Ex-Super Eagles goalie Ejide’s father calls for two-party system in Nigeria

By Joy Mbachi

An Octogenarian, Chief Silas Ejide, father of one-time Super Eagles goalie, Austin Ejide, has appealed to the government to revert to a two-party political system in Nigeria.

The octogenarian made the appeal in his country home, Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday.

Ejide said the old-time political electioneering appeared to be much more stable and that it embraced the spirit of sportsmanship than what is obtainable with the present political actors.

He said that during their time in politics, he served as Chairman and Secretary of Nigerian People’s Party (NPP) ward III when he was appointed by the then Governor of the old Eastern Region, Chief Jim Nwobodo, for Njikoka Local Government Area.

Ejide further stated that he was also elected Councilor for Njikoka/Anaocha on 4 January 1988 and that all these years there was no political rancour that would lead to the killing of brothers.

He, however, lamented that today the story has changed.

He said if the country reverted to a two-party system, aspirants would be left with no choice but to stick to their political party and wait for the next political dispensation instead of running from one party to the other.

“In old politics, people come around to serve and if the person loses party nomination he quickly accepts the decision and waits for another round of selection, we were not desperate.

“People come into politics with their money either in kind in terms of service to render for the common good of the people or cash begging to serve, there was humility and respect for human life and fear for accountability.

“Old-time politics is a field where interesting games are played, no permanent enemy, politics are played with native intelligence, we learn from each other and go back to re-plan if not successful,” he said.

Ejide said a return to the two-party system would eliminate lots of political confusion, economic waste, political insecurity, and violence, amongst other vices, as being experienced in the current multi-party political system.

He also urged religious bodies to take up the responsibility of building the minds of young people in core values of life so as to have a sane society where people would have and show respect to instituted authorities.

Ejide said that cultural values are fast eroding in society, a situation he described as worrisome.

He advised parents, guardians and teachers to look inward to train the youngsters alright.