Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is Nigeria’s ruling party. Its interest has clashed with that of corporate Nigeria. Unfortunately, the political class is carrying on as if Nigeria is a lawless country. It is a massive shame that a constitutional democracy can allow the interest of one political party to distort its constitution.
Up till now, the issue of rotational presidency is foreign to Nigerian constitution. That is to say; the constitution has not prescribed that the nation’s presidency rotates between the north and southern tribal divide. Contemplating it is therefore not just an insult on the constitution, but an indictment on those championing it.
By allowing the issue of rotational presidency remain in the public domain implies that Nigeria’s constitution is not supreme. This is dangerous and capable of collapsing the pillars that hold up Nigeria as a country. Political parties should not be allowed to hide under the banner of freedom to undermine the sanctity of rule, law, and order.
The constitution of all political parties must be legislated to conform to the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria. If not so, one or more political parties would wake up one morning and fix that only homosexuals are qualified to aspire to be president. Another party may just decide that only ex-convicts are qualified to be president. It is also possible that some parties would suggest that only bachelors are eligible to contest the presidency. To avoid all of these, let all political parties work within the framework of the constitution.
In another breadth, it is even possible that the clamour for rotational presidency is a ploy to kill and bury the PDP. If not so, I do not see any reason why democrats would choose to dance naked on the head of democracy. The leadership of PDP should come out and declare its stand on zoning so that Nigerians can know the political path to follow.
There is no doubt about the fact that PDP will die the moment zoning is adopted. Nigerians are tired of poor political leadership. It is necessary to note here that we cannot talk of political reforms when internal democracy is foreign to political parties in Nigeria. As the ruling party, PDP must show good example by shunning all undemocratic and unconstitutional practices. This is the only way Nigeria can achieve political growth, which would in turn stimulate socio-economic rejuvenation.
Showing posts with label political leadership. Show all posts
Showing posts with label political leadership. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Political Leadership and the Nigerian Masses
There is no gainsaying that the leadership institution in Nigeria has over the decades been bastardised to the extent that citizens have stopped nurturing the patience to appreciate even the genuine efforts of our leaders. As a result of this, all the actions of our political leaders- no matter how genuine or sincere they may be are hurriedly dismissed as callous, deceptive, or fraudulent.
Quite frankly, it is usually difficult to find sufficient good reasons to blame Nigerians for not trusting their political leaders. From whatever angle one wants to look at it, there are mountains of evidence to show that nation’s past military and political leaders did not do enough to win the confidence of the masses and the international community. This should however be a major challenge to President Goodluck Jonathan, as he attempts to lay a solid foundation for Nigeria’s economic and socio-political development.
One very rare quality of a good leader is the humility to not just listen, but also accede to popular wish. Remarkably, it takes only a sincere and humble leader to do so. Only recently, President Goodluck Jonathan responded to public opinion and withdrew the names of two nominees: Major General Abdullahi Mamman (rtd) and Ambassador Mohammed Anka to the board of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Rather than seeing and counting this as a plus for the president, a section of the media painted Dr. Jonathan as one that has been “forced to bow to public pressure.” But for the kind of person he is- not given to pride, President Goodluck Jonathan could for the sake of pride or ego decide to stick to his guns in subsequent cases. To a very large extent, it is the society that unconsciously makes dictators out of democrats.
A marked difference between Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and many of his contemporaries is that he is hardly moved to flaunt his inner strength even when compelled by natural or human-induced circumstances. That is one strong reason why some persons have rushed to dismiss him as a weakling. Funny enough, these were the same people that complained against Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s iron-hand and one-man-army style of leadership. We should realise that the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria has prescribed equal amount of power for every sitting president. How raw, one uses political power clearly differentiates between democrats and mere politicians.
There is another significant lesson to learn from the events that led to the nomination and withdrawal of Mamman and Anka. In every healthy government- especially the presidential democracy; the president is not expected to make him or her self an island. Political leadership is usually a collective effort where the level of success is mostly dependent on the quality of team work. It was perhaps in this direction that both Mamman and Anka were identified and subsequently nominated by President Goodluck Jonathan. The consequent withdrawal of their nomination could as well cause the president not to have confidence in the opinions of his aides and personal staff in future. There is iron-cast evidence that one or more persons in the line of duty failed to carry out proper checks on the nominees. There were begging evidences against the nominees which the president could not have ignored. Similar developments have in the past turned listening presidents into a one-man-team. The late President Yar’Adua is a ready example. Most of his personal staff, aides, and confidants abused their privileged positions so much so that the president decided to do everything important thing by himself. This was the reason for his administration’s slow-motion. This is a huge challenge to all those directly and indirectly associated with political office holders. They must endeavour to always put the interests of the wider society ahead of parochial concerns. This will not only stimulate rapid socio-economic growth; but also help to deepen the roots of democracy and good governance. President Goodluck Jonathan has vital lessons to learn from the above narrative. It is not enough to seek the good of Nigeria. Nothing should make him undermine the old fashioned Nigerian factor. Vigilance is the word. All corrupt, unproductive, snail, and speed-breaker officials in his administration must be identified, removed, and prosecuted if the need arises.
While I agree with the argument that six months is enough to point to the direction of hope, I do not think Nigeria is healthy enough to recover in the next one year if the level of decay is anything to go by. But for the fear of being labelled an apologist, I would have mentioned right from the beginning that Nigerians should be patient with President Jonathan. These are the reasons: Nigeria’s major problem is poor leadership culture. With good leaders in power, every other thing will fall in line. The issue of poverty, corruption, moral bankruptcy, and the shameful collapse of public infrastructure will become a thing of the past if credible persons are in positions of authority. No amount of resources invested in critical sectors of the nation’s economy now will work magic because too many bad people are still in power. It is therefore wise that President Jonathan has chosen to first invest massively in the nation’s electoral system, which will in turn help flush out unpatriotic, corrupt, and inexperienced persons in government. This approach could be related to laying a very solid foundation on which the Nigeria of our collective dream would be built. This is not tangible and can hardly be counted as an achievement. Sound electoral system is the most important gift any president can give to Nigeria.
Nevertheless, the president must put in extra efforts to address the critical issues that affect the lives of every Nigerian. These include electricity, federal roads health care system, and the educational sector. More than that, the war against corruption must be fought with more vigour and dedication. Without all of these, every section of the country will join the Niger Delta militants and the traditional institution in Edo state to resort to self help. No doubt, self help is the product of discontentment. It is also a known fact that discontentment can lead to anarchy. As the 2011 election draws closer, those that benefit from crisis are warming up for opportunities to strike gold. The federal government must be wary and deny them of any such benefits.
It would also be necessary to note here that ethnicity is the major reason behind the culture of rotational presidency. It is to a very large extent erroneously believed that one has to share the same ethnic lineage with the president in order to secure a key appointment or win a big contract. This is responsible for why ethnicity is regarded far above every other factor in Nigerian politics. Frankly, ethnic-based politics can only be rife in a country where the government pay mere lip service to the culture of transparency, accountability, justice, and fair play.
Quite frankly, it is usually difficult to find sufficient good reasons to blame Nigerians for not trusting their political leaders. From whatever angle one wants to look at it, there are mountains of evidence to show that nation’s past military and political leaders did not do enough to win the confidence of the masses and the international community. This should however be a major challenge to President Goodluck Jonathan, as he attempts to lay a solid foundation for Nigeria’s economic and socio-political development.
One very rare quality of a good leader is the humility to not just listen, but also accede to popular wish. Remarkably, it takes only a sincere and humble leader to do so. Only recently, President Goodluck Jonathan responded to public opinion and withdrew the names of two nominees: Major General Abdullahi Mamman (rtd) and Ambassador Mohammed Anka to the board of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Rather than seeing and counting this as a plus for the president, a section of the media painted Dr. Jonathan as one that has been “forced to bow to public pressure.” But for the kind of person he is- not given to pride, President Goodluck Jonathan could for the sake of pride or ego decide to stick to his guns in subsequent cases. To a very large extent, it is the society that unconsciously makes dictators out of democrats.
A marked difference between Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and many of his contemporaries is that he is hardly moved to flaunt his inner strength even when compelled by natural or human-induced circumstances. That is one strong reason why some persons have rushed to dismiss him as a weakling. Funny enough, these were the same people that complained against Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s iron-hand and one-man-army style of leadership. We should realise that the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria has prescribed equal amount of power for every sitting president. How raw, one uses political power clearly differentiates between democrats and mere politicians.
There is another significant lesson to learn from the events that led to the nomination and withdrawal of Mamman and Anka. In every healthy government- especially the presidential democracy; the president is not expected to make him or her self an island. Political leadership is usually a collective effort where the level of success is mostly dependent on the quality of team work. It was perhaps in this direction that both Mamman and Anka were identified and subsequently nominated by President Goodluck Jonathan. The consequent withdrawal of their nomination could as well cause the president not to have confidence in the opinions of his aides and personal staff in future. There is iron-cast evidence that one or more persons in the line of duty failed to carry out proper checks on the nominees. There were begging evidences against the nominees which the president could not have ignored. Similar developments have in the past turned listening presidents into a one-man-team. The late President Yar’Adua is a ready example. Most of his personal staff, aides, and confidants abused their privileged positions so much so that the president decided to do everything important thing by himself. This was the reason for his administration’s slow-motion. This is a huge challenge to all those directly and indirectly associated with political office holders. They must endeavour to always put the interests of the wider society ahead of parochial concerns. This will not only stimulate rapid socio-economic growth; but also help to deepen the roots of democracy and good governance. President Goodluck Jonathan has vital lessons to learn from the above narrative. It is not enough to seek the good of Nigeria. Nothing should make him undermine the old fashioned Nigerian factor. Vigilance is the word. All corrupt, unproductive, snail, and speed-breaker officials in his administration must be identified, removed, and prosecuted if the need arises.
While I agree with the argument that six months is enough to point to the direction of hope, I do not think Nigeria is healthy enough to recover in the next one year if the level of decay is anything to go by. But for the fear of being labelled an apologist, I would have mentioned right from the beginning that Nigerians should be patient with President Jonathan. These are the reasons: Nigeria’s major problem is poor leadership culture. With good leaders in power, every other thing will fall in line. The issue of poverty, corruption, moral bankruptcy, and the shameful collapse of public infrastructure will become a thing of the past if credible persons are in positions of authority. No amount of resources invested in critical sectors of the nation’s economy now will work magic because too many bad people are still in power. It is therefore wise that President Jonathan has chosen to first invest massively in the nation’s electoral system, which will in turn help flush out unpatriotic, corrupt, and inexperienced persons in government. This approach could be related to laying a very solid foundation on which the Nigeria of our collective dream would be built. This is not tangible and can hardly be counted as an achievement. Sound electoral system is the most important gift any president can give to Nigeria.
Nevertheless, the president must put in extra efforts to address the critical issues that affect the lives of every Nigerian. These include electricity, federal roads health care system, and the educational sector. More than that, the war against corruption must be fought with more vigour and dedication. Without all of these, every section of the country will join the Niger Delta militants and the traditional institution in Edo state to resort to self help. No doubt, self help is the product of discontentment. It is also a known fact that discontentment can lead to anarchy. As the 2011 election draws closer, those that benefit from crisis are warming up for opportunities to strike gold. The federal government must be wary and deny them of any such benefits.
It would also be necessary to note here that ethnicity is the major reason behind the culture of rotational presidency. It is to a very large extent erroneously believed that one has to share the same ethnic lineage with the president in order to secure a key appointment or win a big contract. This is responsible for why ethnicity is regarded far above every other factor in Nigerian politics. Frankly, ethnic-based politics can only be rife in a country where the government pay mere lip service to the culture of transparency, accountability, justice, and fair play.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
A Look at Nigeria's democracy
Like many other Nigerians, I have followed with fervour the colourful debate that trailed the official presentation of the report of the Justice Mohammed Uwais-led Electoral Reforms Panel, set up by the late President Musa Yar’Adua to proffer solutions to the nation’s defective electoral system. This was in fulfilment of a promise he made following his public admission that the election which brought him to power was faulty. The high point of the report was the recommendation that the president be stripped of the singular privilege of appointing the chairman of the Independent national Electoral Commission (INEC). From whatever angle one wants to look at it, the recommendations of the panel was a clear-cut statement that Nigerians were truly hungering for a sound political leadership culture. For a period spanning close to the middle mark of a century, the Nigerian nation has harvested the consequences of poor leadership culture.
It is so sad that Nigeria’s barn has been stalked full with shameful tales of corruption, unemployment, poverty, high crime rate, energy crisis, bad roads, and absolute collapse of the educational and health sectors. As the world’s sixth largest producer of crude oil, Nigeria relies on the importation of petroleum products to service local demands. This has forced government to spend billions of petro-Dollars to subsidise imported fuel. Rather than finding ways to make the nation’s four refineries and petro-chemical plant operate at optimum capacity so as to stop the importation of petroleum products, the leadership of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Federal Ministry of Finance (FMF), and Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have in the last two years embarked on a campaign to stampede government into withdrawing fuel subsidy. This minority colony of upper class citizens did that with the knowledge that they can afford to buy petrol even at N500 per litre. Blinded by the privileges they enjoy, they refused to take into cognisance the nation’s poor socio-economical framework that is glaringly too weak to withstand the instruments of international forces, which is built around the US Dollar.
Apart from the open fact that Nigerian workers are not paid the Dollar equivalent of what their contemporaries earn in Europe and the United States, ¾ of the nation’s workforce cannot rely on their salaries for feeding, rent, transport, health, and educational needs of their families. This is one primary root cause of poverty and corruption in the country. In the absence of a sound socio-economic framework, people are forced to look for alternative means to take care of the basic needs of their families. Painfully, corruption is always the available option! Surely, the CBN, FMF, and NGF have put the cart before the horse. President Goodluck Jonathan should as a matter of national importance ignore the elitist drumming and concentrate on strengthening the nation’s socio-economic framework before withdrawing fuel subsidy.
There is no doubt that with the removal of fuel subsidy, government would save so much money, which can be invested in other critical sectors of the economy. Despite this fact, most developed countries still subsidise critical sectors of their national economy. For instance, agricultural subsidies alone accounts for more than 40% of the total budget of the EU. This has not only helped the agro-allied sector to grow; it has equally guaranteed food security in the EU. The message here is that, subsidy is not as bad as is being painted. It is just that the nation’s fiscal policy formulators and team of presidential economic advisers have run dry of ideas. The fuel subsidy mantra is just but a shortcut to the nation’s economic growth. Relying on shortcuts to stabilise an economy most times end up throwing up associated negative challenges especially when the top-bottom approach is applied to critical issues involving fiscal planning. Calls for the removal of fuel subsidy are primarily aimed at covering their failure and also mislead the president into believing that they are doing a good job. Rather than rely on the immediate gains from subsidy removal, the nation’s fiscal policy formulators and economic advisers should task government on the diversification of the economy through the opening up of the non-oil sector. Through this way, the already battered Nigerian masses would not be forced to carry the burden of a few corrupt government officials and inefficient team of economic advisers and fiscal policy formulators.
There are abundant potentials in the agro-allied sector alone. In case Aganga, Sanusi, and Babalola need help, I would offer it free of charge for the sake of our dear nation. Government can raise huge sums of money by rejigging the nation’s anti- corruption protocols. Corruption is costing Nigeria more money than fuel subsidy. They should also encourage government to embark on a thorough review of all contracts and audit the activities of the NNPC. It is very clear that most contracts have been inflated to lubricate the wheels of corruption.
There is no gainsaying that a society can only enjoy the luxury of sound political leadership when the leaders are accountable to the people. For now, the electorates have been robbed of their ballot. It accounts for why political power is still in the hands of the president, governors, and council chairmen. By all measures, it is only through a credible electoral culture that political power can be returned to the electorates. This will help to compel public office holders to deepen the foundations of democracy by rendering purposeful and transparent political leadership.
More than that, let us consider the important fact that blames for all the flawed elections in Nigeria are usually heaped on the head of the chairman of the nation’s electoral body. It was in recognition of this very significant factor that respected opinion leaders, the media, opposition parties, cultural organisation, religious and civil society groups held strongly to the recommendation that the exclusive right to appoint the chairman of INEC be transferred from the president to the National Judicial Council (NJC). The major aim of this recommendation was to build a thick and high wall between the president and the chief electoral umpire. My take on this has been that, even if the NJC is empowered to nominate three persons from which the president was to pick one; the possibility of the president romancing the nation’s chief electoral umpire cannot be ruled out. I had therefore banked on the idea of appointing a tested and strong-willed person to the office of chairman of INEC. I am aware of the question on the lips of several stakeholders: Will a sitting president, desirous of contesting election be kind enough to appoint a strong-willed person to umpire his political battle? For obvious reasons, civil society and opposition parties would not afford to trust a sitting president with such sacred privilege.
Surprisingly however, a wide range of negative voices voluntarily drowned themselves in a pool of harmony immediately after President Goodluck Jonathan nominated the vice chancellor of Bayero University, Kano; Professor Attahiru Jega as chairman of INEC. Many, who had become freelance ambassadors of the Justice Mohammed Uwais-led Electoral Reforms Panel, started praising the courage and sincerity of President Jonathan in nominating a tested no-nonsense academician as the nation’s chief electoral umpire. It was a demonstration that the personality of those to be entrusted with the sacred responsibility of conducting elections remains very critical and even more important than who does the appointment. The few that have expressed regret over the president’s nomination of Professor Jega did so for one underlying reason: There is a strong and genuine fear that just like other fire-spitting crusaders did in the past, Professor Jega too could be flogged into line. This is quite true! However, one yawning question that comes to mind at this point is: What is it that corrupts the spirit of hitherto honest electoral umpires in the past? In my own opinion, lack of integrity and faulty electoral system are the two main cause of electoral fraud in Nigeria. It would take a faulty electoral system and a dishonest president to rig an election. That is to say, the quality of every election is the true reflection of the integrity of the president. That is the reason why the ongoing amendments of the nation’s electoral laws are gladdening. Not minding who appointed him; Professor Jega is a man with the courage to say “No” should the president attempt to muscle him.
For good reasons, I find it difficult to accept the charge that a president, desirous of contest an election cannot be honest with appointing credible electoral umpires. President Goodluck Jonathan has in the last three years demonstrated huge amount of honesty, humility, and dedication to make Nigerians take him by his words concerning credible elections in 2011. There have been several instances where presidents who appointed electoral officers still lost at the polls. This is one important reason for reforming the electoral system. It should also not be taken that the opposition must have to win an election in order to confirm the credibility of the polls.
For now, two fundamental facts have emerged: First among them is that majority of Nigerians have deep confidence in the person of Professor Attahiru Jega. Secondly, by nominating Professor Jega, President Goodluck Jonathan has practically demonstrated that he is serious about the conduct of free and fair elections in 2011. This is true to the extent that the nominee has all the credentials needed for midwifing credible elections in the country. Professor Jega is known to be fearless, intelligent, resolute, and not a pauper. But above all, Jega is not given to materialism. These are some of the factors that would have swallowed him up either by the ruling party or opposition. Many even believe that the opposition does not rig election.
Furthermore, the decision of the Senate to invite members of the general public to make contributions concerning all those nominated to the board of INEC is a good test for the sincerity of President Goodluck Jonathan, who has for the umpteenth time, promised free and fair elections come 2011. Also worthy of note is the fact that the nomination of Professor Jega as INEC chairman is a positive social development. It is surely a practical confirmation that the nation’s reward culture is shifting to the right. For a very long time now, Nigeria has been turned into a country where honest and hardworking people are derided and abandoned to rot away. Nigerians would definitely be encouraged to live clean lives if honesty, integrity, and hardwork are rewarded. This is a very huge challenge to government, religious bodies, socio-cultural organisations, and civil society.
I would however like to warn that the appointment of credible personalities into the board of INEC would not automatically translate into having credible elections. All stakeholders in the Nigerian project must have to join hands and support INEC in order for it to be able to conduct free and fair elections. It is only through credible elections that unpatriotic, dubious, and criminal elements can be kept out of government. Political parties too must have to shun all forms of “do-or-die” politics. Security and law enforcement agencies in the country would need to carry out their duties without fear and favour. Furthermore, as the final hope of the oppressed and cheated during elections, the judiciary must sacrifice everything to dispense justice fairly. There is no doubt that with an impeccable judiciary, money-bags and unrepentant apostles of “do-or-die” politics that are able to dribble past Professor Jega and his team would be quickly tracked down by the long arms of the law.
Let us not quickly forget the fact that some stakeholders were not too eager about making the NJC to nominate the chairman of INEC owing to their perception of the judiciary. They do not see the judiciary as deserving such task going by the number of controversial judgements coming out of the courts. Corruption is known to be Nigeria’s greatest albatross. Many see the judiciary as a major hindrance to fighting the menace of graft in the country. They therefore fear that adding another big feather to its wings may endanger the nation’s democracy. What is critical to Nigeria now is the reformation of the electoral system so as to promote greater transparency during polls. Transparent electoral culture will surely narrow opportunities for rigging of elections. A neutral judiciary will be in a better position to handle election complaints. Whether contemplated or not, people will cry fowl when a judiciary that nominated the chairman of INEC sits on matters calling to question the integrity and activities of the electoral body. Let the judiciary stay detached as prescribed in the doctrine of separation of powers and perform its traditional duties of interpreting the law.
It is so sad that Nigeria’s barn has been stalked full with shameful tales of corruption, unemployment, poverty, high crime rate, energy crisis, bad roads, and absolute collapse of the educational and health sectors. As the world’s sixth largest producer of crude oil, Nigeria relies on the importation of petroleum products to service local demands. This has forced government to spend billions of petro-Dollars to subsidise imported fuel. Rather than finding ways to make the nation’s four refineries and petro-chemical plant operate at optimum capacity so as to stop the importation of petroleum products, the leadership of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Federal Ministry of Finance (FMF), and Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have in the last two years embarked on a campaign to stampede government into withdrawing fuel subsidy. This minority colony of upper class citizens did that with the knowledge that they can afford to buy petrol even at N500 per litre. Blinded by the privileges they enjoy, they refused to take into cognisance the nation’s poor socio-economical framework that is glaringly too weak to withstand the instruments of international forces, which is built around the US Dollar.
Apart from the open fact that Nigerian workers are not paid the Dollar equivalent of what their contemporaries earn in Europe and the United States, ¾ of the nation’s workforce cannot rely on their salaries for feeding, rent, transport, health, and educational needs of their families. This is one primary root cause of poverty and corruption in the country. In the absence of a sound socio-economic framework, people are forced to look for alternative means to take care of the basic needs of their families. Painfully, corruption is always the available option! Surely, the CBN, FMF, and NGF have put the cart before the horse. President Goodluck Jonathan should as a matter of national importance ignore the elitist drumming and concentrate on strengthening the nation’s socio-economic framework before withdrawing fuel subsidy.
There is no doubt that with the removal of fuel subsidy, government would save so much money, which can be invested in other critical sectors of the economy. Despite this fact, most developed countries still subsidise critical sectors of their national economy. For instance, agricultural subsidies alone accounts for more than 40% of the total budget of the EU. This has not only helped the agro-allied sector to grow; it has equally guaranteed food security in the EU. The message here is that, subsidy is not as bad as is being painted. It is just that the nation’s fiscal policy formulators and team of presidential economic advisers have run dry of ideas. The fuel subsidy mantra is just but a shortcut to the nation’s economic growth. Relying on shortcuts to stabilise an economy most times end up throwing up associated negative challenges especially when the top-bottom approach is applied to critical issues involving fiscal planning. Calls for the removal of fuel subsidy are primarily aimed at covering their failure and also mislead the president into believing that they are doing a good job. Rather than rely on the immediate gains from subsidy removal, the nation’s fiscal policy formulators and economic advisers should task government on the diversification of the economy through the opening up of the non-oil sector. Through this way, the already battered Nigerian masses would not be forced to carry the burden of a few corrupt government officials and inefficient team of economic advisers and fiscal policy formulators.
There are abundant potentials in the agro-allied sector alone. In case Aganga, Sanusi, and Babalola need help, I would offer it free of charge for the sake of our dear nation. Government can raise huge sums of money by rejigging the nation’s anti- corruption protocols. Corruption is costing Nigeria more money than fuel subsidy. They should also encourage government to embark on a thorough review of all contracts and audit the activities of the NNPC. It is very clear that most contracts have been inflated to lubricate the wheels of corruption.
There is no gainsaying that a society can only enjoy the luxury of sound political leadership when the leaders are accountable to the people. For now, the electorates have been robbed of their ballot. It accounts for why political power is still in the hands of the president, governors, and council chairmen. By all measures, it is only through a credible electoral culture that political power can be returned to the electorates. This will help to compel public office holders to deepen the foundations of democracy by rendering purposeful and transparent political leadership.
More than that, let us consider the important fact that blames for all the flawed elections in Nigeria are usually heaped on the head of the chairman of the nation’s electoral body. It was in recognition of this very significant factor that respected opinion leaders, the media, opposition parties, cultural organisation, religious and civil society groups held strongly to the recommendation that the exclusive right to appoint the chairman of INEC be transferred from the president to the National Judicial Council (NJC). The major aim of this recommendation was to build a thick and high wall between the president and the chief electoral umpire. My take on this has been that, even if the NJC is empowered to nominate three persons from which the president was to pick one; the possibility of the president romancing the nation’s chief electoral umpire cannot be ruled out. I had therefore banked on the idea of appointing a tested and strong-willed person to the office of chairman of INEC. I am aware of the question on the lips of several stakeholders: Will a sitting president, desirous of contesting election be kind enough to appoint a strong-willed person to umpire his political battle? For obvious reasons, civil society and opposition parties would not afford to trust a sitting president with such sacred privilege.
Surprisingly however, a wide range of negative voices voluntarily drowned themselves in a pool of harmony immediately after President Goodluck Jonathan nominated the vice chancellor of Bayero University, Kano; Professor Attahiru Jega as chairman of INEC. Many, who had become freelance ambassadors of the Justice Mohammed Uwais-led Electoral Reforms Panel, started praising the courage and sincerity of President Jonathan in nominating a tested no-nonsense academician as the nation’s chief electoral umpire. It was a demonstration that the personality of those to be entrusted with the sacred responsibility of conducting elections remains very critical and even more important than who does the appointment. The few that have expressed regret over the president’s nomination of Professor Jega did so for one underlying reason: There is a strong and genuine fear that just like other fire-spitting crusaders did in the past, Professor Jega too could be flogged into line. This is quite true! However, one yawning question that comes to mind at this point is: What is it that corrupts the spirit of hitherto honest electoral umpires in the past? In my own opinion, lack of integrity and faulty electoral system are the two main cause of electoral fraud in Nigeria. It would take a faulty electoral system and a dishonest president to rig an election. That is to say, the quality of every election is the true reflection of the integrity of the president. That is the reason why the ongoing amendments of the nation’s electoral laws are gladdening. Not minding who appointed him; Professor Jega is a man with the courage to say “No” should the president attempt to muscle him.
For good reasons, I find it difficult to accept the charge that a president, desirous of contest an election cannot be honest with appointing credible electoral umpires. President Goodluck Jonathan has in the last three years demonstrated huge amount of honesty, humility, and dedication to make Nigerians take him by his words concerning credible elections in 2011. There have been several instances where presidents who appointed electoral officers still lost at the polls. This is one important reason for reforming the electoral system. It should also not be taken that the opposition must have to win an election in order to confirm the credibility of the polls.
For now, two fundamental facts have emerged: First among them is that majority of Nigerians have deep confidence in the person of Professor Attahiru Jega. Secondly, by nominating Professor Jega, President Goodluck Jonathan has practically demonstrated that he is serious about the conduct of free and fair elections in 2011. This is true to the extent that the nominee has all the credentials needed for midwifing credible elections in the country. Professor Jega is known to be fearless, intelligent, resolute, and not a pauper. But above all, Jega is not given to materialism. These are some of the factors that would have swallowed him up either by the ruling party or opposition. Many even believe that the opposition does not rig election.
Furthermore, the decision of the Senate to invite members of the general public to make contributions concerning all those nominated to the board of INEC is a good test for the sincerity of President Goodluck Jonathan, who has for the umpteenth time, promised free and fair elections come 2011. Also worthy of note is the fact that the nomination of Professor Jega as INEC chairman is a positive social development. It is surely a practical confirmation that the nation’s reward culture is shifting to the right. For a very long time now, Nigeria has been turned into a country where honest and hardworking people are derided and abandoned to rot away. Nigerians would definitely be encouraged to live clean lives if honesty, integrity, and hardwork are rewarded. This is a very huge challenge to government, religious bodies, socio-cultural organisations, and civil society.
I would however like to warn that the appointment of credible personalities into the board of INEC would not automatically translate into having credible elections. All stakeholders in the Nigerian project must have to join hands and support INEC in order for it to be able to conduct free and fair elections. It is only through credible elections that unpatriotic, dubious, and criminal elements can be kept out of government. Political parties too must have to shun all forms of “do-or-die” politics. Security and law enforcement agencies in the country would need to carry out their duties without fear and favour. Furthermore, as the final hope of the oppressed and cheated during elections, the judiciary must sacrifice everything to dispense justice fairly. There is no doubt that with an impeccable judiciary, money-bags and unrepentant apostles of “do-or-die” politics that are able to dribble past Professor Jega and his team would be quickly tracked down by the long arms of the law.
Let us not quickly forget the fact that some stakeholders were not too eager about making the NJC to nominate the chairman of INEC owing to their perception of the judiciary. They do not see the judiciary as deserving such task going by the number of controversial judgements coming out of the courts. Corruption is known to be Nigeria’s greatest albatross. Many see the judiciary as a major hindrance to fighting the menace of graft in the country. They therefore fear that adding another big feather to its wings may endanger the nation’s democracy. What is critical to Nigeria now is the reformation of the electoral system so as to promote greater transparency during polls. Transparent electoral culture will surely narrow opportunities for rigging of elections. A neutral judiciary will be in a better position to handle election complaints. Whether contemplated or not, people will cry fowl when a judiciary that nominated the chairman of INEC sits on matters calling to question the integrity and activities of the electoral body. Let the judiciary stay detached as prescribed in the doctrine of separation of powers and perform its traditional duties of interpreting the law.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
DEMOCRACY, GOVERNORS' FORUM AND IWU
There is no gainsaying that the foundation of every healthy democratic society is built on the principles of sound and reliable electoral culture. This is so because, it is only through free and fair elections that credible persons could be picked and entrusted with key leadership positions in society. In the last thirty years of Nigeria’s history, several bold attempts have been made by the political class, social-cultural, religious, and civil society organisations to find enduring solutions to the nation’s weak and spongy electoral protocols. The faulty nature of the electoral system has helped to create room for the few moneybags to massage the conscience of electoral officials in order to rig elections in favour of themselves or their stooges. This is the reason why politicians respect electoral umpires far more than even the electorates. Without any fear of contradiction, this is the root causes of failing political leadership in the country.
Nigerians should not wait for Barrack Obama or Hillary Clinton to confirm to us that poor leadership culture has been the bane of Nigeria- the supposed Giant of Africa, now struggling to make impact even among Lilliputian nations. It is a common fact that poor political leadership breeds corruption, underdevelopment, poverty, crime, tribalism, nepotism, and ineptitude among others. Many have therefore not seen it as a surprise that over 90% of the nation’s population are living below poverty line. To the utter dismay of many, a greater percentage of workers in both the private and public sectors earn salaries that are not enough to feed a family of three for just one week. Quite evidently, the rise in cases of ill health among Nigerians can be traced to poor dieting regime. Majority of Nigerian now eat between one and two low diet meals daily. This already bad situation is made worse by the non availability of access to clean drinking water most especially in the rural areas. The international community is shocked that the world’s sixth largest producer of crude oil is relying on the importation of fuel to service her local market. It is an irony that Nigeria is still grappling with power generation with all the option of gas, hydro, wind, coal, and solar at our disposal. With an enormous population size, Nigeria is capable of generating enough power from waste products.
It is also very disturbing that job creation figures have fallen far below population growth levels. The authorities must understand that the consequences of high unemployment rate are capable of compromising the security of this nation. Governments at the local, state, and federal levels must therefore roll out practicable plans to stimulate economic and industrial growth. This will in turn create employment opportunities and improve the human worth of more of the nation’s citizens. With all of the above in mind, one can easily appreciate the reasons for the enthusiasm shown by Nigerians concerning the attempt by the present administration to reform the nation’s frail electoral framework.
While the Governors’ Forum are free to hold their opinions on issues bothering on the country, it is very clear that their hard-line position on the Chairmanship of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was very unfortunate. It bears clear traces of self help. The Governors’ Forum failed to convince Nigerians of what the nation stood to lose if Maurice Iwu is not retained for a second term. If one puts common sense to test, it would point to the fact that the nation’s electoral system cannot be truly reformed with Iwu as INEC boss. This is so because, civil society groups, religious organisations, socio-cultural bodies, and several political actors are convinced that evidences volunteered at election tribunals has stained the hands of Maurice Iwu with blood. Many stakeholders believe that he played significant roles in aiding electoral frauds. Retaining him would therefore pose a whole lot of credibility problems for INEC. Integrity is an important ingredient that cannot be divorced from the personality of electoral umpires.
The huge support that greeted the exit of Maurice Iwu last week was indeed unprecedented. By that singular action, Acting President Goodluck Jonathan has made a bold statement that political leadership in Nigeria can surely rise above parochial interests. The only way Jonathan or any other political leader can be encouraged to always stand on the side of truth is for the political class, civil society, religious, and socio-cultural organisations to give them all the backing they deserve. But more importantly, the acting president should not ignore, but rather engage the Governors’ Forum in dialogues to remind them of the important need to put the nation first. In as much as state governors wield a lot of influence, I foresee a dull picture where their shallow and narrow minded opinions on key national issues would pitch the masses against them in the very near future.
Immediately after President Musa Yar’Adua was flown out to Saudi Arabia for medical treatment, the Governors’ Forum quickly turned themselves into a mountain that Goodluck Jonathan must climb before taking important decisions. Even without the benefit of a prophet, one can see the handwriting clearly on the wall. The governors are trying to position themselves well ahead of the 2011 elections at the expense of the nation. Their shock and grief following the much expected exit of Maurice Iwu have no doubt distorted a well rehearsed cavalcade.
While there is nothing wrong in governors demanding to be consulted on key national issues, their attempts at sacrificing national interests for parochial ambitions should be resisted by both the presidency and the masses. This is one sure way we can safeguard our democracy. The time has therefore come for all to remind state governors of the important need for them to leave the acting president alone and face squarely the enormous responsibilities waiting for them in their various states. Under normal circumstances, they should not need Iwu to win elections. Let them allow their four year report cards to deliver them at the polls. The governors are certainly afraid that with the expected electoral reform exercise, the opportunity for rigging elections will be greatly reduced. A sound electoral culture will customarily make the electorates kings as is obtained in every democratically healthy society. Nigerian masses should start celebrating. The years of poor political leadership will soon come to an end.
Nigerians should not wait for Barrack Obama or Hillary Clinton to confirm to us that poor leadership culture has been the bane of Nigeria- the supposed Giant of Africa, now struggling to make impact even among Lilliputian nations. It is a common fact that poor political leadership breeds corruption, underdevelopment, poverty, crime, tribalism, nepotism, and ineptitude among others. Many have therefore not seen it as a surprise that over 90% of the nation’s population are living below poverty line. To the utter dismay of many, a greater percentage of workers in both the private and public sectors earn salaries that are not enough to feed a family of three for just one week. Quite evidently, the rise in cases of ill health among Nigerians can be traced to poor dieting regime. Majority of Nigerian now eat between one and two low diet meals daily. This already bad situation is made worse by the non availability of access to clean drinking water most especially in the rural areas. The international community is shocked that the world’s sixth largest producer of crude oil is relying on the importation of fuel to service her local market. It is an irony that Nigeria is still grappling with power generation with all the option of gas, hydro, wind, coal, and solar at our disposal. With an enormous population size, Nigeria is capable of generating enough power from waste products.
It is also very disturbing that job creation figures have fallen far below population growth levels. The authorities must understand that the consequences of high unemployment rate are capable of compromising the security of this nation. Governments at the local, state, and federal levels must therefore roll out practicable plans to stimulate economic and industrial growth. This will in turn create employment opportunities and improve the human worth of more of the nation’s citizens. With all of the above in mind, one can easily appreciate the reasons for the enthusiasm shown by Nigerians concerning the attempt by the present administration to reform the nation’s frail electoral framework.
While the Governors’ Forum are free to hold their opinions on issues bothering on the country, it is very clear that their hard-line position on the Chairmanship of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was very unfortunate. It bears clear traces of self help. The Governors’ Forum failed to convince Nigerians of what the nation stood to lose if Maurice Iwu is not retained for a second term. If one puts common sense to test, it would point to the fact that the nation’s electoral system cannot be truly reformed with Iwu as INEC boss. This is so because, civil society groups, religious organisations, socio-cultural bodies, and several political actors are convinced that evidences volunteered at election tribunals has stained the hands of Maurice Iwu with blood. Many stakeholders believe that he played significant roles in aiding electoral frauds. Retaining him would therefore pose a whole lot of credibility problems for INEC. Integrity is an important ingredient that cannot be divorced from the personality of electoral umpires.
The huge support that greeted the exit of Maurice Iwu last week was indeed unprecedented. By that singular action, Acting President Goodluck Jonathan has made a bold statement that political leadership in Nigeria can surely rise above parochial interests. The only way Jonathan or any other political leader can be encouraged to always stand on the side of truth is for the political class, civil society, religious, and socio-cultural organisations to give them all the backing they deserve. But more importantly, the acting president should not ignore, but rather engage the Governors’ Forum in dialogues to remind them of the important need to put the nation first. In as much as state governors wield a lot of influence, I foresee a dull picture where their shallow and narrow minded opinions on key national issues would pitch the masses against them in the very near future.
Immediately after President Musa Yar’Adua was flown out to Saudi Arabia for medical treatment, the Governors’ Forum quickly turned themselves into a mountain that Goodluck Jonathan must climb before taking important decisions. Even without the benefit of a prophet, one can see the handwriting clearly on the wall. The governors are trying to position themselves well ahead of the 2011 elections at the expense of the nation. Their shock and grief following the much expected exit of Maurice Iwu have no doubt distorted a well rehearsed cavalcade.
While there is nothing wrong in governors demanding to be consulted on key national issues, their attempts at sacrificing national interests for parochial ambitions should be resisted by both the presidency and the masses. This is one sure way we can safeguard our democracy. The time has therefore come for all to remind state governors of the important need for them to leave the acting president alone and face squarely the enormous responsibilities waiting for them in their various states. Under normal circumstances, they should not need Iwu to win elections. Let them allow their four year report cards to deliver them at the polls. The governors are certainly afraid that with the expected electoral reform exercise, the opportunity for rigging elections will be greatly reduced. A sound electoral culture will customarily make the electorates kings as is obtained in every democratically healthy society. Nigerian masses should start celebrating. The years of poor political leadership will soon come to an end.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
