THIS IS YOUR SEASON; IT IS NOW TIME TO SHINE AGAIN

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by Anthony Obeng Afrane

Former President John Dramani Mahama

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he past few months have been very challenging for me, and I believe I’m not alone; many folks may be going through trying moments too. But snippets and snatches of my pastors sermon last Sunday lifted my spirit up and gave me hope. I want to share with you. Whenever you hit the wall and everything seem not working, take note that the breakthrough to your next level is very close. He likened our difficult moments with grapes which have to be bruised and pressed to bring out the finest of wine. The more you are buffeted by the storms of life, the more the best in you is forced out. Very refreshing, isn’t it?

[ads1]One other source of encouragement to me is the gospel song, “This is your season” which won the 2008 Song of the Year Award in Nigeria. The song was written by Osinachi Kalu, a Nigerian gospel musician who is popularly known as Sinach. According to her she chose Sinach from her name Osinachi because it is easy to pronounce and catchy. She has written over 200 songs many of which are sang worldwide. Sinach is no doubt a blessing to many – both Christians and non-Christians alike.

In “This is your season” Sinach says you may be down and discouraged, but be strong and be encouraged because what you are going through is only for a while. It will come to pass. Things may be tough but don’t cry yourself sick because you are about to shine again.

I’m sure some people are wondering why I didn’t do politics today, but kikikikiiki, sorry I’m going to disappoint those who don’t want me to do politics today. It is not intentional, I have received many many calls and messages from my readers nationwide soliciting my opinion on who should lead the NDC into the 2020 presidential election. Just a few minutes ago I had a call from an NDC communicator in Tamale on the same issue, and I want to use this platform to address the concern now.

The young communicator from Tamale didn’t mince words: he told me point blank he is one of the party folks who intends fighting against H.E. John Dramani Mahama if he decides to contest the NDC presidential primary for 2020, but wants to seek my opinion first. I’m sure there are a host of others who may be thinking along the same lines, but there is a single fact that we absolutely need to understand that the 2020 presidential election is not a time to experiment. It would be a critical moment; like a final penalty kick which would require that we put our best player forward.

And it is pretty much in the same lines that I think the NDC has two choices: endorse Mahama for 2020 or stay in opposition for another 4 years or more. In fact, the NPP is aware of this and would want to throw mud at him in the coming months, and I’m not surprised they have already started needlessly targeting some of his family members.

I agree that the NDC has fine prospective flagbearers, most of whom are my good friends, but we need to study the times and seasons to be able to make informed choices. 1 Chronicles 12:32 tells us that the men of Issachar had understanding of the signs of the times to know what Israel out to do; and this should be the guiding principle of the NDC in their choice of a flagbearer. David was anointed King while Saul was on the throne, but David had the patience to wait till the appointed time. David had the opportunity to Kill Saul who was after his life, but he didn’t, and this is what he said: “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed or lay my hand on him.” This must be food for thought for those who want to contest their former master, H.E. John Dramani Mahama.

Former President Mahama’s next bid is going to be a doozy of brilliant collaboration of experience and learned lessons. This time around all “is” will be dotted and “ts” will be crossed. You may loathe the former president, but you can’t take way that aura around him; he is fascinatingly charming, impressively magical and powerfully iridescent. Everything around him scream confidence. My heart swells with pride for being his friend. His decision to contest will prove cathartic, and I have no doubt that a second chance for him will be fructified.

I know some people don’t want him to lead again; and they might rightly, perhaps also wrongly claim that he was the reason for NDC’s loss, but I want to remind such people that the same person impressively won the 2012 by campaigning for only three months. I won’t, therefore, relish to continue to explain that his loss in 2016 might be an act of God to save our beautiful country from chaos and instability.

It would be obviously absurd for anyone to think or argue that H.E. John Dramani Mahama is not a good leader; that will constitute sophism deliberately intended to deceive the people of Ghana because the evidence tells a different story. Such thinking would be either by design or wickedness or demonic. It will be too much witchery.

I entreat NDC loyalists and grassroot members not to buy into this fallacies because it will never help the NDC to recapture power. One of the strategies of war is to attack your enemy where he is unprepared, and now that Akufo-Addo and his NPP seem to be dazed, let’s quickly come together and hit them hard till they go into coma. If your enemy leaves a door open, you must rush in. Kikikikiiki, we have work to do, and it must be urgent because many doors have been left ajar by Kweku Addo and his government.

Kuhukuhu, kuhukuhu, JM I’m warning you oo, kuhukaha, oops, this cough is disturbing me paa. JM, if you don’t know and you decide not to contest, chai, I will lead some people to tipiket, sorry, kipiket; aah, what is this? I want to use the word that was used for the unemployed nurses.

Yes, I now remember – picketing. JM if you don’t know and decide not to contest again, I will lead people to picket your house till you change your mind because I believe this is your season and it is time
for you to shine again. Please enjoy Sinach’s “This is your season”.

Anthony Obeng Afrane