HOPE ’23: Same Faith Ticket And The Audacity Of Courage

Frederick Douglass an American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. Douglass spent his life fighting for justice and equality. Born into slavery in 1818, he escaped as a young man and became a leading voice in the abolitionist movement. People everywhere still find inspiration today in his tireless struggle, brilliant words, and inclusive vision of humanity. Frederick, was courageous, brave, dynamic, intelligent, and authentic. His spirit lives on at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site. He has said; “I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong.”

Courageous means having, showing, or done with courage—the quality of being ready and willing to face negative situations involving danger or pain. courageous leader is an individual who’s capable of making themselves better and stronger when the stakes are high and circumstances turn against that person,” says Harvard Business School Professor Nancy Koehn, who teaches a free, online leadership lesson about legendary explorer Ernest Shackleton. “Most of our lives, we’re beset by crises. Courageous leaders are not cowed or intimidated. They realize that, in the midst of turbulence, there lies an extraordinary opportunity to grow and rise.”

In other words, it means having the courage of one’s convictions, to act in accordance with one’s beliefs, especially in spite of criticism – feeling or displaying no fear by temperament. Courageous means having, showing, or done with courage—the quality of being ready and willing to face negative situations involving danger or pain. I daresay that our beloved country Nigeria is in dire need of a TRANSFORMATIONAL leader who demonstrated strong will and capacity – courage, brave, dynamic, intelligent, and authentic.

Complaining against darkness without beaming the light in living by the truth and for the truth is a futile adventure. Because opinions are by their very nature subjective and nobody can say with absolute certainty what opinion is right or wrong, that’s is why everyone is usually entitled to freely hold his/her opinion. We cannot just write off every opinion that we don’t like or does not align with our own group thinking, such an attitude is dangerous and unhelpful in a democracy. Otherwise, we may end up replacing one tyranny with another. In a free society, everyone must be free to air every shade of opinion without let or hindrance.

Church has been enmeshed in politics from time immemorial, from the Roman Empire, to the Medieval Era and to the present day. In the New Testament, the word “ekklesia”, which is used to refer to the Church, actually means a political assembly, a political association, a gathering. The separation of the State and the Church, or the separation of secular and religious power, has not always been so clear-cut. Consequently, the level of distrust and suspicion between the two major religions in the country has become so high as to make it implausible, unrealistic and unwise for any political party to field a same-religion presidential joint ticket.

Therefore, as patriot, author, a writer and a man driven by the spirit of equity, fair play and Justice. I was profoundly fascinated by the audacious and boldness of the APC candidate in the 2023 presidential election, Sen Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I see in him steadfastness, courage and determination which is a very important attributes of a TRANSFORMATIONAL leader. I have been ruminating about the cries and hues from different quarters, particularly the religious coloration that vice-presidential candidacy have attracted. In my opinion, issues of ethnic and religious intolerance, extremism and exuberance portends danger.

In conclusion, permit me to refresh our memories with the following:-

In 1978, Awolowo and chief Umeadi Philip ran on Christian/Christian ticket.

In 1966-1975 Yakubu Gowon and Joseph Akinwale ruled as Christian/Christian.

In 1979, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and professor Ishaya Audu ran on Christian/ Christian ticket.

Johnson Ironsi and Babafemi Ogundipe have also ruled on Christian/Christian ticket.

MKO Abiola and Babagana Kingibe won a free and fair election in 1993.

Lastly Nuhu Ribadu and Adeola Muslim Muslim ticket as ACN candidates in the 2012 general elections.

Finally, I will like to leave us with an admonition from the holy Bible. 2 Chronicles 7:14 king James Version

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” As a people and a nation destined for greatness we sure need the healing balm much more than divisiveness.

ARISE ‘O COMPATRIOTS.

 

Richard Odusanya is a Social Reform Crusader and the convener of AFRICA COVENANT RESCUE INITIATIVE ACRI.

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