Ashang: Psychology of Capitalism Bad for Politics

With over 20 years in law practice, Mr. Tanko Ashang wants to take a break from the legal profession to become the next occupant of the highest office in Cross River State. But he is of the view that anyone wishing to succeed Governor Liyel Imoke must have the capacity to surpass his achievements and those of former governor Donald Duke as both men have set high standards in governance. He spoke with Jude Okwe. Excerpts:

What do you mean by Expanded Prosperity as contained in your campaign pamphlet?
The information age we live in today, is changing the way we live, work and carry on business.  Today, success is founded on ideas, information and innovation. From the scorecard of the outgoing administration, which is based on the 7-Point development agenda, for me going forward, we must benchmark on these success stories and ensure that our state maintains its strong economic position, through its innovations and through its system of education and workforce development, sustain and strengthen its excellent quality of life and place.

Individuals and businesses are drawn to the state in part because of the environment and security; and its economic opportunity must be extended to all individuals and families across the State. This will require considerable planning and cooperation between the state’s public and private sectors.

What is your assessment of Cross River before and after 1999?
Cross River before 1999: I think Cross River was smaller in terms of capacity and development before 1999.  It was not a frontline state and really had no brand. The explosion came after 1999 especially that democracy was not interrupted for a long time as in the past.
Why do you want to be governor of Cross River State?

Why I want to be Governor?  DESTINY! In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, it is said “There’s a divinity that shapes our ends, Rough – hew, them how we will”. I believe it is a calling, an inner calling for me and therefore I do not have a choice in the matter. I essentially do not control events; events control me as far as this contest is concerned.

In the words of J. W. Von Goethe: “The misery that oppresses us lies not in our profession but in ourselves! What man in the world would not find his situation intolerable if he chooses a craft, an art, indeed any form of life, without experiencing an inner calling? Whoever is born with a talent or to a talent, must surely find in that the most pleasing of occupations! Everything on this earth has its difficult sides! Only some inner drive - pleasure, love - can help us overcome obstacles, prepare a path, and lift us out of the narrow circle in which others tread out their anguished miserable existences”.

Leadership is what I am about.  It is in my inner core and in my DNA, especially when it is as high and complicated as the governor of our state. Finally, let me commend you to the immutable words of James Hillman: “Sooner or later something seems to call us unto a particular path. You may remember this “something” as a signal calling in childhood when an urge out of nowhere, a fascination, a peculiar turn of events struck like an annunciation: This is what I must do; this is what I’ve got to have. This is who I am … If not this vivid and sure, the call may have been more like gentle pushing in the stream in which you drifted unknowingly to a particular spot on the bank.

Looking back, you sense that fate had a hand in it … A calling may be postponed, avoided, intermittently missed. It may also possess you completely. Whatever! Eventually, it will be out. It makes its claim. Extraordinary people display calling most accidently. Perhaps that is why they fascinate. Perhaps too, they are extraordinary because their calling comes through so clearly and they are so loyal to it.
Extraordinary people bear the better witness because they show that ordinary mortals simply cannot. We seem to have less motivation and more distraction. Yet our destiny is driven by the same universal engine. Extraordinary people are not a different category; the working of this engine in them are simple more transparent.

Are you not worried about the number of aspirants from the Northern Senatorial District?
Number of Aspirants? I am naturally not worried about anything. I believe the number will resolve itself one way or the other. It is my hope however that from this number, the real persons who are prepared to lead will emerge. Preferably a smaller number like 3 or less for a real debate on the issues to take center stage instead of worrying about number. Anyone from the north wishing to succeed Governor Imoke must be prepared to work hard to surpass his achievements. This is because the governor has brought about a revolution in infrastructure development in urban centres and rural areas. In short, his legacy projects speak volumes.

Is it fair for Cross River North businessmen to dabble into politics instead of remaining in business to help young entrepreneurs grow?
Cross River North businessmen who ordinarily should be in business to help others grow, I believe are in the wrong place by dabbling into politics. Governorship is not all business. It is a business that involves real people not corporate persons. Therefore the psychology of profit/pure capitalism cannot help us. In fact, the drastic shock therapy of business will destroy the state. The kind of leadership Savvy required is very different because this is essentially about the people first before anything else.

Won’t the high debt profile of the state government have effect on your programme?
The high debt Profile is a challenge that will serve to keep us on our toes. For me, it is the advantages of disadvantages as in Proverbs 13:7. “Some pretend to be rich, yet have nothing; others pretend to be poor, yet have great wealth”. It is an area where we need real thinkers who are reliable in crises, not our so called rich “debtor” candidates who will simply make us owe more through borrowing as they are wont to.

We need someone who can think outside the box, not our conventional brothers who spend a lot of time thinking about the ways that prestige and resources and belonging to elite institutions make us better off. We ought to spend enough time thinking about the ways in which these kinds of material advantages limit our options.

What unique programmes are you coming to office with?
My unique programme – the welfare and security of our people. Thus all my focus drawn from all my vision is targeted at improving the lots of our people.  Human capital development, government and security are directly focused on the people. Agricultural and solid minerals, tourism and infrastructure are for wealth creation, jobs creation and the general welfare of the people.

As someone who participated in the drafting of the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan, would you in all sincerity say it is working?

The Transformation Agenda of the president was well thought out, with inputs from relevant stakeholders and sectors. It is on course and has already shown signs that it is working. Unfortunately, all the achievements are overshadowed by the insecurity created by the terrorist group, Boko Haram. It remains the guarantee to uplifting the lives of ordinary Nigerians, especially that it is adaptable.
What do you think is the trouble with Cross River State?

The trouble with Cross River State is simple - ability without effort.  We have the ability in every aspect of our lives, whether in decision-making, resilience or even quality work.  But effort is lacking. To be successful over and above others, ability alone is not enough.  It requires effort. This reflects in our docility in standing for right and the failure of our youth to rise above the dependency that our politics has created and be independent, economically and politically. My inspiration through my administration will be to inculcate in all our people, men, women, youth and adult, this virtue – ability and effort – the ingredients that have brought me thus far and will lead me to victory.

Can you fix the problems of Cross River State with the lean resources accruing to it from internal and external sources?
I can and will fix the problems of Cross River State with the lean or no resources on inheriting the state. I will not just rely on our ability (potential – human and material). I will bring effort (creativity, resilience and industry) to the table and create the bumper resources needed to do the job.

Ahead of the 2015 elections, what is your message to the people of Cross River State?
Have great expectations and enlarge your vision and faith. Have faith and fear not. Dream big because expanded prosperity is coming. The story of Elisha and the women who was in debt is illustrative. The prophet asked her to go to her neighbours and borrow as many containers as possible.  See – 2 Kings 4:1-7 (particularly 3-4).  Many containers as possible and to pour from the little oil she had into the containers.
I am a miracle, my victory will be a miracle and I will miraculously bring expanded prosperity to Cross River State.  I will take that faith of our people (ability) and add my effort (miracle) to it and lift our sate beyond our imagination. Just believe!