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 When I read that Donald Duke had announced his intention to run in the 2007 presidential race, I was so overcome with joy one would have thought I had won a lottery jackpot. I was filled with a new sense of hope, vision, pride and security not just for myself but for every earthling who calls Nigeria home. His declaration really triggered a childlike euphoria in me and I am not embarrassed to say I hopped around in reckless abandon like a child on Christmas day.
Before you cast any aspersions on my person, I'll have you know there is a good and rather mature reason for my childlike exuberance. And just for the record, I never imagined that I could be this excited about a politician's ambition, a Nigerian one at that. You see once in a while a nation is gifted with a rare and special kind of human being, whose vision, ambition and execution positively impacts on the lives of many. One who makes a decision or takes up a cause to bring about a positive change to a seemingly hopeless situation. People like Abraham Lincoln, J F Kennedy, Mahatma Ghandi, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jnr, Nelson Mandela and The Dalai Lama immediately come to mind. Their efforts earned them great recognition and admiration inside and outside their respective countries. There are also many others, who perhaps in a smaller way but in no lesser degree have displayed similar qualities. In more recent times someone like Bill Clinton will fit this bill.
It is my belief that in Donald Duke, today's Nigeria may indeed have that rare human specimen, who could be greatly instrumental in bringing about a real quantum-leap-like-change to its political destiny. It may not matter much to the rest of the world but to Nigerians it is of crucially great importance.
When I read Duke's Declaration Speech I knew there was hope for Nigeria. For the first time, a political aspirant's speech didn't come across as just rhetoric. As I read through his programmes of how he intends to elevate Nigeria to a higher plane, I couldn't help but feel this man, politician, citizen, really meant every word he was uttering. His commitment just seemed that much stronger, his vision that much brighter and his actions that much louder than all his other political contemporaries.
Every sensible, right thinking and good-willing person will immediately recognize the worth of this man just by his assessment of Nigeria and his articulation of what he feels needs to be done to assure its continued growth and ultimate success. It is not difficult to deduce that Donald Duke wants to earn his marks by being an exception to the rule, a break from the norm, a politician who actually sets out to accomplish what he promised the electorate he would.
I first learnt of Donald Duke about some five years ago. I believe it was my brother who first brought him to my attention. He claimed he had heard of this brilliant Governor in Cross River State who was transforming his state beyond imagination. He mentioned something about Obudu and TINAPA and urged me to visit a few websites. My brother's enthusiasm and conviction was so strong I was compelled to carry out my own research to see what all the fuss was about. A truly performing Nigerian politician was a rare thing, and if some governor somewhere was reversing that trend then I needed to see this for myself.
And so with the brilliance and wonder that is the Internet I embarked on my search for anything connected to the name Donald Duke. To my amazement every bit of news or information about him came up with the same positive report - vision, change, development, progress, jobs, security, comfort and hope. I must confess it was hard to believe at first, but further investigations soon put paid to any skepticism and reservations. This was no mirage or illusion. It was real. A state Governor was actually governing his state. And if any group of people deserved this, it was those in Cross River state. As a naval officer my father was once stationed in Calabar as part of the Eastern Naval Command, and he had mostly good stories to tell, describing the people as very clean, warm, friendly and hospitable. Now they had a wonderful performing Governor to add to that.
They say a picture tells a thousand words. When you look at a photograph of Donald Duke it certainly speaks to you. It tells you that he is honest, intelligent, trustworthy and a different breed of politician. One not obsessed by position and the trappings of power, just a great desire and passion to serve. A Nigerian with a human touch, who seems to embrace all that is good about the West, fusing it equally and proudly with all that's great about African traditions and values. The people of Cross River are extremely lucky or have just been aptly rewarded for all their warmness and hospitality. It was the perfect environment for Donald Duke to hone his political skills and a perfect time for a Nigerian political renaissance to start.
Most readers of this article would have learnt of Duke's achievements with Obudu Ranch, TINAPA, his urban regeneration efforts and job creation, so I won't spend a great deal of time writing about these. But just in case you might have been kept in the dark, please go to Google search engine and type in TINAPA, or Cross River State, Obudu or Donald Duke, you should find a number of websites that will enlighten you.
Those who know about Duke's many achievements and his credibility as a person will understand why his presidential ambition excites me enormously. This man truly has the desire, ability and commitment capable of lifting Nigeria to immeasurable heights. His presidency would signal a final departure from the old and detrimental type of politics. It will show the world that our road to recovery is in full swing and gaining momentum. That our desire to move in a positive direction is not just empty rhetoric but backed up with mature decisive action. It will show the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa the dividends of real democracy and how good leadership can lift them out of poverty and unnecessary hardship.
I believe an incorruptible and dynamic individual like Donald Duke will only seek partnership with like minded persons. In other words his presidency will translate to the multiplication of devoted, efficient and capable individuals in the reigns of political authority. The prospects of Duke working with the likes of Charles Soludo, Dora Akinluyi, El Rufai, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Nuhu Ribadu is quite an encouraging thought to behold. What great comfort it will be to know that people of such calibre are in charge of our affairs.
A Duke presidency will cement all the good reforms that have been initiated by President Olusegun Obasanjo, setting the template and benchmark for future political workings. His demeanour, intellect and honesty will endear him to many across the world and help generate more investments for Nigeria. I have absolute confidence that a Duke presidency will set such a high standard of performance that Nigerians will be intolerable of anything less from future politicians.
Donald Duke is certainly a politician of the 21st century. He is IT (Information Technology) friendly and the only Nigerian political aspirant I know who runs a Blog where he exchange ideas and opinions with a host of Nigerians. For the not so computer savvy and unfamiliar with this term, a Blog is a shared on-line journal published on a Web page where people post diary entries about their thoughts, experiences or hobbies. Poignantly and fetchingly, his Blog is titled 'Nigeria On My Mind'.
Those of us who really have Nigeria on our minds recognize the precarious position in which it stands. We recognize that a Duke nomination at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will be the beginning of a new and momentous era for Nigeria. It doesn't mean that there aren't other good candidates in the PDP pack. It's just that Duke's vision, dynamism, virtuousness and proven work record towers way above anyone else. And why go for silver if you can have gold. Why risk losing all we have gained in the last few years. Why place power in the hands of anyone with questionable integrity. The wrong choice of candidate will deal a deadly blow to our efforts and aspirations and set us back years.
At this crucial juncture, Nigeria cannot afford to play childhood games with its destiny. It desperately needs outstanding leadership. Someone who will build on the good reforms the current administration has implemented. Someone whose leadership will build the necessary infrastructure, attract more investments and create more jobs, giving our school children and university undergraduates something to look forward to. Someone who will revamp the country's terrible security situation, thereby improving the lives of ordinary citizens and encouraging the mass repatriation of many in the diaspora, reversing the massive brain-drain which has made a huge dent in Nigeria's economic fabric.
I honestly believe Donald Duke has all it takes to be our very own Bill Clinton, but who's impact on Nigeria will be even greater. Clinton already had a nation with a sound working model to work with. Donald will be starting from a far more difficult and rudimental platform.
Despite all that's been said about Donald Duke he surprisingly has his critics. This is not necessarily a bad thing as there's nothing wrong with a culture of robust criticism to act as checks and balances for governmental proceedings. However, the intent and purpose must be for our collective good, not just due to tribal biases, jealousy or other dubious ulterior motives. So I ask those unimpressed by Duke's achievements what barometers they use to measure their dissatisfaction and disapproval? Some have criticised the TINAPA project claiming it is a waste of resources. It is truly amazing they can't see the link between attracting investments and job creation. The value of projects like the Tinapa and Obudu Ranch is that they attract interest, people, tourists and investments. The result is an economic chain reaction which filters down to the average man on the street. A ripple effect that will be felt in other enterprises small, medium and large, like hotels, restaurants, real estate, transportation etc. More hotels and restaurants require more food and drink, meaning increased business for farmers, market stall holders, drink manufacturers and retailers. This means increased activity for both human and goods transporters, with more fuel being purchased to meet their needs. The chain is almost endless, with increased benefit for all.
Duke has also being accused of being ruthless, unforgiving and practising “conclave democracy”. Apparently in some quarters he is perceived as tight-fisted because of his government's apparent eagle-eyed vetting of all financial expenditure. It is rumoured that he personally vets every contract award and travel expense claims of all his staff. If indeed these accusations are true, then my fellow comrades we truly have found the next person to run Nigeria. For it is a very rare thing to attribute the traits of tightfistedness or a frugal financial approach to most Nigerian politicians. This can only be to the nation's benefit. Those opposed to this type of financial restraint and scrutiny can only be favourers of the hand-in-till systems that have characterised and severely damaged our political governance to date.
I also happily welcome this revelation that Duke may have a ruthless streak in him. I have always been a little concerned about his very calm disposition and wondered if he possessed the mettle to meddle in the murky waters of Nigeria's political landscape. Where Nigeria is concerned a bit of a ruthless streak is a vital attribute to possess. Though I believe Duke's supposed ruthlessness is the kind which wants to see the right thing done, fighting corruption and curbing unnecessary expenditure. I wholeheartedly embrace this genre of ruthlessness. Just look at what it has yielded for the likes of Akinluyi, Ribadu and El Rufai. These are true Rebel Rousers for good.
Other accusations have related to tribalism and corruption, so much so some have refuted the EFFC's clean bill of health on Duke, claiming the investigations were not properly executed. That he has skeletons in his cupboard and is hoarding a number financial misappropriations. All these levelled at a Governor who's state clearly reflects the expenditure of the funds that have been placed in his care. And just what if there is an iota of truth in these accusations, does anyone really believe the citizens of Cross River will be calling for Duke's head. Of course not. He has delivered. It is quite laughable that some wish to discredit the only real performing governor since Osaigbovo Ogbemudia, of former Midwestern State during Gowon's regime. Ogbemudia had the reputation of a dynamic action man who elevated infrastructures in his state by promoting sports, establishing electrification projects in rural and urban areas, road constructions, building a university and hospital amongst many other things. Donald Duke strikes me as a man of similar ilk and persuasion.
In most business transactions there is always a little greasing of elbows here and there. This is different from the wholesale looting most Nigerian politicians have made their number one skill factor. As my father used to assert, if I give you N5,000 to cook a pot of soup, and you use your ingenuity to save on some money and pocket the difference, I wont be overly bothered if when I come home there is a wonderful dinner waiting for me. However, if I return to an empty food cupboard and you cannot account for the money I gave you, then I will get very mad. For you have deprived me in two ways, starving me of vital food and rendered me incapable of using the money to buy something else to eat. This is has been the way most Nigerian public post holders have operated. They simply don't deliver the goods nor return the money. Shameless cretins indeed.
With Duke as President he will be finishing off what his predecessor started. It will change the course of Nigeria's political destiny and hopefully put an end to the activities of those who only see political office as an avenue to pilfer on a grand scale. These group of people work in tandem and are spread across the whole of the country. Partners in crime you may call them. They exist in all political parties, the Senate and other government posts. Nevertheless, it is our hope that our collective desire for a positive change creates a force strong enough to make the PDP select the most eligible candidate, who without question is Donald Duke.
Some politicians still take Nigerians for granted. They fail to notice the changing times and face of the Nigerian electorate and their thirst for a new political dispensation. Why else do the names of Soludo, Duke, Dora Akinluyi, El Rufai, Okonjo-Iweala and Ribadu continuously reverberate on many lips. It is a clear message to the old school brigade that brighter students have enrolled for the exams and the invigilators have introduced stricter measures to curb exam malpractices.
Donald Duke is certainly one exemplary student who has demonstrated his worthiness by verifiable actions. He has passed his assessments with flying colours. His presidency would be a well deserved reward and a great way to start the next chapter of Nigeria's growth. Then in the future, only records of achievements and a 'corruption free' past will be used to determine those who occupy seats of government. Not ill-gotten wealth, nor tribalism, nor bravado, nor intimidation.
All of this is why I am steadfastly praying for a Duke presidency. Prayers for change, hope, upliftment security and national pride. I am certain many others are doing just this everyday - in churches, mosques, on the streets, in schools, homes and offices, within and outside Nigeria. At this particular time are prayers are focused on him winning his party primaries. If you are wise you'll join us in doing the same, it could be the best Christmas gift we've had in a long time.
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Posted by Robot| 13.12.2006 10:16