One identifying feature of underdevelopment is the instability of institutions - be they political, economic, educational or religious. The only fairly stable institution in the developing or underdeveloped world is the family. What is true of the basic institutions is also true of their sub-institutions, i.e those subsets of institutions, which taken together, make up each of the major institutions.
With the expectation of an Anioma state being created therefore, it is important that we point out that Anioma of our dream need not fall into the orbit cementing the instability of sub-institutions which already prevails all over Africa, thereby reinforcing the obnoxious reality of underdevelopment which Africa is notorious for. This will be egregious.
One such sub-institution is the political party. A political party is made up of a group of persons who are united with a common ideology, and who wish to take over power in a society, utilizing this ideology to translate and transform the society for greater goals.
Given that each member of a party agrees with the other in terms of the desired goals of the society the method by which the party acquires power becomes the next topic. Debate ensues, and when the matter gets thoroughly flogged, an answer is found and the party moves forward in unity.
When it comes to elective positions within the party, there ought to be a form of internal democracy, such that the best man or woman is elected. Once elected, the entire party falls in line with him/her.
The point that is being made is that there should be homogeneity of ideas within parties, to the extent that carpet-crossing will be unnecessary or even impossible.
This is not exactly true of African parties. African parties are not ideologically based. They are based on primordial ties, on the scourge of power, and on the need to belong to any party in power. And this again reminds us of the lack of ideology in African politics. There are no values held high by these political parties. Corruption is high, and it is a question of the highest bidder winning it all.
African politicians are aided by the hunger in the land, the high illiteracy index, the decline of morals and values in a world beclouded by irrationality. African politicians therefore are ready to do just anything to get to power, stay in power in perpetuity, neglecting those who positioned them there, and victimizing their opponents to death.
Ultimately, they, after enjoying their grooming and perquisites in party ‘A’, they move to party ‘B’ to extend their ogre and the bleeding of their people. They enjoy the benefits of carpet-crossing and due with the Devil they do not know-leaving the ones they knew. This scenario has played out in several places, and we warn that, when created, Anioma state must not be party to its occurrence.
First, it points out a sense of betrayal on the part of the one who elected to represent one party, and leaving that party to engage with another party.
Two, it is morally wrong and ideologically, celibate to ditch a party just for a plate of pottage. The politicians of the new state must be above board, and must be incorruptible. If they wish to quit, let them quit honourably.
No political party should be a stepping stone for another one. Politicians of Anioma should be principled, visionary, development-minded, and morally strong. They should not be power-chasers, but must be willing to help attain the greatest good of the greatest members of the people.
The present profile of African politicians seeking power for its sake, power for perpetuity, is all fake and fragile, given the transient nature of power.
Anioma should be different-showing the world that we are different, that we are from the land of glory, the land of greatness, the land of honour.
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