FOR PETER OBI SUPPORTERS
A word is enough for the wise...
In the coming days, tribal lines are going to be as obvious as ever. Paid and unpaid detractors will publicly and heavily capitalise on negative stereotypes, assumptions, unfounded statistics, lies, and propaganda to promote and cause division. In times like this, we must be observant, smart, and discerning. Simply put, we MUST pick our battles.
We must also be smart enough to see setups from a distance and duck them in conversations and outings. You don’t have to answer every one, you don’t have to reply to everything, and you certainly don’t have to convince everyone.
Historically, one of the fastest way ways to rile people up regardless of their education is to pitch against their beliefs/values — in our case, it is our tribal, ethnic and religious lines. In this coming election, I need you to understand that these are TOOLS and it is no longer business as usual. These not-new differences WILL be heavily utilised to boost voter apathy, sway the minds of first-time voters, drive cantankerous trends on social media, brainwash people, and ultimately cause division.
Elements that have been until now been treated in a hush-hush manner by popular figures will be discussed publicly. I speak particularly about IPOB and Biafra. Do not be surprised when you find them as trending subjects wherever Peter Obi is concerned. On the religion part, the church will be on constant fire, different conclusions and new facts will emerge about pastors or churches who decide to no longer sit on the sidelines. Intertribal fires will be stoked and it could become overwhelming to find yourself constantly being poked from all angles even by those who should know better.
Dear PO supporters, we must not be naive. We’re dealing with old-timers who understand the fragile states of our emotions. With the #EndSARS, IPOB, and Owo killings, the atmosphere is ripe for breakouts. As young people, our differences are more palpable than ever.
Therefore, we must be aware of the things that divide us and understand they will be used heavily to combat the goodwill, enthusiasm, and unity that seems to be among the Peter Obi supporters.
As you go into this new week, be sensitive to divisive triggers. When someone begins a conversation on any of these lines, let this be your reminder to skirt around it. Let this also be your reminder to refrain from divisive and instigating subjects. Don’t court it, don’t start it, don’t be found in the thick of it. Like it or not, these subjects time and time again have been used to start wars. It won’t be different this time.
With such a huge goal in front of us, we must at all times remember what we are on is the battle of our lives. For the first time in forever, we are backing a third candidate from a NOT popular party. We are fielding a Technocrat that is as different as light and day from the other two major aspirants. What we are on is bigger than these divisive elements and now, we have to prove it. Every day till the Presidential election.
We must not give in to the wiles of these paid and unpaid propagandists who will utilise these tools to cause division. It is ALL THEY’VE GOT. Go and verify.
This new week, place your hand on your head and repeat after me: I will be smart. I will be discerning. They will not use my head to break coconut
May the peace of the Lord be with us, and give us the grace to be discerning.
Remember, #PeterIsBetter
Register for your PVC, update or change your polling unit, complete your biometrics and encourage your family and friends from 18 and above to register.
Written by Victoria Chukwuma
#mypeterobi
