The Ekiti State
governorship election is around the corner and all eyes from far and wide are
on the state because of its cruciality to determining the level of the people’s
preparedness for the 2019 general elections. Its importance to the permutations
of the ruling parties at the federal and state levels respectively cannot be
overemphasized. Presently, Ekiti is the only state in the South West that is
not under the control of the (APC) and it is the only state that the main
opposition party is holding on to and hoping to build on in its quest to have a
major breakthrough into the region.
Consequently, you will
agree with me that it is going to be an interesting contest in all
ramifications. The situation is further embroidered with curious expectations
as a result of the caliber and personalities of the candidates that are been
thrown into the contest. The popularity, political acumen and the wherewithal
at the disposal of these candidates and their party platforms have made it look
very unpredictable.
However, the final determining factor as to
how the contest will play out lies in the people (electorates). At this
juncture, it would be paramount to state without fear of contradiction that,
Ekiti people are well grounded in political activities (both practically and
theoretically). They are people that know their onions; they know their rights
from wrongs; they are versatile and are not pushovers when it comes to the
political calculations of the South West in particular and *Fmr Gov Fayemi and Gov Fayose of Ekiti State |
In view of the aforementioned, I wish to use
this medium to call on well-meaning Ekiti sons and daughters to do everything
humanly possible to protect their political uniqueness. All the candidates
vying for the position of governor (and their deputies) are bonafide indigenes
of the state; you know them so well and do not need outsiders` to give you
overview about their character and capacity to deliver on their promises; so,
the ball is in your court to chose the best among them to take the state to the
next level. You are to shun any act of manipulation or lawlessness from any
quarters that the enemies of the states are waiting to capitalise on and cause
confusion among the people. You have good names, reputations and dignities to
protect; it is time to reiterate to the world that you are not just a state of ‘academic
professors’ but also of political authorities. You have always proven to be the
`pride of democracy` in South West (in particular) and in Nigeria (in
general) and, it is time to remain undaunted and make the region and country
proud again. Though, you are temporary divided along political lines, you
remain the same articulate and vibrant `Ekiti Ketes`. Thus, it is instructive
to note that coming together to keep the beautiful flag of Ekiti flying to the
admirations of all and sundry after the election is a task that must be
accomplished.
At this juncture, I would wish to call on all political parties and their
supporters with interest in the Ekiti election to also note that all eyes are
on them. They are expected to play by the rules and avoid any act that could
lead to discreditability of the exercise. Presently, the social media is
flooded with the news that security operatives have besieged the states to
prevent a particular party from holding their rally and even assaulted the governor
in the process. In as much as the report is still sketchy and the veracity has
not been confirmed, I do not want to believe that such act could still be
carried out in the Nigeria of today in spite of all the negativities that is
currently tainting the image of the country.
It is even disheartening to read some
unreasonable, unfounded and unpatriotic comments that 'what goes round comes
around' because similar act was carried out in 2014 by the then ruling party.
The question is, are we progressing or retrogressing as a country? Does it mean
that at this age and time, some of us still believe that two wrongs can make a
right? If the answer is in the affirmative and it is supported by majority of
the people, then I think we should be considering looking beyond democracy as a
suitable government for our country. In view of this fact, I am using this
medium to call on the government to do the needful to ensure that the aims and
essentials of democracy are not dragged in the mud as a result of desperation of
some disgruntled elements to discredit the exercise in Ekiti. Democratic
election is a game of numbers where majority votes carry the day; thus the
people should be given a level playing ground to exercise their fundamental
obligations.
Any other `backyard means` to arm-twist the
people and steal their `right to decide` is not acceptable and should not be
condoned by right thinking people and lovers of democracy. I am also using this
medium to call on the international community to do the needful to protect
democracy. If by now, we cannot comport ourselves and make the environment
conducive for the conduct of a 'state's gubernatorial election,' one then
wonders what awaits us in 2019
in the countdown to the general elections.
Apropos to the aforementioned, it is instructive for all and sundry, regardless
of political affiliations to rise up and say `NO` to any act capable of
truncating our democracy. If the selfish and desperate politicians are not
bothered about `us`, it is high time we should be bothered about `ourselves`
and take our destinies in our hands. This is time when the electorates should
take up their responsibilities as the major determinants of outcome of
elections through the legitimate means of one man, one vote. Any other means
that will make our votes not to count should be resisted by every lawful means
possible. All residence of the state are enjoined to go about their lawful
duties without fear of intimidation from any quarters. There is no two ways to
exercising your right to decide who takes over from the incumbent governor than
to come out in your large numbers on Saturday to cast your votes. However, you
must shun all acts capable of instigating violence before, during and after the
exercise to remain true to your rating as the `most politically conscious
people of the South West.`
To all the security operatives that will be
involve in the exercise, my advice is for you to discharge your duty of
maintaining law and order apolitically. Do not bring your profession into
disrepute by allowing politicians to use you for their selfish interests.
Remember, that you are under oath to serve the country to the best of the
ethics of your profession; please remain steadfast.
Also, personnel of the Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC) are also advised to remain an unbiased umpire in
the conduct of the election. It is your responsibility to make the exercise,
free, fair and credible; please get it right.Hopefully, we shall all be part of
the success story of Ekiti.
*Oise-Oghaede, public policy analyst, lives in Suru-lere,Lagos .
*Oise-Oghaede, public policy analyst, lives in Suru-lere,
No comments:
Post a Comment