By Chima Nwokolo
Men who seek power desperately often end up at the bottom of the political ladder. They lose the aura of desirability with a punctured reputation.
Everyone has the right to seek for power but when it is coloured with a tinge of desperation it becomes irritating and unattractive.
This was the classical scenario few days ago when a needless attack was launched against the person of Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo by one Philip Chike Balipo, obviously a mercenary writer, under the pay role of Sullivan Akachukwu Nwankpo.
The entire write-up was dis-ingeniously hogwash and gibberish, laced with so much desperation.
The substance was all about the 2021 Anambra governorship election.
Both the writer and the sponsor showed crass ignorance of what is at stake.
Their main problem was just one man – Prof Charles Soludo. For Akachuckwu, Soludo’s growing shadow in Anambra state has become too much for him to bear.
He is secretly being oppressed by the overwhelming support for Soludo from all flanks – the villages, hamlets, towns and communities across the 21 local government areas in Anambra state.
The soaring image and popularity of Soludo among Ndi-Anambra has unsettled and completely flattened him.
Akachukwu should know that Soludo is in a class of his own. Who is obviously head and shoulders above him.
Akachukwu, should therefore learn to choose his battles and victims including his perceived opponents carefully.
The Anambra 2021 governorship election is going to be a different ball game. An issue-based campaign based on knowledge and proven abilities.
The global community is currently enmeshed in harsh economic turmoil. People are reaching out to those who have what it takes to turn around their economic fortunes. Anambra is not an exception.
The clamour for Soludo by both the young and old in Anambra is not by accident. There is an underlying factor. Ndi Anambra are looking for a capable hand who can continue the good works of Obiano.
Governor Willie Obiano, being a wise and smart administrator would prefer a man with proven track records of performances to succeed him. This is where the Soludo factor comes in.
And this is why the clamour for Soludo is resonating everywhere in Anambra state.
The deafening sound of the clamour has caught up with Akachukwu. And he is dashing around like a rat trapped in a hole. Hobnobbing and name-dropping everywhere he goes.
Appealing to Governor Obiano and his beautiful wife for help.
Surely, Akachukwu needs help. And he needs it urgently. He should be told in clear terms that Anambra government house is not for charlatans and desperados.
As a serial governorship contestant, Akachukwu is unsure of his course of action this time round, therefore he should be advised not to attempt it.
Even if he must attempt it, let him come out of his state of cowardice and timidity and face the people.
Timidity is dangerous. While cowardice is repulsive. It is always better to enter the arena of politics with boldness, and let the people decide your fate, than throwing mud at perceived opponents.
This is the vital lesson Akachukwu Nwankpo must learn!
Chima Nwokolo, writes from Ihiala local government area, Anambra state