By Awoyemi Olayinka Nation
Corruption is posing a threat to the legitimacy of our government in Nigeria and something has to be done about it.
In a democratic system of Government, elections generate legitimacy because citizens contribute to the selection of leadership. So, in the event that a candidate is unceremoniously and unconstitutionally declared winner, there is a lot to say about the quality and strength of the justice system. I am of course referring to the current state of the electoral system in Nigeria
Last Week, Nigerian singer turned politician Olubankole Wellington, popularly known as Banky W turned heads in an unfolding political drama after he was declared the winner of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives Primaries for Eti-Osa Federal Constituency. Although, he clinched the ticket under full glare of the public, there has been controversy surrounding his victory, with claims that he lost to another aspirant – his opponent. Naija, my country!
While the story of the alleged maneuvering baffles us, it seems, these corrupt schemes are becoming more commonplace even within the All Progressive Congress (APC). News reaching us on the conspiracies happening in Osun State are somewhat baffling, or are they, really?.
On the 27th May, 2022, Dr. Thomas Ogungbangbe, House of Reps Candidate won a clear majority of electoral votes after contesting in the direct primaries for the APC House of Representatives. Ogungbangbe won 3,744 votes and the news of his success brought great jubilation amongst residents within the Oriade/Obokun local government area who so wanted him to emerge winner
It is no news that APC and PDP, Nigeria’s biggest ruling parties, somewhat dictate our culture, our values and our attitudes towards democracy. And while we have been fraught with challenges on the integrity of our elections for eon years, it would still be uncharacteristic to assume a nonchalant disposition towards our weaknesses and accept the lie that nothing can be done to uphold truth and justice.
As far as Nigeria is concerned, corruption and injustice are the order of the day. We witness this on a daily basis even in the littlest of things; from people paying to get their drivers’ licenses, paying exorbitant amounts for processing of passports, etc. to avoid following due process. Even during elections, candidates pay for votes, gift citizens food in exchange for votes. The bane of corruption is endless and this needs to be reviewed as a matter of urgency before things get out of hand, beyond what is. Anyone that has the interest of the nation Nigeria at heart will agree; and so, if we all agree, what steps are we taken to curb this?
Our nation deserves better; the people are deserving of better. We all have to come together to make Nigeria great and this applies to all stakeholders concerned but most especially those whom we have elected to Lead us.
This is a charge and a plea to the National Working Committee and all well meaning authorities to address the growing abuse of power, reckless abandonments alongside the foolhardy audacity of certain groups whose mischief have been allowed and unchecked for too long, emboldening others to violate our laws.
Reflecting on the case in Obokun and Oriade; Dr. Ogungbangbe is described by many as a man who has established himself as a highly respected professional in his field. He has worked hard to build a trajectory of success, making it bold to attempt a political position where he can create greater impact in the society and nation at large. Naturally, like everyone else, he deserves fair consideration and given sufficient attention, especially when a case like his is steeped in facts and figures
“The APC ticket for the House of Representatives in Oriade/Obokun local government must be given to the legitimate owner, Dr. Thomas Olaleye Ogungbangbe, not Seun David Odofin, Prof. Andrew Ifemidayo Akinmoladun or Desmond Oludare Ojumu anyone else for that matter- that is if the Party Leaders don’t want division within the Party”
By now, we should all works towards separating the co-joined Twins: Nigeria-corruption-and-injustice; the triplet. We need the right form of representation for this nation. Continue Reading
