( OPINION ) CALCULUS: The Imperative Of Lucky Johnson's Political Marksmanship

Calculus is a branch of mathematical sciences.

Science is governed by definite or finite laws generally known as principles. Principles are distilled or deduced from discoveries based on verifiable facts. Facts are concrete or discreet knowledge, demonstrable or proven. Facts approximate truths because facts are testable and replicable under given conditions. It is for this critical reason scientific laws or principles are constant and unchanging in application.

From this brief analysis, a foundation or premise can be constructed on what differentiates science from other branches of knowledge. Essentially, scientific facts or truths are conceptually reliable and validated in the context of scientific desiderata, scientific evidence, or what is generally termed scientific proof. By this, it means that whatever issue or subject, including politics or political science, or economics driven by science or scientific traditions in the form of laws, facts, truths, or principles, rely on proofs as the bottom line, in the final analysis.

Beyond these personal observations, as one who cannot claim to be an authority on the subject of Science, what is Science based on the impersonal perspectives or the opinions of recognized authorities on Science matters?

The following definitions are insightful.

The systematic study of the structure and behaviour of the physical and natural world through observation, experimentation, and the testing of theories against the evidence obtained. (The World of Science and Technology). Knowledge or a system of knowledge covering general truths or operation of general laws especially as obtained and tested through scientific method. (Merriam-Webster). Science is the pursuit and application and understanding of the natural and social world following a systemic methodology based on evidence. (The Science Council). Science is a systematic discipline that builds and organises knowledge in the form of testable hypotheses and predictions about the universe. (Wikipedia). From these arrays of definitions, we understand that Science is systematic, empirically driven, testable, evidence based, predictive, and result oriented and validated.

Calculus, as a branch of Science, exerts much influence on politics. A branch of Calculus is focused on politics and propels the dynamics of politics. To some extent, calculus and politics are two sides of a coin. Inseparable and juxtaposed.

What is the significance or the relevance of Calculus, Science in regards to Lucky Johnson, one may be wondering?

A lot, is the answer.

Lucky Johnson, is well schooled and versed in political calculus; understands the quantifiable and unquantifiable dynamic forces of calculus in regards to changing political realities, as a consummate, foresighted political actor and stakeholder.

Political behaviour, in the context of being politically savvy, politically flexible, politically sensitive, politically rational or reasonable, politically dynamic, politically progressively attuned or wired, politically receptive to the changing contours of the political landscapes, shed light on the significance or the relevance why Lucky Johnson, cannot be removed from these equations.

Political calculus and scientific laws or truths of political behaviour and pragmatism, demand that Lucky Johnson, inevitably must touch base unpretentiously with inescapable political realities. This is the imperative of Realism as opposed to wishful thinking or naivety in the thorough assessment or forecasting of predictable political developments, in the short or long terms.

What is the political reality confronting Lucky Johnson as a political stakeholder and why should Lucky Johnson accept or embrace the reality instead of denying the reality?

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) once invincible, is now infamous as the Umbrella is torn in shreds and tatters, at the apex national and Abia State level. Despite the rebuilding initiatives to reposition the Party, especially as the main opposition Party in Abia State, there is little hope for PDP and the tarnished image has left no sense of admiration for the Party among the teeming populace of the Abia electorate. Moreso, 24 years of mis-governance tarred the image of PDP beyond repairs. No amount of varnishing work or public relations stunts can roll back the despicable image or negative impression of PDP in the context of Abia polity.

As a stakeholder, Lucky Johnson, based on the hindsight of the convulsions ripping PDP apart, decided to vacate his corner and to seek shelter elsewhere.

The Register of political stakeholders who decamped from PDP from the Isuikwuato LGA political enclave include namely, Senator Emma Nwaka, former chairman of PDP, Abia State; Chima Agbaeze, erstwhile chairman of Isuikwuato LGA; Chukwudi Ogelle, former member of the Abia State House of Assembly.

Labour Party, the Party on whose platform the dynamic and visionary leader and the Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, has provided good leadership and good governance to the delight and satisfaction of Ndi Abia, whose impressive records are widely acknowledged nationally and internationally, has left indelible marks and impressions on Lucky Johnson, as the "real deal" in the words of a well respected American President. "Real deal" is the political reality at the moment in Abia State and Lucky Johnson, understands the critically important need to secure a boarding pass to cruise on the real deal flight.

The Isuikwuato LGA political imperative of the calculus is even more pronounced and compelling. With the clear evidence or proof of what the Labour Party under the sterling leadership of His Excellency, has demonstrated in terms of the direct or indirect dividends of democracy, for all to appreciate and evaluate, in Isuikwuato LGA, the pressure piled by the Isuikwuato LGA constitutents on Lucky Johnson, as the Honourable Member, representing Isuikwuato State Constituency, is undeniably intense. In this particular context, political calculus is not a mere abstract term but the reality of aligning with the desires of the constituents. Only a politically marooned traveler who neglects to keep his eyes steadily on the political barometer, can risk his political investments or goodwill, against the clamours of the electorate. The dictates of the political trajectory of Isuikwuato LGA, unmistakably beckoned on Lucky Johnson, as a political stalwart, and the representative of Isuikwuato State Constituency in the House of Assembly, to recalibrate systematically and to understand the direction the political compass points to.

Marksmanship is an important attribute and critical asset to possess in the political turf. The political imperative of marksmanship is defined by unwavering focus on and attention on clearly defined targets or goals. Distractions must be avoided, if focus must be sustained on the target or object of focus.

Marksmanship, aided Lucky Johnson to hit his target politically, as a law maker.

Marksmanship, remains the armour and the armory to girde Lucky Johnson to take aim and to hit other targets politically.

Head or tail, marksmanship, is the political imperative in the political calculus of Lucky Johnson.

BY Shaft