By OBIOTIKA WILFRED TOOCHUKWU

In our country, we are blessed by the sacrifices of brave Nigerians who have served before we arrived and others who continue to serve in the arenas around different states of the federation. The liberties and the freedom we enjoy were not purchased by our own actions; but by leaders who stood in the gap. It’s another opportunity to choose a servant-leader in Anambra come November 8. With the concluded primary elections in the major political parties, Anambra State is set on fire for who is who in taken and holding on to power. At this critical juncture in her democratic journey, the air is thick with expectation, hope and reflection. Every opportunity in life comes with two things: the possibility of succeeding, and the possibility of failing. The challenge before the Anambrarians is how to continue with the legacy of integrity, competence and compassion that has been set before them. As new individuals step forward with the aspiration to serve – Prince Nicolas Ukachukwu (APC), Chief George Muoghalu (LP), Prof. Charles Soludo (APGA), PDP is set to hold their primaries on April 8 and other prominent citizens from different political parties – what matters most is not the loudness of their promises but the clarity of their purpose.

Amongst the major contenders, Dr. Muoghalu has been a public servant and has served the federal government in various capacities. He stands a chance to rub shoulders with the incumbent. Prince Nicolas Ukachukwu has been a key player in the Anambra politics but has severally failed to clinch the trophy. He is fully convinced that the ruling party will rule in his favour.

It was Thomas Macaulay who said that the measure of a man’s real character is what he would do if he knew he never would be found. As a top-notch technocrat, Prof. Soludo has the smartness to shortchange the investments of NDI ANAMBRA but he refused to subscribe to the corrupt character of the average politician which has disrupted the destiny of the citizenry. Most importantly, from the four contenders, we could assess that men of genius are admired, men of wealth envied; men of power feared; but only men of good character are trusted. Do we now say that Governor Soludo is tested and trusted? Anambra does not need leaders who seek power for its own sake. It needs builders, thinkers, listeners – people who see leadership as a responsibility, not a reward.

The challenges like youth unemployment, infrastructural deficits, security concerns and economic expansion facing Anambra does not require rhetoric rather bold ideas, strategic partnership and consistent action. Ndi Anambra knows that election period is also an opportunity to hold those in power accountable. Service is expressed in how we treat each other, how we invest in our communities, and how we protect the values that bind us together.

Very soon, political campaigns will kick off and the masses will be faced with many choices. The hard-hitting remark is that we should not hearken to illusions, pleasant words and promises. Already, in our country, there’s the dearth of truth amongst political players and power mongers. Our attention – a marketable commodity, should be expensive to whomever would want it. Ndi Anambra should not let their emotions lead them astray because of a deceitful heart. For the past 32 years of the state history, freedom has gradually returned to the citizenry. Freedom is the result of sacrifice. A good leader must be willing to sacrifice comfort, luxury, and profligacy for the masses to enjoy.

Today, responsibility for freedom begins and ends with Anambrarians. Choosing to be responsible is a personal choice. If they do not choose well, they would forfeit their liberty.

To every son and daughter of Anambra, at home and in diaspora: this is not the time to relent. It’s time to build, invest, to return home and be part of a vision that is bigger than us all. The Solution Government has a shared dream and a shared destiny with all of us. The best is yet to come in Anambra and the time of affliction is over.

•Obiotika Wilfred Toochukwu is a public affairs analyst and commentator. He can be reached via obiotika2018@gmail.com