Opinion I Before APC Drenched In Downpour

BEFORE APC DRENCHED IN DOWNPOUR

        Before the All progressives Congress (APC) would be drenched in the foreseen downpour, I’ve thought it wise as a concerned onlooker and citizen to set the record straight for the ruling party.

         I previously did a piece titled ‘APC and her kangaroo elective congresses’. In that very work, which frowned over the ugly happenings within the scope of the APC during the just concluded – perhaps yet to be completed – congresses of the party, I took time to advise the members of the platform, particularly its leadership.

         I was not unhappy when the APC graciously emerged in 2013. The said mood was not unconnected with the notion that its existence in the Nigeria’s political terrain would tremendously help to usher in a wholesome opposition, thereby balancing the pedestal on which the country’s polity stands.

        The above candid belief was actually what angered my temperament when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) – then led by Prof. Attahiru Jega – was ostensibly denying the APC the right to officially register as a political party, citing incoherent merging. The unfortunate response of the electoral umpire, which resulted in a delayed registration, seriously instigated my venom.

        Anyone who was keenly observing my reaction as at then might insinuate I was one of the individuals that collapsed into the merger party. But my reaction, on the contrary, was solely as a result of my long nurtured quest to witness a Nigeria where the opposition would be reliable, viable, indefatigable and formidable.

         Consequently, the APC’s proposed registration eventually received a nod from the INEC. After its registration, it was obviously seen by all concerned that, truly, the long-awaited rival to the then ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) had surfaced to the delight of patriotic Nigerians.

        Owing to its unparalleled popularity coupled with overwhelming change mantra, the APC conspicuously ousted the PDP from the Nigeria’s seat of power via keenly contested polls. Though since the APC came on board as a ruling party, there has been series of ups and downs towards ushering in the exact governance it promised the electorate prior to its emergence, the people had apparently chosen to remain patient and optimistic pending when their overall desire would be duly attended to.

         The APC had thus far refused to be marred by the unending criticisms and condemnations from the opposition occasioned by perceived bad governance. It is, however, shocking to note that internal politics is a factor that’s likely to mar the ruling party.

        Within the past few weeks, the members of the APC in various quarters have publicly showcased that if apt measure isn’t taken, the party might soonest be headed for ‘Rwanda’. Emergence of this eyesore smacks of danger for not just the party but anyone who genuinely means well for the Nigerian state.

        The downpour foreseen with the aid of my panoramic view, which is liable to set in due to the apparent lack of internal democracy that recently ensued in the APC, may end up consuming the party if its leadership refused to put its acts together for the overall good of the organization. It seriously beats my psyche when I see or hear the party’s leaders, who are supposed to be concerned about way forward, indulge themselves in self-deceit.

         It’s quite appalling when realized that one at the helm of affairs isn’t worried about the misdoings in his territory. It’s indeed a shame to see a group of persons, whom were entrusted with certain responsibilities, participate in frivolities. It’s mind-boggling to observe that when we are required to tell ourselves that all isn’t well, we’re rather busy communicating to the world that nothing actually went wrong.

        After the ward, LG and state congresses that were obviously characterized by irregularities, some stalwarts in the APC who were meant to be deeply troubled by the anomaly, were instead seen in different quarters telling the press that the party members had proven to be united, hence ready to retain power come 2019. How do you reconcile this?

        Notwithstanding, the party still has chances of putting its house in order. Before it is drenched in the avoidable downpour, I must seize this medium to notify its leaders at various levels that self-deceit has killed millions of individuals than diseases and accidents did, hence the compelling need to squarely face the reality headlong.

        As the APC witnesses her elective national convention come June 23, 2018, it’s therefore inconsequential to reiterate that if the needful isn’t done before the outing, it will still be an exercise in futility. It would have been splendid and acceptable to ensure that the numerous injuries incurred during the congresses are addressed prior to the conduct of the awaited convention. It would be preposterous to hold a convention while some states are currently recognizing parallel executive council in various levels.

        For the APC to regain its strength, political wise, it’s harmful for its various members to come up with ideas that are in furtherance of their personal interests rather than that of the party. Think about it!

               

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

National Coordinator, Right Thinkers

_________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador            

          

Opinion I Owelle And His Ongoing Operation No More Shanties

OWELLE AND HIS ONGOING OPERATION NO MORE SHANTIES

        The last time I checked, the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha had ostensibly vowed to get rid of any form of shanty around every nook and cranny of the Eastern Heartland, the Owerri Capital Territory in particular.

        The ongoing operation no more shanties, which is part of the Urban Renewal Policy, has conspicuously changed the outlook of the aforementioned capital city thereby making many to apparently pour encomia on the Rescue Mission Government. The operation has obviously been at the top of the gear for quite some time now.

        In view of the policy, most of the major roads within the territory are now wearing a new face. Some of the pathways in question could at the moment comfortably accommodate at least two vehicles on one side of it. It suffices to say that they are bearing a standard dual-carriage system.

        It’s, however, imperative to state that as many celebrate the government for such an achievement, many others are condemning or lashing it. The reason for such diverse reaction is not far-fetched. It is not unconnected with the fact that the initiative had succeeded in sending several Imolites back to their respective clans of origin.

        We are not unaware that no such development can take place without, in the process, negatively affecting some individuals or groups, as might be the case. In other words, for any meaningful development to occur, some – if not most – persons must be hurt. And, you wouldn’t expect those who were affected negatively to join others in approving the goodness or positive effect of the project.

        More so, we must note that not only shanties were affected as regards the urban renewal policy. Some befitting structures had equally been demolished so far since the commencement of the initiative. In some quarters, not just residential structures were demolished; market places or business layouts were also meant to be taken off.

        This latest development concerning demolition of both residential and commercial structures situated along our various roads, has generated uproar and ripples among Imolites at home and in the Diaspora. Some of those whom were directly affected had already left the city for their various villages, and could afterwards not think of any meaningful thing to lay their hands on. I really share their pains just as any other concerned person would.

        But we must take into cognizance that for any useful human-oriented growth or development to take place, there must be sacrifice. Many things need to go down for other things to rise. This implies that to acquire something that’s regarded as the best, the one that’s seen as the good may be sacrificed in the long run.

        Notwithstanding, I deem it fit to disclose that I personally fault the way the government pilots the initiative that have thus far led to wanton demolition of befitting structures or trading centres. I expected the government to ensure that a thorough bilateral agreement was reached with those to be affected by the policy.

        Considering that those structures, not shanties, were erected in line with the initial Master Plan of the territory, their owners were supposed to be holistically engaged in a roundtable talk with the government with a view to reaching a formidable agreement that bears no iota of acrimony or rancour. The demolition would have taken place after concluding the all-inclusive roundtable discussion.

        We need to acknowledge that why the ongoing policy, as initiated by the government, is highly consequential is because Owerri and its environs are currently experiencing an influx. The present human and vehicular population in the territory has outshined the number that was in the mind of those that designed the Master Plan of the area, hence the compelling need for a review of the plan.

        Lagos State, as a megacity, is currently facing the same quagmire. This is the reason successive governments in the South-Western state would continue to demolish various structures and shanties whenever they came on board for the purpose of paving way for both human and vehicular movement.

        No sane and rational individual is meant to be against such a developmental stride anywhere in the world. But what is of concerned is that, before carrying out such initiative, both human and non-human faces are required. A human face is needed when it has to do with demolishing a structure or business centre that was legally built. On the other hand, non-human face is required when shanties and other illicitly built structures are involved.

        Regarding a structure that was licitly constructed, a reasonable compensation ought to be paid to the victim or affected landlord. And, such compensation must be as agreed by the owner, and not as it pleases the government.

        The fact is that, if the owner ascertains that the government’s proposed initiative means well for the state and that someone must be willing to sacrifice something for such plan to be carried out, he might not ask for a compensation that would take care of the intended total damage. The bone of contention is that; such compensation should not be against his wish or want, or as if the government is just trying to be of help to him or her.

        Everyone definitely yearns for meaningful development but let everyone be carried along, particularly those to be directly affected in the process, as we strive towards ushering in such intended societal change. The expected sense of belonging mustn’t be overlooked by the government if they really want the governed to truly cheer them up.

        So, as I candidly appreciate the Owelle-led Rescue Mission Administration over the ongoing urban renewal policy, I needn’t remind the able governor that there’s still need to reconsider those that were unlawfully humiliated so far towards healing the incurred injuries. Think about it!

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

National Coordinator, Right Thinkers

___________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Follow me: @mediambassador              

  

                    

Opinion I El-Rufai, Kaduna LG Polls And E-Voting

EL-RUFAI, KADUNA LG POLLS AND E-VOTING

       A few weeks ago, precisely on Friday, 4^th May 2018, Governor Nasir El-rufai of Kaduna State elatedly informed his fellow members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside the general public that the then forthcoming elections scheduled to take place in the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state would be conducted by electronic voting.

       The governor disclosed this while speaking at the flag-off of the APC’s campaign for the said polls, which held at the famous Kaduna Township Stadium, the state’s capital territory. He boasted “We have made the most significant investment ever to promote electoral integrity and transparency in Nigeria. Our local government elections will be the first ever in Nigeria conducted by electronic voting.”

       It’s noteworthy that electronic voting otherwise known as e-voting is a kind of voting that involves using electronic system to cast and count votes usually with the aid of an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). It is of two main types: the one physically supervised by representatives of the electoral umpire and the remote e-voting whereby votes are cast via the internet from any location. The former requires the EVM whilst the latter could be done with one’s personal computer.

       The merits of electronic voting cannot be overemphasized. It enables vote to be cast with ease. It increases the speed of voting. It is cost effective; in other words, it tremendously reduces the cost of conducting an election by engaging only a few electoral officials rather than in the case of manual voting system that requires much manpower.

        An electronic voting can provide an improved accessibility for the electorate that are physically challenged, thereby enabling them to participate actively at the polls. It’s transparent because it can easily be observed by anyone present at the polling unit. It helps to reduce human error to a great extent. It makes the election results to be announced faster than expected, thus building trust.

       Among all, e-voting is auditable with the assistance of Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT). The EVM prints a paper receipt each time a vote is cast electronically. This makes it easy to perform recounts and audits because one can compare the electronic count with the paper count. Owing to the overall gains and effects of electronic voting, it increases turnout and engagement among the electorate.

        On Saturday, 12^th May 2018, the LG polls successfully held in 21 LGAs, leaving that of the remaining 2 LGAs pending till further notice due to some circumstances as planned by the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KADSIECOM). It was, however, reported that some of the EVMs malfunctioned in some polling units while some were made away by hoodlums to unknown destinations.

        Away from the stipulated machine and human errors; after the results were announced, the leading opposition platform – the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) – through the state’s Chairman Mr. Felix Hassan Hyet outrightly rejected the outcome of the polls, saying the party had been shortchanged as a result of manipulations.

        The released results showed that the APC swept virtually all the LGAs while PDP managed to secure about four councils. It would be recalled that other political parties boycotted the elections, citing foreseen irregularities.

        Mr. Hyet, who threatened to channel the party’s grievances to court, claimed that most of the results announced were through radio stations instead of the returning officers whom he alleged disappeared immediately after the conclusion of the elections.

        Gov. El-rufai, on his part, had testified that human error was recorded during the exercise as he claimed that the EVMs performed perfectly as anticipated. In his statewide address while being interviewed by newsmen after the polls, he said “only human error was recorded. All the electronic voting machines functioned perfectly. We shall investigate the cause of the human error.”

        The outcome of the polls in their totality signifies that we still have a long way to go as regards electronic voting. It was gathered that some of the EVMs malfunctioned even as the governor had claimed that they all performed excellently. The diverse reactions trailing the functionality of the EVMs used at the polls are good reasons to note that the system isn’t yet ripe for the practice.

        We have equally learnt that some of the EVMs were carted away by thugs in the process. This particular loophole implies that adequate security wasn’t on ground to safeguard the polling units and the sensitive materials, or perhaps the security personnel compromised their obligations. This again raises another room for great worry.

        It was further alleged that the returning officers in charge of the various LGAs vanished into thin air after concluding the elections, and the governor had reportedly frowned at the anomaly. As we are yet to realize where they later reappeared, it’s imperative to acknowledge that the so-called returning officers have a thousand and one questions to answer if the required investigations must be carried out by the concerned authority.

        As I appreciate Gov. El-rufai for giving us the prototype of how the e-voting would look like if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) eventually adopts it for the Nigeria’s political sphere, it’s my pleasure to notify the commission that if well prepared, the country can really get it right.

        Since we have observed the lapses bordering on lack of civilization, insecurity and backwardness in use of technology, there’s absolutely no need to suggest to the INEC on what needs to be done towards ensuring that the e-voting system is duly implemented in the future.

        During his speech prior to the LG polls, Gov. El-rufai opined that the INEC could at the moment start preparing to make use of the e-voting pattern come 2023 general elections. I completely concur with the suggestion. Hence, since time is apparently against us regarding the fast approaching 2019 polls, Nigeria as a country ought to right now consider making use of the e-voting system come 2013.

        Hence, the INEC must hold the bull by the horn with a view to ensuring that the needful is done. As the world is already engulfed in technologies and every facet of the global community gradually becoming digitally-inclined, the electoral umpire needn’t shy away from taking into cognizance that it’s time the Nigerian state inculcated e-voting into its electoral mechanism.

         So, as we wait patiently for the apt time, I implore the INEC to employ every needed effort towards ushering in the long awaited moment. Notwithstanding, for this lofty dream to be actualized, we must be willing to tell ourselves nothing but the truth. Think about it!     

Comrade Fred Nwaozor

National Coordinator, Right Thinkers

________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

Twitter: @mediambassador