Thinking Beyond Party Politicking

THINKING BEYOND PARTY POLITICKING AS THE GENERAL ELECTIONS ARE FAST APPROACHING

        

An election is a decision-making process in which a population chooses an individual or group of persons to hold an official position or a public office. In the same vein, the election of a person or a political party is their success/victory at the electoral polls; or the situation whereby one is being chosen for a certain position of authority by the majority.

Elections are usually employed in order to fill vacant offices in the legislative and/or executive arm of any government. The process is also used in many private or business organizations such a clubs, voluntary associations and corporate societies.

The universal use of elections as a tool for selecting political leaders or representatives in modern democracies is in contrast with the practice in the democratic ancient Athens whose elections were conducted by an oligarchic process in which most political offices were filled via Allotment method through which officeholders were chosen by a lot.   

Elections have been the usual mechanism by which modern representative democracy has operated since the Seventeenth (17^th) Century. These aforementioned assertions have proven beyond any reasonable doubt that it is only in a thorough democratic setting, that, elections are witnessed or allowed to take place.

Democracy which is referred to as the government of the people, by the people, and for the people, is indeed a practice that needs to be sustained by all means by any concerned country or nation because it is only the form of government that grants the citizenry the opportunity to choose their leaders or representatives. And for democracy to be sustained, elections or electoral matters must be taken very seriously by the electorates.

Since the emergence of democracy in Nigeria, the giant of Africa, it is obvious that elections which are widely regarded as a veritable tool have been maltreated by both those seeking for political offices and the electorates due to corruption. Ab initio, disheartening cases including molestation, thuggery, sale of Voter’s Card, bribery, lobbying, impersonation, as well as election rigging among other forms of electoral malpractices have been the order of the day.

As the 2015 general elections are fast approaching, there is urgent need for the electorates to look beyond party politicking while making their choices, especially as multi-party system is being observed in Nigeria. Perhaps, since the multi-party system routine has the tendency of distracting the electorates, they are therefore expected to concentrate on the individuality of the candidates rather than their political affiliations.

In view of this, the background of the aspirants ought not to be taken for granted. The social, religious, educational and parental lineages of the aspirants speak volume than any other factor because it is the recipe that would inform the electorates where exactly the candidates is migrating from thereby enabling them (the electorates) to know what he/she can offer if emerged victorious at the polls.

Also, for the candidates seeking for second or third term, or who wants to divert to a different position, as the case may be, the electorates should thoroughly assess his/her accomplishments during the first tenure or while in the previous office. In this aspect, the person’s achievements during the previous term(s) should also be seen as his/her background thus must be critically considered by the concerned electorates. By so doing, they would be able to separate the grains from the chaffs.

On its part, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ought to as a matter of urgency, disqualify any candidate with any questionable character or any trace of criminality. Those who have violated or who possess the tendency of violating any of the electoral laws or regulations should not be exempted in this line of action.

The electorates should also assist INEC that is poised to conduct free and fair elections, by ensuring that each of them is registered for the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) and afterwards, go for its collection at the designated quarters. Registration for and collection of the PVC is the civic right of any bona-fide Nigerian citizen who has attained the age of eighteen (18).

Anyone who registered at a particular ward, zone or state but wishes to cast his/her vote elsewhere is statutorily meant to apply at the INEC office for onward transfer of his/her bio-data to the affected electoral ward, zone or state as the case might be. Also, those who have registered in 2011 and were issued Temporary Voter’s Card (TVC) are not meant to register again before they would be entitled to collect their PVC. INEC and the civil society should on their respective capacities help to create more awareness in this regard.

Above all, we must ensure that our votes are duly counted having voted for candidates of our choice. Our votes are our mandates; therefore we must at all cost endeavour to safeguard them irrespective of the circumstance. We ought to note that, for the anticipated free, fair and credible elections not to end up as a mirage, all hands must be on deck towards its actualization.

So, as the various political aspirants in the country are currently busy with their respective electioneering, we are expected to look beyond party politicking and concentrate on the candidates’ individuality and most importantly, the future of the country. Think about it!

 

   COMR FRED NWAOZOR
  The Media Ambassador
-------------------------------------------------
   frednwaozor@gmail.com  
         +2348028608056  
       Follow: @fdnnwaozor

Newstalk On Gov Okorocha's Tour To Oru East LGA By Fred Nwaozor

GOVERNOR OKOROCHA’S CAMPAIGN TOUR TO ORU EAST LGA, ON WEDNESDAY JANUARY 14, 2015

It is no longer news that it was jubilation galore in Imo State in its entirety on Thursday 6^th of May 2011 when Chief Owelle Rochas Okorocha, OON emerged victorious as the Governor of the State in subsequence to the supplementary election that took place at Oguta, Ngor-Okpala, Ohaji/Egbema, Owerri North and Mbaitolu LGAs due to the inclusiveness of the main gubernatorial election that was conducted on Tuesday April 26, 2011.

On that fateful day coupled with the days afterwards, the cripple were jumping and the dumb were seen talking because they were of the view that Imo State, the Eastern Heartland, had at last gotten a Messiah as a leader. No doubt, the euphoric mood noticed among the electorates was not unconnected to the free-education programme via the Rochas Foundation Colleges which Chief Okorocha had sustained across the nation for several years.

To say the least; since Governor Okorocha has been at the helm of affairs in Imo State, to the best of the knowledge of every right thinking individual in the State, the masses that were agog when he emerged victorious as the state Governor are still preoccupied with their usual mood of excitement. This is as a result of the dividend of democracy they have enjoyed from the onset of the ‘Rescue Mission’ dispensation; ranging from education to health care delivery, security, road network, infrastructure, agriculture, prompt payment of workers’ salaries/wages, pension matters, just to mention but a few. Not forgotten the indelible programme of the amiable Imo First Lady, Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha – the She Needs A Roof Project (SNARP) under the auspices of the Women for Divine Destiny Initiative (WODDI).

In regard to this fact, some of the masses who could not hide their feelings would say unequivocally that Rochas Okorocha has done virtually everything he needed to do for Imolites; stating that, whatever the governor has done in the state is visible unlike what was the case during the past administrations. This is the reason the Commandant General of the Imo State Civil Guard Corps, Hon Sir Donatus Ewe Ejifugha described the governor as ‘Ome nke ahuru anya’.

No wonder the entire state was agog on Monday January 12, 2015 when the Governor formally disclosed his interest to vie for a second term in office under the aegis of the All Progressives Party (APC). On that historic and epoch-making occasion, the people’s governor categorically stated that his second term would focus mainly on industrialization and job creation since other aspects have already been actualized during his first term.

Today Wednesday January 14, all roads would lead to Oru East Local Government Area ably led by Honourable Prince Lasbery Okaforanyanwu, as the governor – the Senior Advocate of the Masses and the Commander of Free Education accompanied by his able entourage is ready to visit the council in line with his Rescue Mission Campaign Tour. The rally is expected to unfold many things such as presentation of the party (APC) flag bearers to the people of the area, addressing the youths of the area on their civic responsibilities during the forthcoming general elections, among others.

As the indisputable Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, OON and his running mate Prince Eze Mmadumere, MFR visit Oru East today, we are using this avenue to appeal to every good spirited individual of Oru East origin who are pleased by the numerous charming achievements of the Rescue Mission as well as every leader of the council and all the officials of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Oru East Chapter including the traditional custodians, commercial drivers/motorcyclists, the youth, school children, the Nneoma Women Organization, and all the women groups in the area, the Booth Leaders, APC Youth Vanguard, and the APC Ward officials, to come out en masse.

I want to sincerely appreciate all the leaders of the council who have been working relentlessly to ensure that the Governor’s visit becomes a success such as Hon Prince Lasbery Okaforanyanwu and the Transition Committee Councillors, Chief Sir Donatus Ewe Ejifugha – KSJI, Chief Bernard Nwananya, Chief Chime Nzeribe, Hon Law Nwobodo, Dr Emma Ogbenta, Hon (Mrs) Nma Nzeribe Michaels, Chief Romanus Egbuladike, Hon Nathan Udogwu, Barr Obinna Amagwula, Chief Dr Nicholas Onwumere, Chief Nkenna Nzeruo, Barr Nicholas Nkendeme, High Chief Calistus Ugoeze, Hon Alphonsus Onwumere, Hon Jude Opurum, High Chief Abu Nnanna, Chief Augustine Onyedebelu, Barr Nelson Ezerioha, and Barr Evaristus Duru. In the same vein, I want to commend Evang Esther Obong Egbuna and Mrs Stella Udogwu who have been very supportive from the onset.

The People’s Governor, Ndi Oru East Na asi gi, Ijeoma oo!!

 

        COMR FRED NWAOZOR

Public Affairs Analyst & Rights Activist
-------------------------------------------------
            frednwaozor@gmail.com   
              +2348028608056  

 

My Open Letter To Governor Okorocha

MY OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNOR OKOROCHA

Brethren, never let someone else’s opinion of you become your reality. In the same vein, accept no one’s definition of your life; rather, define yourself.

No doubt, it was jubilation galore in Imo State, the Eastern Heartland, on the Thursday 6^th of May 2011 when Chief Owelle Rochas Okorocha emerged victorious as the Governor of Imo State in subsequence to the supplementary election that took place in the State, at Oguta, Ngor-Okpala, Ohaji/Egbema, Owerri North and Mbaitolu LGAs precisely due to the inclusiveness of the main gubernatorial election that was conducted on Tuesday April 26, 2011.

To my greatest surprise as a concerned citizen of the aforementioned state, I saw the cripple jumping as well as the dumb talking, on that fateful day – May 6, 2011, because the leader in question finally emerged as the victor at the said supplementary polls after all said and done by the opposition. In my curious mood, I tried to enquire what actually prompted the moment of euphoria among the electorates or why almost everyone was supportive of the victory, and I was told unequivocally that Imo State had at last gotten a Messiah.

Frankly, many were in the mood of jubilation across the facets of the state on that very day, and the days afterwards. I succeeded in interviewing a young man closely, to know the exact reason the state in its entirety was turned into an euphoric arena. According to the chap, I learnt that the jubilation regarding Chief Okorocha’s victory was not unconnected to the free-education colleges, Rochas Foundation Colleges, he had sustained across the nation for several years. Let’s ride on!

To say the least; since Gov Okorocha has been at the helm of affairs in Imo State, to the best of the knowledge of every right thinking individual in the state, the masses who were jubilating when he emerged victorious as the Governor of the State are still in their right mood of jubilation, which has to do with the dividend of democracy they have enjoyed from the onset of the ‘Rescue Mission’ dispensation, ranging from education to health care, road network,  security, agriculture, infrastructure, prompt payment of salaries/wages, pension matters, and what have you. Some of them (the masses) would tell you that Rochas Okorocha has done virtually everything he needed to do for the Imolites.

Now, the heat is on again in Imo State regarding the forthcoming general elections in the country that are fast approaching. The proposed gubernatorial election that would take place in the State, not unlike the presidential aspect of it, has indeed increased the political tempo in the state to the highest level. As regards the approaching elections, presently one may be of the view that Imo, likewise any other state in Nigeria, has abruptly become a home for insane elements.

At this juncture, my candid advice to Governor Okorocha is to remain steadfast and never be distracted by the opposition if he truly wants to reign for a second term. What he should be more concerned with now, is to concentrate on how he can consolidate the genuine good work he has done in Imo State, because Imolites need more from him. Industrialization, job creation, and massive attention to the tourism sector ought to be his watchword or priority at this point.

Thus, the governor should never let someone else’s opinion of him become his reality. Also, he ought not to accept anyone’s definition of his life; rather he should endeavour to define himself, because Imo must surely get to the anticipated Promised Land. Think about it!

 

        COMR FRED NWAOZOR

Public Affairs Analyst & Rights Activist
Founder / General Coordinator, Imo Fans Fortress (IMOFAF)
-------------------------------------------------

            frednwaozor@gmail.com   

              +2348028608056