Elections: Presidency Has Fooled Nigerians

 By Casmir Igbokwe

The senior military officer looked with pity on some citizens marching enthusiastically to go and cast their votes. “You are wasting your time,” he said. It was in Lagos on the day of the presidential and National Assembly elections. When prodded, this officer alleged that a security report came shortly before the election, indicating who the powers that be wanted as President. This supposedly meant that the security men would have to cooperate to deliver the anointed one. I dismissed this information. But when President Muhammadu Buhari illegally raised his ballot paper to show that he voted for his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), I became suspicious.

It was then that what Reverend Father Emmanuel (surname withheld) told me five days to the election dawned on me. This priest said he was highly afraid the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, might not make it to Aso Rock. “The cabals are highly against him. I have been praying about this, but God can’t do for human beings what they can do for themselves,” he added. This was actually his reaction to my article titled, “Electing Nigeria’s miraculous President,” published on Monday, February 20, 2023.

Yakubu Mahmood’s INEC Fooled Nigerians

 By Charles Okoh

For a lot of Nigerians who had looked forward to using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) technology in the presidential and National Assembly elections of Saturday, February 25, it was a huge disappointment to see that that was not to be. Well, maybe, except for those who conspired to see that the device, which the INEC chairman Yakubu Mahmood and his team had touted as the game changer, did not work.

*Yakubu

The BVAS, it was expected, will help deepen our democracy by removing as much as possible human intervention in the process. Opportunities were provided by INEC for manipulation, thereby exposing to the world their insincerity. In the end it was a total waste of the time of the voter and the resources of a nation whose revenues have continued to dwindle.

The Triumph Of The Wicked Shall Be Short!

 

Knowest thou not this of old, since man was placed upon earth,

That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?

 Though his excellency mount up to the heavens, and his head reach unto the clouds;

Yet he shall perish for ever like his own dung: they which have seen him shall say, Where is he?

He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found: yea, he shall be chased away as a vision of the night.

The eye also which saw him shall see him no more; neither shall his place any more behold him.

— Job 20:4-9

Nigeria: INEC’s Shit-Show

 By Obi Nwakanma

The governing All Progressives Congress (APC) had no sterling records on which to run and return to power in the federation of Nigeria in this election. The facts were stark. Compared to February 2015 when the party, an alliance of the discontented, fielded the ex-military dictator, Mr. Muhammadu Buhari, a former Major-General and at that time serial contestant for the office of the president of Nigeria, the mood had swung so heavily against the APC nation-wide in 2023. 

*Prof Yakubu, INEC Chair

Nigerians were measuring the time of the PDP, from 1999 to the time of the APC, from 2015 to the current year. As a Nigerian engineer told me, “you could say anything about the PDP, but what you could never say was that they put Nigerians through hunger. Under the PDP Nigerians took for granted that you could put food on the table without much hassle. But since the APC, all those things you took for granted – just food – including ordinary cereal and milk for kids have become unbearably exorbitant and impossible to buy.” 

Buhari’s Currency Change Fiasco, Failure Like No Other

 By Tony Eluemunor

Right now, Nigeria is sup-posed to have about the most experienced presi-dent on planet Earth. Or, how many serving Presidents have come onto their own when Gen. Muhammadu Buhari became Head of State on January 1st, 1984. That was 39 years ago! Yet, I’m reminded of Chinua Achebe’s saying in his first book of essays, Morning Yet On Creation Day; that experience does not automatically come from what happened “because much can happen to a stone without making that stone any wiser”.

So, he wrote that experience comes from the lessons we learn from whatever has happened. This means that we could learn the right or wrong lessons or no lessons at all. Yes, people repeat past mistakes simply because they fail to learn the right lessons from past events. 

Lagos Guber Polls: Attacks On Ndigbo And What Sanwo-Olu Must Do!

 By Steve Osuji

The Saturday guber election in Lagos is a diadem. For Lagosians, it’s probably as big as last Saturday’s presidential tournament, if not more significant. Campaigns have been raging in Lagos , especially in the social media. So have calumny and ethnic brickbats been flying between traditional rivals: Igbo and Yoruba. 

Let it be presented upfront that one of the most underrated and unspoken problems of Nigeria is the ruinous rivalry between Igbo and Yoruba of Nigeria.  

As I have noted in the past, Igbo and Yoruba in Nigeria may be compared to the German and English of Western Europe. Imagine Germany and Britain existing as a country. These are two great peoples (nations) not to be lumped under one umbrella or forcibly forge into a nation. 

2023 Polls: The Morning After!

 By Ayo Oyoze Baje

"Free, fair and credible elections form the strong foundation on which to build the house of democracy" – Ayo Oyoze Baje (On ‘Editors Forum’, Galaxy TV, May 2011) 

When on Saturday, July 11, 2009 the then United States President Barack Obama stated that: “Africa doesn't need strongmen, it needs strong institutions” it was made in total condemnation of tyrants on the continent; especially those who enrich themselves at the expense of the poor people. That is according to ‘International Articles’ online platform.  Back then Obama was on a landmark trip to Accra, Ghana. 

Letter to Peter Obi On The Presidential Election

 By Edidiong Esara 

Dear Peter,

When you threw your hat into the election ring, even I did not give you a chance. But quickly and steadily you seeped into the consciousness of Nigerians in their millions. You communicated in the language of the people, felt their pain, and came across as different from the fakeness in politicians that we are accustomed to.

*Peter Obi mobbed by admirers in Delta State 

Which other candidate dared to claim that they never stole a kobo of state funds, never used state resources for personal benefit and left a huge sum in savings rather than debt at the end of their tenure? As an opposition candidate and a potent threat to the current ruling class, the anti-corruption agencies could easily have proven you wrong if you had lied on that – as they did with your erstwhile campaign DG.

Buhari Promised Credible Presidential Poll, But Delivers A Sham

 By Olu Fasan

President Muhammadu Buhari said, ad infinitum, that he would leave a legacy of credible elections. Last year, at the 77th session of United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, Buhari told world leaders: “I would leave an enduring legacy of free, fair, transparent and credible elections.” Yet, last week, he delivered the worst and most corrupt presidential poll since Nigeria returned to civil rule in 1999. 

*Buhari 

Buhari gave Nigerians false hopes and pulled the wool over the people’s eyes. Last year, he signed into law an electoral bill that introduced two key technologies expected to make elections credible. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, used for digital voter accreditation and electronic transmission of results, was seen as an antidote to election rigging. The INEC Results Viewing, IReV, portal would enable the public to view uploaded results from polling units, ensuring transparency.

Now That INEC Chairman, Mahmoud Yakubu, Has Done His Worst

 By Ikechukwu Amaechi

IN the early hours of Wednesday, March 1, 2023, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Chairman, Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, declared the result of the presidential election which held on Saturday, February 25. Rather than jubilation, a pall of silence descended on the nation because many believe that their electoral will, freely expressed, had been subverted by suborned officials.

*Yakubu 

As the reality of what had happened dawned on them, many were speechless, others simply wore long faces, not believing that fellow citizens could execute such an unconscionable electoral heist. Thirty years ago, precisely on June 12, 1993, I voted for the first time in my life in a presidential election. Of course, that wasn’t when I attained the voting age. I was already a graduate and staff of Guardian Newspapers Limited. But I was a minor, electorally speaking, when the 1983 elections took place and, therefore, had no franchise to vote.

Nigeria: Is This Democracy?

 By Mike Ikhariale

After the celebratory hype about how the almighty BVAS and PVCs which were coming to revolutionize electioneering and democracy as a whole in Nigeria in the build-up to the current election that is fast turning into an unimaginable nightmare for many, I think we should go back and reflect on the poser we made about democracy in 2019 during the general elections of that year and see how much things have changed for Nigeria politically since then. 

Nigerians were made to believe that the hardship occasioned by the unmitigated collapse of the currency exchange policy was a deliberate design to ensure that there would be no cash available for politicians to “buy votes” and Nigerians were also fooled to believe that they were been called out for a sacrifice that would usher in a better democratic society for them tomorrow, more less like the brave and heroic Kohima epitaph which declares that “ for your tomorrow we gave our today”, but as we are all beginning to see, these politicians have callously taken both our today and tomorrow with them in one fell swoop by terribly discrediting democracy before the same people.

Nigeria’s Election As Point And Kill!

 By Emmanuel Onwubiko

Some days before the presidential election of February 25, 2023, I was awoken by a chat informing me of the possibility that the election may not be taking place in seven Local Government areas of Imo State. The Senior Director of the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, who brought this sad tale, also tasked me to find out why this is so. 

The Director expressed shock, consternation and disappointment that the insecurity in the South east of Nigeria has been allowed to degenerate and is now a hydra-headed monster. The person expressing this worry is not even Igbo Speaking but he is genuinely concerned about what has gone on for two years now in the Igbo heartlands.

Remembering Pius Adesanmi, A Scholar Of Distinction

By Tunde Olusunle  

I had two spells as a student at the University of Ilorin, abbreviated by us as Unilorin. True, our university started as a college under the University of Ibadan, (UI). We were in a hurry, however, to assert our independence and define our own corporate identity, soon after we were weaned off our mother’s breasts. Unilorin has since imprinted itself in Nigerian and global consciousness.

Late Prof Adesanmi 

The sheer quality of human resources it has availed the world, its groundbreaking ventures in research, teaching and mentoring, the holistic gamut of knowledge production and dissemination has since earned it a more fitting appellation. We call it the Better By Far citadel. My primary excursion through my alma mater ran from 1982 to 1985. The succeeding odyssey straddled 1987 to 1989. I studied English on both occasions, with a dominant slant for literature which I explored for my long essays and thesis respectively. 

Several years after my departure from Unilorin, the name “Pius Adesanmi” became recurring in the public and literary engagement circuits, in Nigeria and beyond. He was at once a poet, scholar, critic, satirist, columnist, author, maybe theorist as well. Biographical information about him, which I picked up in places, described him as a product of Unilorin and he was said to have studied French.

Toward A New Better Nigeria (4):

 OBI’s TRACK RECORD

By Pieray Awele Odor

Mr. Perter Obi has been described earlier by the author of this piece and many other authors as a phenomenon in Nigerian politics. This description is rooted in rational examination or critical analysis of his track record and the very audacious and unique choice of words that he employs for challenging his co-contestants for the presidency and for inviting people to vote for him. The words are “No shishi”, “Character”, “Track record”, “Trust”, “Compassion”, “competence”, and “commitment”. These unique campaign words establish Mr. Peter Obi as a nationalist and put him on the acme of political morality in Nigeria. I shall explain how by presenting his track record.

*Obi

In my previous contributions to public assessment of the three acknowledged real or most significant contenders for the position of president in the election that will be conducted on 25 February 2023 throughout the country, I discussed moral character, what basis should found your voting for one of them, “No Shishi” as a political contractual offer to Nigerians, and character; in this order. In this fourth and final contribution, I have discussed Mr. Obi’s track record. This covers SOME of his actions as the governor of Anambra State for eight years and just three testimonies. I believe the information will be sufficient for you to convince yourself to trust that when you vote for him he will be the best president Nigeria has ever had, by his deeds, not words.

Peter Obi Drops Passionate Message Hours To Presidential Poll...

Fellow Nigerians, it’s 3 days to go and in my quiet moments I know that Nigerians are wondering what Peter Obi is thinking. I will share my thoughts here because I have Nigeria on my mind! 

We are currently at a crossroads. We need a leader to show us the way forward. We need a prudent president, a principled president who has what it takes to lead. 

As we say in Naija: “We need person who sabi road; a person we go follow make this country better.” A new Nigeria is possible. We can make it. 

Epilogue For A Country In labour

 By Ndubuisi Nwafor

Nigeria is in the throes of rebirth; it is turning into a painful pang of labor, and politicians have strategically positioned themselves like vultures to supervise and take charge of the delivery. The PDAPC, LP, and NNPP are clearly the frontrunners in the race to parent the upcoming new nation; it is therefore critical that Nigerians choose a party on February 25th, 2023 that will take the duties and obligations of governance seriously.

Whatever way the pendulum swings, Nigeria will never be the same again, for better or for worse. A vote for the PDAPC would be a return to the status quo ante, and a complete recipe for disaster for a country whose security, economy, law, and governance have all collapsed into blazing hades of impunity and debauchery.

Soliciting For Funding Of Catholic Bishops’ Meeting

 By Peter Awele Pieray Odor

Two weeks ago, I received via WhatsAPP a video about the meeting intended by Catholic Bishops concerning which a voice solicited for funding from the public. It was scheduled to hold from Saturday, 11th of February 2023 to Friday, 17th February, 2023, at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja. The theme of the conference is Citizens Participation in Good Governance in Nigeria. The money requested was to be sent to the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Zenith Bank, 10111533088.

It is reasoned that the solicitation for fund for a conference by Catholic bishops is corrupt, corruptive, scandalous, and confirms the pervasiveness of corruption in Nigeria because morals and faith are breached. The breach of morals is defended here.

Promise Of A New Era: Peter Obi Unmasked

 BOOK REVIEW

By Ugochukwu Ejinkeonye

Even after the 2023 presidential elections scheduled for next Saturday (February 25, 2023) in which Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party has received widespread acclamation as the candidate to beat, I will advise many Nigerians to still look out for Chuks Iloegbunam’s book, The Promise Of A New Era, which was presented to the public a couple of months ago in Enugu. Younger people who might one day nurse the aspiration to occupy leadership positions in Nigeria will find this book especially rewarding.

One juicy take-away from the book is the need for young people to  school themselves to start very early to keep their paths clean because they have no way of knowing the amazing opportunities that might throw themselves on their laps tomorrow. Indeed, an action undertaken today by a youth which might appear very insignificant could shoot itself up tomorrow and undermine his ability to seize a very ripe opportunity to achieve an enviable elevation. This is one vital lesson Peter Obi’s life should teach many young people. Despite being the most fact-checked candidate in the presidential contest today, Obi has emerged without a dent.

Toward A New And Better Nigeria (3): CHARACTER

By Prince Pieray Awele Odor

The first thing that I note about Mr. Obi’s character is that his “No shishi” reflects Nigeria of the good old days. This is because in the good old days no Nigerian bribed another Nigerian because no Nigerian gave any money to another Nigerian in order to make him (the recipient) do for him what he should not do, give him what he does not have natural or legal right to have, or violate any law in order to satisfy his or her interest. 

*Peter Obi

Every Nigerian carried out his or her duties and obligations to fellow Nigerians as duties and obligations and not as favours. Favour was done. Its recipient gave appreciation or gratitude sequel to it. Ekene dike na nke ome, omekwa ozo (Igbo) and Ti omode ba dupe ore ana a ri imiran gba (Yoruba) show that gratitude succeeds action. For bribery, giving precedes action. 

Feb 25: All Eyes On Peter Obi

 By Dan Onwukwe

You needed to have been at the Boundary market, Ajegunle, Lagos state, last weekend. There were tears of joy  when the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, went to campaign there. It was part of his open campaign in selected markets across the country. Remember he has always told us that he is trader.

*Peter Obi

It wasn’t the chant of his name, “Obi, Obi, Obi number One”… that touched the hearts of the enthusiastic crowd at the Ajegunle market. It was, indeed the crowd of excited women with their kids jostling like that woman with the issue of blood in the scriptures who desperately wanted to touch only the hem of the garment of Jesus Christ and be healed. (Matthew 9:20-21, KJV).  Obi obliged them, carrying one baby after the other. It’s the audacity of hope, amid despair.