose’s visit to the Governor in Ado-Ekiti on Monday
We want peace. The first catalyst for peace, contrary to what many
propound, is not justice. Utterances of leaders are important, their
lives, their examples are the next most important ways of changing
society.
Dr. Fayemi conceded victory, called governor-elect Ayodele Peter
Fayose, who he addressed as “my brother, congratulating him on his
victory”. Action made his words meaningful. Within hours, he was meeting
the governor-elect “to discuss the future of our dear state and how we
would work together to institute a smooth transition programme. Despite
our diverse party affiliations, and regardless of which way we voted on
Saturday, we must remember that we are all sons and daughters of Ekiti
State. Ekiti is ours to build together.”
In our search for ways of deepening our democracy, we tend to
emphasise electoral victories over high note performances like the one
that Dr. Fayemi gave. Of course, he noted some infractions but quickly
dwelt on important things.
“The incidences of brazen harassment, intimidation and allied
infractions on fundamental human rights …in the hands of agents of the
state, would be documented and communicated to the appropriate
authorities, for the records,” Dr. Fayemi said.
He could have used his office to ensure he had a second term. He did
not. The bellicose crowd forget that democratic governments are called
to serve the people, by the people, on terms the people dictate.
When would we have politicians who can exit office without a thought
about how important a second term is to them? Would they not destroy
everything in sight to make the point about their importance to the
sustenance of Nigeria?
The new Nigeria we desire is right before us. We cannot ignore
examples like Dr. Fayemi’s. His character affected those he led; he
inspired them to be peaceful. If he wanted war, Ekiti would have been in
turmoil in abundance.
Dr. Fayemi is not only speeches. He is about credentials matching
character. He proved there was more to life than being in public office.
We need more people who want to serve the people, and who would accept
the people’s decision on who serves them.
Nigeria needs people who make the difference – positively.
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