By Sola Ayanwola
Obviously, political developments in Nigeria today, have assumed diabolic status leaving the citizens in stupendous awe.
Of course in Nigeria and World over, elections are political strategies for engaging societal leaders. This process is not without rules of engagement. From the constitution and constitutional provisions to electoral acts that guide entry and participation in political activities both as a politician, contestant or electorate, we have beautiful and interesting gate-keeping rules aim at ensuring that politics and election are placed consenciously with uttermost fairness at all levels.
Unfortunately, Nigeria has failed to get it right politically even with the well thought out rules of conduct and legislative laws towards enhancing democracy in the country.
This is so because corruption has become cantankerous in political space, breeding misfits and incompetent leaders in the end.
Amazingly, in spite of election laws prescribing age limit and level of education, under age and illiterates top list of aspirants and candidates for contest.
Yes, Corruption because all aspirant must undergo screening at the party and DSS levels.
The questions is , how did the unqualified candidates gets there? They got there through corruption, forgery , age doctoring and falsification of election results.
And the resultants consequences is post election litigation leading to further manipulation of Justice.
Eventually, wrong representation get into positions and end up achieving nothing for themselves or their constituencies
Evidences abound, that a politician gets voted into office ( state House of Assembly”) either by supposed wheel of the people or more often decided by court, wastes all the tenure of eight years without a single motion on floor of the House or sponsoring a single bill.This is counter productive and disastrous.
We must change our ways. Our major fall out on this issue is “God fatherism” and nepotism.
On the other hand we, the people, or the electorate if you like have not help matters. In most cases and more often, we do not sieve the grains from the chafts when it comes to elections.
A local dwellers or villagers is always interested in politician’s pocket when they come to him begging for mandate or votes. So is a matter of cash and carry as the people would not search for quality of the politician who may turn out to be an Ex-convict , Hoodlum or a Kidnappers. An this is how we got here in misery .
member representing Bosso constituency, Niger State House of Assembly