…calls for political inclusiveness
Ben Ogbemudia, Abuja
All Progressives Congress Governorship candidate for the forthcoming September 21, 2024 election in Edo State, Senator Monday Okpevbholo, on Friday, said imposition of candidates by any political party can put such party into crisis.
Speaking through one of his close allies , Dr. Tony Ikpasaja, at a Symposium with a theme: “Leadership Recruitment Process in Nigeria; Edo State Imperative,” organised by the National Association of Edo State Indigenes in Abuja, he said imposition usually factionalized political parties, pointing out what is currently happening to the ruling PDP in Edo State, where people are reportedly leaving the party in droves, which this he identified as a consequence of imposition.
Dr. Ikpasaja, who is the representative of the APC candidate, said the way out of this in Edo State is to reject imposition of candidates on political parties.
“The way out of this is what Governor Godwin Obaseki has told us since 2020; no godfatherism. If there is no godfatherism, I wonder what Asue Ighodalo is doing on the ballot.
“Another way out is for the INEC to embrace technologies in elections. This strategy may enable us fight vote-buying.
“Imposition can actually put a political party into the graves. Imposition usually factionalizes political parties. We have seen what is happening to the ruling PDP in Edo State where people are leaving the party in droves. These are the consequences of imposition.
“Since 1789 French Revolution, it has become imperative for the public institutions like INEC, security agencies to work for the people and not for anybody, whether governors or presidents. The primary role of public officers during election is to work for the people. If they bribe you reject it, if your conscience is not so morally amenable to uprightness, collect their money and do your work for public good. In all you do, remember public good defines you more than your selfish interests.”
He further said that the role of the public service should be reviewed, adding, “Public service from pre-colonial times were attached to the kings, monarch and authoritarian rule. From 1886 when the Royal Niger company was chattered till 1900 when the British administration took over from them. During the colonial era, they were attached to the colonial administration. From independence, they were attached to the military leaders. Since 1999, we have seen them in the apron strings of the Governors. I am limiting myself to Edo State because that is the case study here.
“The electorate and the people can also make a huge difference in the way they recruit their leaders. It is time they begin to interrogate things like the man speaks impeccable English. Where does that take us to? The man dresses sharply. The man dey give money. The man dey sort. At the end, the same people would have sold their destinies for a pot of porridge. When you say a man does not speak the kind of English you want to hear, you are limiting the parameters and denying yourself of varieties from which to choose.”
While appealing to Edolites to be wise as they prepare for election in Edo State, Senator Monday Okpevbholo said, “Let all hands be on deck to rescue the state, otherwise Edo State may become a business portfolio in the hands of a dubious cabal, with ulterior motives to convert our common wealth to their own private entity. But God forbid.”
