Anambra Elections: An Eye Opener On Our Real Problem

Like most Anambarians, non Anambra indigenes and residents, I spent most part of yesterday following the reports of polls via the internet. As usual, anticipated and highly expected, there were several skemishes. Despite all these, a new lesson was learnt on why our electoral system and programme are perenially problematic. It is the complacency of the voters. Yesterday was the day when gladiators of Abuja and Anambra politics tried to outwit and outsmart one another in what seemed like a do-or-die affair. Names like Prince Arthur Eze were copiously reverberating across most news reports as a result of his notoriety at what Nigerian 'politicians' are good at- rigging.

I'm not surprised that the PDP stalwarts deployed every artillery in their arsenal of weapons to rally around the founder of Soludoeconomics, neither was I disappointed that INEC's voters' registers bore names of late eminent Nigerians like Fela and Bola Ige, it is Iwu's way of paying glowing tributes, and INEC's role at ensuring that ballot papers of those who were disenfranchised of their fundamental human right were thumb printed for the candidate of their choice. Believe me, there is a compehensive and all encompassing voters' register, you can only on days apart from the day of election. It's part of the fault proof plan!

What is the however disheartening is the complacency of Anambarians who were intimidated either by the big grammar and charts of Soludo, or by the blood red eyes of political thugs. One after another, we hear stories of hoodlums distrupted electoral process, carting or snatching away ballot boxes to be snuffed with thumb printed ballot papers of those whose names weren't on the voters' list, while voters look on.

In times past, I thought only we the Yorubas feared trouble, compelling us to stay at peace when things are breaking into pieces, Anambarians had shown that the siddon look attitude is a national phenomenon that permeate all ethnic groups. United, in fear, we stand!

This makes me wonder why are Nigerians afraid to defend their votes, standing arms akimbo or running helter sketter when they ought to stand against the insignant fraction that wants to jeopardize the collective destiny of all?

Is it the weapons that are brandished by the disgruntled elements, or their blood shot eyes? Is it the deep baritone voice or Yokosuna thick biceps muscles? Or is it our inate tendency to flee at any sign of trouble knowing that there is nobody to watch your back? Many questions.

Going by the Anambra elections, it becomes evident that a million and one Wole Shoyinka and the likes cannot empower the voters, voters must empower themselves.

As Senate re-run election approaches, Iyiola Omisore's post-graduate degree generates new controversy

Just as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State on Wednesday fixed December 5 for the court ordered re-run election for the Senate seat previously occupied by Iyiola Omisore of the PDP, a new controversy has surfaced over the authenticity and veracity of Omisore’s degree. Omisore parades a Master’s degree in Building Services Engineering Management, which he obtained from Brunel University in the United Kingdom in July 2004, according to an academic report obtained by Saharareporters and signed by Dr. R H M Wakelin, the Chairman of the Board of Examiners in the course.

The course description on Brunel website shows the “Building Services Engineering Management MSc at the institution to be a 3-5 years self study without attendance course,” permitting the student to "follow a structured programme of self-study at home or at work."

Andy Uba's "Governor-in-waiting" panel deadlocked, adjourns till November 13 2009

A five-justice panel of the Court of Appeal, Enugu, today failed to agree on a verdict in a case filed by Emmanuel Nnamdi (Andy) Uba pleading to be declared Anambra State’s governor-in-waiting. Instead, the court, led by Justice J. S. Ngwuta, has set a new date of November 13 for its ruling.A source close to one of the justices told Saharareporters that the court’s inability to hand down a ruling today was largely dictated by our detailed expose on the intrigues and scandals involved in the gubernatorial elections petition appeal case brought by Mr. Uba. Our reports had disclosed that Mr. Uba, who amassed a huge wealth during the eight years he worked as former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s aide on domestic matters, had arranged to furnish some of the justices with millions of dollars in cash in exchange for a ruling that he must assume the governorship next March.