Issues

Promoting Credible Elections Via Parties’ Internal Democracy

Published

10 years ago

August 27, 2014

On several occasions, the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) pledged to organise free, fair and credible general elections come 2015.
In spite of this assurance, several Nigerians, corporate organisations and the international community have not relented in their calls for the conduct of credible elections in the country.
Recently, UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) committed 35 million pounds (about N9.7 billion) to a five-year programme, aimed at deepening Nigeria’s democracy.
Mr Mark Lowcock, the Permanent Secretary of DFID, said that the programme was designed to make Nigerian democratic institutions more efficient, effective and responsive.
“As Africa’s biggest democracy, countries look forward to Nigeria to lead the continent in many ways.
“Delivering credible elections in 2015 is a key pillar of that leadership,” Lowcock said at the launch of the programme in Abuja on June 4.
He said that the programme was designed to strengthen presidential, federal and state elections in Nigeria, while mitigating the risks of violence.
Lowcock said that the programme would be implemented in collaboration with different stakeholders and political organisations, including the National Assembly, INEC, civil society groups and international partners.
“It is through all of us working together that we can improve the probability of credible and safe elections in 2015,” he added.
In spite of the intervention and INEC‘s promises to deliver credible elections in 2015, observers continue to question the role of political parties in ongoing efforts to consolidate Nigeria’s democracy.
They argue that political parties constitute one of the major democratic institutions in the country, adding, however, that the parties have yet to be fully developed.
They insist that the lack of internal democracy among political parties is one of the limiting factors hindering the development of the Nigerian democracy and frustrating efforts to hold credible elections in the country.
The observers recall an instant when the “New Lagos Movement’’ — a group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State — stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly and the Government House, demanding internal democracy within the party.
Mr Niyi Akinsiju, who led the protesters, said that the imposition of candidates by some APC leaders was an affront on the democratic rights of the party members.
He argued that the endorsement of Mr Akinkunmi Ambode as the next Lagos State Governor by some party leaders could only stand if it was subjected to due democratic process.
He said that the party members could no longer remain silent and allow a few persons within the party hierarchy to select the party’s candidates, vowing to resist any form of imposition of candidates in the lead-up to the 2015 elections.
“Party leaders have the right to endorse candidates; and I and other members of the party have the right to endorse candidates as well.
“What we are saying is that we should have as many aspirants as possible, and that nobody should impose any candidate on us.
“Our democratic rights should be protected and our voices should also count. Democracy is all about equality and popular participation and not a show run by a few individuals.
“There must be internal democracy; we are tired of candidates’ imposition,’‘ he said.
Responding, Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State assured the protesters that the APC in the state would conduct primaries to choose its candidates for various elective positions.
Fashola, who was represented by Mr Tunji Bello, the Commissioner for Environment, urged party members not to entertain any fear, reiterating that all the party’s candidates would emerge through the democratic process.
“We are going to ensure that there are primaries; that every man and woman, who has the right to contest, will be allowed to contest.
“Nobody will be imposed on you and you will not be asked to do anything apart from what you are legally obliged to do,’’ he said.
Fashola rejected certain insinuations that the APC had decided on those who would contest for certain positions on its platform, saying that the APC would never act against its members’ will.
Political observers, however, insist that the APC scenario is not uncommon, as it affects all the political parties in the country.
Commenting on the parties’ candidate-selection processes, the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, said that the lack of internal democracy in the parties had been having negative implications on national stability and efforts to consolidate the country’s democracy.
Jega, who made the declaration at the All Nigeria Political Parties and Political Stakeholders Summit in Abuja in June, said that INEC was deeply concerned about the rising conflicts within political parties and between contestants.
“Parties even find it difficult to select candidates; creating a situation in which practically every party nomination process in Nigeria ends in a court case.
“In most cases, INEC gets either directly or indirectly dragged into these conflicts and court cases, which becomes diversionary.
“Indeed, some of the pre-election court cases have in the past threatened to derail preparations for elections.
“Of particular note is the spate of ex-parte injunctions which have been issued against the commission.
“Yet, one would expect that parties should have clear rules and procedures for selecting candidates and resolving issues arising from the selection, to the satisfaction of all their members.
“It seems to me, therefore, that a primary source of problem here is the lack of internal party democracy, resulting from the lack of commitment to party rules,” he said.
Sharing similar sentiments, Prof. Mariatu Tunuche of the Department of Political Science, Kogi State University, said that the absence of internal democracy within political parties was the major cause of election-related violence.
Tunuche, a delegate representing North-Central geopolitical zone at the ongoing national conference, said: “Most often, conflicts crop up when the people are not allowed to choose their candidates at the level of party primaries.
“Once the imposed candidates are not the people’s choice; it means they have to start rigging elections, right from the primaries to the main elections.
“This is the character of all the political parties, both at the federal and state levels,’’ she said.
To strengthen internal democracy, Tunuche underscored the need for political parties to create a level playing ground for all aspirants during party primaries.
She also stressed the need to examine the roles of governors in determining the choice of candidates in party primaries.
“The governors have become so powerful in Nigeria that they decide what happens at the local, state and federal levels.
“If we can have true political parties that are genuine associations of like minds, where there is the rule of law and where there is be no impunity; then, we are likely to have peaceful elections.
“This is true because the parties’ candidates would be the people’s choice and, therefore, there would be no election violence,’’ she said.
Besides, Tunuche identified the high level of poverty in the country, unemployment, government’s apathy towards the people’s aspirations and the politics of “winner takes all’’ as some of the causes of electoral violence.
“There is anger and desperation all over the place. That is why there is crisis before, during and after elections because the winner takes all.
“Once a winner emerges and you are not in his camp; you are dumped for the next four years until another election.
“So, the marginalised persons always vent their anger and frustration; that’s why we witness electoral violence,’’ she said.
All the same, Mr Sam Eke, the National Publicity of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), said that all Nigerians must be allowed to play active roles in the country’s democratic process so as to protect the integrity of the system.
He stressed that part of the challenges facing the country’s democratic process came up because most citizens were not carried along.
Eke said that IPAC would continue to encourage politicians and political parties to play politics by the rules before and after elections.
He said that the organisation would draw up a code of conduct for political parties, in conjunction with registered political parties, to promote internal democracy and open up the political space for all Nigerians to participate
Eke stressed that the parties must create the right atmosphere for every party member to participate in the choice of candidates for positions, whether within the party or during elections.
“We would make sure we call the parties to order, so that we would have a level playing field.
“The system should not be overheated, while politicians should not jump the gun. The credibility of the system should be protected.
“That is what we have been doing and I think we have been having tremendous cooperation,’’ he said.
Eke stressed that IPAC would monitor the parties’ conventions and congresses “to ensure that they adhere strictly to internal democracy tenets.
“We would make sure that their actions abide by the provisions of the Electoral Act, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and their individual constitutions,’’ he said.
All in all, the consensus of opinion is that if internal democracy is promoted within political parties, the movement toward the 2015 general elections will be hitch-free and less cumbersome.
Oloniruha writes for News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega

Emmanuel Oloniruha

Issues

Investing In Nyesom Wike: A Story Of Dedication, Sacrifice And Ultimate Loss

Published

2 weeks ago

April 10, 2024

The Tide

In 2015, I made a conscious decision to invest my financial resources, my time, and energy into supporting Nyesom Wike’s gubernatorial campaign. I poured my heart and soul into ensuring Nyesom Wike emerged victorious even at the risk of my personal safety.
Again in 2019, I doubled down on my commitment. I invested a significant amount of money to procure campaign outfits for all twenty-three Local Governments Areas of Rivers State. I spared no expense in supplementing Wike’s election efforts in my own local government, and once again putting myself at great risk to safeguard the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
However, despite my unwavering loyalty and sacrifices, I found myself abandoned and forgotten by Wike. Throughout his eight-year tenure, he failed to acknowledge my contributions or fulfill his promises and agreements. Even as a former Deputy Governor, Wike denied me my severance benefit.
My investment in Wike’s governorship was not just financial – it was a commitment of passion, dedication, and belief in a better future for Rivers State. Yet, his leadership style of dishonesty, greed, drunkenness and rash abuse of senior citizens brought me nothing but disappointment, misery and losses.
By the grace of God, today I speak not as a victim, but as a hero. I have accepted my losses, and I have moved on. And as I reflect on my experience, I cannot help but urge Wike to do the same and allow peace and development to reign in Rivers State.
Nyesom Wike, when you speak of investing in Governor Sim Fubara’s election, remember those like me who also invested in you. Remember the sacrifices I made, the risks I took, and the promises and agreements you left unfulfilled.
It is time for you, Wike, to let go of the past and allow Governor Sim Fubara the breathing space he needs to lead Rivers State forward. Allow him to focus on the challenges of good governance and the aspirations of the people. Spare him these unwarranted and ill-conceived political manoeuvrings founded on personal agenda and not for general good of Rivers State and her people.
I may have lost my investment on Wike, but I have not lost hope in the future of Rivers State. And together, we will continue to strive for a brighter tomorrow.
Long Live the Governor to Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara!
Long Live the Good People of Rivers State!!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!
Engr Ikuru is former Deputy Governor of Rivers State.

Tele Ikuru

Issues

Is Okocha A Happy Man Being Perpetual Hireling?

Published

1 month ago

March 15, 2024

The Tide

The man Tony Okocha, the devastated tattered ragtag remnant Rivers APC factional, but Caretaker, Chairman, is known for being notoriously a hireling willing to play in the mud just for the pay or settlement. To Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, he did against Chief Nyesom Wike. To Senator Magnus Abe, he did against Rotimi Amaechi. To Chief Nyesom Wike, he did against Magnus Abe. Having maintained such unbefitting character trait, it is not surprising to see him at his demeaned best showing off his tainted skill of grandstanding and loquaciously struggling fruitlessly almost every day to castigate the popular Rivers people’s Governor with very glaring false, bogus and unsubstantiated claims such as:
1. That Governor Fubara is wasting state fund in the name of thanksgiving across 23 Local Government Areas.
2. That Governor Fubara has withheld Local Government funds.
3. That Governor Fubara runs the government without input from the State Executive Council.
4. That nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance.
To the above false claims of Tony Okocha, every reasonable, right thinking and well-meaning Rivers person would effortlessly puncture all as rascality and mendacity taken too far.
Apart from the fact that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had said he is not sponsoring the massive SIMplified Movement Thanksgiving events across the Local Government Areas of the State being organised by elated Rivers people who feel liberated from an era of overbearing and suppressive form of leadership in the State, Tony Okocha should be asked to prove his false claim with indisputable facts and figures. Until then, let Tony Okocha respect himself and learn to keep quiet as an elderly person who is saddled with such a responsible position as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board. A position that places a huge responsibility on him to ensure that the core objectives of the commission are actualised in the State, by not only ensuring that Rivers State gets its fair share of its dues in terms of projects, programmes and activities, but by synergising with the state government on development matters concerning the state vis-a-vis the responsibilities of NDDC to the State. In summary, the SIMplified Movement is all about a happy and joyful people of Rivers State who have decided to stand and stick together to defend and uphold their common heritage and patrimony. It is a voluntary venture, not sponsored by the government.
To his claim that the Governor has withheld Local Government funds, Mr Tony Okocha should also be asked to prove that with facts and figures and explain why the Governor would do such. More so, what is Tony Okocha’s business, assuming, but not conceding, that a PDP Governor withholds money against PDP-led 23 Local Government authorities? Did Local Government workers across the state complain to Okocha, the meddlesome hireling, an acclaimed APC Caretaker Committee Chairman in Rivers State?
On his ignorant and false claim that the Governor runs the government without input from the state exco, Okocha, the busybody wannabe should explain how he was employed or engaged as the spokesperson of members of the Rivers State Executive Council. He should also tell us his source of information to that effect, if it is not just a proof that he is making himself known as a perpetually irredeemable hireling notoriously good for playing the spoiler’s role.
On Mr Okocha’s assertion, probably, borne out of lack of more convincing lies, that nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance, is sure a proof that the man is only acting a bad and an unsellable script to justify the reward of expected gratifying filthy lucre, which is the compelling reason for condescending so low and evilly so. How else is governance measured, if not by executing meaningful and impactful projects, giving hope, inspiring and putting smiles on the faces of the people with joy of fulfilment in their hearts, both civil servants and everyone living and doing business in the State? Is Okocha blind to see and deaf to hear of the good works of the Governor Fubara led Rivers State Government? Civil servants are happy, teachers are highly elated. Several projects are ongoing. Investors are trooping in. The health sector, education, agriculture, sports have been highly boosted under Governor Fubara-led administration. To Okocha, there’s no governance in the State because patronage of free money is not getting to him from the Governor but from other sources that are likely against the Governor.
Let Tony Okocha weep more. Rivers State is breathing fresh air already and is liberated.
Let Tony Okocha tell us how he has, so far, as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), clearly effected development in the State through the NDDC, and why he lied that there was Cholera outbreak with deaths recorded in Soku in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area with the intent of raking in about ¦ N5billion for non-existent mitigation programmes?

Odike is Special Assistant to Rivers State Governor on Social/New Media .

Bernard C. Idike

Issues

Day Asari-Toru Declared Massive Support For Fubara

Published

2 months ago

March 11, 2024

The Tide

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, commonly known as FDR, was an American statesman and politician who served as the 32nd President of the United States from 1933 until his death in 1945. He was a member of the Democratic Party and is the only United States President to have served more than two terms.
In one of his popular quotes, he said, “The creed of our democracy is that liberty is acquired and kept by men and women who are strong and self-reliant, and possessed of such wisdom as God gives mankind – men and women who are just, and understanding, and generous to others — men and women who are capable of disciplining themselves. For they are the rulers and they must rule themselves.”
This explains the recent gathering of creme la creme of Asari-Toru political gladiators converged at the inauguration of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter to reiterate their unflinching support for the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara whose mantra revolves around liberation.
The event which took place at the Autograph in Port Harcourt on the 1st of March, 2024, to galvanise strong support for Governor Fubara attracted over 500 members of the Simplified Movement from the Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The gathering of supporters of Governor Fubara’s government, under the umbrella of the Simplified Movement, the ASALGA chapter led by an astute politician, former member of the Federal House of Representatives and two- time member of the Rivers State Executive Council as Commissioner, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall comprised both the old and young generation political helmsmen drawn from all the 13 Wards of the local government area.
The nerve-““““““wracking gathering had the likes of the 1999 democratic system pioneer Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council and former two-time Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Hon. Opakirite Mackson Jackreece; former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adokiye Young-Harry; former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Daisy West and former Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Chief Hon. Iboroma Norman Wokoma.
Others were the incumbent Vice Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council, Hon. (Mrs.) Tekena Wokoma; former Commissioner of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Dr. Hope Barango; the South-West Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Sule Amachree and the Secretary of the Local Government chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Cladious Princewill; former Chief of Staff of Council, Hon. Ajumogobia West and former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ASALGA, Hon. Onari Awo Tariah.
Also present at the event were past caretaker committee chairmen of the Local Government Council including, Hon. Waite Harry, Hon. Dawari Hamilton Ibinabo, Hon. Wright Warmate and former Deputy Mayor of the Port Harcourt City Council, Hon. Adokiye Horsfall amongst others. My humble self belongs to the movement. The list is inexhaustible.
Speaking at the inauguration, the member representing Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency and leader of the Asari-Toru political family, Hon. Boma Goodhead assured the people of the commitment of the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara to extend visible dividends of democracy to the people of ASALGA.
The federal lawmaker who spoke through her representative, Dr. Sule Amachree, said Governor Fubara means well for Rivers people, particularly the people of ASALGA and urged them to remain calm, peaceful and resolute in their support to the administration of the State Governor.
“His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is the Governor ordained by God to liberate Rivers people from the snares of poverty and oppression. He is God-sent to bring visible and even development to Rivers State and Asari-Toru people are on the top of that agenda of development,” she said.
Hon. Goodhead reiterated her confidence in the capacity of the leader of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall to mobilise massive support and a huge source of encouragement for the Government of Sir Siminalayi Fubara to succeed.
“I urge you to continue to stand firm with our Governor. Be rest assured that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is a man of peace, focused and determined to deliver on the mandate given to him by the people of Rivers State. He will not fail you,” she said.
In his speech, the leader of the ASALGA chapter of the Simplified Movement, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall described the movement as a child of necessity born out of the hunger of Rivers people for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation.
“As witnessed across the length and breadth of Rivers State, the Simplified Movement is a child of necessity, born out of the hunger for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation, with one core objective to promote and defend the interests of Rivers State and her people. It is on this account, we stand as dependable allies giving strong support to the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara in his pursuit of peace and commitment to the genuine development of Rivers State.
“It is our position that with the elections come and gone, it is practically a time to face governance and to ensure deliverables of dividends to the people of Rivers State in the atmosphere of peace, security and stability,” he said.
Chief Samuel Horsfall explained that Rivers people saw the leadership qualities needed to achieve the sole objective to genuinely defend and promote the interest of the State in Governor Fubara, hence the spontaneous massive support expressed in the birth of the Simplified Movement.
He recounted avalanche of achievements made by Governor Fubara within six months in office. “We appreciate the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his resilience and determination to make a difference. It is on record and attestable by all, the numerous projects being executed by his administration.
“Such as the ongoing construction of the gigantic Port Harcourt Ring Road project, the 20,000 housing units for low income earners, the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity road, the near completion of the 10km Old Port Harcourt-Bori road, the Emohua-Kalabari road, the 6.5km Woji-Alesa-Refinery link road and the inclusion of the remaining part of the Trans-Kalabari road project in the 2024 budget. “Moreover, the promotion of the State civil servants, first time in history payment of N100,000.00 Christmas bonus to civil servants across board, approval of promotions and implementation of N30,000.00 minimum wage for local government workers and the N4 billion single digit interest loans facility for Small and Medium Scale business operators in Rivers State. All these achievements within six months in office are eloquent testimonies of Governor Fubara to deliberately improve the welfare of Rivers people.
“We are convinced that such a proven great mind and well experienced, tested and trusted administrator/technocrat, Governor Fubara has demonstrated the capacity to deliver effectively the needed democratic dividends to Rivers people. It is on this convention we are gathered here for the umpteenth time to reaffirm our unalloyed support and commitment to his administration,” Chief Samuel Horsfall declared.
He disclosed that the gathering was to put in place citizens mobilisation strategy to forge a collaborative bond with the Governor to foster partnership for the development of ASALGA and the State. He, therefore, advised those he called detractors of Governor Fubara’s administration to desist forthwith and allow the Governor to remain focused in his quest to deliver on his mandate.
“All detractors should desist from further attacks on the Governor and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and allow the Governor to focus on the delivery of the good policies and programmes to Rivers people. We unequivocally condemn attempts by disgruntled Abuja politicians to employ intimidation antics against the former Speaker of the 10th State Assembly and current Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and others who are standing on the path of justice and good conscience for the collective good of Rivers State.
“We equally urge the Nigerian Police and other security agencies to be discreet in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities in the State and not to allow themselves to be used by selfish individuals who do not mean well to fuel political crisis in Rivers State.
Chief Samuel Horsfall also commended the federal lawmaker, Hon. Boma Goodhead for her doggedness and resilience in supporting Governor Fubara since the wake of the political crisis in the State.
Several other personalities spoke to express their support to the State Governor and urged the people to ASALGA to maintain their peaceful disposition and remain steadfast in the Simplified Movement to give the state government maximum support to continue to render good governance to Rivers people.
Highlights of the event were the inauguration of the elders and stakeholders of the Simplified Movement for the 13 Wards as well as the executive committee of the movement in Asari-Toru Local Government Area.