Making Fresh Start With 2011 Polls

Much has been said and written about the 2011 polls and yet, there has been no let up in comments.

While some citizens are optimistic that the forthcoming polls will be a watershed in the nation’s political history, others are apprehensive that there could be some political upheavals due to unhealthy trends in recent times.

Political analysts, however, say that the concerns are not misplaced, considering issues that had cropped up in the nation’s political development.

Apparently mindful of such concerns, the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) recently hosted its 53rd General Assembly, where it adopted the theme: “2011: A Fresh Start for Nigeria”.

The participants, who were mainly broadcasters, sought to identify the way forward for Nigeria ahead of next year’s polls.

Mallam Abubakar Jijiwa, the Chairman of BON described the summit as most significant, as it had came at a most crucial period in the nation’s history.

“We are all preparing and praying for the successful conduct of the 2011 general elections,” he said, adding that the choice of theme was a clear demonstration of BON’s commitment to the success of the polls.

According to him, Nigerians should see the elections as an opportunity to achieve a break from the past in respect of “electoral misfortunes and mishaps”.

He made no bones about the necessity for the broadcasting organizations to be alive to their responsibilities by setting the agenda for political actors.

Jijiwa, also the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), noted that “since the conduct of free and fair election is a process and not an event, radio and television stations are obliged to be involved in all the processes”.

“The fresh start must ensure that the broadcast media enlighten and educate the public on the need to register to vote, when the voters’ registration exercise commences.

“ON will produce a blueprint for radio and television stations, in consonance with NBC’s code, so that members of BON will cover all the processes of the 2011 polls without blemish,” he assured.

On his part, Prof. Benjamin Osisioma of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, said that the general expectation was that the 2011 polls will afford the nation an opportunity to solve its age-long electoral problems.

According to the university don, Nigerians should by now be able to re-define best practices, to ensure excellence in governance and public administration.

“It is our hope that 2011 will abate the scourge of corruption, re-engineer economic and social transformation and aid the building of stable and prosperous polity.

“The challenge now is on how to unravel the rationally inexplicable and morally unjustifiable turn of events in our motherland, as well as give generations yet unborn, the prospect of inheriting a banner without stain,” Osisioma said.

While seeking divine assistance to elect a purposeful leadership, Osisioma advised the electorate to clearly identify those that can perform, stressing that the one-man-one-vote campaign must be enforced by all stakeholders in the political process.

He bemoaned the events that led to the collapse of previous republics, saying that they constituted a national embarrassment.

The university don added: “For this generation of Nigerians, 2011 must be a watershed — a turning point. There is very little choice; we may be disappointed if we fail, but we are doomed if we do not try.

“Fifty years ago, our nation’s bet as an independent nation was a milestone in the long quest for black emancipation, freedom and restoration of human dignity,” he said, adding however, that “the bold and brilliant dream which excited the nation’s founders still awaits its consummation”.

The way forward, Osisioma pointed out, was for stakeholders in the 2011 election to be strong, determined and purposeful.

In his contribution, Mr Chuks Iloegbunam, a Special Adviser to the governor of Anambra, said that transparent and credible poll was the only way forward for the nation.

Iloegbunam called for elections devoid of violence and rigging, where true winners will be declared.

A political scientist, Mr Ndubuisi Nwafor, said that 2011 was another opportune time to chart a new course for the nation in matters of elections and transition.

According to him, “If we can get it right this time around, many of the socio-political and economic problems confronting us as a nation will be solved.”

He called on the anti-graft agencies to be vigilant and alive to their responsibilities, so that only credible Nigerians will be allowed to contest the various elections.

“hose whose sources of wealth are doubtful should not be given the opportunity to contest,” he maintained.

While suggestions for credible polls have not been lacking from within, the international community has also joined in the call on Nigeria to ensure that the 2011 opportunity is not wasted.

Britain, for instance, recently urged Nigeria to get its electoral processes right so as to conduct free and fair polls in 2011.

Its High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Bob Dewar contended that in view of Nigeria’s strategic position in Africa, it was obligated to “show good example” in its socio-political conduct.

For Dewar, the process that guaranteed credible elections would require a lot of hard work and commitment from everyone within the short time available for the conduct of the general elections.

“All eyes are on Nigeria to take a cue from Ghana and South Africa, where their recent elections were not marred by violence, rigging and other malpractices – achievements that received commendation from the international community,” he said.

With repeated assurances from President Goodluck Jonathan and the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, most Nigerians expect that the 2011polls will indeed be a watershed in the nation’s political development.

In the same vein, political analysts advise that while government and the electoral institutions played out their parts, the electorate has a duty to ensure that their votes count during elections.

Gorieh writes for NAN

David Gorleh