2023 General Elections

Mediocrity, incompetence and ignorance have been the major attributes of governance in the states of the federation.

Superior advice, counsel and guides were ignored and, rather, suggestions that were self-centered in nature were implemented.

Indeed, so many states have been debased and defrauded of their resources by those who are beneficiaries of the manipulation of the system.
The major focus is the allocation of the federation account, without recourse to accountability and audit.

Nigerians now wish to know how the policies of the state governments have reversed the worrisome scheme of things in the affected states.

Sadly, no one is ready to make such a disclosure, considering the mystery surrounding  the growth rate of the economy of the affected states.

The Uncertain Political Direction

Only weak, deceitful and sinking leaders will consider it impossible to decisively give political  direction to followers, when it matters most.
But when the followers discover the air of uncertainty that has enveloped the political direction, they have no option but to take their destinies in their own hands.

Hunger, fear and other forms of hardships now constitute the mindset of millions of Nigerians less than four days to the general elections.

This assertion was made on Monday by the representative of Civil Society Organizations(CSO), Hadjia Aisha Ismail, at an enlarged stakeholders meeting organized by the Oyo state office of the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC)in Ibadan, Nigeria.

''People are hungry, people don't have what to eat, there is no fuel, they can't get anything from their neighbors, banks are not dispensing cash, Point of Sale(POS) shops are also not dispensing cash. The masses are afraid to come out, we have to go out to tell them not to be afraid to come out. We have told them that when there is trouble, they should go back home. Please, we don't want hooliganism. We must not vote for the wrong people in this election,'' Hadjia Ismail concluded.

In his remark, the Resident Electoral Commissioner(REC) in the state, Dr. Adeniran Tella expressed worries over the flashpoints in the state, saying, ''the security agencies have assured them of adequate security before, during and after the elections. All hands must be on deck to achieve successful elections.''

The representative of the Inter Party Advisory Council(IPAC), Pastor Biodun Popoola appealed to political parties to act within the ambits of the law, adding ''let us educate our members. I also appeal to our religious bodies to pray more this time for God's intervention.''

However, the meeting got rowdy when the issue of the actual figure of collected and uncollected Permanent Voters Cards(PVC) was raised by a political party representative.

The gathering dispersed when the organizers hurriedly brought the meeting to an end for another official engagement. No public holidays were set aside for Nigerians in Oyo state to collect their PVCs.

In another development, the spokesman of INEC in the state, Mr. Awolowo has disclosed that the registration for the accreditation for Journalists that will cover the general elections in the state has closed.

Overcrowding

The additional population which has brought about overcrowding in several communities in Oyo state, has resulted in evil, lawlessness, crime, criminality and evil in those communities. Who are those responsible for the overcrowding? Nigerians continue to ask.

Election manipulation begins when new polling units are clandestinely created in the guise of overcrowding in the original polling units.

Indeed, Those-in-Authority are working round the clock to ensure that their preferred candidates emerge even before the elections.

Certainly, a lot is wrong with the system.

Without doubt, Nigerians have lost faith in the system.

Among other reasons for this, include the fact that millions of Nigerians have been impoverished without hope, dehumanized and disenfranchised.

Now, they look up to Those-in-Authority for austere stipends and handouts.

Not surprisingly, the quest to sustain power has placed a high premium on securing power for self-centered interests.

The plots of Those-in-Power and the counterplots by others out of power have almost brought Nigeria to its knees, even as desperation continues to trail the ongoing political fog, with abortive attempts at labelling the same preparations for the general elections.

The Future.......?

The criminal tendencies continually exhibited by children who reside with their parents or guardians, in the Molusi, Oyegbami, Solanke, Oshodi, Aluko, Scout Camp, Felele and several other communities in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria; is a pointer to the fact that most public and private schools in the state have become breeding grounds for future criminals.

The much awaited general elections are just 11 days away and preparations by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) are in an advanced stage. However, Nigerians have continued to express mixed feelings about the elections. In this interview, the Founder, Spiritual head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke JP outlines the reasons why Nigerians must vote in a new set of leaders that possess the political will to address the country's myriad of challenges. Excerpt:

Do you think the outcome of the general elections will usher in a new set of leaders in Nigeria?

Credible leadership in the Nigerian context is a farce, if we are to consider the socio-behavioral status of each of the presidential candidates as well as others who are vying for other sensitive positions in the next political dispensation. Each of them, however, have varying degrees of image issues. Without doubt, a winner must emerge among them. The present situation in the country is a reflection of the cumulative deficiencies in our leaders-past and present consequences of poor socio-economic conditions of our people and their environment due to a low level of performance, institutional indiscipline and corruption, as against the main objective of democracy which we are operating as our political philosophy. The justice system remains selective in the dispensation of justice. The legislative arms are weak and usually act out the script written by the executive, resulting in very weak policy formulation and implementation at the expense of the welfare and wellness of the people. In effect, the excesses of the executive remain uncontrollable, resulting in unwarranted marginalization and poor infrastructure that is dysfunctional, making the lives of Nigerians to be at the mercy of deteriorated services. The general elections, therefore, as it will come by God's grace, in this month and in March, is going to be a date with our resolve to take our destinies in our hands. Hence, we must not toy with it and we must let it be free,fair and credible and without acrimony. Nigerians are now more conscious and aware of the importance of good governance to effect peace and sustainable development as observed in many nations where democracy is functional. For us in Nigeria, we are tired of playing around democracy for its dividend to be mere tantalizing mirages. In addition, various indicators of development are at the lowest ebb. For example, human development and infrastructure indexes, high inflation rates, poverty, hunger and diseases, devastating climate change effects and institutional corruption. Nigeria needs credible leaders that will be visionary and proactive with a network of wisdom to passionately solve the problems in the land. The President and other political office holders that will emerge after the general elections must be ready to fix the weak areas and must be very selfless in discharging their duties to be able to minimally deliver the expected dividends of democracy. Above all, we need a detribalized President and a non-religious bigot who will be able to bring sanity into the religious system to be able to spiritually have a united voice in correctin all the wrongs. This is the only way by which good governance can be nurtured through the spiritual drive for accelerated socio-economic development. Various lessons have been going on with respect to how best to vote without wasting the exercise. The only wisdom in collecting the Permanent Voters Cards(PVC) is to use them wisely on the days elections will take place to ensure that credible leaders emerge and correct all aberrations in the land, for Nigeria to become a better place to live in and to prosper at a sustainable level.

The conception of political development by leaders in Nigeria ought to bring about positive change that will usher in a stable and prosperous democracy devoid of corrupt lifestyles.

But the utterances, outbursts and attitude of aspiring leaders, suggest that winning elections by whatever means rather than convincingly has now become the guideline. Indeed, Nigerians are hoping that the general elections will be deviod of compromise and winning by any means and at whatever cost to the country.

Sadly, unfolding events, a number of days before the elections, are already giving the electorate visible worries, while the international community watches with keen interest, the response of Those-in-Authority to the concerns and issues raised by various stakeholders.

Indications from every part of the country point to the fact that it is either the Independent National Electoral Commission's(INEC) preparations for the elections have deteriorated or that the commission is preparing to fail.

However, those knowledgeable of the written script being played out, disclosed that pretensions continue to characterize the well thought out plans, deliberately contrived and awaiting execution by those within the leadership cubicles.

Indiscretion

The first round of elections will definitely determine the way forward. The votes of Nigerians ought to count; for them not to feel used and cheated. Indiscretion by Those-in Authority Nigerians are now at the mercy of Point of Sale (POS)Operators and questionable and dubious staff of Money Deposit Banks as a result of the indiscretion of Those-in-Authority.

The conception of political development by leaders in Nigeria ought to bring about positive change that will usher in a stable and prosperous democracy devoid of corrupt lifestyles.

But the utterances, outbursts and attitude of aspiring leaders, suggest that winning elections by whatever means rather than convincingly has now become the guideline. Indeed, Nigerians are hoping that the general elections will be deviod of compromise and winning by any means and at whatever cost to the country.

Sadly, unfolding events, a number of days before the elections, are already giving the electorate visible worries, while the international community watches with keen interest, the response of Those-in-Authority to the concerns and issues raised by various stakeholders.

Indications from every part of the country point to the fact that it is either the Independent National Electoral Commission's(INEC) preparations for the elections have deteriorated or that the commission is preparing to fail.

However, those knowledgeable of the written script being played out, disclosed that pretensions continue to characterize the well thought out plans, deliberately contrived and awaiting execution by those within the leadership cubicles.

Indiscretion

The first round of elections will definitely determine the way forward. The votes of Nigerians ought to count; for them not to feel used and cheated. Indiscretion by Those-in Authority Nigerians are now at the mercy of Point of Sale (POS)Operators and questionable and dubious staff of Money Deposit Banks as a result of the indiscretion of Those-in-Authority.

Governments guided by accountability, responsibility and transparency have always been constant never to retain card-carrying party members who aspired to political positions but failed to emerge victorious in sensitive positions.
Such party members, if allowed to continue in such public offices, would bring to bear their partisanship.
Sadly, high standards have been eroded.
Interestingly, the expectation of Nigerians is that the newly redesigned 200, 500 and 1,000 Naira notes will be made available for everyone through the banking system.
Although the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) has insisted that the new naira notes are in abundant supply to the commercial banks, the experience of Nigerians in banking halls, ATM machine points and P.O.S shops has proved the contrary.
Much as the commercial banks would wish to comply with the directive of the apex bank to make the new notes available, the old notes have been, up till this moment, still being dispensed.
Indeed, if there is no hidden motive in fixing the deadline for the withdrawal of the old notes, which is 31st January, the reasonable and rational step to take ought to be for the old notes to circulate side by side with the new ones, until the former is withdrawn.
However, the desperation and hurried actions of the apex bank to withdraw the old notes suggests that there is more to  it than meets the eyes.
Unfolding events in urban, and most especially rural areas indicate that the CBN would have not option but to extend the deadline; only if it is sensitive to the plight of Nigerians.

2023 and Beyond
The daily occurrence of violent crimes, the sorry state of electricity supply and the lingering fuel scarcity in Nigeria are enough advice for the electorate to determine the next crop of leaders in 2023 and beyond. Perhaps
 

Trade unions in the formal and non-formal sectors in Oyo state have expressed divergent views on the unimpressive turn out of Nigerians in the collection of their Permanent Voters Cards(PVC) in the state.

A sizable number insist that the frustrating and cumbersome process for the collection of PVCs has greatly discouraged thousands of Nigerians from collecting their PVCs.

Others insist that the difficult process is deliberate for unknown reasons. Sadly, others opine that in the absence of good governance, they have no choice but to make do with handouts.

In his view, the chairman of Day Old Chicks Association of Nigeria(DOCAN) in the state, Alhaji Tijani Mudashiru lamented that their votes in previous elections were yet to have an impact on the association, saying,''our members come from different homes and they have been voting for several years, but up till this moment, there has not been any government intervention. We do not have public toilets. The government has never thought of giving us interest-free loans. We need a place near this environment to continue with our business. All these would go a long way to encouraging members to collect their PVCs.''

However, for the chairman of the Amalgamated Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners, Repairers and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN), Comrade Solomon Olugbode it is imperative for his members to collect their PVCs,''because the PVCs are the ticket to vote.''

''For everyone to participate in the 2023 general elections, I think everyone should collect their PVCs, so that they can vote for candidates of their choice. But the process of collection is difficult. The hardships that go with collecting PVCs are what people avoid. The process is worrisome. My advice to my members is that they should collect their PVCs and vote for those who will not stop their business. They should vote for people who will not be intoxicated by power.''

In the process of developing new locations in many states, those-in-authority have displaced thousands of Nigerians.

Indeed, the forced displacements include the dubious sale of several houses to conspirators, who pull down original buildings and erect something different on the land.

The forgery of property and land documents is the trend.

Sadly, this development has attracted in its wake, criminal elements, who have to a large extent damaged the reputation of the government.

Interestingly, the law enforcement and justice system have been compromised to accommodate this evil; while the people now see those-in-authority'' as bad dreams.

However, Nigerians are optimistic that the days of bad dreams would soon be over in the nearest time to come.

Note- Free, fair and credible elections can only be achieved if Those-in-Authority are not products of flawed elections. The political parties' primaries that produced candidates for political offices in 2023 were manipulated, while the arguments over the acceptability and eligibility of such candidates are still subjects of disagreements. Imposition is definitely not the true face of DEMOCRACY.

I, Eze Ndigbo of Ibadan and Oyo state, His Royal Highness, Eze(Dr.) Alex Anozie, the chairman, of the Non-Indigenes Traditional Council, Oyo state, and Ohaneze Ndigbo, Oyo state heartily welcome our brother, Mr. Peter Obi, and his running mate Alhaji Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, as they arrive for the presidential campaigns in Oyo state.

We trust God that all shall go well in peace, order, and success.

I am personally happy that the electioneering campaigns across the country ought to be peaceful and I am calling on all bonafide Nigerians to ensure that everything about the forthcoming elections ends in peace.

As I have always stated, we should learn to play politics without bitterness. Let's make political campaigns fun.

All presidential candidates going across the country should be able to campaign peacefully in any part of the country.

I am appealing to all Nigerians to approach the 2023 general election with the mindset of the fear of God, justice, fairness, and equity in mind while casting our votes for God to give us the best candidate.

The Nigeria Medical Association(NMA) in Oyo state has declared that it shall not endorse any candidate for the 2023 general elections in line with its status as a professional association.

This declaration was made on Monday, by the NMA chairman, Dr. Wale Lasisi, during a Press conference to outline activities lined up for the Physicians' week 2022 with theme, ''Nigeria's Health Care Delivery System and the 2023 Democratic Transition : A Time to Change the Narrative'' in Ibadan, Nigeria.

''That is absolutely untrue. We are apolitical, we are not endorsing any candidate, we will not endorse any candidate, we are making plans to invite gubernatorial candidates. NMA is not endorsing any candidate, we are a group of professionals without political bias. We all know that as an association we have members with different political backgrounds.''

Similarly, the National President of the NMA, Dr. Uche Ojinmah has called on Nigerians not to back candidates that lack the competence to deliver the dividends of democracy.

 ''All citizens must respond to the call of Nigeria for good leadership and should never, for pecuniary benefits, sell or support candidates that cannot move our nation forward. May God grant us the courage to be who we ought to be by standing for equality and progress. May our loyalty be only to Nigeria and may our loyalty not be tested by any past or present commitment.'' ''Let us all patiently wait to hear the plans of the presidential candidates for Nigeria, especially in the health sector, before pitching out a political support tent. Despite the national drawbacks, the Nigerian doctor has a lot to celebrate this week just for being alive.''

The lapses in the government over several years at all levels have emboldened cultists and other categories of criminals to persist in their stock-in-trade in several communities in Oyo state. The covert support by the political class across party lines has not helped matters. Residents have for long been having sleepless nights, while those-in-power are still reluctant to take decisive steps to put an end to lawlessness, crime, all forms of criminality and evil. Dr. Raymond Adegboyega an indigene of Ile-Oluwo, Odo-Osun, Ibadan, holds a doctorate degree in Finance and is the Governorship candidate of the National Rescue Movement(NRM) in the state.

In this interview, the finance analyst and lecturer opines that cultism is new in the state and, as a result of certain factors, it persists. Excerpts :

The activities of cultists and other categories of criminals have continued unabated in several communities in Oyo state. The State House of Assembly has not helped matters by not coming up with legislation to outlaw evil. What do you think is the way out?

In the first instance, cultism is new in Oyo state, which we have had over the years revolving around youth violence and exuberance. The issue of cultism is new in this state. Several factors are responsible for this. Firstly, we have politicized everything in Oyo state. Secondly, rural/ urban drift has made people who are in the rural areas migrate to Oyo state. They have moved due to the lack of basic infrastructure in the rural areas. There is also the issue of non-indigenes from other states in Oyo state, especially from Lagos. We have been advising the state government for several years, but successive governments refused to listen. If the government made agriculture a priority, then a major part of the problem would be solved. This would preoccupy a majority of the restive youth population. The government should also create a very conducive environment for the young people because most of them are now okada riders. The touts everywhere are useful to society. All the government at all levels have to do is to rehabilitate them. The Ministries, Departments and Agencies also have to be restructured for efficiency. All efforts should be focused on resuscitating the economy of the state to guarantee prosperity.

The Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) has long before the present challenges, established its Information Technology Department(ICT) for the efficient and uncompromising deployment of Information Technology tools in the electoral process.

Read-Helplessness in the Face of Dirt
In addition, the computerization of the voters' register has been accomplished,  while the transmission of election results by VSAT, and HF Radio and posted  results on the Commission's website as the vote counts to be recorded on the field,  has equally been achieved.
However, the compostion of this constitutionally important organization ought to include socially mature and distinguished indivudauls who have trakc records of meritorious service in the public or private sector.
But, sadly, this may not be the case presently.

-Legalizing Crime and Criminality                       -Landlords and Tenants Associations, Crime and Criminality
Furthermore, employees of the INEC are supposed to be of sound  mind and ought to possess the mental balance to function effectively in the organization.
Of worry is that thier conduct in the 2019 General elections proved the contrary.
Interestingly, the talking point  among Nigerians is the alleged secret pact between the leadership of the electoral body and Those-in Charge on the expected outcome of all elections-in-view.

-Law Enforcement: The Reactionary Approach
The agreement revolves around the prohibitive cost implication of these elections and the need to avoid frictions in the process of playing out the script.
Indeed, the manpower base of the INEC at the center and 36 states must be overhauled and re-invigorated for Nigerians to have confidence that the 2023 General elections shall overcome the tests of integrity, credibility and transparency.

-Government Workers-A Subject of Debate

Powershift from one geographical area to another emphasizes the need for justice and equity.
Curiously, in reality, has power shifted all these years, considering the set of people involved?
The cosmetic transfer of power from the North to the South in the Nigerian context does not really hold water because it is the same class of people that are holding on to power.

Read-Helplessness in the Face of Dirt                                                                          -Legalizing Crime and Criminality
Granting pardon, at the twilight of an administration,  to former public office holders convicted of corruption, is worrisome.
But it is very important for those who have mismanaged the country's resources to cede power to those who are fit(mentally and physically)competent and capable to manage the country very well.

-Landlords and Tenants Associations, Crime and Criminality                                                      -Law Enforcement: The Reactionary Approach
Those who have massive resources, deploy these resources to purchase their candidacies within their political parties either for Governorship, State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, or the Senate.
They don't care about individual voters but focus on how to manipulate the electoral process.
Rather than submit to the democratic process, they either want to continue in power or attain power by all means.

-Government Workers-A Subject of Debate