Abia LG election: Onyekwere calls for credible poll and level playing ground

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By Amechi Onwubuemeli

Uche Akym Onyekwere, a United States based Nigerian economist and philanthropist has called on the Abia State government, the state’s Independent Electoral Commission, politicians and others stakeholders to work towards a credible, free and fair election ahead of December 18 Local Government Election in the state.

The call became necessary following series of complaints, disorderliness, internal strife among the major political parties and disenfranchisement blues trailing the yet to be organized election in December. With each passing day, these trending issues and controversies appear to be mounting, an indication that a free, fair and credible election may be a mirage after all.

Onyekwere is therefore concerned about the prevailing challenges in his home state at a time citizens are looking forward to solutions to the myriad of problems facing the ordinary man. According to him, this election is critical because it is at the grassroots and also at the very heart of the people.

“I am very concerned about our democratic process because any more faulty steps at this point will reverse the gains we may have recorded. Honestly, our long-suffering people deserve a respite. But we must do certain things now in the interest of our future and the generation yet unborn. First, we must strengthen our institutions to engender confidence and transparency. This is the only way to guarantee inclusion and good governance.

“We cannot afford to continue doing the same thing the same way and expect a different result. The world is moving and we must be part of the global movement and change if we hope to be taken seriously by people of other nations.

“I am not particularly happy with some of the depressing stories I hear on a daily basis these days about how some people are working desperately to undermine the system and the collective will of the people. In Ukwa East for instance, we are disturbed by the issue of godfatherism and imposition of a candidate for the position of the local government chairman. I understand that Ndoki youths have not only rejected the candidate but are also threatening thunder and brimstone if this unpopular decision is not reversed.
I thought we had gone beyond all these.

“At the moment, a little over a week to the election, there are still some outstanding issues. I am aware there are court injunctions and different restraining orders flying around. Some of the complaints are hinged on imposition of candidates and the absence of any transparent primary election to ascertain the popularity and acceptability of some candidates who emerged. I must say that I am also disappointed by the news of the allegation of extortion leveled against the state’s Independent Electoral Commission. I am sure everyone agrees that we cannot build a great state if the strong and mighty continue to create problems because of their selfish interests.

“Leadership is service, and this must be the guiding principle. Those who want to govern the rest of us must go through due process or risk the much-needed support from the electorate. The era of godfatherism and brigandage must give way to a new age that will be governed by civility and ideas.

“We are all aware of the intimidation, vote buying, violence and apathy that almost discredited last Saturday’s by-election in some parts of our dear country, Nigeria. As a people, we must do the right things, and there could not have been a better time to do what is right. If we fail, then posterity will judge us harshly”, Onyekwere said.

He therefore asked the people to eschew bitterness as they work for the good of Abia people at home and abroad.

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