Rivers re-run and our democracy

 

 

 

 

Elections are always and will remain the vehicle that drives democracy. Invariably, there is no democracy without elections. The March 19 legislative rerun elections in Rivers state accentuated the current epileptic state of our electoral body – INEC. Rewind to 12 months ago, INEC gave a near stellar performance in their conduct of the 2015 general elections. This performance reignited the hope of majority of Nigerians that our democracy is alive! Today, the story is a total departure of what was obtainable during the time of Prof. Attahiru Jega. From Kogi to Bayelsa, INEC failed to complete the election process when it declared the gubernatorial elections in those state “inconclusive!” One would wonder if INEC changed its name without any prior knowledge to “Inconclusive National Electoral Commission”

 

In keeping up with its current ineptitude, INEC omitted PDP from result sheets sent to certain Polling Units during the rerun elections. Their appalling clumsiness was equally announced to the world as fake result sheets were distributed to certain PUs while the original sheets were probably under the pillow of the highest bidder. As at the time of writing this piece, our beloved INEC is yet to announce results of some LGAs where elections were held successfully. This newly discovered skill of hoarding election results is a threat to our democracy and inhibits fairness. We hope the late night doctor has not administered abracadabra medicine to those result so as to distort the true reflection of the people’s wish. It is pertinent to ask, “Is our dear INEC graduating from Inconclusive to Irresponsible?

 

The unnecessary violence that characterised the rerun elections was avoidable. Our politicians need to preach peace and orderly conduct to their supporters. The language of a certain Federal Minister before the rerun elections was uncultured and unfortunately not befitting his office. You may call it ginger but such language propagates violence.

 

The security agents on their part failed to perform their primary function of securing life and property. The Nigerian Army, unfortunately accused of colluding with the highest bidder to subvert the wish of the good people of Rivers, have no business with Polling Units. They are supposed to be stationed at strategic positions to forestall any imminent attack on election days. Oga officer, who sent you for those “extracurricular” activities in Rivers state?

 

The gruesome murder of an orphan, corps member; Samuel Okonta breaks a lot of hearts. After many years of educational struggle, Sammy lost his life while serving his fatherland. No amount of money or condolence visits will repay this shocking loss. The killers of the young Okonta should be brought to book. Electoral offenders and murderers should start paying for their electoral crimes if we are to make any progress in our democracy. The NYSC should review the MOU signed with INEC (if they truly care about the welfare of corps members). How long will we continue losing our bright young men and women to satisfy the desires of wicked politicians?

 

Regardless of intimidation and the tense atmosphere, the people of Rivers state showed character and resoluteness by coming out to vote and guard their votes jealously against any wicked visitor – arguably, the only positive drawn from the rerun elections. Bravely, the President has apologised for the poor conduct of elections in Kogi, Bayelsa and Rivers states. But are words enough? It is imperative for proactive measures to be in place to prevent such violence and the obvious ineptitude of our electoral umpire. Remember, Ondo and Edo gubernatorial elections are jogging by the sidelines.

 

By Enyene Vincent

 

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