Olushola Omogbehin
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State in a statement on Saturday condemned politicians promising to serve only one term in office.
While speaking during a political rally in Anambra in support of his second coming into the government house in Awka, Soludo said any politician who is promising to serve only one term in office would be required to undergo a psychiatric test.
“How can anybody with a functioning brain say that? Do you think you are speaking to fools?
“You come to people and say you will do only one term, any politician who says that must be sent to a psychiatric home because the person must have some mental problem,”
In what seemed to be a reply to this statement, the 2023 Presidential Candidate of Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has said that one-term of four years is enough for him to accomplish his ambition of a new Nigeria.
He revealed this on his X handle on Sunday that history has shown that lasting and positive legacies are in favour of leaders who stay shorter in office.
“One of the greatest American Presidents, Abraham Lincoln, served only four years, yet his legacy endures as a model of principled leadership.
“Another iconic figure, John F. Kennedy, did not even complete a full term, yet his vision and ideals continue to inspire generation.
“In Africa, Nelson Mandela, revered globally as a symbol of justice and reconciliation, chose to serve only one term as President of South Africa, despite immense public pressure to stay longer. His decision was a deliberate act of leadership statement that power must serve the people, not the self.”
Mr Peter Obi continued by explaining historically that staying longer than necessary in office is not a mark of success none has it made much leadership impact in Africa but leadership corruption.
“Indeed, history shows that the longer many African leaders remain in power, the more likely they are to be corrupted by it.”
He further stated that purposeful and accountable service however brief, better defines true statesmanship.
“It is within this context that I reiterate my vow: I will serve only one term of four years if elected president. And that vow is sacrosanct. I am fully aware that the decay in our society has made trust one of the scarcest and most skeptically viewed commodities.
“Many Nigerians, understandably, no longer take politicians at their word. But even in this climate of cynicism, there are still a few whose actions have matched their words-whose integrity is built on verifiable precedent.
“Recently, I became aware of two statements aimed, albeit indirectly, at my vow to serve only a single four-year term.
“One person remarked that even if I swore by a shrine, I still wouldn’t be believed. Another suggested that anyone talking about doing only one term should undergo a psychiatric evaluation.”
To many Nigerians who see this as a mere political statement as most politicians do not keep their promises, Obi said:
“But they forget or perhaps choose to ignore, that Peter Obi is not cut from that cloth. I have a verifiable track record that speaks louder than speculation. In my political life, my word is my bond.
“When I entered politics in Anambra , I made clear and measurable promises to the people: to improve education and healthcare, to open up rural areas through road construction and to manage public funds with prudence.
“I fulfilled each of those promises without deviation. I did not swear by a shrine, nor have I been certified mentally unstable as a result of honouring my word.
“My vow to serve only one term of four years is a solemn commitment, rooted in my conviction that purposeful, transparent leadership does not require an eternity.”
In further reaction to the statement of the Governor of Anambra State, the presidential aspirant who is also a former governor of the State said that if such a promise qualified him for psychiatric assessment, then the mental fitness of the framers of the constitution of Nigeria which recommended a four-year renewable tenure would also require questioning.
“I maintain without equivocation: if elected, I will not spend a day longer than four years in office. In fact, I believe that service should be impactful, not eternal.
“We must rebuild trust in our country. I have dedicated my public life to demonstrating that leadership with integrity is not a myth. I have done it before and I do not intend to betray that trust under any circumstances.
“Forty-eight months is enough for any leader who is focused and prepared to make a meaningful difference. In that time, I intend not merely to make an impression, but to deliver on concrete promises,” he concluded.
