Uzuegbuna Okagbue has expressed satisfaction with the growing political consciousness among Nigerians, especially youths, ahead of the 2023 General Election.
In a brief conversation with Ebuka Onyekwelu, of The West African Pilot News, Okagbue said that the growing political consciousness among Nigerian Youths is a good omen that will change the country’s leadership for good. “If you look at what is happening, you will see that the people are more aware and just want to take more active part in the governance processes of this country. For me, this is fundamental in getting Nigeria on the right path. So it is a good thing and I commend Nigerians for demonstrating such commitment in their country’s future”, Uzuegbuna Okagbue said.
Speaking further on what the growing awareness is for Nigeria and Nigerians, Okagbue opined that nation-building and development are long-term goals that are pursued in bits. Therefore, he regarded both patriotism and development as processes, instead of end in themselves. “What is happening now is needed to be able to build a working system. You cannot instill patriotism in people if they are not interested in the governance processes of their country. This interest is key and that is what will lead to election of credible leaders and the circle will keep running. That’s how countries move from underdeveloped to developed/” Okagbue said.
As for 2023, for Uzuegbuna, it’s a mixed feeling. This is because Nigerians are desperate for a taste of good leadership. What this means is that they cannot wait. But indeed, no sustainable development can be achieved magically. “The danger is that Nigerians may lose hope in their country if what they are asking for is not quickly achieved. They may just give up. That’s the only problem I am seeing with the rising political consciousness. Hence, my word to them is that Nigeria’s solutions are not and cannot be magical. It requires work. The people must keep pushing and remain focused. Our collective demand for a better country is beyond 2023”, Uzuegbuna Okagbue advised
He is a Technical Assistant to Governor Willie Obiano’s Special Adviser on Legislative Matters, whoonce was a Special Adviser to a former Deputy Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly. Ebuka is a second class upper division graduate of Political Science from University of Calabar, Calabar Nigeria and holds a Masters Degree in Political Science with specialization in Government and Development Studies, from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Nigeria
