I was not born RI'S'H

I have followed keenly the election campaigns leading up to now. Presidential campaign jingles have also caught my attention. Apart from my utter amazement at what "power" imcumbency  bestows and the ability of the GEJ team to roll out jingle after jingle, I have also wondered at the thought pattern of the advertising consultants.

There was one jingle as far back as November. Saint Obi, New Miss Pepeye and a Northener took turns to complete sentences praising GEJ. I thought, pstcheeew, "You guys are just warming up, let's see what else you gat"

More and more jingles kept pouring in and now there's this one currently running.

A live speech given by GEJ is broadcast where he talks about his very humble beginnings and how he is like every one of us. There are these very normal people drawn from all walks of life, children, market women, mother with child, professional etc. They keep echoing what he says and end by saying, "I am Goodluck Jonathan"

So here goes a typical scenario...

GEJ: I am Goodluck Jonathan

Respondent: I am Goodluck Jonathan

GEJ: I never thought I would be where I am today

Respondent: Ditto

GEJ: I had no shoes, no school bag; I carried my books in my hand to school.

Respondent: I 'have' no shoes


GEJ: I have no enemies to fight
Little girl respondent: I have no enemies to fight.

GEJ: I was not born ri's'h (which would imply that he now is)

Respondent|: I was not born rich


GEJ: I am Goodluck Jonathan

Respondents: I am Goodluck Jonathan

GEJ: If I can make it, you can make it
Respondents: If he can make it, I can make it.

I am certain I now understand the thought process of the campaign team. They think; let's get people to think GEJ is just like them. That from humble beginnings, he can rise to prominence... That is true. Grass to Grace stories are always encouraging. But, there's a problem. I know hardwork, perseverance, a good country, proper infrastructure as factors that can help actualise dreams. I also understand what people think of LUCK. That very unreliable, slippery thing that comes and goes at will. So Goodluck says he had goodluck( no pun intended). Imagine then, what chaos it would be if 140 million Nigerians look to their luck or "chi" as the Ibo would call it. Talk about chaos.

So, if you say, "I am Goodluck Jonathan, I was not born rich", the sad thing is that you still are not. But that is not the point. All we want is to have dignity of life.