SIR JOHN NGBEDE OF OUR TIME
JOHN NGBEDE ON THE RIGHT TRACK
Hon. Sir, John Ngbede the Chairman, PDP Benue State Chapter was a well- rounded politician and very informed too. As a politician, his views over the years traversed almost every aspect of political struggle across the State.
ON CONFLICT RESOLUTION:
Before yesterday, 4th April, PDP families within Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency found it difficult to harmonize and speak with one voice. It continued recently after the saga between the supporters of Arc Eric Adokwu and Hon. Ezekiel Adaji clashed at the Oj’Oglewu Cultural Festival. It also did not work.
According to Sir John Ngbede in his brief statement, I was also an active contestant of electoral offices until the party men decided to made me the head of the party after loosing the gubernatorial seat to the dismantled ruling party, APC in 2015 general polls. I remember a particular night, when we were to have a meeting, but they started accusing themselves of anti party involvement. I got angry but decided not to leave the meeting. I later realised that my presence contributed overwhelmingly to the success of that meeting. But I still wish all aspirants/supporters would come together in the interest of the party.” He added
ON POLITICAL LIFE IN THE EARLY 2000:
There was the apprenticeship system then which ensured that before you became a candidate of our great party, PDP, you must have been with an elder politician and work for the party for an appreciable number of years. Then you are able to compose yourself and aspire to win election.
In our time, the incumbent political office holder in your constituency was the one to look up to by we and the upcoming politicians. Most of us went through them, myself, plenty others. Their place was like a disciplined school and every one went there to learn.
In those days if you are picked by the incumbent political office holder, you had made it. We had regular meetings and we usually pledge loyalty to our master to anoint us.
It was in one of those reasons I was given several appointment and to the extent of becoming the running mate to the party flag bearer in 2015. But the loyalty were hazardous at times. I had series of problems, nearly opt out of politics. Nothing to mentioned for now as it all gone.
ON WHY LOYALTY LOST GROUND:
It began in the late 2000s when other forms of political activities like thuggery and monies came on the scene. Thuggery/Monies in particular was getting more popular and rivalled loyalty. But again, during the heat of opposition, thuggery lost grounds. Thugs particularly went back to class rooms and this placed a seal and affected those that cannot do without thuggery.
ON CURRENT RECONCILIATION MEETING:
They are copycats. We need to have an identity. That is why many of us after discovered other persons were coming to run for the same position with us, the person became an enemy not minding the platform that bind you and the person together. Those that contested and won elections in the past do not know what to call their present style of politicking when they are asked the kind of politics they play. He added
However, I am of the opinion to tell every politicians to realise his/her ambition. Have plan on how to accommodate all and not to do what would return you to your village, where you will become a mockery object or that would push you to stay away from politics and set up a small business where you could rekindle the memories of your experiences of the past, and blow your horns in solitude.
“We are one big family that needs each other to survive.” (Ngbede, J.2018).
