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WHEN NIGERIA’S DEMOCRACY WILL DIE
WHEN NIGERIA’S DEMOCRACY WILL DIE 
By Emmanuel Aziken
What may remain etched in the memory of many people following last weekend’s governorship election in Edo State may be the picture of Governor Godwin Obaseki sitting down in the wee hours of Sunday on the corridor of the collation centre of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC in Benin City all alone.
Video images showed him handling his phone apparently trying to send messages to someone. Following that, he was shown being marched away from the commission’s office following an abortive move to protest what he alleged as the manipulation of figures from the election that held the day before.
The governor cut a sorry picture of a man helpless as the forces of state overwhelmed him. The governor and his favoured party have alleged that their agents were locked out of the collation centre during which they claimed figures were manipulated to declare contrary results as cast by voters.
What goes around actually comes around. Exactly eight years ago, Obaseki as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC was reportedly the beneficiary of the same manipulation.
At that time in 2016, following the election on September 28, 2016, in the wee hours of the following day, enablers of the ruling party in the state were alleged to have shut out the opposition and done whatever they did and Obaseki was the following day announced as the winner of the election.
The developments in Edo in the last week have inevitably brought out warning signals of serious threats to Nigeria’s democracy with the most ominous menace being the collation centre.
The most significant oddity in Edo last weekend was the fact that collation was aborted in some local government areas and relocated to the State headquarters of INEC where oppositionists claim they were refused entry.
That was a fundamental breach of INEC procedures and guidelines which the commission’s officials remarkably failed to address. Why was the scheduled venue for the collation changed? As with the commission’s willful refusal to use the IREV portal in the 2023 presidential election, INEC has again failed to give any logical explanation for the decision not to abide by its guidelines on the collation of results.
The controversy around the collation of the results in Edo again brings to fore the long-held belief that collation centres are the axis of evil in Nigeria’s electoral process.
The brazen disruption and disregard of the laid down rules for collation of election results as we now know are helped by corrupt INEC officials working in cahoots with security agencies.
In Edo, it was reported that a high- ranking police officer masterminded the relocation of the collation centres from at least two local government areas to the INEC headquarters.
Expectedly, no one has been questioned as to why this was done. INEC that should ordinarily defend the integrity of its systems and procedures has been lame to respond.
It is suffice to say that the brash disregard of the electoral process was not countermanded by superior authorities of the commission which under the laws should have reviewed the process to allow a fair assessment of the complaints.
It is remarkable that many of the observer groups including YIAGA Africa were ferocious in their condemnations of the processes that took place in Edo State last weekend.
As some now say what you need to win an election in Nigeria is to have sufficient money to bribe INEC, and security officials and you are on course to being declared winner of the election. The next step is to use state resources to defend the election in the judiciary.
It is perhaps against this background that the review of the Edo election by Prof Sam Amadi, director of the Abuja School of Political and Social Thought comes to mind.
In his now viral conference, Prof Amadi lamented that the continued progression in error by the Nigerian state towards manipulative elections could sooner than thought destroy the country’s democracy.
Amadi was on spot in pointing out the dangers in allowing INEC as it is to carry on the game of elections without fundamental reforms. The appointment of persons into the electoral management body as embodied in the positioning of clearly partisan aides of political actors is one of the most visible dangers of the present setup.
No one would believe that the former aides of political actors would conduct elections that would not be susceptible to malpractices.
What Prof Amadi recommends and which your correspondent fully adopts is to implement the recommendations of the Justice Mohammed Uwais panel instituted by President Umaru Yar‘adua.
It is a pity that President Goodluck Jonathan failed to implement the recommendations of that committee.
It will be foolhardy for anyone to expect President Bola Tinubu to implement this prescription.
Political actors including opposition leaders must put pressure on the National Assembly to push through the recommendations. If Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and other 2027 gladiators are really keen on keeping Nigeria’s democracy they should bring pressure on their members in the National Assembly to go in the direction of the Uwais report.
They can move in this direction quickly given the fact that the APC at the inauguration of the present House of Representatives was a minority. Given the issues and apprehension in the land, it is possible to get a sufficient number of lawmakers from the APC to move in this direction and perhaps save Nigeria’s democracy.
If not, Nigeria’s democracy may die sooner than we can imagine.
In the realm of the Niger Delta, where the mighty rivers flow and the Atlantic Ocean’s waves crash against the shore, a legendary entity has emerged to safeguard the nation’s maritime interests. Tantita, a name synonymous with protection and vigilance, has become the embodiment of maritime and economic security in Nigeria.
Tantita’s significance extends far beyond its role as a mere maritime security agency. It is a power of hope, a shining example of Nigeria’s determination to protect its waters and harness its economic potential. With its unbending commitment to security and stability, Tantita has become the guardian of Nigeria’s maritime realm, ensuring the safe passage of vessels and the uninterrupted flow of commerce.
Tantita’s impact on Nigeria’s economy cannot be overstated. By protecting the nation’s maritime assets and preventing piracy, oil theft, and other illicit activities, Tantita has helped to safeguard the country’s economic lifeline. The agency’s efforts have ensured the continued flow of oil and gas revenues, which are vital to Nigeria’s economic well-being.
Its significance extends beyond the realm of economics. It is a symbol of national pride, a testament to Nigeria’s ability to protect its sovereignty and defend its interests. The agency’s personnel: Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, Chairman, Mathew Tonlagha, Vice Chairman, Chief Kestin Pondi, the Managing Director and Tare Pondi, General Manager Operations and Technical, are the unsung heroes of Nigeria’s maritime domain, working tirelessly to ensure the security and stability of the nation’s waters.
The federal government should disregard the evil cry of satanic forces against Tantita and instead, continue to support the agency’s efforts to protect Nigeria’s maritime interests. Tantita’s work is crucial to the nation’s economic survival, and any attempts to undermine its efforts would be detrimental to the country’s well-being.
As we celebrate Tantita’s significance, we must also acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. The agency requires continued support and resources to effectively discharge its mandate. We must rally behind Tantita, providing it with the necessary tools and equipment to carry out its duties. By doing so, we can ensure the continued security and stability of Nigeria’s maritime domain and pave the way for a brighter economic future.
I hold strongly, that Tantita is more than just a maritime security agency; it is a guardian of Nigeria’s economic interests, a symbol of national pride, and a legendary hope for the nation’s future. Its significance cannot be overstated, and its efforts will continue to shape Nigeria’s economic destiny.
Prof. BEN BINEBAI
In a grand gesture of benevolence, His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has bestowed upon the land a monumental decree, approving a staggering N275 billion worth of transformative projects. This majestic initiative promises to reshape the very fabric of Delta State, ushering in an era of unprecedented growth and prosperity.
The Governor’s visionary leadership has yielded a cascade of innovative endeavours, designed to elevate the lives of Delta State’s citizens. Some of the key projects include:
Two brand-new flyovers shall pierce the skies, one at Uromi Junction, a haven of progress in Ika, and the other at Otovwodo Junction, a beacon of hope in Ughelli. These structures shall not only ease trafficy congestion but also symbolize the Governor’s commitment to modernizing Delta State’s infrastructure.
A multitude of road projects shall crisscross Delta State, connecting key communities and fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation. These roads shall facilitate the movement of goods and services, stimulate economic growth, and improve the overall quality of life for Delta State’s citizens.
Critical hospital equipment shall be bestowed upon medical facilities, ensuring the well-being of Delta State’s subjects. This initiative shall enhance the state’s healthcare system, providing citizens with access to quality medical care and treatment.
Rural electrification projects shall bring light to the darkest corners of the realm, kindling a new era of productivity and growth. This initiative shall empower rural communities, stimulate economic activity, and improve the overall standard of living for Delta State’s citizens.
These bold initiatives, born from the wisdom of Governor Oborevwori’s leadership, shall transform Delta State, unlocking its true potential and securing a brighter future for generations to come. The people of Delta State shall rejoice, knowing that their Governor prioritizes their welfare and prosperity above all else.
As Delta State embarks on this journey of transformation, the Governor’s resolve remains unwavering. With a focus on transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance, His Excellency shall guide Delta State toward a future where progress knows no bounds. The Governor’s commitment to the people of Delta State is evident in his tireless efforts to improve their lives and create a more prosperous and equitable society.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s N275 billion development drive is a testament to his visionary leadership and commitment to the welfare and prosperity of Delta State’s citizens. These transformative projects shall reshape the state’s infrastructure, economy, and social fabric, ushering in a new era of growth, prosperity, and development. State’infrastructure,economy, and social fabric, ushering in a new era of growth, prosperity, and development.
Ben Binebai, Special Guest Columnist
For the attention of Bola Tinubu led Federal Government.
As the gods of old once decreed, the fate of nations hangs in the balance, awaiting the stroke of justice and equity. The creation of Toru-Ebe State is a divine imperative, a sacred mandate that echoes through the firmament, beckoning the attention of mortals and immortals alike. Like a mighty river bursting its banks, the collective voice of the Ijaw people thunders forth, demanding recognition and representation.
In this momentous hour, the very fabric of destiny trembles with anticipation. The stars align in propitious conjunction, signaling the dawn of a new era for the Niger Delta. The winds of change whisper secrets to the trees, as the earth itself begins to stir with the promise of renewal. The time for Toru-Ebe State is a time of reckoning, a moment when the threads of history are woven anew, and the fate of a people is forever sealed.
Toru-Ebe State creation stands as the authentic and lasting solution to the Ijaw people’s generational problems of balkanisation and political oppression. It is the key that unlocks the shackles of marginalisation, freeing the Ijaw nation from the chains of historical injustices. Toru-Ebe State will herald a new dawn of unity, purpose, and collective prosperity for the Ijaw people.
Let the clarion call of Toru-Ebe resound across the land, a celestial cry that shakes the foundations of power and awakens the slumbering giants of justice and equity. May the gods of the land smile upon this noble endeavour, guiding the hands of those who shape the destiny of nations. The creation of Toru-Ebe State is not merely a mortal desire; it is a divine necessity, a testament to the indomitable will of a people who refuse to be silenced.
Ben Binebai,
Special Guest Columnist