The much-talked-about Osun State governorship election is just a few hours around the corner. As usual, I find it very important to reach out to the people on the need to make it a worthwhile exercise. This is in view of the fact that Nigerians and the international community are watching to form their opinions about our preparedness for the forthcoming 2019 general election.
More so, bearing in mind the criticisms that trailed the recently concluded Ekiti State governorship election. Therefore, Saturday’s election is the window through which the world will view the prospect of our fledgeling democracy.
Presently, there have been accusations and counteraccusations flying about regarding the plans by some parties to cut corners and perpetrate other malpractices. However, the onus still rests on the shoulders of the Osun electorate to make the exercise a success story or otherwise.
In 2014, I authored a write-up titled, “Osun Governorship election: Let`s get it right” and I can say without mincing words that I felt fulfilled by the success of that election. Therefore, it is very necessary to mention here that my opinion is informed by patriotism and not for self-recognition. I always ensure that I rise above board as a neutral analyst and not a tool in the hands of any particular political party, individual or group of persons.
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Consequent upon the aforementioned, the foremost thing that the Osun electorate are expected to have at the back of their mind is that all the candidates vying for the position of governor are qualified indigenes of the state. So, it is as simple and easy as just making your choice amongst the available few.
Secondly, they know the candidates and the parties too well and they have personally experienced the pains and enjoyment in their state; as such, they do not need an outsider to tell them what they already know. No one can claim to be in a better position to convince them on whom to vote for or not.
Thus, if they feel that the outgoing administration has done enough to attract the endorsements of their candidate; no problem. If on the other hand, they feel that there are rooms for improvement and their take is to entrust the next four years in the hands of another party/candidate; all well and good. The choice is theirs.
All that is expected of them is to go to the polling centres with their PVCs; get accredited; and, cast their vote for their preferred choice without fear or favour. It is their legitimate right as registered voters under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to exercise it without intimidation and threat from any quarter.
Thirdly, they should shun all acts of illegalities regarding the conduct of the election as spelt out by the Independent National Electoral Commission and the security agencies (especially the recent ban on telephones and related devices from the polling centres).
According to the umpires, this is aimed at curbing the recently introduced modernised act of buying and selling of votes. Though some concerns have been raised that it will also deprive people from recording and snapping acts of other irregularities, the fact remains that there will be no need for any recording or snapping if the voters conduct themselves orderly and in accordance with the rules.
However, they should be vigilant and at alert to promptly report any indecent act to INEC officials, the security personnel and independent observers for immediate actions.
Fourthly, all acts of thuggery and violence should be avoided. By now, they ought to have realised that the children and immediate family members of our politicians are never found in the forefront of any election violence or acts of ballot snatching and other vices.
As the Yoruba saying goes, `Omo olomo l`an ran nise iku`, which translates to, “It is another person`s child that we send on death errands”. The most painful thing about it is that use stolen wealth and deprived resources to manipulate lives to suit their own selfish interests and inordinate ambitions while also placing themselves, their children and cronies in positions of authority to continuously lord it over you.
Also, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission and ad hoc staff are hereby enjoined to carry out their duties professionally. They are assigned the responsibilities as unbiased Nigerians and not as agents or puppets of political parties or godfathers.
If they indulge in any sharp practice to favour one party or candidate against the others, it is not by any means a lesser crime than treason. Lives and property were wasted before this Fourth Republic was attained in 1999. We should not allow greed to make us throw our nascent democracy into the waste bin.
Finally, all security personnel should also endeavour to maintain the highest level of professionalism to ensure that the exercise is hitch-free. They are expected to make the people feel very comfortable in carrying out their civic responsibilities rather than instil fears to scare them away from participating in the exercise.
As part of their work, security agents should ensure that the security of the lives and property of the people is paramount. There should be no such cases of colluding with one group of persons to intimidate another group of people. They are security agents of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not those of any political party, individual or group of persons.
There is no gainsaying the fact that the conduct and outcome of this Osun election will go a long way in determining the country`s political future. We need to get it right.
Oise-Oghaede, a public policy analyst wrote in from Lagos.
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