I've always held the notion that politics is a dirty game, that is why I dislike anything related to political leadership. Growing up in a strong Christian family and being interested in religious activities, I had already assumed some leadership roles at a young age. During my time at university, I served as the Vice President of the Young Christian Believers Fellowship.
In my third year at university, during the election period, 70 percent of the students in my faculty encouraged me to run for a position. My response was, "God forbid, I did not come to school for politics." A week before the widespread request for me to join campus politics, my closest friend and twin sister, Amaka, woke me up one night and said, "Nne, I had a terrible dream."
Me: "What was the dream that you can't wait until daybreak?"
Amaka: "It's serious, something I least expected to see happened."
Me: "What is it? Please, it's midnight."
Amaka: "I saw people campaigning on campus, and to my surprise, you were among them, and more than half of the students were supporting you. When I approached, someone asked, 'Why are you against your sister when everyone else supports her?' I joined in and started saying, 'Vote for BB, vote for a political saint, vote for transparency and accountability.' Then I woke up."
Me: "I laughed and told her that after breakfast, we would go to the pharmacy to get malaria tablets because she must be having multiple malaria parasites, as it's unbelievable for me to join political nonsense." Then we both went back to sleep.
A months after Amaka's dream, various facilities in the school started advertising for the purchase of form for qualified students. A week the sale of the form is in progress, some of my course mate suggested I buy the form since my G. P is above 3.5 and they trust my being part of the executive will stop corrupt practices, especially money embezzlement. I replied "please you people should leave me alone for I am not interested in politics"
As I got home I told Amaka that days encounter and she laugh and said "where did you keep my malaria tablet " Then I told her that her dream can never come to pass because i can only join politics if I purchase the form and is not possible. I faced my studies and never give ear to the masses request. On the day of the election I decided to go to the campus late and the did not show my face until after the election. When some students especially our senior colleagues and few past executive saw me, one of them said upon their persuasion yet I disappointed them" another said " I told you to only indicate interest and leave the rest for me" the third person said BB who told you when you become executive member you become a devil and can not excel acxademically. Then I replied " please don't blame me for politics will always be what it is?
"When I noticed that the voting was over, I decided to go and see our newly elected executive. I walked quietly to the hall and sat down with Amaka. I made the conclusion of the newly elected executives, given their manifesto, and they were saying how they are going to bring positive changes and innovations that will make the Faculty of Education better than others. A few minutes later, people noticed my arrival, the hall's atmosphere changed, and people started shouting, 'Our secretary is here, the one we are looking for is here, the best for this position has come,' and there was confusion in the hall. So, I stood up to walk out of the hall, and immediately the newly elected secretary walked down from the podium, held my hand, and took me to the podium. She said, 'The voices of the people are the voice of God, and I am too good to work for people who did not see me worthy. Therefore, I step down for BB, the people's choice.' Then she hugged me and handed the microphone to me. I was astonished, and all I managed to say was, 'Since you all see me as worthy, I will do my best not to disappoint you by the Grace of God.' And I heard 'Amen' with a standing ovation.
That is how I became the secretary of my faculty without contesting for it. Though there were little challenges, I enjoyed the whole drama, and then I got to know that power is good and sweet. So, in my fourth year, I contested for vice president and won."
Our administration brought positive changes and wonderful innovations that gladdened the hearts of many students, and they were proud they chose me."
Picture is mine. Thanks for passing by.