So, this house must not fall.
Competition is a natural element in the dynamics of inter-group relations. And, sometimes, the contention arising therefrom tends to exceed the bounds of moderation and decency. But such is the inescapable reality of mortal man, for whom, although perfection remains an illusory goal, his persistent treads on the ladder of life can only but lead to higher planes of fulfilment. Provided, of course, that there is honest acknowledgement of the missteps for a constructive engagement with the future.
So, this house must not fall.
For even when calamity struck and the father of the house was taken away, having fallen victim to the vicissitudes of fortune, his generals held the fort. Yes, they did. O! How they disappointed the widespread expectation for an abrupt and thunderous collapse of the edifice. In an unparalleled display of heroic resilience, the lieutenants of our leader showed that, though our tribes may differ, the fabrics of brotherhood that bonded the family was such that could not be severed by the vicious assaults of formidable enemies. They successfully held the fort as one united family. Indeed, we are an enviable dynasty. Probably the only surviving one in the nation; an honor shared with the equally celebrated abode of Jagaban.
So, this house must not fall.
Yes, emotional injuries may have been inflicted by the actions and reactions of members of the family. Distrust and a sense of betrayal may have shaken the foundations of hitherto impregnable fortresses. But we must sheathe our swords and, in the calmness of reflection, recall the humble beginnings of the family and our great achievements under the umbrella. Exceptional accomplishments that have been engendered by a basic sense of equity and justice, sustained by the repeated affirmation of a majority of the people, in spite of attempts by some renegades to deviate from that trajectory.
So, this house must not fall.
Conflicts, if competently managed, could be the building blocks of phenomenal legacies. Thankfully, the simmering tensions have not snowballed to irredeemable proportion. All that is needed now from all sides is the forgiveness, compromise, and sacrifice that are the lifeblood of family. Knowing that we are all human and innocuous mistakes could sully the most noble of intentions.
So, this house must not fall.
In this vein, such times as these are when statesmen separate themselves from the larger body of leadership and step forward to bear the cross of family survival and identity. If for no other reason, at least for the sake of posterity and the younger generation who draw inspiration from and still believes in the primacy and longevity of our political family.
So, this house must not fall.
Dr. Tony Felix Nwaka.
