This initiative is a timely and well-thought-out idea which I’d like to suggest should be held periodically, because it is very strategic and vital to the promotion of the true interest of the Okun nation.
Specifically, I’ll like to speak on the sub- themes of Rotation and Representation as it was, and as it is today. I will also make some suggestions as the way forward to achieving the best deal for Okun land in the socio-political milieu/of Kogi State.
Distinguished compatriots, I believe that I’m sufficiently experienced by my past political engagements and very competent by virtue of my practical hands on the job, to speak on this topic, having been a key participant and player in our political landscape over a period of close to thirty years, in different political dispensations and under a number of political parties such as: UNCP, ACD, ACN, ANPP, PDP and currently the ruling APC.
I have also been part of the state’s electoral processes at different epochs, helping politicians to interpret and actualise their dreams and political aspirations and working with them and making significant contributions to their winning elections.
It is also important for me to mention to those of us here who may not know or have forgotten, that I was elected as Vice- Chairman of Ijumu Local Government via winning popular votes between 2013 and 2016.
It is however not cheering to note that in the intervening period between the time of my being in political office and now, the electoral process that are designed to throw up popular candidates has badly deteriorated, with accompanying negative effects and implications. Our electoral process which in the past, used to be credible, and which had always started from ward nomination to local government and then to party primaries, has sadly, in recent time, become alarmingly less credible due to lack of internal party democracy. This unwholesome development and reality is not in any way limited to a particular political party.
Generally speaking, our national electoral processes which are supervised by INEC have also deteriorated over the years, thereby, making the attainment of good representation a mirage nationally and at sub-national levels. It has not always been so from the beginning, and certainly not as bad as we have it today! The imperative of the time, therefore, is that we must re-invent the wheels and sanitize our political processes if we hope and desire to move forward as a people.
On the issue of Political Office Rotation, I hasten to assert that the gentleman agreement which hitherto helped us achieve cohesion and sense of belonging in Okun land, and which was put in place as matter of deliberate unwritten political policy and template by our elders in their wisdom, to stem the tide of, and forestall greed, nepotism, the negative orientation and culture of winners take-all and to engender the spirit of brotherhood and good neighbourliness has unfortunately been bastardised and jettisoned at all levels of our local politics, with its resultant friction and acrimony. It has also boxed us into a very tight corner of disharmony, and engendered a sense of exclusion, and bred suspicion and mutual mistrust amongst us.
The Way Forward
The situation is not unredeemable. We can return to the good old days if we through deliberate efforts prune and trim the rough edges of our political culture and values systems. The following are my considered set of quick solutions to our challenges:
There is a need for us to deliberately revisit the mode of emergence of our representatives in a way that the popular and the best will emerge in every election, thereby adding value to our collective quest for sustainable development. I therefore suggest that candidates be pre-screened by a group appointed by ODA for that purpose and then a galvanized support be given to such candidate if emerge as part flag bearer in Okun
There is a need to also revisit our political rotation system from ward level to the governorship level. I suggest we go by existing rotational system in place. No one should be allowed to circumvent the system.
There is a need to de-emphasize undue use of money to influence elections. Over monetization of our politics is inimical to our true interest as a people, and the attainment of a good society in the true sense of the word. I suggest an election monitoring team drawn by Okun people under ODA. Anyone found guilty to be sanctioned.
There should be constant re-orientation of our political values and laying of emphasis on our cherished noble ideals, ethos and creed of integrity, servant-hood, commitment and altruistic services anchored on sacrificial giving of one’s heart and soul to the job as being a trust.
The need for an amendment of our electoral laws in such a way and manner that will guarantee level- playing ground and allow for healthy competition and also appropriate punishments for electoral offenders who choose to undermine our common good. I suggest party candidate sponsorship system instead of individual sponsorship of election to positions.
There is need for us to establish a credible Truth and Reconciliation Committee similar to the type that was put in place in Rivers State some years ago to heal the wounds brought about by years of injustice and deprivations in our local political arrangements and electoral system.
Every political player who wants to contest future elections must be encouraged to do so in their respective political parties, and they must be allowed to display their comparative advantages and capacities for the people to thereby appreciate and buy into, or reject such aspirations. It is undemocratic and unacceptable for the fate of an aspirant to be determined and a clog out on its wheel prematurely on flimsy excuses, so as not to create bad blood and irreconcilable differences. An aspirant must be persuaded to reconsider his/her quest if only its on the grounds of thee common good, but certainty not on the grounds that he/she does not appear to have deep pockets.
Candidates standing for elective positions must be made to sign a Pact or enter into an MOU with the people he/she wishes to serve wants to represent, to allow for adequate feedback, give-back, accountability and to guarantee performance.
A background check must as a matter of necessity, be conducted on our potential representatives at their family level, their performance at previous beats and engagements, as well as their psychological state of mind.
Town hall Meetings such as this one, must be made to become part of our political culture and for our representatives to imbibe, through which they can have robust interactions with the electorate – the real mandate owners.
Finally, my fellow beloved compatriots, the Okun nation must do a critical reflection to find out where as a people, we have missed the mark, so that we can address the ills besetting us politically. Necessity is laid upon us to work at fixing the cracks in our social structures.
We must return to our timeless cherished values of nobility of character, hardwork, delayed gratification, respect and genuine love for fellow Okun brothers and sisters, thereby placing us on the right path towards attaining our Eldorado. Okun will be great again, deo volente. But we have no option than to return to our old values and dignifying ways of life.
We must do the right things and do things right. I thank you all, for the honour of your time.
– Hon. Dayo Henry Akanmode
Being the Text of Submissions of Hon. Henry Akanmode @ the Okun Town Hall Meeting (Ijumu Session) Powered By Okun Patriots and held at Iyara Town Hall on Thursday September 16, 2021.
