Ekiti re-run poll: Which way Nigeria?
By Emmanuel Ajibulu
The practise of decent/modern democracy once again has proven to be a mirage in Nigeria, this time around in Ekiti State; the uncontrollable violence where bottles, stones, machetes, etc were allowed to be freely used, over a conduct of a re-run polls by INEC in just 10 LGs (at some selected wards) amidst heavy presence of security operatives (10,000 men) shows the extent of the decay in Nigerian politics; I think The Punch captions it right in its Monday 27th April 2009 publication-Shame of a Nation.
Further, this development has put a lot of news reporters, correspondents, editors, etc in respective media houses into a lot of challenges and scenario of uncertainty, because as news breaks, in the next minute what was considered as news worthy materials or scoop becomes stale within the twinkle of an eye. Today we hear the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) is sick and could not continue her work, tomorrow she purportedly resigned and thereafter she reaffirms her appointment as REC in Ekiti and promised to complete what she started. The protest match of half naked women in Ado Ekiti (29th April 2009) is another lesson that cannot be forgotten so easily, as a matter of fact this recent unhealthy happenings can precipitate a great damage to our nascent democracy.
Some have raised highbrow against the immediate past Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to have been the one throwing weight behind the AC candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi. And as speculated by political spectators, that has afforded the latter huge support from the good people of Ekiti. But I asked, what is wrong in that? Good product will always sell itself without advert overkill. Tinubu is a tested and trusted political phenomenon in the history of south-west Nigeria (S/West). He has demonstrated that he is a progressive and his style of governance was the type with human face. Again his political values and virtues underscore that of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, his successor, Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) has been recording enviable achievements in Lagos. Honestly this is good for the S/west.
Similarly, some have opined that the President, Vice President, Speaker, Governors in PDP controlled states, and other PDP chieftains shouldn’t have come to campaign for the PDP candidate/former Governor of Ekiti State, Engr. Segun Oni, during the electioneering campaign period. There should be no course for alarm, after all Mr. President has proven beyond doubt that he is a symbol of rule of law and transparency, this clout can equally garner support for PDP in the polls. But from an objective angle, we know that the Nigerian President is not a PDP President, Protocol shouldn’t have allowed him to do that.
However, it is immaterial for anyone to show such high volume of support and loyalty to his political party whether at the local, state or federal level. What is important is the ability to conduct election on a levelled playing field so that the most popular contestant can emerge as the winner freely and fairly.
Nigerians can now see for themselves which candidate is popular and from which party, Nigerians can now see who the deceivers are, the traitors, liars etc. If the security of the Resident Electoral Commissioner Mrs. Olushola Adebayo in Ekiti cannot be guaranteed it shows who we are as a country. We must again not lose sleep over the factors that precipitated the woman to initially throw in the towel. There are obviously some forces pressurising her to do some things against the popular demands of the people of Ekiti State.
According to a statement credited to the woman in her purported resignation letter, duly signed by her. ‘’Ekiti State was supposed to be election that will enhance the image of INEC... Unfortunately, the circumstances changed in the middle of the process. Therefore, my conscience as a Christian cannot allow me to further participate in this process.’’
Before the election proper INEC gave the reassurance that it will deploy all necessary resources both human and material to ensure that the April 27 re-run elections would be free and fair, but recent happenings however, have proven that the nation’s election umpire is either incompetent, biased or jittery in the discharge of its legitimate duties.
The time is now when Nigeria should chart a new course for a virile and purposeful future for the present generation and generations unborn. We all need to do which is right at all times and in all places so that posterity can judge us right. Infact Nigeria should tactically desist to call itself the giant of Africa, after its 49 years of independent, other African counties have shown us how elections should be conducted without hitches, Ghana and South Africa are worthy examples.
Moreover, it shows that the slogan Nigeria good people great nation should cease to exist, because we have nothing to celebrate to merit this slogan. The massive irregularities of the Ekiti re-run should be properly managed so that it doesn’t degenerate to another civil unrest. Whoever that is planning an emergency rule in Ekiti this time around should beware and note that it won’t work, Ekiti people cannot be taken for a ride for the second time. Not anymore.
emmanuelajibulu@gmail.com
+2348023660770
Monday, April 27, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Nigeria Good People Great Nation- How feasible?
Nigeria Good people Great Nation, how feasible?
Laudable as the initiative may seem to be as orchestrated by its advocates, with the generic essence of showcasing Nigeria to the world as a country worth partnering with in every facets of life devoid of nefarious tendencies.
Thumb up should be given to Prof. Dora Akunyuli in respect of her meritorious achievements as the former NAFDAC DG and currently the county’s Minister of Information and Communication who is on another rescue mission to redeeming Nigeria’s battered image. Indeed her good work should be commended and appreciated.
However, one thing should be considered in the principle of brand management which is the unique selling point. What can we describe as Nigeria’s unique selling point as a global brand before they come about this initiative? For example there is a product which calls its unique selling point what a soothing relief, and truly having used that particular product relief often comes to the consumer of the product, another says nothing refreshes like...and truly if one drinks it, it puts an end to thirst. Looking beyond products, India describes itself as Incredible India and that can be tied to Tourism and IT. Truly Asia when such sound comes to ear the impression that gives suggests that Malaysia who is the proponent of that pay off line (Truly Asia) is likely to be the root for all Asian States.
In this wider scholarly reasoning, Nigeria is considered as a product or brand expected to enjoy widespread patronage across the globe, but the question is, on what basis will Nigeria tie its rebranding? Will it be on investment, security, tourism, corruption-free-state, virile democratic principles, rule of law, infrastructure development among other things?
We have seen a lot of governors (some who are still serving and some out of office) accused of different corrupt practices at the expense of the people they serve(d) in their respective states. We have heard of ministers in key ministries, Chairmen of Boards, MDs, DGs etc, whose hands have also been soiled with allegations of money laundering and financial misappropriation. Meanwhile these issues are yet to be completely resolved by the anti graft agents in the country. These high profile corruptions are part of the factors bedevilling the progress of the country and dragging the name to the mud among comity of nations and keeping away the name of the country from being great or good.
Recently the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office advised it nationals that reside in the Niger/Delta to leave immediately affirming that the region is no longer safe for them to live.
According to a statement credited to them: "We advise against all travelling to the Niger Delta States of Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers (including Port Harcourt) and advise British nationals in these States to leave. This is because of the very high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks in these areas". Akwa Ibom State, Bauchi State, and Plateau State were also listed as danger zones. This apparently does not portray our image well as a nation, and what that brings to mind is that there is no safety in Nigeria even if we intend to tie our unique selling point to tourism or safety this will definitely not attract tourist or even investors to our country.
The last elections conducted in Nigeria was described to have been marred with a lot of malpractices with attendant court cases challenging the victory of some elected public officials, and re-run election in some instances, and the sack of few from offices. This incessant ordeal really projects Nigeria as a country that lacks the ability to conduct free and fair election, country that has lost its value system and integrity. The ripple effect of that is that no investor can show any serious commitment in such environment where there is no guarantee for stability in government.
Moreover, we should not shy away from the fact that no nation can be said to be great if the enabling environment cannot cater for good health, good infrastructure, gainful employment, security of lives and properties, sincerity of purpose by every players in all sectors to mention but a few.
For this campaign to have driven well its intention as promulgated by the federal government of Nigeria, the government of the day should first of all embarked on a re-orientation programme across board, (in the ministries/parastatals/agencies, Schools, among artisans and elites, police, military, customs, immigration, SSS, in the sports circle, in the LG, States and at the Federal level etc) so that an average Nigeria can take ownership of this virile and veritable initiative, until then we are likely not to make any head way to truly reposition Nigeria amongst the leading economies of the world as Good People Great Nation.
By Emmanuel Ajibulu
Laudable as the initiative may seem to be as orchestrated by its advocates, with the generic essence of showcasing Nigeria to the world as a country worth partnering with in every facets of life devoid of nefarious tendencies.
Thumb up should be given to Prof. Dora Akunyuli in respect of her meritorious achievements as the former NAFDAC DG and currently the county’s Minister of Information and Communication who is on another rescue mission to redeeming Nigeria’s battered image. Indeed her good work should be commended and appreciated.
However, one thing should be considered in the principle of brand management which is the unique selling point. What can we describe as Nigeria’s unique selling point as a global brand before they come about this initiative? For example there is a product which calls its unique selling point what a soothing relief, and truly having used that particular product relief often comes to the consumer of the product, another says nothing refreshes like...and truly if one drinks it, it puts an end to thirst. Looking beyond products, India describes itself as Incredible India and that can be tied to Tourism and IT. Truly Asia when such sound comes to ear the impression that gives suggests that Malaysia who is the proponent of that pay off line (Truly Asia) is likely to be the root for all Asian States.
In this wider scholarly reasoning, Nigeria is considered as a product or brand expected to enjoy widespread patronage across the globe, but the question is, on what basis will Nigeria tie its rebranding? Will it be on investment, security, tourism, corruption-free-state, virile democratic principles, rule of law, infrastructure development among other things?
We have seen a lot of governors (some who are still serving and some out of office) accused of different corrupt practices at the expense of the people they serve(d) in their respective states. We have heard of ministers in key ministries, Chairmen of Boards, MDs, DGs etc, whose hands have also been soiled with allegations of money laundering and financial misappropriation. Meanwhile these issues are yet to be completely resolved by the anti graft agents in the country. These high profile corruptions are part of the factors bedevilling the progress of the country and dragging the name to the mud among comity of nations and keeping away the name of the country from being great or good.
Recently the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office advised it nationals that reside in the Niger/Delta to leave immediately affirming that the region is no longer safe for them to live.
According to a statement credited to them: "We advise against all travelling to the Niger Delta States of Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers (including Port Harcourt) and advise British nationals in these States to leave. This is because of the very high risk of kidnapping, armed robbery and other armed attacks in these areas". Akwa Ibom State, Bauchi State, and Plateau State were also listed as danger zones. This apparently does not portray our image well as a nation, and what that brings to mind is that there is no safety in Nigeria even if we intend to tie our unique selling point to tourism or safety this will definitely not attract tourist or even investors to our country.
The last elections conducted in Nigeria was described to have been marred with a lot of malpractices with attendant court cases challenging the victory of some elected public officials, and re-run election in some instances, and the sack of few from offices. This incessant ordeal really projects Nigeria as a country that lacks the ability to conduct free and fair election, country that has lost its value system and integrity. The ripple effect of that is that no investor can show any serious commitment in such environment where there is no guarantee for stability in government.
Moreover, we should not shy away from the fact that no nation can be said to be great if the enabling environment cannot cater for good health, good infrastructure, gainful employment, security of lives and properties, sincerity of purpose by every players in all sectors to mention but a few.
For this campaign to have driven well its intention as promulgated by the federal government of Nigeria, the government of the day should first of all embarked on a re-orientation programme across board, (in the ministries/parastatals/agencies, Schools, among artisans and elites, police, military, customs, immigration, SSS, in the sports circle, in the LG, States and at the Federal level etc) so that an average Nigeria can take ownership of this virile and veritable initiative, until then we are likely not to make any head way to truly reposition Nigeria amongst the leading economies of the world as Good People Great Nation.
By Emmanuel Ajibulu
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