“We need leaders of inspired idealism, leaders to whom are granted great visions, who dream greatly and strive to make their dreams come true, who can kindle the people with fire from their own burning souls.” — Theodore Roosevelt.
Heroism and patriotism are two virtues that powerfully reflect the ideals of existence. The Oxford Advanced Dictionary aptly defines the word ‘hero’ as “a person, especially a man who is admired by many people for doing something brave or good.” Furthermore, a hero is a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent, endowed with great strength and ability. While on the other hand, patriotism means “love for one’s country and ability to defend it”. Thus, for one to qualify as a patriot, he must be a person who vigorously loves and support his country and is prepared to defend it against enemies, oppressors and detractors. Apparently, heroism and patriotism are frequently used words that have dominated popular discussions in the socio-political milieu of Nigeria. However, their usage in the strict sense of it have been abused and more frequently situated within the negative context, especially in the present day Cross River state. This is because in Cross River, undeserving persons are crowned heroes and patriots without due regards for excellence and integrity.
For instance, anyone who rigs his way into power and recklessly loots or steal with reckless abandon is celebrated and seen by many as a hero and patriot, so long as he or she can share part of the booty to the illiterate and hunger-stricken masses. Wheareas in civilise climes, heroism and patriotism are sacred and highly revered words, reserved for societal nobles and fellows of distinctions. Thus, both words reflects astuteness, philanthropy, courage, high intellectual precision and pedigree, as well as love, honesty and moral discipline. As one analyst succinctly put it, “heroism is selflessness, honesty, moral uprightness and love for humanity.” A true hero is a patriot and does not necessarily have to win elections before he or she becomes one. A mother who grooms her children into honest, respectable, well-adjusted people despite hardship; a doctor who saves life regardless of personal discomfort and danger; a lawyer who uses his position to defend the voiceless and oppressed; a taxi driver who returns lost and found millions are all heroes in their own right.
Indeed, Ntufam Senator Professor Sandy Ojang Onor wears this fitting cap. As evidenced in his consistent struggles to emancipate Cross River from the current ruins, through his advocacies of purposeful leadership and defense of our democracy. Today, the Central Senatorial District of Cross River State for instance has become a model of social reforms, which has earned him a reputation as the best senator in living memory.
As a leading candidate in the in Cross River gubernatorial race, the seemingly crushed and battered All Progressive Congress and its apologists, bereft of issues, now throw invectives with several verbal assaults on this hero whose ideal for freedom and good governance cannot be kill by any missile invented by man.
Like a trojan horse, this hero, some few days ago, cancelled his political engagements and walk the streets, hospitals, shanty- towns and slums, which even his traducers didn’t dare to enter, and eventually assuaged the pains of grieving families whose love ones were crushed to death during the poorly organized Carnival Calabar biking parade.
From factual accounts so far, it is therefore glaring to all that a new Cross River is imminent, if Sandy Onor is voted into power. A vote for Sandy Onor is a vote for socio economic and political justice.
In view of the holy matrimony between intellectualism and productivity, Senator Onor would place high premium on excellence. Thus, qualified citizens would man our public institutions. The current patronage and prebendal system would be expunged totally from our politics. Commissioners will be commissioners. Special advisers shall be special advisers with offices and requisite knowledge and experience. This is because “once mediocrity reigns supreme, merit and competence become her victims”. Furthermore,our public hospitals and primary health care units will run optimally. Much more importantly, the present lie-telling will become history
As a hero of modern Cross River, distinguished Senator Professor Sandy Ojang Onor will alter the history of Cross River, all for the good of the ordinary people; reversing the long term pillaging, primitive accumulation and sectional domination.
Therefore, as the Gregorian Calendar heralds a new beginning tommorow, the voters must be circumspect, as we urge all and sundry to vote Sandy Onor, the crowned hero of modern Cross River.