Udom Is Right, Nsima Is The Answer

In politics, as in business, contestants propound different slogans in order to gain advantage over others. Dwight Eisenhower was known for his use of "I like lke" as a a campaign slogan, while Bill Clinton 1992 debut was enhanced with the slogan, "it's the economy, stupid".

In the western part of Nigeria, Governor of Ondo State calls himself "iroko; in the east we heard of odera, onwa, and the like. All these names have internal meanings in the consciousness of both the referee and the public.

In Akwa Ibom, the governorship elections of 2015 has led to people and aspirants alike, evolving slogans, and catchphrases, as a process of brand development.

While the aim of this is to internalize an aspirant in the heart of the people, some of these catchphrases cannot serve their purpose, as there are terribly confusing. For instance, we have "OBA", "Udom is Right", "Ikpoto", and "Nsima is the Answer" etc, and these to a very large extent have impacts on public perception and political character of the electorates, who hold sway in every democratic dispensation.

Obviously, a slogan need not be autocratic: ignoring the sensitivity of the people, but positively affirmative.

Political slogans are reflective of the very nature, character, and social demeanor of leaders. "I am the best", as a slogan means that the people's assessment do not count; just as "ikanga", throws the people into a terrible state confusion, which also means that the holder of the slogan is as confused as the people.

But "Nsima is Answer", is positively affirmative. It's pregnant with "many children", primarily being the identification of a problem. Secondly, it's shows willingness by a brand to solve the problem, and thirdly, a desire for partnership with the people.

"Nsima is the answer", implies too that the people are paramount in the journey to the hilltop mansion, as they too, will be the ultimate beneficiaries of that positive affirmation.