Bayelsa And Kogi: Hope For PDP In Edo 2020.

By Desmond Ricosa

I am constrained by purpose to write this Epistle as a reminder but most importantly as a guide to the good people of Edo State particularly members of the People’s Democratic Party PDP not to loose faith but rely if on nothing else but the principles of hindsight (2020) which is always a clear vision, drawing classic lessons from the just concluded Bayelsa and Kogi governorship elections.

My journey in politics since 2009 has taught me one fundamental principle of consistent value for what you believe regardless of the present time and circumstances, always to keep faith even when everyone else has lost it.

I grew up as a young man admiring the name (People’s Democratic Party) simply because as a fine student of government as a subject I always liked the definition as it was centred around people, people, people. Little wonder it was easy for me to step up using it as a platform to aspire to lead my people in Oredo East Constituency, for which I have no regrets neither do I bear any grudge.

As a party man and true democrat, I think it is imperative to break the ice that has left many frozen in doubt as to the future of the party in Edo State going forward. I see the events of this past election as a lesson to the political players in PDP so as not to repeat same in 2020.

Our party the PDP let Bayelsa slide off her finger due to over confidence on the party of the Governor and a complete detachment from the yearning of the people of Bayelsa. It will interest you to know that David Lyon the Governor Elect was a member of the PDP family and indeed others who helped the APC win the elections so it stands to reason why would the party make the same mistake it did in Edo in 2007/08  gubernatorial election? You can never bite your nose to spite your face and that for me is a big lesson we must benefit from going forward. On the other hand in Kogi State we were up against a mindless despotic candidate vis a viz ethnic sentiments of having his ethnic tribe remain in power regardless of the process provided it favored one of their own.

Lessons;

1. The people played a very vital role in both Bayelsa and Kogi.

2.Pride and arrogance goes before a fall.

3. In all that you do as a political actor always have and carry the people along no matter how small.

On the contrary I am surprised that my party PDP did not pay attention to all the indicators and details in the build up to the elections in Bayelsa particularly and make frantic efforts to reconcile the differences that existed within the household.

It’s always said that a house divided against itself can never stand especially in the face of adversary and adversity. My regard goes out to all those left in the party to suffer for a sin they did not commit  as only God knows when that wound will heal leaving a big scar behind.

When you are given public trust it means you must always consult the public before taking any decision that would affect them directly, and let me say this that the greatest losers in the Bayelsa case is not Douyi Diri or Seriake Dickson as presumed but ultimately the same people that celebrated the defeat they all aided and abated, just like the case of Nigeria now in the hands of this present government.

Let’s be frank and ask our self this question who really wanted a change in Bayelsa; the people or the leaders? Clearly it was the leaders who cajoled the people that will definitely suffer for their actions or inactions.

We have an election coming in 2020 in Edo and for me this is a significant milestone in the history of our two decades of democratic process and the politics of our dear state. As a party man I want to admonish our leaders to close ranks and repose confidence and faith back in the people of Edo, and stay away from meaningless distraction from the same people who benefited from the party, but still cast aspersions at it by name calling and shaming a party that gave you an opportunity others wished for and still wish they have to make a bold mission and vision statement.

The events of the coming days and weeks will properly birth a new dawn for the PDP in Edo towards the build up to the next gubernatorial election. For those that have left and are still planning to leave after using the party they have clearly shown that the party must now begin to look critically before choosing those that will lead and represent the people using its platform. Our party should have learnt from the mistakes made by our fathers and past leaders and engage a conscious effort to make amends.

If truly the PDP is like a social media platform as claimed by some who have used and abused the party today and in time past, why then did you join in the first place? For those who do not appreciate the gesture given to them by the party to fly its flag but turn around to call it unprintable names should remember the local proverb “that soldiers come and go but the barrack remains” and as such must not throw stones at a house you once lived.

If you have a problem with your family member at home do you break down the house? For those who are thinking please, do no more. I will correct or rebuke my brother or sister when they go wrong but I can never bring down the roof of the house, its a suicidal thing to do.

For those of you that feel chastised by this Epistle trust me it’s the right thing to do. I still love you if eventually you come back to your right senses and retrace your step back home, even the prodigal son in the bible was not neglected so your case won’t be different.

With all intents and purposes I speak these without fear or favor, as I will continue to stand on the path of truth and righteousness until we get to the promised land.

I will submit by saying east or west home is still the best, you can argue or fight with your brothers but never you breakdown the home for your selfish gains.

I still remain a member of the People’s Democratic Party.

Hon. Desmond Ricosa, PDP Aspirant

Edo State House of Assembly

Oredo East Constituency.

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