By Chuks Osuji
Historically, America was created in 1776. For it’s several years in existence of all the forty five (45) President none, absolutely none was a black person. Unfortunately, it was not until January 10th ,2009 when Barack Obama was elected the first black president. When this election was announced, the entire nation of United States and billions of black races saw his election as a political sunami. Why?
Because the history of black Americans in their surgon in the United States was one punctuated with contradictions, contraptions and numerous challenges.
Black Americans were mostly slaves who were forced to the United States to work in the fields for their masters.
They were shipped to North America from many parts of the black world.
In the course of their voyage men and women, many died and others suffocated while many committed suicide.
The political history of the black man in America is indeed a sordid one.
Initially, they were not treated as human beings, initially, their political history was one punctuated with animalistic comparison.
In the process, they were not allowed to vote or be voted for.
When they began a collective Civil Rights action, the American people started to listen to them but reluctantly, first, 10 blacks were regarded as one white voter, that is, for every 10 blacks they were counted as one white voter. In the cause of time, and following consistent protests by the blacks to reduce the number of blacks from 5 black voters.
It was not until the time of Abraham Lincoln in 1861 or so that blacks were given voting rights.
Even at that, they were not allowed to contest for higher positions such as president, governorship and other higher positions.
It was not until the great match by the blacks that they were given Civil Rights which included voting rights.
Even at that, they were denied the right to contest for higher political positions.
Therefore, the campaign for the election of Obama in the year 2009 took a dramatic turn in the American political history, many people all over the world were keenly interested in the results of that year because of a black candidate, many, absolutely many the world over expressed interest in the candidacy of Obama.
Of a particular interest was the organization and mobilization of the young voters who called the bluff of older generation of voters.
In fact when victory was announced, it was something else,the whole world was turned upside down in jubilation. Even some conservatives Whites committed suicide.
Now Nigerian voters are creating the same type of scenario, in Nigeria today, millions of young voters are determine to create a sunami atmosphere by electing a candidate they think will change Nigeria. And if that happens it will be just like that of Obama’s sunami.
We will watch and pray because everybody wants Nigeria to change for better.
NIGERIA NEWSPOINT
