Since our country is riddled with issues that never have any satisfying answers, it puts the populace in a constant state of agitation and confusion. Without vision and transparency, the Bible teaches us, the people perish! 

Vision is that which inspires people to do whatever must be done to manifest the potential of a nation. We bemoan the sad state of our nation but most often elect to remain passive in taking reasonable steps to question certain conducts. 

Nigerians are in a mishmash of issues regarding the transition to a democratic and civilian government, many are scared stiff to even state reasonable comments on how to approach things. 

In Nigeria, the main issue, today, is who will lead Nigeria as its new president in 1999? In some quarters, some individuals have declared their interest while others are still waiting to see what happens after the December 5, 1998 local government election to declare. But of those that have declared, Olusegun Obasanjo declaration has garnered the biggest heat and controversy. His donation of 130 million naira to the Peoples’ Democratic Party, is generating questions that reaches far into his days as the country's head of state.

Looking back, I must state that retired Gen. Obasanjo is not the first Nigerians to donate substantial money to a national party. Back in 1978 or thereabouts, Alex Ekwueme donated one million naira to the then National Party of Nigeria, and in turn landed the number two position as vice president. In 1978, Ekwueme's donation was worth about $1.60 million, using an exchange rate of 60 kobo to one dollar. Obasanjo's donation exchanged at 85 naira to one dollar equates to $1.53 million dollars. There is something to be said about their donations. It does appear the southerners buy their presidency. Shagari never gave a penny to obtain NPN nomination so why should southerners think giving money is the way to win credibility.

When Ekwueme made his donation, the Igbos were elated because for an Igbo to give that kind of money less than 10 years after the end of the civil war helped to give some a high self esteem. But nobody ever questioned Ekwueme's source of income/donation. Although he was never a military man, Ekwueme was involved in several government contracts and other businesses. In a country where people hardly question the source of one's money, it is not surprising that people with heavy pockets no matter its source always enjoy some following.

I support the law suit questioning Obasanjo’s source. At the same time, we may have to go back a little and join Ekwueme's donation in the late 1970s in that law suit. I think it is time we became serious about our integrity. The Independent Election Commission along with the Federal Government should confiscate the money pending an investigation to determine its source. And if the PDP wants to be a party of repute they should honorably return the money to the federal government or distribute it equally among the political parties. That money was money that belonged to all Nigerians and PDP should not exclusively enjoy the bounty. 

Nigerians should demonstrate maturity by voting their conscience regardless of who gives the biggest money. 

In my view, Obasanjo and Ekwueme are not fit for today's political dispensation considering their roles in the past. Obasanjo as a former military ruler should not be allowed to lead the nation, ever again! If Nigerians elect him, we apparently are endorsing the role he played in perpetuating military rule in Nigeria. Although he handed over peacefully, he did so partly to go home and enjoy whatever he got from government.

For Ekwueme, while he was never a military man, his reputation is not so appealing. In the 1970s and part of 1980s when many Nigerians were going overseas, the impression among those of us from the East was that he was a philanthropist. In those days, many people went overseas under his assistance and the rest of the world thought he was doing it for free. It was a business venture for Ekwueme. 

I also know that Ekwueme's integrity has been called to question a few years ago. 

We may be financially bankrupt but to be morally bankrupt is not a thing to be proud of. In a country where moral values are paid lip service, people like Obasanjo and Ekwueme are accorded audience. Nigerians should use this election to show these men that enough is enough. We must learn to stand up to our leaders by demanding responsibility and accountability. Ekwueme and Obasanjo have not been very responsible and accountable in their behaviors and as such are not deserving to lead us again. The question is, are these the type of men Nigeria needs at this stage of its history. NO!.

Obasanjo and Ekwueme are effete and have since expired both in vision, transparency of character and integrity. I believe that both men are not capable of providing Nigeria the inspiration to launch us forward into the next century. 

One wonders when Nigerians will begin to reap the benefit of its intelligentsia. We need fresh faces; young men and women to anchor the faith of Nigeria. The old stock have run out of steam and should seek retirement and or retrenchment to their villages. If they don't heed to our advice, we must do so by not voting for them during the election. Your vote is the most powerful resource you have. Don't give it up for anything. Since Nigeria is not a private preserve of any one individual, it is important we screen those who come forward to be our leaders.

Related:
Ejike Okpa's inaccurate view of Alex Ekwueme - a counterpoint
by Dr.  Emeka Okoli

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