By Ikechukwu Okaforadi
A United States of America based Nigerian politician, Chris Emejuru, who is also a chieftain of Action Democratic Party (ADP), has said that despite ongoing political mudslinging between supporters of the major Presidential candidates, Labour Party (LP) standard bearer remains the best for Nigeria.
Fielding questions from journàlists via zoom, Emejuru, who was a staunch supporter of All Progressive Congress (APC) and President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 election, said the former Anambra Governor, Obi, fits perfectly into the class of leader Nigeria needs at the present time.
Speaking on what an ideal Presidential candidate implies to him, Emejuru, who is also the Managing Partner for America at the Lowase Management Consulting, said such candidate must be ethical, imbued with common sense, and one who genuinely cares about the poor masses.
“My ideal candidate is someone who is ethical, someone who has common sense, and someone who truly, genuinely cares about the masses. A candidate who doesn’t judge based on what part of the country you are from and whose interest is to unite and not divide.
“Someone who wants to bring an end to police brutality, an end to bad governance, and an end to poverty. I believe the candidate who, although not perfect, comes close to these ideals is Peter Obi.
“This leads to compassion. Caring about your citizens, caring about people regardless of who they are or where they are from. Finally, with these two traits, you need intellect to deliver. Having knowledge and wisdom acquired, you are well equipped to tackle any of the challenges you may confront.
“But let me add one more virtue and that is humility. Be humble. Understand your role and that is to serve the people. To help, assist, and make their lives easier. A presidential candidate or anyone for that matter that embodies such qualities will surely make an effective leader”, he said.
On this note, he enjoined Nigerians, as the country heads into a fresh round of general election, to remember that their choices today determine the future of their children and next generation.
He said “Remember who it is that has your interest at heart. Someone who has character. Someone who cares about creating a better life for you and your family. Someone who cares about every Nigerian citizen and wants to create more jobs and tackle insecurity.
“Do not be swayed by political jingles and adverts. Vote your conscience. This is your future. This is your life. Make the right decision.”
However, he differed with major view about the ideal age of a presidential candidate arguing that age of a presidential candidate does not matter as much as how competent such a person is.
Citing the case of Nelson Mandela, the ADP Chieftain regretted that in Nigeria, the youth have been neglected for so long, especially in politics, hence the need to have a young president who brings energy, compassion, intellects and other leadership qualities.
Meanwhile, he said on the issue of same faith ticket, candidates should be judged on merit, but emphasized that the next President of Nigeria should come from the South, saying “This is important as many Nigerians both from the North and South believe, for the sake of fairness and unity, this is the best result.”
