In a Press Release signed by the representatives of three of the major political parties contesting the forthcoming Presidential elections in April, Nigerians were informed that the Presidential candidates for ANPP, ACN and CPC would NOT be participating in the recently announced Presidential debate organised by BON.
In their summation, the three major parties have decided to refuse to participate based on the fact that the Presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the rulling party (PDP) refused to participate in previous debates organized by NNTV24, despite their having agreed to the schedule. While taking the time to point out that they were not accusing the BON debate organizers of lack of integrity, the representatives of the three parties nevertheless proceeded to do just that - questioning the integrity and ability of the BON debate organizers to resist pressure from the Jonathan-led ruling party.
While we sympathize with the position of the three boycotting parties, we wish to categorically state that we vehemently disagree with their self-serving decision to deprive Nigerians of the opportunity to see them stand side-by-side with the man they seek to unseat from the presidency. It is a truism that two (or more wrongs) do not make a right.
By taking the position that Jonathan's abdication of his responsibilities and duties to Nigerians gives them the covers to do the same to Nigerians, the ACN, CPC and ANPP representatives are indirectly stipulating that they are no better than (or different from) Jonathan and his band of pedestrian public servants. They are essentially admitting that, given the opportunity, they will be following in the same foot steps and adhering to the same ill-informed and destructive tendencies and policies of the PDP. How else do they hope to convince Nigerians that they are "different" IF they can't (won't) even resist the temptation to cut of their nose to spite their faces? They are so pre-occupied with getting even with Jonathan's original sin that they are taking the position to commit the same sin. How does this make them better than Jonathan?
We wish to remind the three boycotting parties that these debates and exercises are NOT ABOUT YOU. They are not about your bruised egos or childish senses of self-importance. It is about Nigeria and Nigerians. You are begging for a job. You are applicants for a job. The Nigerian people are your potential employers. It is the height of arrogance for you to declare that you felt so slighted by your co-applicant that you will not show up for the interview for the job. Yes, Jonathan was foolish and myopic. So what? It is not about Jonathan. You owe the Nigerian people the humility to forget about your bruised ego and go before them at every opportunity, and whenever called upon to do so, and explain your qualification for the job you seek. If Nigerians want you to prostrate before them, you (as a servant of Nigerians) should be prepared to do so.
You stated that you do not question the integrity of the organizers of this particular debate. Then, what is your bone of contention? You suspect that they will leak the questions to Jonathan and co? Your suspicion is unfounded and appears to be a rather cynical attempt to excuse your ludicrous refusal to avail yourself of another opportunity to talk to Nigerians. IF you have ANY reasonable evidence to support your suspicion, you owe it to Nigerians to publicly state it. Banding together and crying wolf does not excuse your untenable decision. You are merely putting lipstick on an otherwise smelly pig. You are merely looking for excuses to run away from THE MAN, admitting that he is, perhaps, bigger and better than you could ever be.
These debates are not about you, gentlemen. We ask you to remember that. Nigeria and Nigerians are collectively bigger than you. Whatever personality clashes you may have with PDP and Jonathan, please handle that through the appropriate channels. Don't deprive Nigerians the opportunity to be able to critically compare and contrast you with the man and party you seek to replace at the helm of Nigerian affairs. To do so is to admit that you are no better than them. It is to admit that you are cowards and that you are afraid to say all the things you have been saying about Jonathan and PDP to Jonathan's face.
Step up to the podium and challenge him. Ceding the platform and audience to him is NOT to your advantage, regardless of how much grammar your press people can cram into Press Releases. Your hollier-than-thou attitude is a useless exercise IF you let this opportunity pass you by.
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