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Of Inconclusive Elections …My Fears For 2019

Published

10 years ago

August 22, 2016

When Walt Whitman once said, ‘I know nothing grander, better exercise, better digestion, more positive proof of the past, the triumphant result of faith in human kind, than a well-contested …. “election”, he was, among other variables, underscoring the completeness of a people’s right to decide who leads them.
Such a process must be dependable, free from partiality on the part of umpires and supervisors and above all else, it must enjoy the faith of the people. A process that lacks the people’s confidence, exudes partisanship and indeed betrayal of the voters’ trust cannot be the fascination Whitman extols.
Nigeria’s electoral processes in the recent past give little hope of delivering complete and conclusive results. From Kogi to Bayelsa and then Rivers, there is indeed little to hope for in 2019, because all the democratic gains that, for the first time, ushered an opposition party, in government appear to have frittered away like unwanted garbage.
What remains is outright partisanship of the supposed umpire, who now abuses the right to annul questionable poll results, to tilt the pendulum in favour of a friendly party. It is now, the easiest way to rig elections and shortchange the people.
Before now, attention was on the ballot box. So, to rig, a politician must have an army of well-trained thugs, as fit as rugby players, who would snatch the box and sprint as farther away to as possible, to a safe place, only as a Usain Bolt can. Thereafter, the stolen box is sneaked into the collation centre and counted in favour of the box robbers.
With time, ballot boxes became less attractive in preference for authentic poll results sheets. That was when election results got written in hotel rooms, long before the elections, and ballots stolen to march the concocted figures. Once such results get their way through a compromised electoral officer, through a reasonable cash reward, the elections are won and lost. In all such cases, the rigging politician must have accomplices within the electoral commission.
Today, with the awareness of the people and their new willingness to defend their vote, rigging is possible only if one ignites violence in areas he or she is less popular. For a local government with nine wards, may be unevenly shared between two contestants, with a ratio of five to four.
To win, the less popular candidate with four supporting wards only needs to secure votes of his four wards, concede defeat in three of his opponent’s three and create security breaches in the two remaining wards. With a friendly electoral officer in the commission, result of those two unfriendly wards would be cancelled and with four wards, the less popular becomes winner.
One of the easiest ways to create such security breach is to use uniformed and armed men to attempt drive some of the opposing politician’s many supporters away from the polling station, and with little resistance, some gun shots are fired into the air. Thereafter, a good make-up artiste is commissioned to create dead men and women for the social media and as evidence to the electoral body, confirming how insecure the opponent’s territory could be for free, fair and credible elections. And balm! Those elections are cancelled.
If that fails, apparently because of lack of in-roads made into the politician’s supposed safe zone; when cancelation of two wards alone could not guarantee victory, the electoral body would cancel many more and declare such elections inconclusive. Most elections declared inconclusive cannot be too distant from these reasons. And nothing an unfriendly politician can do, to sway the electoral umpire to his favour, especially if such an umpire is acting the devilish script of power from above.
From the little Nigerians have witnessed about inconclusive elections, very few have faith in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a free, fair and credible election in 2019. Apart from lacking the capacity, integrity and impartiality needed to do right, INEC’s apparent unwillingness to distance itself from partisan ends, makes it impossible for the supposed umpires to deliver a complete electoral end as envisaged by Whitman.
These fears were confirmed last week, when Chairman of the INEC, Prof. Mahmud Yakubu accepted that the commission cannot guarantee that the 2019 elections would be conclusive, saying, “inconclusive elections did not start with me”. He then blamed such shameful ends on insecurity, saying, if major players play according to the rules, INEC would have no choice other than to return conclusive results, but cannot be blamed for declaring inconclusive results if any form of insecurity is reported.
Insecurity of any kind is an indictment on the Federal Government whose responsibility it is to ensure security of lives and property. The ordinary Nigerian should not be punished for the incompetence of the centre to do right.
This is why the confession that INEC cannot guarantee that the 2019 general elections will be conclusive should worry many well-meaning Nigerians.
For a commission chairman, under whose watch, 50 percent of elections conducted have been declared inconclusive, even with, Bayelsa, with as few as eight local government areas, cannot be depended upon to conduct a conclusive national election. And with the confession by the Chief electoral officer himself, the country requires no better reason to overhaul the electoral process.
First, the INEC Chairman needs to disqualify himself. Second, the Federal Government must properly constitute the electoral body as required by law. Third, the government in power must give sufficient reason to Nigerians to believe that the people’s vote would count.
Prior to the emergence of the current INEC Chairman, many Nigerians had canvassed that the replacement for Prof Attahiru Jega, the former Chairman of INEC be sourced from the Southern part of Nigeria since the new President is from the North, and also, since under the Jonathan Presidency, the electoral umpire was of the Northern extraction. All President Buhari needed to do, was to choose from the many men and women of integrity in the South for a replacement for Jega. But it seemed, no Southerner earned the President’s thrust for the job and so settled for Prof. Yakubu.
Now that the umpire himself has confessed to his lack of capacity to guarantee conclusive elections, now perhaps is the right time to make the desired change and give Nigerians a reason to believe in INEC.
At a time when Nigerians expect the right template to make the people’s vote count, the current crop of INEC commissioners cannot be the required solution because, from all indications, they have become part of the problem.
Nigerians are no fools. The right change can only come when the people form an ample part of the process and team up with eventual victors to work towards such change.
Results declared by a partisan INEC cannot inspire patriotic following by the people. It can only breed discontent and even civil disobedience. With so much hunger and anger in the land, denial of the people’s right to choose their preferred representatives in government shall be counter-productive, criminal at worse.
Now therefore, is the time to restructure INEC to earn the trust and confidence of the ordinary Nigerian?
My Agony is that all the gains made of our democracy have all been allowed to fritter-away by politicians who fear a harsh verdict by the same people they have failed to provide positive change.

Soye Wilson Jamabo

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WASSCE: RSG Distributes Science Materials To Secondary Schools

Published

5 days ago

May 13, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Government has distributed science equipment and materials to all senior secondary schools across the state to support students during the ongoing West African Examinations Council exams and to strengthen practical learning.

Flagging off the distribution at the Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board premises in Port Harcourt, on Monday, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, said the move demonstrates Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s commitment to improving education standards in the State.

Nwagor said the materials were approved and provided by the state government specifically to boost the teaching and learning of science subjects, describing science education as the foundation for technological advancement, innovation, and national development.

“No society can compete globally without deliberate investment in science and technology,” the Commissioner stated.

He commended the governor for consistently prioritising the education sector by providing tools needed for effective teaching and hands-on learning.

The Commissioner directed principals to ensure that the equipment are used strictly for practical lessons in their schools, warning that any principal or administrator found diverting, hoarding, or selling the materials wil face disciplinary action under public service regulations.

Nwagor also warned against examination malpractice, saying any principal found aiding or encouraging malpractices will be decisively sanctioned.

“We must collectively restore the dignity and credibility of our educational system,” he said.

Also speaking, Chairman, Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board, Tony Egwurugwu, urged school heads to make judicious use of the materials for students’ benefit.

He thanked the State Government for providing the resources, and assured that monitoring mechanisms would be put in place to ensure the materials serve their intended purpose.

In his own remarks, a Board Member for Technical Education, Nwisabari Bani Samuel, expressed appreciation to the governor for prioritising education and acknowledged the Commissioner’s role in advancing education development in the State.

He said the distribution covers all senior secondary schools in the State and is intended to improve students’ performance in both internal and external science examinations.

Akujobi Amadi

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Fubara Hails Workers’ Resilience, Dedication In Rivers …Hails Tinubu’s Economic Reform

Published

2 weeks ago

May 6, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has commended workers in the State for their resilience, dedication, and invaluable contributions to development in the State.

Fubara gave the commendation during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration at Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt, last Friday.

Represented by his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, the governor noted that Workers’ Day, which originated from the struggle for an eight-hour workday in the United States, has evolved into a global event recognising the contributions of workers to national growth and development.

He described workers as the backbone of sustainable development, saying no society can thrive without their efforts.

Fubara commended Rivers workers for their loyalty and commitment to service, noting that workers play vital roles across key sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure and industry.

He noted that their contributions have enhanced access to quality education and healthcare, supported job creation, and stimulated economic activities across the State.

While acknowledging the economic challenges faced by many workers, including the rising cost of living, Fubara assured that the the State Government remains committed to implementing policies that will enhance workers’ welfare and overall well-being.

The governor also hailed the bold and daring economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu which, he said, have stabilized the economy, enhanced foreign exchange liquidity, lowered inflation, and achieved significant growth in the nation’s gross domestic product.

He noted that, in addition to raising the minimum wage, the President recently approved new welfare incentives for federal civil servants.

“Our economy is on an unstoppable positive path under our President, and it can only improve further for the nation and everyone. Let us continue supporting the policies and programmes of Mr President,” he said.

Fubara highlighted the importance of workers in revenue generation and governance, noting that taxes paid by workers enable government to provide security and essential social services.

He reaffirmed the State Government’s recognition of labour as a critical partner in achieving its development blueprint, appreciating workers’ daily contributions to building a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Rivers State.

The governor urged the organised labour to use the occasion to reaffirm its commitment to the progress of the State, while continuing to advocate for democracy, social justice, and improved welfare for workers.

He also expressed gratitude to workers for their service to the State and the nation, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their contributions to development.

In his address, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, commended Fubara for his steadfastness, genuine commitment, and passion for workers in the State.

He highlighted key achievements of the administration, including the implementation of the National Minimum Wage Act, the renovation of the State Secretariat, the reopening of the Rivers State Transport Company (RTC), and the consistent payment of end-of-year bonuses to public workers.

Comrade Agwanwor noted that workers, as drivers of productivity, understand the challenges involved in building a prosperous Rivers State, stressing that they are well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the State.

“We have resolved not to continue complaining and lamenting while challenges persist. Instead, we must take the initiative, step out of relative obscurity, and rediscover the mission and destiny of our dear state,” he said.

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Fubara Pledges Support For Corporate Organisations In Rivers …Says PPP Business Model Responsible For NLNG’s Success

Published

1 month ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has pledged the continued support of his administration for the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited.

Fubara gave the assurance while receiving the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NLNG, Mr Adeleye Falade, who paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt.

He assured that his administration would continue to contribute its own quota in support of the NLNG.

According to him, the success of the organisation is equally the success of the government of Rivers State and the success of the Federal Government.

“Our duty is to make sure that we support whoever is operating in our state. We are the ones here. If we don’t support you and you don’t succeed, we also will not succeed and Mr President will also not succeed.

“So, the success of your establishment is the success of our state, and overall success of Nigeria. So you can count on our support. Wherever you think we need to come in to support you, please do not hesitate to call upon us.

“You just mentioned here that your predecessor left a handover note showcasing the level of support that he got from the state. It is not going to be different in your own case. I can assure you that. I will also ensure that other units of the government will liaise with you when necessary. So even if you can’t get to me, you can always get to them and if there is anything we can do to help your establishment succeed, we will do it for you,” he said.

The governor attributed the success of the NLNG to the Public Private Partnership ( PPP) business model adopted by the Federal Government and the multinational oil companies.

The NLNG is jointly owned by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) with 49%, Shell Gas B.V. with 25.6%, Total LNG Nigeria Ltd with 15%, and Eni International with 10.4%.

The partnership model allows for shared risks, costs, and expertise in the LNG sector.

The governor noted that the NLNG has not only survived the difficult business environment but has made sustained progress in the nearly three decades of its existence.

According to him, the decision of the Federal Government to allow the multinational oil companies who have the needed expertise to run the establishment while government plays a supervisory role over it has largely been responsible for its success.

“I’m very proud to say that if there is one establishment that has shown resilience, that has survived in the face of all the political issues prevalent in this country, it is the NLNG. And what is the reason? The reason is very simple. Government has no business in business. That is the truth. Leave the business for those people who can operate it. Let the government play its supervisory role to ensure that there is compliance with the laws; ensure that standards are maintained and also ensure that the right people with the needed expertise are at the helm of affairs. That’s all. I think that is the reason why we still record a lot of successes in NLNG,” he said.

In his opening remark, the new NLNG boss, Mr Adeleye Falade, who led other top officials of the company on the visit, expressed appreciation to the governor for granting them audience, and appealed to the State Government to continue to support the organisation.

“We appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and deepen this important relationship.We deeply value the support the Rivers State Government continues to extend in fostering an enabling operating environment for businesses. NLNG remains deliberate in its contribution to Nigeria’s development, and Rivers State, our primary host, continues to be central to that commitment,” he said.

Falade said the company has continued to work with its host communities to strengthen their capacity to identify, prioritise, and deliver sustainable development initiatives that create lasting impact.

According to him, communities including Amadi-ama, Abua, Ekpeye, Okrika, Kalabari, and Emohua have continued to benefit from this model.

He said that beyond community infrastructure, the NLNG has sustained investments in economic empowerment through initiatives such as Vocational Innovation and Business Empowerment Scheme (VIBES) and Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) schemes.

These, he said, were designed to support small businesses, build capacity, and stimulate local enterprise across the state.

Among officials of the company who accompanied the Managing Director were General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Dr Sophia Horsfall; Manager, Government Relations, Mr Abdul Umar; Manager, Community Relations, Dr. Yemi Adeyemi; Head of Government Relations, Mr Mike Igoni; Head of Community Liaison and Engagement, Chief Ifeanyi Umeh.

Others are Technical Assistant to Executive Leadership, Mr Hassan Saleh; Senior Media and Publicity Advisor, Mr Emma Nwatu; Government Relations Advisor, Miss Homa Nmegbu; Senior Government Relations Advisor, Mrs Kate Allison, and Audio -Visual Advisor, Mr Dawood Ahmed.