Akwa Ibom News Online Commentary

"...I want to remind Imo people that we fought an election, not a war. As a lover of peace, I called for calm and rejected violence… The process of healing must begin now. Every leader who loves this State must help heal the scars of the election. I appeal to all those who have issues with the election…to consider sheathing their sword. I have decided not to challenge the election in court. It is not my wish that my successor in office should suffer the distractions that were my lot for four years. Imo is bigger than all of us." - Gov. Ikedi Ohakim

The above excerpts aptly captured the essence of democracy and its principles, as well as demonstrated political maturity. Still, they not only ushered in an era that ensures that the will of the people remained solemn and unchallenged (challenge often aided by the judiciary), but marked the beginning of a true manifestation of the ballot as an instrument of power for the electorate.

Without going into the postmortem of the election, which would call for a sober reflection, the excerpts ideally illuminated the utter respect for the will of people who demonstrated their awesome sophistication in their knowledge of issues. The other day, I was discussing with a colleague about the level of sophistication the Nigerian electorate, particularly the Imo voters, exhibited in this past election cycle. Interestingly, not only those voters, at every age and professional level, were very much aware of the issues, but also they were actively involved in the process—they campaigned for their respective candidates with unmitigated prowess. We agreed that the level of awareness of voters were unprecedented, which was a sign of electoral improvement in Nigeria . However, we affirmed that some low information voters were terribly exploited; in some cases, pulpits were used to augment the exploitation. Thus, the electorate became saturated with coded information creating a toxic political environment where truth and facts became secondary as emotions were continuously exploited. Nevertheless, the Imo voters were convinced by a candidate and they adamantly exercised their power—responding with their ballot - thanks to Prof. Attahiru Jega for ensuring that votes were counted.

It is important to note, however, that when coded information and emotional argument took over the body polity in Imo State , the outcome of the gubernatorial election became virtually predictable. Winnowing the din with substantive argument or message to make a dint on the electorate became impossible. Invariably, what may have seemed to be a groundswell of angst against Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, particularly in the press and new media, was a ferocious concocted despair aimed at influencing public opinion and consequently scuttle the governor’s re-election bid did work. Obviously, Ohakim was defined by the unsavory-tinged political commentaries that he never recovered from. It is obvious that numerous wrought politicians and their agents will now be clamoring for attentions as they did during the previous administration claiming their respective parts in Okorocha’s victory. Indeed, the importunate drumbeat to oust Gov. Ohakim had its origin from those politicians who were denied of the status of "godfather"