THE LONG AWAITED IMO-NORTH RERUN ELECTION, ET AL
Last time I painstakingly checked, the conduct of the awaited rerun
election concerning the Imo-North senatorial district in Imo State coupled with
a few state assembly polls in the state was long overdue that even those who
fully understand the language of patience had become pessimistic. It’s
pertinent to acknowledge that some other states across the federation like
Anambra among others are currently passing through similar fate.
It’s more worrisome to note that the 90-day ultimatum issued by the
Nigeria’s apex court otherwise known as the Supreme Court regarding the said
senatorial election likewise that issued against the awaited state assembly
polls by the Appeal Court has elapsed. And pathetically, the Nigerian 1999 Constitution,
as amended, as well as the electoral Acts seems to be silent on the appropriate
action needed to be taken in a situation like this. This indicates that the
said constitution is earnestly calling for amendment in this regard.
The aforementioned elections were scheduled to hold on Saturday 20th
of February 2016 but were outrightly cancelled by the electoral umpire, the
INEC, barely twenty-four hours to the polls owing to a sensed act of
criminality or electoral violence. I, personally, among other concerned
citizens took umbrage as a result of that abrupt cancellation that seemed not
unlike a mere mirage. And till this very moment, I’m still finding it very
difficult to reawaken my precious nerves which were ostensibly paralysed due to
the ordeal.
My greatest worry remains that the polls were postponed indefinitely and
till now, a fresh date is yet to be fixed for its conduct that is long overdue.
This is what exactly informed the emergence of this critique having remained
silent for awhile like a mere onlooker. It’s not anymore news that many of the
affected citizens have reacted vocally towards this anomaly in various
quarters, hence I thought it wise to reexamine as well as throw more light on
the nauseous scenario.
It’s to say the least, a thing of worry that the affected legislative
seats are presently vacant in the concerned jurisdictions which include the Red
Chamber of the National Assembly otherwise recognized as the Senate as well as
the Imo State House of Assembly. This significantly implies that the overall
people of Imo-North Senatorial Zone alongside those of Oru-East State
Constituency among others – which is one of the constituencies affected at the
state level, don’t currently have a representative at the Senate and the Imo
House of Assembly respectively.
We are not unaware of the socio-political and economic implications of
the aforementioned lapse. However, let’s assume we have forgotten the
consequence; hence such loophole indicates that, presently, the electorate of
the affected senatorial district or state constituencies, as the case may be,
do not have someone who is meant to speak on their behalf in the aforesaid
legislative councils. This undoubtedly means that this set of persons is at the
moment being shortchanged as regards the dividend of democracy due to them.
Universally, democracy is for all concerned, thus no one or group of
people is meant to be kept in the dark. Some persons cannot be enjoying the
good side of governance while a few others would be asked to act like
observers. Such phenomenon, which is an act of humiliation, is constitutionally
wrong, hence unacceptable. Obviously, everyone or group deserves a fair
treatment in any democratic setting; they must be treated equally.
The above assertion remains the reason it is generally believed that no
matter how bad a democracy is, it can never be compared to an autocracy,
because freedom remains the greatest thing that would happen to mankind come
rain come shine. Now, the Nigeria’s democratic setting is characterized by a
change mantra initiated by its leaders; suffice it to say that every citizen of
the country is clamouring for change. Such clamour requires the effort of all
Nigerians towards its actualization, thus a situation where some groups are yet
to boast of a federal/state legislator or representative does not augur well
with the anticipation.
I’m baffled that the individuals who are negatively affected by this
scenario are seemingly docile; if not, why am I yet to hear that an organized
peaceful protest has been taken to the INEC as well as the National Assembly or
Imo Assembly as the case may be. Though we have heard that the Senate had
mandated the electoral umpire to fill the vacant positions in the said chamber,
but more vehement effort is still needed. You can’t be subjected to agony and
choose to remain silent while the trauma lasts rather than speaking at the top
of your voice. One of the most paramount moments in one’s life is acknowledging
when he/she is being shortchanged.
Notwithstanding, two respected personalities in the country in the
persons of Chief Athan Achonu of the PDP and Hon Benjamin Uwajumogu of the APC
happen to be the most influential contenders in the long awaited polls, in that
of Imo-North senatorial district precisely. The latter who has served as a
Speaker of the reputable Imo House of Assembly understands what a day off in
the legislative business is liable to cause or lead to, thus needn’t to be told
to do the needful towards ensuring that the people of his district could boast
of a representative in the Senate in no distant time.
The people of Oru East LGA of Imo
State coupled with other state constituencies in the state whose absence are
currently felt in the Imo Assembly are also not left out regarding doing the
needful with a view to ensuring that the ongoing humiliation becomes a thing of
the past in a few days time. Oru East indisputably remains one of the frontiers
among all the 27 LGAs in the state, hence isn’t supposed to be relegated to the
background like a benchwarmer.
The electoral umpire (INEC) must do something very fast toward fixing a
tangible and reliable date for the awaited polls, not just in Imo State but in
other affected state across the federation. They are expected to remain
independent as their name implies, patriotic, resolute, genuine and most
importantly unbiased, regardless of the circumstance. Someone ought to tell
them that this unsolicited delay is seriously getting out of hand. Or, if I may
ask; what are they really up to? Think about it!
Comr Fred Doc
Nwaozor
(TheMediaAmbassador)
-Researcher, Blogger,
Public Affairs analyst & Civil Rights activist-
Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research
& Career Development - Owerri
_____________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056
Twitter: @mediambassador
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