Connect with us

Politics

A Nation In Despair

Published

5 years ago

on

Fifteen days from now, millions of Nigerians will troop to the polling booths to cast their votes for who will be the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. But this every-four-year ritual has many obstacles of which security is one.
Just few days ago, the National Security Adviser to the President, General Babagana Monguno held a crucial meeting with state governors on the issue of security during the forthcoming elections and to chart a way forward.
General Monguno, worries in his bid to ensure that the elections went as planned, warned against the use of thugs by politicians.
He said government will demonstrate zero tolerance to political thuggery and illegal bearing of fire arms.
This show of concern was apt and very necessary as experience had shown over the years that in every election in Nigeria, there was always tension and reports of acts of violence in virtually every geo-political region in the country.
Although the 1999 elections which ushered in the present democratic dispensation was peaceful, subsequent ones were not so, especially those of 2011 and 2015.
In 2011, aftermath of the elections in which former President Goodluck Jonathan emerged victorious witnessed acts of violence leading to the killing of some youth corpers and even the burning of the Kaduna City residence of former Vice President Namadi Sambo.
Apart from that, there were reported killings in other parts of the country.
The worst of such incidents was the brutal killing of the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Kano State with his entire family.
In all these acts of violence, no one was arrested, prosecuted or jailed. Even the then Police Commissioner who was supposed to have provided adequate security for all electoral officers in Kano State did nothing to apprehend the culprits but was rewarded with the position of inspector-general of Police.
The problem with Nigeria is that it is quite easy to scream insecurity but when it comes to taking critical actions, sentiments come in.
The issue of political thuggery is nothing new as it has existed right from the late 1950s to early 1960s in the first republic.
Today, in the 21st century after almost 60 years of Independence, we are still talking of “Political Thuggery” as if it is something new that challenges.
Yes, it is challenging but the issue should not be addressed to the governors alone, but to all stakeholders in the electoral process. The use of thugs in elections is not only shameful and embarrassing but shows the level of desperation some politicians will go to ensure that they win elections. Again even some security operatives behave as “Thugs” during elections. In Rivers Sate, during the re-run elections in 2016, a very senior police officer was captured on video manhandling a female electoral officer while demanding for the result sheets of the election.
Similarly in Ekiti and Osun States elections, there were reports of security men chasing away potential voters.
Furthermore the verbal threats of the political actors, hate speeches with that of the body language of the president did not help matters. Although every Nigerian wants a free, fair and credible elections, have the gladiators and those who want the vote of the electorate really abreast of the chain reactions of their negative actions on the polity?
As the count-down tickles on, as Nigerians, we need to ask questions and find solutions to electoral violence and rigging. Most people who engage thugs to intimidate voters and inflict bodily harm on them are well known in the society. Even the thugs are identifiable. Then why were they not arrested in the past. If actions needed to be taken, then the Police should be allowed to do its work but in a situation where power is concentrated in few hands, the police or other security agencies cannot be effective.
From all observations of the trend in politics and power play, no police commissioner or inspector-general of police has ever resigned over policies by the government that undermines the electoral process.
This time around that the polity is already heated up with the world watching us, the national security Adviser should not just warn but ensure that the problem of thuggery was nipped in the bud and he should liaise with all security agencies to ensure that anyone caught in acts of violence was not just arrested but prosecuted, no matter the party affiliation of the individual. It is then and only then that we can say the government is serious in tracking down acts of violence during elections.
In Nigeria, we seem to treat vital issues with levity, especially on electoral matters. In other climes town hall meetings and outside engagements with the electorate help score candidates in public opinion which really translate into actual election results. Maybe they think that public enlightenment programmes are not for them.
Every electoral violence is politically motivated and the key actors are the various party chieftains and their followers who did not witness the presence of any of the political parties.
Also as part of the efforts to ensure that Nigeria departed from the past, the national orientation agency had embarked upon a massive enliftment programme, geared towards a hitchfree election devoid of violence and thuggery.
Various speakers who participate at the south-south zonal flag-off of stakeholders dialogue for peace and violence free 2019 general elections harped on the need for electorate and the political actors to shun violence. The concept which was apt surprisingly did not witness the presence of any of the political parties.
The political parties ought to have sent representatives. One begins to wonder how the 91 political parties could not even send a single representative to know the feelings of the civic society and other non governmental organizations in the south south. Maybe they will give the excuse of the campaigns, but this is not tenable.
It is the potlicians who are being accused of sponsoring thugs and equipping them with arms and ammunition. So the platform to address some of these issue is not campaign rallies but for them to meet at a neutral venue where they will dialogue with each other and the larger society.
Here in Rivers State there is urgent need to disabuse the mind of the international community that the place is volatile as being painted by those who don’t see anything good in the present administration.
The provision of adequate security is the duty of everyone and not just the duty of the police and her sister agencies.
If we recall, some few weeks back, some group of politicians threatened to ensure that elections would not hold in Rivers State if the court injuction barring them from presenting candidates in the gubernatorial, state and National assembly elections was not rescinded. This level of disdain for the collective well being of the larger society should be taken seriously by the security agencies. But however, since the threat was issued not one single individual who made that threat has been arrested and questioned.
This brings us to ask the question of whether we have two Nigeria? One for the ruling party and one for the opposition.
For the public to have trust in the system and for the issue of violence not to rear its ugly head ahead of the forthcoming elections, there should not be favouritism whereby those who commit crimes but belong to the ruling party are never arrested, whereas those in the opposition who cough are treated as armed robbers and murderers.
Let us begin to implement policies that will discourage violent tendencies. And again youths who allow themselves to be used by politicians are not just stupid but destroying their future.
Electoral violence destroys a country’s image and hinders economic growth.
No investor will like to tie his funds in a volatile environment and now is the right time for Nigerians to say a big no to thuggery and electoral manipulations.

Tonye Ikiroma-Owiye

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Politics

Fubara Tasks Rivers Stakeholders On Political, Economic Emancipation …Commissions NAVAL Training Command Headquarters At Ebubu

Published

1 day ago

on

April 29, 2024

By

Rivers State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that the task of emancipating Rivers State and taking it to its desired height of development among the comity of Nigerian states depends on the concerted efforts of all stakeholders in the state.
Governor Fubara said this at Ubima, on Saturday, when he attended the burial ceremony of late Madam Cecelia Omehia, mother of Sir Celestine Omehia.
Addressing the leaders of the state who attended the burial ceremony in their numbers, the governor urged them to demonstrate their love for the state by living up to their patriotic responsibilities and make meaningful contributions that will move the state forward.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to the service of the state and cautioned against politics of bitterness and animosity, stating that he will not govern the state as an underdog, nor compromise  the interest of Rivers people, no matter the challenges facing his administration.
“Anybody who claims to love this State should not be party to anything, directly or indirectly, that will bring us backwards. We will continue to support every course that will advance the interest of our dear Rivers State.
“And I am happy to say, and I’ve said it over and again, it doesn’t matter the number of people that are standing with me, I will stand on the side of truth.
”I will not, I repeat, I will not govern our dear State on my knees. If that was the purpose, I will not do that. I will stand to govern our dear state and stand continually on the side of right”, he said.
The governor commiserated with the Omehia family over the transition of their beloved matriarch and urged  them to take solace in the good legacies she left behind.
Sir Celestine Omehia, the chief mourner, in his response  thanked  the Rivers State governor  and his entourage for honoring the memory of his beloved mother, whom he described as a role model, teacher and great disciplinarian.
Earlier on Saturday, Governor Fubara visited the scene of the Friday night inferno occasioned by a tanker explosion that occurred at the Indorama axis of East West Road, causing untold disaster with over 60 vehicles razed and about four lives lost.
Governor Fubara who was accompanied by the  Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olatunji Disu, and the state Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Mr Uchechukwu Nwafor, during the visit, expressed deep concern over the unfortunate incident and condoled with the families of the victims, assuring that the state government will provide needed assistance to cushion the effects of the tragedy.
“We are here to see for ourselves and get a first hand information of what happened yesterday night.
“I was told that it was caused by a tanker that was conveying premium motor spirit. In fact, I got the information through the MD of Indorama, and I immediately alerted the security agencies to make sure they take control of the security situation in the area.
Governor Fubara, on Friday, commissioned the new Naval Training Command Headquarters at Ebubu, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Speaking at the event, Governor Fubara said he was delighted with the transformation recorded in the abandoned facility after it was ceded by the Rivers State Government to the Nigerian Navy on request in 2023.
He pointed out that the relocation of the Naval Training Command headquarters to Rivers State underscores the proficiency of the Nigerian Navy in managing the maritime sector, especially in safeguarding the waterways and  fighting against economic sabotage such as crude oil theft and its associated menace.
Governor Fubara commended the Navy for investing in the training of its personnel to evolve a highly skilled workforce to secure the Nigerian waterways, stating that the new development is a manifestation of President Bola Tinibu’s commitment to building a strong security architecture for Nigeria.
The Governor who assured the support of his administration to the Navy and other security outfits, announced a donation of N350m to the Navy, and urged synergy between the Navy and the host communities in terms of development support and security of lives and property.
“As you go on to put this training command into full service, my charge to you is to ensure that this sprawling facility is effectively maintained and utilized to expand your operations and activities for national security development.
“I further implore you to provide effective security and development support to the host communities, and live in peace and harmony with the civilian population in the local government area,” the Governor added.
In his remark,  the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral, Emmanuel Ogalla, expressed gratitude to the Governor for the continuous support and partnership of the Rivers State Government with the Navy.
Taneh Beemene
Continue Reading

Politics

Constitution Amendment: Senator Barau Urges Stakeholders’ Collaboration

Published

1 day ago

on

April 29, 2024

By

Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution, Senator Barau Jibrin, has called for robust collaboration among all stakeholders to drive the ongoing constitution amendment process to a successful conclusion.
Senator Barau stated this on Saturday at the joint retreat of the secretariat and consultants to the Senate and House of Representatives committees on the review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, in Abuja.
He commended the synergy between the constitution review secretariat and consultants to the Senate and House of Representatives committees, saying this will create harmony in the workings of both committees.
Senator Barau assured that the National Assembly will carry out the review of the constitution by a thorough aggregation of the yearnings of Nigerians from all walks of life through public hearings and collection of memoranda from various interests throughout the country, as well as embarking on a progressive engagement with state governments and legislatures and the federal government to achieve consensus on all issues.
“We must work together. Our country is facing a lot of challenges and this is the right time to fashion out a constitution that will go in line with the wishes and aspirations of the people of this country.
“The world is dynamic and this compels all serious countries to go with modernity and fashion their laws in accordance with contemporary happenings within their peculiarities.
“We have started on a progressive note of collaboration and let us add momentum to this very important collaboration within our ranks in order to achieve a result that will help in driving the process of making prospective peace, justice and fair play in the way we run our affairs as a nation,” he said.
Continue Reading

Politics

Makinde Hails Electorate, OYSIEC Over LG Poll Conduct 

Published

1 day ago

on

April 29, 2024

By

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has applauded the residents of the state for turning out to vote in the ongoing local government election across the state.
The governor also rated the conduct of the election high, stating it compared favourably with elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The governor stated this on Saturday after casting his vote at Unit 1, Ward 011, Abayomi Open Space, Iwo Road, Ibadan North East LGA of Oyo State.
Addressing journalists after exercising his civic responsibility, Gov Makinde said, “For us in Oyo State, it is almost like a given that democracy at the grassroots is what we practise. This is almost our fifth year in office and we are holding local government election for the second time.
“Before we came in, it had always been caretaker administration at the grassroots without the people having a say in who should govern them.
“You can see around also that the people are going about, performing the exercise peacefully and the traffic restriction is being obeyed by the people. So, I will commend our people for coming out to take seriously democracy at that level.”
The governor, who noted that security report about the election had been excellent, also charged those who observed any untoward development to report same to the security agencies.
Continue Reading

Trending