DEMOCRACY, PEACE CAN ONLY BE SUSTAINED BY GOOD GOVERNANCE – OKEY NWOSU
Keynote address is as follows…
Today will remain a very historical day in this state Anambra and our country Nigeria. It marks the beginning of the electoral journey to end the impunity and imprudence in the politics of our dear state and country. It will end the hooliganism of state capture which has etched deep into our systems of democratic governance. I will like to list just four that we must commit to dealing with in building a great country and an affluent nation with prosperous peope.
- The 4 plus 4 syndrome.
- Incumbents’ successor derangement or albatross.
- Government treasury conversion to personal estate.
- Local government power usurpation and election manipulation.
But before I delve into these series of abuses by the political players and executives most especially, I will like to deviate and address the very important development of the moment; the arrest of IPOB maestro Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Leaders do not shy away from significant matters that affect the health and welfare of the state and people. Therefore I advise President Muhammadu Buhari to regard this development as a significant milestone in nation and peace building in a diverse country like ours. The government must not fail to show valued act of statecraft that posits Nigeria as a disciplined and responsible democracy. There are established international processes and protocols for dealing with matters. In all, the citizens rights and privileges must be accorded Nnamdi kanu. Ndigbo, Nigerians and the world are watching.
Also, I must say that the adverse performance of the APC and President Buhari government in dealing with our diversity as a country have created deluge of challenges for all. The military, police, state securities and intelligence organs are overstretched, depressed and demoralized because of the failings of our political leaders. The president, governors and legislators are all in the same rotten tomato basket. The symptoms are the insecurity, poverty, unemployment, youth restiveness and ethnic militia and agitations rocking the country. Our country has become almost irrelevant in international circuit and even to ourselves. Many concerned leaders have been calling for national conversation. Kalu is now in the country. Igboho and others are around. I therefore call on President Buhari to seize this moment and call for National dialogue for the sake of our country, now and generations to come.
Back to Anambra. This Anambra election will lay the foundation for quality democratic governance again. The four plus four syndrome is an anathema in a constitutional process. Only good governance guarantees a return for an incumbent. The people must decide, that is democracy.
The incumbent-successor-derangement and demagoguery in Anambra state was first orchestrated by Governor Peter Obi. The same Governor Peter Obi started the Local government councils power usurpation and brigandage and abuses associated with LGA funds which have incapacitated the grassroots administration in the state. These trends have become the practice of the APGA government. We must stop this to give Anambra a new lease of life.
We had a chat on our Only aspirant on these and many other issues that will advance not only Anambra but Africa as a whole. The screening committee yesterday cleared Mr Akachukwu Sullivan Nwankpo based on ADC DNA and our commitment to right the wrongs of decades and abuses of systems, institutions and processes in the state. Nze Nwankpo has keyed into ADC Pan-African and global vision. He has also agreed to drive the Making Anambra state the Ijele Africa and hub for commerce, tourism, medical excellence and research and innovation centre. God made him the driver of this vision not man. ADC members in Anambra, South East, Nigeria Diaspora worldwide are sure with him on this journey. I am sure Anambra people will confirm it in November. To God the glory.
Finally I must appeal to us all of us here present, all adc members and supporters, ndiAnambra and Ndigbo nine and all Nigeria go and fulfill your civic obligations by registering to vote. INEC has opened the registration window. We must take advantage of it maximally. I must caution that democratic vitality revolves around citizens participation. And Electoral managers credibility, discipline and transparency.
I will like to conclude with a simple request to the leaders of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, the election management agency of our dear country. Give us a credible election in Anambra 2021, and general election in 2023, and ADC will assure you of a superpower Nigeria in your lifetime. The strategic compass is with this party that you INEC registered in 2006.
To God the Glory.
ADC – Arise! ADC – Arise!! AD&C Arise and Shine Nigeria.
Ralphs okey
-Our task is not to foresee the future, but to enable it.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery
