Three days ago (9th of June 2018), at the annual law dinner of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Mr. Donald Duke made known his much awaited declaration that he would run for the office of the President of Nigeria! Naturally, the reception to such was welcoming, loud and positive. One of such public person to openly declare his support for Mr. Duke is Popular Nigeria artist and Gongo aso crooner Mr. Abolore Adegbola Akande popularly known as "9ice".

Truthfully, the reception could have been louder! The declaration, perhaps bolder such that it would have been reechoed by the help of happy passionate Nigerians clamouring for a well refined and astute man of his calibre. One who signifies a breath of fresh air and a representative of the new order that has come to take Nigeria to the next level.

Hope

You see for many of us, Donald Duke represents (better still, represented) that hope and aspiration of a new Nigeria by a Nigerian. He was one of the golden generation governors of the class 1999-2007. Aside from his charming looks (considered by many to be the most handsome governor of that class) and calm demeanour, he was modern and dynamic. At least, judging by some of his huge and bold ambitous projects. Some of which are a success (e.g. The cable train car at Obudu, beautification of Calabar and the Calabar Carnival) and have been kept by his predecessor; others have been disastrous (and still continues to bleed the state government e.g. Tinapa). At this juncture, let it be noted that Obudu cattle ranch was never Mr. Duke's idea nor project he initiated (then, i thought it was). Obudu was first explored in 1949 by a Scot and developed further in the 50's and was handed over to the Federal Government of Nigeria when the British left. However, Mr. Duke did a lot in restoring and promoting it.

Ever since his tenure as governor ended in 2007, Duke's name for presidency has always been on the lips of young progressive Nigerians eager to see a western, progressive leadership style of governance that gets things done and finally can place Nigeria on the map for all the good things. Suffice to say that Mr. Duke did attempt to run for office in 2007 but was told to step down for the anointed Late Mr. Musa Yar'dua and Dr. G. E. Jonathan. My hope, like many Nigerians at the time was short lived.

The Revelation

"...Time and Chance happeneth to them all..." Ecc 9:11

In my short 30 years plus leaving on God's earth, i have come to learn that making the right decision is as important as doing it at the right time. This applies to Mr. Duke's declaration. If Mr. Duke had declared earlier by taking advantage PMB's weak and purposeless governance (the worst in our Nation's annals and history will judge it so and even harsly), he would have no doubt been the darling on everyone's lips and next in line to the seat of the president.

As far as i am concerned and there are stats to prove it, the North has ruled Nigeria more than the south but has brought the least developmental stride; and such only a southerner is deserving of that Presidency seat fairly (except there's a capable Northerner with proven track record). For me, the Southerners that seem to stand out and fit to run a complex, diverse and plural society like ours were Mr. Donald Duke and Mr. Peter Obi. Need i to say that i was inclined to take side with Mr. Duke until this revelation was made...

If only Duke had declared his intention to run way ahead of time before Dr. N. O. Iweala published her memoirs (‘Fighting Corruption is Dangerous: The Story Behind the Headlines) of her second stint as a serving minister in which she sadly but truly described Duke for the man he truly is, Duke may have had a chance to weather it. Below is a shocking and troubling excerpt from the book about Mr. Duke after she had been contacted by for Dr. G. E. Jonathan's government to come and serve for a second stint

"...by now, it was mid-day and i was mulling over these issues when i got a call from another old friend, Governor Donald Duke, former governor of Cross River state. An enlightened governor of the "cleanest state in Nigeria" who had tried to build a tourism service base for his state, he told me in was in Washington, DC and would like to see me. I invited him to my office. Governor Duke told me there were rumours that i was being asked to return as Finance Minister. He asked me if there were any truth in these rumours, I confirmed that i have been asked and was reflecting on it. He then told me that he brought a message from a group of "concerned" whose advice was that i should turn down the offer. I asked him who the concerned people were and what would be their reason for the advice. He would not give me their names but mentioned i would know some of them and even said they were my friends. As to the reasons, he said that these people felt that my acceptance "would give Jonathan and his government credibility" and he did not deserve that. If i turned down the offer, the administration would be weak and would likely not succeed." - ‘Fighting Corruption is Dangerous: The Story Behind the Headlines,’

I could not believe my eyes as i read that page from the book. My heart shrank and i felt beclouded by darkness and grief for Nigeria.

Note: Before a mischievous element tries to dispel or discredit Dr. NOI assertion, be aware that in former president OBJ latest book "Under my watch", one condition OBJ gave for supporting this treacherous government of PMB was that PMB must pick Dr. NOI as his running mate cos she was was to be the VP as well as run the economy. El-rufai told PMB of OBJ proposal to which PMB agreed to it. When OBJ told Dr. NOI, she refused to work with PMB. Talk of a woman with standard and integrity!

Faded Hope

Those words about Mr. Duke's perfidious acts went running through my mind wildly for days. I went into great grief for my dear country. i remember saying these words "...is there no one faithful even from the elect?...". From Comrade Oshiomole to Mr. Rochas and Now Duke Bunch of disappointments despite having a promising start!

Every stunt Mr. Duke tried to pull after such revelation e.g. when he claimed his wife sent him "on an errand" made me disdain him even the more! I was a bit lighthearted when people also shared the same feeling about him. I was lighthearted because there are still sincere Nigerians and loving patriots.

I wish i could ask Mr. Duke certain personal questions like who are those concerned people he represented? Declaring for President, does it mean he would be doing to the bidding of these powerful group or to the masses that voted him in? Why would anyone try to sabotage Nigeria greater glory for a few men good? Is OBJ among these concerned group (cos i feel that old man is)? Is trying to destroy a man work and image not likened to an act of witchcraft?...i could go on and on!

In the aftermath of such revelation, a friend of mine said that i should neither blame them nor feel disappointed in them because power corrupts and that if i ever got the chance to hold power, i might do the same or even worse. Respectfully, I do not agree and certainly hope in God's grace.

In Michelle Obama words about her husband remaining grounded and unchanged at the Dem convention in 2012 "...being President doesn't change who you are, it reveals who you are"

To Donald Duke and his constitutional guaranteed right to run for the office of the President, i wish him all the best!

I can only say Alas, another faded hope of Nigeria future.

Let me add by saying given an option between PMB and Donald Duke, clearly i will vote for Duke. In fact, 2019 is [b]ABB (Anything But Buhari)[/b]

Since Mr. Duke has been eliminated as one of the two candidate from Southern Nigeria and barring any other more capable and qualified candidate that may seek to run for the office of the President from Southern Nigeria, my clear choice right now is solely for Mr, Peter Obi that is [i][/i]if he agrees to run.

I desire this write up sparks up honest opinion that is deeply rooted in patriotism for Nigeria. I would love to know what they are! Do so maturely, please!

Blessings,
Somtitous!

Summary please

Faded hope!

Somtitous:
Three days ago (9th of June 2018), at the annual law dinner of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Mr. Donald Duke made known his much awaited declaration that he would run for the office of the President of Nigeria! Naturally, the reception to such was welcoming, loud and positive. One of such public person to openly declare his support for Mr. Duke is Popular Nigeria artist and Gongo aso crooner Mr. Abolore Adegbola Akande popularly known as "9ice".

Truthfully, the reception could have been louder! The declaration, perhaps bolder such that it would have been reechoed by the help of happy passionate Nigerians clamouring for a well refined and astute man of his calibre. One who signifies a breath of fresh air and a representative of the new order that has come to take Nigeria to the next level.

Hope

You see for many of us, Donald Duke represents (better still, represented) that hope and aspiration of a new Nigeria by a Nigerian. He was one of the golden generation governors of the class 1999-2007. Aside from his charming looks (considered by many to be the most handsome governor of that class) and calm demeanour, he was modern and dynamic. At least, judging by some of his huge and bold ambitous projects. Some of which are a success (e.g. The cable train car at Obudu, beautification of Calabar and the Calabar Carnival) and have been kept by his predecessor; others have been disastrous (and still continues to bleed the state government e.g. Tinapa). At this juncture, let it be noted that Obudu cattle ranch was never Mr. Duke's idea nor project he initiated (then, i thought it was). Obudu was first explored in 1949 by a Scot and developed further in the 50's and was handed over to the Federal Government of Nigeria when the British left. However, Mr. Duke did a lot in restoring and promoting it.

Ever since his tenure as governor ended in 2007, Duke's name for presidency has always been on the lips of young progressive Nigerians eager to see a western, progressive leadership style of governance that gets things done and finally can place Nigeria on the map for all the good things. Suffice to say that Mr. Duke did attempt to run for office in 2007 but was told to step down for the anointed Late Mr. Musa Yar'dua and Dr. G. E. Jonathan. My hope, like many Nigerians at the time was short lived.

The Revelation

"...Time and Chance happeneth to them all..." Ecc 9:11

In my short 30 years plus leaving on God's earth, i have come to learn that making the right decision is as important as doing it at the right time. This applies to Mr. Duke's declaration. If Mr. Duke had declared earlier by taking advantage PMB's weak and purposeless governance (the worst in our Nation's annals and history will judge it so and even harsly), he would have no doubt been the darling on everyone's lips and next in line to the seat of the president.

As far as i am concerned and there are stats to prove it, the North has ruled Nigeria more than the south but has brought the least developmental stride; and such only a southerner is deserving of that Presidency seat fairly (except there's a capable Northerner with proven track record). For me, the Southerners that seem to stand out and fit to run a complex, diverse and plural society like ours were Mr. Donald Duke and Mr. Peter Obi. Need i to say that i was inclined to take side with Mr. Duke until this revelation was made...

If only Duke had declared his intention to run way ahead of time before Dr. N. O. Iweala published her memoirs (‘Fighting Corruption is Dangerous: The Story Behind the Headlines) of her second stint as a serving minister in which she sadly but truly described Duke for the man he truly is, Duke may have had a chance to weather it. Below is a shocking and troubling excerpt from the book about Mr. Duke after she had been contacted by for Dr. G. E. Jonathan's government to come and serve for a second stint

"...by now, it was mid-day and i was mulling over these issues when i got a call from another old friend, Governor Donald Duke, former governor of Cross River state. An enlightened governor of the "cleanest state in Nigeria" who had tried to build a tourism service base for his state, he told me in was in Washington, DC and would like to see me. I invited him to my office. Governor Duke told me there were rumours that i was being asked to return as Finance Minister. He asked me if there were any truth in these rumours, I confirmed that i have been asked and was reflecting on it. He then told me that he brought a message from a group of "concerned" whose advice was that i should turn down the offer. I asked him who the concerned people were and what would be their reason for the advice. He would not give me their names but mentioned i would know some of them and even said they were my friends. As to the reasons, he said that these people felt that my acceptance "would give Jonathan and his government credibility" and he did not deserve that. If i turned down the offer, the administration would be weak and would likely not succeed." - ‘Fighting Corruption is Dangerous: The Story Behind the Headlines,’

I could not believe my eyes as i read that page from the book. My heart shrank and i felt beclouded by darkness and grief for Nigeria.

Note: Before a mischievous element tries to dispel or discredit Dr. NOI assertion, be aware that in former president OBJ latest book "Under my watch", one condition OBJ gave for supporting this treacherous government of PMB was that PMB must pick Dr. NOI as his running mate cos she was was to be the VP as well as run the economy. El-rufai told PMB of OBJ proposal to which PMB agreed to it. When OBJ told Dr. NOI, she refused to work with PMB. Talk of a woman with standard and integrity!

Faded Hope

Those words about Mr. Duke's perfidious acts went running through my mind wildly for days. I went into great grief for my dear country. i remember saying these words "...is there no one faithful even from the elect?...". From Comrade Oshiomole to Mr. Rochas and Now Duke Bunch of disappointments despite having a promising start!

Every stunt Mr. Duke tried to pull after such revelation e.g. when he claimed his wife sent him "on an errand" made me disdain him even the more! I was a bit lighthearted when people also shared the same feeling about him. I was lighthearted because there are still sincere Nigeria loving patriots.

I wish i could as Mr. Duke certain personal questions like who are those concerned people he represented? Declaring for President, does it mean he would be doing to the bidding of these powerful group or to the masses that voted him in? Why would anyone try to sabotage Nigeria greater glory for a few men good? Is OBJ among these concerned group (cos i feel that old man is)? IS trying to destroy a man work and image not likened to an act of witchcraft?...i could go on and on!

In the aftermath of such revelation, a friend of mine said that i should neither blame them nor feel disappointed in them because power corrupts and that if i ever got the chance to hold power, i might do the same or even worse. Respectfully, I do not agree and certainly hope in God's grace.

In Michelle Obama words about her husband remaining grounded and unchanged at the Dem convention in 2012 "...being President doesn't change who you are, it reveals who you are"

To Donald Duke and his constitutional guaranteed right to run for the office of the President, i wish him all the best!

I can only say Alas, another faded hope of Nigeria future.

Let me add by saying given an option between PMB and Donald Duke, clearly i will vote for Duke. In fact, 2019 is [b]ABB (Anything But Buhari)[/b]

Since Mr. Duke has been eliminated as one of the two candidate from Southern Nigeria and barring any other more capable and qualified candidate that may seek to run for the office of the President from Southern Nigeria, my clear choice right now is solely for Mr, Peter Obi that is [i][/i]if he agrees to run.

I desire this write up sparks up honest opinion that is deeply rooted in patriotism for Nigeria. I would love to know what they are! Do so maturely, please!

Blessings,
Somtitous!

Nothing to add... You have said it all. I am happy someone is thinking along the same line with me.