For decades, the Ijaws who live in the lower Niger Delta have dealt with excruciating poverty, marginalization and the decimation of their environment. In an attempt to reverse this painful experience billions of Naira has been funneled into the region, yet the living conditions of the Ijaw people today have only marginally advanced beyond the middle ages.
The reasons for this deplorable situation are multifarious. However, the absence of visionary leadership and the distorted values of the emergent political class in the Lower Niger Delta region and Bayelsa State in particular are critical factors in the demise of the Ijaw people.
We believe that the path to individual progress and development of Bayelsa State rests on embracing the principles and values of democracy. The upcoming gubernatorial election on December 5, 2015, provides an opportunity to lay the foundation for true democracy in Bayelsa State. Consequently, we wish to unequivocally express our commitment to the principles of free, fair, and transparent democratic elections in Bayelsa State. We are committed not only to strengthening democracy, but also to building strong democratic institutions and ensuring that all Ijaws embrace participatory democracy. We call on all Bayelsans to ensure that the upcoming gubernatorial election is free and fair. We also call on the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to work diligently to fulfil its constitutional responsibility to conduct free, fair and credible elections for sustainable democracy at all tiers of government in Nigeria. INEC has a responsibility and an obligation to ensure free, fair and transparent elections in Bayelsa State.
It is only through free and fair elections that some measure of good governance and sustainable development will be achieved in Bayelsa State. The evidence is incontrovertible that despite the billions of Naira poured into Bayelsa, the citizens lack modern hospital facilities, stable power supply, clean water, good elementary and secondary schools, affordable housing, or stable internet connection. In addition, infrastructure in Bayelsa is lacking or poorly developed, unemployment is high as there are no industries to complement public sector employment. There is no better evidence of economic dislocation than the State capital where Bayelsans minimally participate in the local economy. Though a few Bayelsans have become rich as a result of the political gains made over the past decade, these individuals acquired wealth through embezzlement of public funds, “shake down,” rent seeking, manipulation and exploitation of the ordinary people. Thus, the malaise of generational poverty and maleficence of public official have stunted the emergence of a thriving middle class.
Bayelsans must assert their rights peacefully but firmly and reject any attempt to subvert the principle of one-person-one vote. We must reject the culture of electoral fraud and practices such as paying public officers to manipulate ballots in favor of political cronies; avoid the ridiculous practice of declaring election results that far exceed the number of registered voters; voter intimidation, repression, and violence. An electoral system characterized by these maladies yields only self-serving individuals as public officials. Absent a framework for participatory democracy, leaders who are accountable will never emerge.
The leadership imposed on the Bayelsa people since the state was created in 1999 has not been able to deliver economic growth and opportunity fairly. They spend public funds (YOUR MONEY) as personal income and have failed to formulate policies to stimulate the local economy or create opportunities for the people. The aspirations of the people of Bayelsa for a prosperous state will never become a reality if the prevailing system of political patronage and “godfatherism” persists.
As compatriot, we urge you to only vote for a candidate who will transform Bayelsa State into a thriving modern State — a candidate whose character and values are rooted in the principles of integrity, discipline, transparency and accountability. We must no longer tolerate the current shameful state of affairs that has reduced our dear state to a national and international caricature, and claim our heritage of a decent and peace loving people.
Those given the opportunity to serve Bayelsa State must listen to the voice of the people. Our elected officials are not demi-gods; they are humans conferred the public’s trust to serve. They must lead with integrity, transparency and accountability; they must faithfully execute development plans and work to uplift the people they serve, raise the standard of living and restore their dignity by creating multiple opportunities for all to pursue their dreams.
Finally, to ensure that the gubernatorial election on December 5, 2015 is conducted in an atmosphere free of intimidation and violence, we recommend that a Peace Committee similar to the committee formed prior to the presidential election should be constituted. The committee members should include the contestants, key stakeholders from Bayelsa and the Niger Delta and at least two credible independent third party members.
We believe that only an electoral process that recognizes the primacy of the will of the people can guarantee peace, stability and prosperity for the people of Bayelsa State. As Bayelsans you have an important responsibility to choose who and how you should be governed. By freely exercising your right to vote and choosing a governor, you are exercising your right to have a say; make sure your voice is not silenced and the will of the collective not subverted this time. The people of Bayelsa State must seize this opportunity to purge mediocrity, stagnation, dysfunction, ineptitude, conflict, and chaos.
God Bless Nigeria and the people of Bayelsa State!
Source: Sayelbatimes.com
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