By Fred Doc Nwaozor
Life generally is conspicuously characterized by tremendous intrigues and intricacies. This is the reason some persons who truly comprehend the features of nature don’t seemingly hold anything firmly.
They do so, believing that whatever one beholds can depart at anytime, and in most cases, it happens unannounced. This set of individuals, that’s invariably found anywhere across the globe, is often referred to as a group of realists.
Realism is simply the ability to face any ongoing circumstance or trending events squarely as they appear without making any effort to twist their real outlook or value. This school of thought enables mankind to be rational and real at all times.
In elections or electioneering era for instance, several intrigues are usually observed by the onlookers. Taking Nigeria as a case study, each time any election approaches, the concerned aspirants or political parties are – rather than dwelling on issue-based campaign – relentlessly involved in exposing their dirty lilies in the public domain.
An aspirant or candidate who is expected to inform the people what he/she intends to do towards ushering in the anticipated good governance when he emerges victoriously, would end up telling the electorate why they shouldn’t vote for his/her rival(s), thereby contradicting the scenario.
In a situation whereby the ruling party is contesting for a certain position or reelection and its closest rival happens to have tasted the leadership seat in the past, the two parties – both the ruling and opposition – would be mainly involved in castigating each other as they go about their day-to-day campaigns towards gaining the people’s votes.
They invariably concentrate on this wayward style of campaign, and they do so vigorously and doggedly, forgetting that what the voters really need to hear from them is their plan on how to position or reposition the country/state positively if they became elected at the polls.
This character assassination as mentioned above, popularly known as “blame game”, has currently eaten deep into the bloodstream of the Nigeria’s political system and its likes. It has hitherto continued unabated as being witnessed in the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly elections in the country.
Such a game was keenly, though ‘shamefully’, played by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that happened to be its closest rival, towards the last presidential polls that eventually held on 23rd February 2019. And it is still occurring across the country as we await the Gubernatorial and States’ Houses of Assembly elections come 9th March 2019.
At the moment, it’s obvious that after the blame game that heralded the 2019 Presidential election, a victor has consequently emerged as was publicly declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday, 27th February 2019, precisely at about 4am.
The INEC through its Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, having painstakingly studied the overall outcome of the elections as was separately tendered by the states’ Returning Officers, graciously announced Muhammadu Buhari of the APC as the winner of the keenly contested poll. The Certificate of Return was given to the victor at 2pm on the same day.
Millions of people the world over are currently celebrating with the victor as some others are reportedly aggrieved with the pronounced outcome of the poll. Whatever the case might be, the bone of contention remains that a winner has finally emerged from the blame game after the suspense and intrigues that transpired.
At this juncture, I want to candidly appreciate Nigerians for the maturity and patience displayed thus far. Election as an exercise is a process, hence entails various sections. The first part of it is for the electorate to collectively cast their votes; Nigerians participated in this phase with extreme maturity.
The second phase entails awaiting the pronouncement of the outcome of the election. This section equally requires to be participated with patriotic mindset imbued with patience. Nigerians in their number also did as expected while in this very phase.
The third phase involves declaration of any of the contenders as the victor of the exercise or competition. It’s noteworthy that the victor is constitutionally the candidate who garnered the maximum number of votes as against his/her co-contestants.
I equally commend the citizens for accepting this section in good faith as we appeal to the defeated candidate(s) who wish(es) to query the outcome or the declaration to use the apt channel, which remains the legal means. The PDP has already approached the Election Tribunal; we therefore enjoin them to remain calm and mature till the entire proceeding is over.
Similar appeal goes to the candidates or political parties who were reportedly defeated at the various 29 states that experienced the recent conduct of the gubernatorial elections. They must endeavour to use the right and lawful channel in showcasing their respective grievances.
So, as I congratulate Mr. President alongside his entire team for reemerging as the next democratically-elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I also congratulate the teeming Nigerians for the fantastic and remarkable role they have variously played so far towards ensuring that peace and harmony are maintained across the shores of the Nigerian State.
Above all, as I appreciate the INEC for eventually concluding this labour and cost intensive task, I enjoin the commission to look inwards to ensure that whatever lapse(s) experienced in the last polls isn’t/aren’t witnessed in the impending ones.
Hence, the electoral umpire must tactically go back to the drawing board. The practice of spending up to four days or thereabouts after the election before the final results are announced must, therefore, be reviewed with a view to ensuring that such an inconsequential suspense doesn’t repeat itself.
All in all, as we collectively enjoy this relative peace, I urge us to continually remind ourselves that there’s no other country, aside Nigeria, we can proudly and boldly call our own. Think about it!
Comrade Nwaozor, a Policy Analyst, Rights Activist & Social Crusader,
is National Coordinator of Right Thinkers Movement
Monday, 1 April 2019
Opinion I Intrigues of Elections And Democratic Values
By Fred Doc Nwaozor
The last time I checked, democracy seemingly remained the best system of government. And till this very moment, this generally accepted assertion hasn’t changed.
Many in various quarters have overtime opined that the worst democracy can never be compared to the best autocracy anywhere in the world, meaning literally that the former is far better than the latter.
In view of the above, several persons all over the global community have invariably and rigorously been canvassing for apt sustenance of democratic system and processes in their respective societies. According to them, the said system has convincingly proven to run an all-inclusive pattern of government compared to others.
It’s noteworthy that democracy is conspicuously characterized by two prime recipes namely: elections and freedom of speech. These key factors spice up the regular functionality of any democratic terrain wherever it is found.
An election or electoral process heralds the swearing-in era of the aforesaid government, whereby a set of leaders is constitutionally empowered to be at the helm of affairs of the given nation or province, as might be the case.
The above clause implies that it is through elections the leadership class of any democracy emerges. It suffices to say that it’s only by the conduct of an election the people would meet their leaders. When the leaders are eventually produced via the polls, the people or the electorate can be classified as followers.
The bone of contention is that an election is not unlike a pivot on which a democratic state firmly stands. It is, therefore, the progenitor of the system of leadership in question. It is the foundation or basis of this lovable platform currently enjoyed by the majority of countries across the globe.
Elections are simply the rudiments of democratic values; they are invariably one of the paramount reasons people all over clamour for democracies; they are the origin of good governance, which equally is one of the main features of any existing democracy. An election is summarily the engine room of all democratic processes and values.
It’s on this premise people are urged to safeguard elections with all their might. The obvious beauty of an electoral process is why discerning mindsets in every nook and cranny have at all times preached the reason it must be treated with all manners of seriousness.
It’s of note that the peaceful and credible conduct of any election, either national, state or association, does not depend on the electoral umpire alone. That is to say; for any election to be peaceful or for its outcome to be appreciated and acceptable by all and sundry, all hands – such as the umpire, voters, candidates, security outfits, the media, and observers – are required to meaningfully contribute their quota.
Each of the stakeholders mentioned above has a very vital and inevitable role to play towards guaranteeing a well transparent and commendable election, particularly a societal electoral process. Their respective roles are well defined in the Electoral Act guiding the election in question in such a way that they aren’t meant to derail in the long run till the exercise is holistically concluded.
The most basic attitude that’s expected of all participants in any election is to see the overall interest of the benefitting entity as more crucial than the various interests of the individuals that make up the union or group.
Considering the interest of the province, nation or association, or collective interest of the members, as sacrosanct would enable all participating parties to render contributions that are devoid of pranks or what have you. Placing the people’s general interest ahead of their personal gains remains the best way indisputable credible polls could be witnessed in any clime that upholds or understands the language of democracy.
Taking Nigeria as a case study, it’s needless to assert that the acclaimed giant of Africa is presently undergoing a serious trial period as regards elections and their possible outcomes. As well-meaning and patriotic Nigerians are at the moment apparently perturbed, there are key facts they are required to embrace with a view to ensuring that the country isn’t in any way marred by any form of crisis, irregularity, or mayhem.
If any right thinking Nigerian truly looks forward to seeing a more peaceful and greater country called Nigeria, then he/she shouldn’t be told or reminded that the citizenry are expected to remain calm, rational and law abiding throughout the conduct of the entire scheduled polls and as they await the outcome of the exercise.
The candidates or political parties involved need to bear the national interest in mind as they variously receive the results of each of the elections. Thus, if the results aren’t in their favour, they must be willing and ready to accept them in good faith.
They shouldn’t see victory after the elections as a “do or die affair” or an anticipated outcome that must come to past. It’s imperative to comprehend that, among the numerous contenders, only one of them is meant to emerge victoriously at the polls.
It’s pertinent to acknowledge that not being successful at a certain poll doesn’t signify you can’t succeed subsequently, or no more room for you to excel. We must always take into cognizance that election is a continuum, hence remains endless. In other others, if the outcome of today’s election isn’t in your favour, tomorrow’s might make you grin again.
It’s undoubtedly our collective civic responsibility to at all cost defend the sanctity of this country and the human life at large. To adhere to this mandate, we must at all times be fully prepared to accept our individual fates in good faith.
If it’s ideal that a certain election outcome ought to be disputed, let the aggrieved party endeavour to head to the election tribunal. Mind you; if you incite your followers against your rival, you’re equally doing so against Nigeria. Think about it!
Comrade Nwaozor, is National Coordinator,
Right Thinkers Movement
The last time I checked, democracy seemingly remained the best system of government. And till this very moment, this generally accepted assertion hasn’t changed.
Many in various quarters have overtime opined that the worst democracy can never be compared to the best autocracy anywhere in the world, meaning literally that the former is far better than the latter.
In view of the above, several persons all over the global community have invariably and rigorously been canvassing for apt sustenance of democratic system and processes in their respective societies. According to them, the said system has convincingly proven to run an all-inclusive pattern of government compared to others.
It’s noteworthy that democracy is conspicuously characterized by two prime recipes namely: elections and freedom of speech. These key factors spice up the regular functionality of any democratic terrain wherever it is found.
An election or electoral process heralds the swearing-in era of the aforesaid government, whereby a set of leaders is constitutionally empowered to be at the helm of affairs of the given nation or province, as might be the case.
The above clause implies that it is through elections the leadership class of any democracy emerges. It suffices to say that it’s only by the conduct of an election the people would meet their leaders. When the leaders are eventually produced via the polls, the people or the electorate can be classified as followers.
The bone of contention is that an election is not unlike a pivot on which a democratic state firmly stands. It is, therefore, the progenitor of the system of leadership in question. It is the foundation or basis of this lovable platform currently enjoyed by the majority of countries across the globe.
Elections are simply the rudiments of democratic values; they are invariably one of the paramount reasons people all over clamour for democracies; they are the origin of good governance, which equally is one of the main features of any existing democracy. An election is summarily the engine room of all democratic processes and values.
It’s on this premise people are urged to safeguard elections with all their might. The obvious beauty of an electoral process is why discerning mindsets in every nook and cranny have at all times preached the reason it must be treated with all manners of seriousness.
It’s of note that the peaceful and credible conduct of any election, either national, state or association, does not depend on the electoral umpire alone. That is to say; for any election to be peaceful or for its outcome to be appreciated and acceptable by all and sundry, all hands – such as the umpire, voters, candidates, security outfits, the media, and observers – are required to meaningfully contribute their quota.
Each of the stakeholders mentioned above has a very vital and inevitable role to play towards guaranteeing a well transparent and commendable election, particularly a societal electoral process. Their respective roles are well defined in the Electoral Act guiding the election in question in such a way that they aren’t meant to derail in the long run till the exercise is holistically concluded.
The most basic attitude that’s expected of all participants in any election is to see the overall interest of the benefitting entity as more crucial than the various interests of the individuals that make up the union or group.
Considering the interest of the province, nation or association, or collective interest of the members, as sacrosanct would enable all participating parties to render contributions that are devoid of pranks or what have you. Placing the people’s general interest ahead of their personal gains remains the best way indisputable credible polls could be witnessed in any clime that upholds or understands the language of democracy.
Taking Nigeria as a case study, it’s needless to assert that the acclaimed giant of Africa is presently undergoing a serious trial period as regards elections and their possible outcomes. As well-meaning and patriotic Nigerians are at the moment apparently perturbed, there are key facts they are required to embrace with a view to ensuring that the country isn’t in any way marred by any form of crisis, irregularity, or mayhem.
If any right thinking Nigerian truly looks forward to seeing a more peaceful and greater country called Nigeria, then he/she shouldn’t be told or reminded that the citizenry are expected to remain calm, rational and law abiding throughout the conduct of the entire scheduled polls and as they await the outcome of the exercise.
The candidates or political parties involved need to bear the national interest in mind as they variously receive the results of each of the elections. Thus, if the results aren’t in their favour, they must be willing and ready to accept them in good faith.
They shouldn’t see victory after the elections as a “do or die affair” or an anticipated outcome that must come to past. It’s imperative to comprehend that, among the numerous contenders, only one of them is meant to emerge victoriously at the polls.
It’s pertinent to acknowledge that not being successful at a certain poll doesn’t signify you can’t succeed subsequently, or no more room for you to excel. We must always take into cognizance that election is a continuum, hence remains endless. In other others, if the outcome of today’s election isn’t in your favour, tomorrow’s might make you grin again.
It’s undoubtedly our collective civic responsibility to at all cost defend the sanctity of this country and the human life at large. To adhere to this mandate, we must at all times be fully prepared to accept our individual fates in good faith.
If it’s ideal that a certain election outcome ought to be disputed, let the aggrieved party endeavour to head to the election tribunal. Mind you; if you incite your followers against your rival, you’re equally doing so against Nigeria. Think about it!
Comrade Nwaozor, is National Coordinator,
Right Thinkers Movement
Monday, 25 February 2019
#PresidentialPoll: APC Wins PDP With 170,800 Margin @Kwara
The statistics as collated and announced by the Vice-Chancellor of FUTMinna are as follows:
APC - 308,984
PDP - 138184
Cast votes - 486,254
Rejected votes - 36578
Valid votes - 449,676
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