Politics
2023: Vote Candidates With Track Records, Stakeholders Urge Nigerians
Stakeholders at TEDxMaitama conference have urged Nigerians to vote for candidates with impeccable track record in human capital and economic development as well as security.
The conference was organised to help shape the minds of people to make the best decisions when at crossroads and while building a future-proofed mindset under the theme ‘Crossroad.’
The stakeholders also stressed that despite challenges facing youths such as inadequate power supply, poor taxation, and insecurity, there are still a lot of opportunities that youth can tap into and earn a living.
The Convener of TEDxMaitama, Paschal Offordum noted that if businesses like paystack, flutter wave, and a lot of tech businesses, have been built out of Nigeria, then, we can still survive in Nigeria because what we have here might not be in other countries, therefore we should try and build our own country.
“I had that idea or intention to travel out before but then I considered a lot of circumstances and still discovered that Nigeria is still the best place to start the business looking at the taxes compared to other countries. despite the environment not favorable.
“Youths should be able to find ways to do things themselves irrespective of the challenging environment. Everyone should know that Nigeria is a tough place to survive, but it’s also fine that you go beyond those challenges.”
Speaking on the forthcoming election, he said since Nigeria’s Independence, political parties have failed the country adding that it is unfortunate that the Nigerian political environment doesn’t support independent candidates.
He, however, urged ‘the
electorate to vote for qualified candidates with good tracking records.
Also speaking, founder of Welcome2Africa International, Bamidele Seun Owoola said despite all the challenges in Nigeria, there is opportunity and potential in the country.
According to her, companies in Nigeria are still raising millions of dollars to support Agribusiness in the country, saying that challenges are all over the world. She said no country is free from economic challenges, “therefore we should not be quick think of leaving this country to another country and seeking greener pastures.”
A socio-political activist, Aisha Yesufu urged youths to take their dream seriously.
“It is very important that we know that our dreams are very valid and we can go on not only to achieve what we want to achieve but also to inspire others in the process of achieving what we want to achieve,” she said.
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.
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