03 May 2009 |
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HOW AN ELECTORAL COMMISSIONER POSITIVELY REBRANDED NIGERIA: THE OLUSOLA AYOKA ADEBAYO DOCTRINE Anthony Okosun A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacle - Christopher Reeve Not the glittering weapons fights the fight, but rather the hero’s heart - Proverb A boy doesn’t have to go to war to be a hero; he can say he doesn’t like pie when he sees there isn’t enough to go around – Edgar Watson Howe
Chief (Mrs.) Olusola Ayoka Adebayo is the Ekiti State Resident Electoral Commissioner. Recently, she tendered her resignation under very controversial circumstances, and went underground. Her resignation was tendered, during the conduct of the Federal Court of Appeal, Ilorin; February 17th, 2009 decision; mandated re-elections in 10 local government areas in Ekiti state; which involved 65 wards. she has since bounced out of hiding, reclaimed her job and expressed her desire to complete the Ekiti State Election re-run. Taking into consideration Nigeria’s deeply ingrained culture of bribery and corruption, election fraud and election figures and results falsification and manipulation; not forgetting the overbearing influence of VIP Nigerians and other assorted political godfathers and political follower-ship clowns. It is profoundly refreshing to hear the sweet song of the torch bearer of the forth coming golden age of Nigeria; wherein elections will be conducted by the standards of civilized societies, the world over. By her unprecedented act of courage and transparent integrity, for not succumbing to pressure to mortgage her conscience, Chief (Mrs.) Ayoka Adebayo has successfully and positively re-branded Nigeria. The international community has been notified, by her selfless and fearless conduct that there are still Nigerians, who are willing and ready to make the Nigerian project functional. She has re-energized Nigerians resident at home and in the diaspora. It is interesting too to note that Chief (Mrs.) Ayoke Adebayo is an Egba-yoruba woman from Abeokuta, same place as the legendary Chief(Mrs) Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, who was a civil rights lioness in her time; the mother of Koye, Fela and Beko. These Egba women are truly great - I salute their courage and integrity. By her courageous conduct, Chief (Mrs.) Ayoke Adebayo has established the Ayoke Adebayo doctrine. The tenets of her doctrine can be deduced from her resignation letter. In her letter of resignation, she wrote: “It is with heavy heart that I am writing to inform you of my resignation as the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State. In accordance with the rule of law, the on-going election in Ekiti State was supposed to be the election that will enhance the image of INEC, electoral process in our dear country Nigeria and the whole black race. Unfortunately, the circumstances changed in the middle of the process; therefore, my conscience as a Christian cannot allow me to further participate in this process.” A very careful study of Chief (Mrs.) Olu Ayoka Adebayo’s letter of resignation will reveal some very important tenets of the catechism for the renewal of Nigeria. This unusually courageous and bold woman, who is now 74 years old, is bequeathing to Nigerians and Nigeria a legacy that is unquantifiable and unqualifiable. Now what are the tenets of the Chief (Mrs) Ayoke Adebayo’s doctrine, that Nigeria, Nigerian leaders, Nigeria’s electoral officers and all Nigerians must imbibe. The word ‘doctrine’ is from the Latin: doctrina. The word means a principle or body of principles. The word doctrine could also mean a corpus or body of beliefs or teachings. FIRST TENET: Nigeria’s Electoral Officers must always put the fear of God above everything else in the conduct of elections. The Holy Bible says in Ecclesiastes 8:11-13 (King James Version): “11Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. 12Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him: 13But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.” Those who have been honored with the responsibility of conducting elections in Nigeria and for Nigerians must put the fear of God above everything else. Electoral Officers must not allow their conscience to be to be compromised with money or other monetary gains. The people’s free will must not be torpedoed, on the alter of bribery and corruption. It need not be over-stressed that Nigerians electoral officers should put God first. The aforesaid statement is predicated on the fact that the most serious obstacle hindering Nigeria’s social, economic and political self-actualization, progress and the optimum realization of the dividends of independence, sovereignty and democracy, is Nigeria’s inability to conduct free and fair elections. Properly conducted elections will bless the citizens with the opportunity to peacefully and democratically register their corporate and individual opinions regarding the destiny of the Nigerian polity. Where citizens are able to cast their votes, and their votes actually count; the citizens will be able to determine the size, shape and direction of the economy, political and social developments; as their electoral preferences will reflect their dream ideas and profound desires. Unfortunately, Nigerians have regularly been denied the opportunity to enjoy proper democracy as is ideally reflected through a free and fair electoral process. It is not uncommon to hear of false election results been announced in Nigeria. The stealing of ballot boxes and the manhandling of polling officers and representatives of the opposing political parties are well entrenched in Nigeria. Where the fear of God reigns supreme, the votes of the masses, will not be tampered with. The free will of the masses will not be forcibly and brazenly compromised. SECOND TENET: Nigerian Electoral Officers must have the courage to exercise wisdom and resign, in the face of overwhelming pressure and undue influence to falsify election figures and trump the sacred will of the people. This brings to mind the fact that it is not possible to conduct free and fair elections, under a political climate, where the electoral officers are appointees of the government in power. Electoral officers should be able to exercise their free will and be able to resign if necessary; especially, when they are subjected to pressure, coercion or undue influence. It is possible to have free and fair elections in Nigeria; however, it is not possible to do so within the current legislative framework, in which the Electoral Commission is composed of government appointees, and subject to the whims, caprices and norms of the government in power. Nigerian elections should be conducted by an autonomous electoral body, whose head and members would be democratically elected. The composition of the autonomous electoral commission, must be well balanced and must represent the rich tribal diversity of Nigeria. The commission must be committed to the attainment of sustainable world class political culture in Nigeria. Members of the autonomous electoral body should be able to resign, without honorably, if they cannot ensure and secure for all Nigerians, freedom from violence, intimidation nor coercion during elections and during the collation of election results The members of the autonomous electoral body should be able to resign, if they cannot secure equitable and dignified treatment for all the electorates, candidates and the political parties. The members of the autonomous electoral body should be free to resign, if they cannot ensure an open and transparent ballot counting process. The members of the autonomous electoral body should be able to and willing to resign, if they cannot ensure that all Nigerians, have equal access to the polling places. THIRD TENET: Electoral Officers must not betray the people. Electoral officers must always remember, that it is an honor to be called upon to serve one’s country. Whether you serve as a street cleaner, President or Electoral Officer, it is important to be ever conscious of the fact that service to one’s country, is a thing of joy and an honor. Every citizen must understand that the honor of serving one’s country, must be enough to make one humble and satisfied. Electoral Officers must realize that altering election results and putting the people who are not the true choice of the masses in power; in exchange for bribes and other material ill gains, is a huge betrayal of the people. Those who are elevated to the electoral commission, must always remember that they are accountable to the people. Electoral commissioners must understand that, When the people’s true representatives are put in power; stability, progress and prosperity will be fostered. Representatives, who are truly elected, always see themselves as agents of progress and are always accountable to the electorates. There is a vital link between free and fair elections and national stability, economic and social development. The government of the day determines much of the economic and social destinies of the polity and peoples of the polity. Judges are appointed and approved by those elected by the electorates. The economy that is managed by the elected government, directly impacts the electors. Those elected, initiate policies that determines, whether the masses will prosper or sink in poverty. Those who are elected determine, whether to throw the country into a war or allow space for peace. Those elected by the people, decide whether to build new hospitals, roads, bridges and schools and maintain old ones or whether to rob the common treasury of the masses and allow the masses to wallow in poverty and disease. The inter-connectivity between free and fair elections and the socio-politico and economic destinies of the people cannot be over emphasized. Thus Nigerians who are elevated to the electoral commission to serve the nation, must endeavor to conduct transparently free and fair elections; as a platform for social economic and political advancement of the Nigerian polity.
Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile. Albert Einstein I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve. Albert Schweitzer If I have been of service, if I have glimpsed more of the nature and essence of ultimate good, if I am inspired to reach wider horizons of thought and action, if I am at peace with myself, it has been a successful day. Alex Noble Do not be like servants who serve their masters expecting to receive a reward; be rather like servants who serve their master unconditionally, with no thought of reward Antigonus of Sokho He who wishes to secure the good of others, has already secured his own. Confucius Now my friends, I am opposed to the system of society in which we live today, not because I lack the natural equipment to do for myself but because I am not satisfied to make myself comfortable knowing that there are thousands of my fellow men who suffer for the barest necessities of life. We were taught under the old ethic that man's business on this earth was to look out for himself. That was the ethic of the jungle; the ethic of the wild beast. Take care of yourself, no matter what may become of your fellow man. Thousands of years ago the question was asked; ''Am I my brother's keeper?'' That question has never yet been answered in a way that is satisfactory to civilized society. Yes, I am my brother's keeper. I am under a moral obligation to him that is inspired, not by any maudlin sentimentality but by the higher duty I owe myself. What would you think me if I were capable of seating myself at a table and gorging myself with food and saw about me the children of my fellow beings starving to death. Eugene v. Debs FOURTH TENET: Electoral officers must be conscious of the fact that properly conducted elections, helps to enhance and promote the prospect of peace in a polity, while improperly conducted elections and other assorted electoral fraud can engulf the polity in a hellish inferno. Thus it is extremely important that electoral officers, must never ever allow their conduct of elections to be hijacked by politicians and dubious government functionaries; neither must they allow election results to be falsified. In 1993 Nigeria’s freest election ever, was recklessly annulled. That annulment threw country Nigeria into an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. Nigerians from every tribal divide, religion and the professions, young and old were determined to struggle for the re-validation of the annulled elections. The heat grew so strong and scorching that the nations former military strongman, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida had to step aside from Aso Rock, the seat of power, in a fashion and manner that was hasty, embarrassing and less than graceful. The struggle for the validation of the sanctity of the June 12th 1993 elections and the victory thereof, became an all Nigerians affair. Chief Alfred Rewane(God bless his soul) who lost his life, for financing the struggle for the validation of June 12th, was an itsekiri man. Chief Anthony Enahoro who went into exile, in his old age over June 12, is an Esan( Edo) man. Vice Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu is an Ibo man. Air Commodore Dan Suleiman is a Middle Beltan. Air Commodore Jonah Jang is a middle beltan. Colonel Umar who lost his commission in the army for supporting the validation of the June 12th election results, is a fulani man. Balarabe Musa is an hausa man. This is just to name a few. leaders of non -governmental bodies, like Olisa Agbakoba, Mike Ozekhome and Femi Falana, temporarily abandoned their wigs and gowns and bravely and boldly led demonstrations all over lagos agitating for the validation of the June 12th, presidential elections . At the time, Nigerians demonstrated their resolve to protect the mandate won in the June 12th, 1993 elections and to sustain a culture of democracy. Despite the military junta’s deployment of the much dreaded Sgt. Rogers and the other apparatchiks to snipe out any opposition or appearance of opposition, Nigerians remained faithful to their belief in the sanctity of the June 12th, 1993 elections. For the courage and fearlessness shown by the Guardian, Alex Ibru, lost an eye, and the Guardian was razed down. Aare M.k.O. Abiola’s wife, Kudirat Abiola was cut down by the hounds. Deep down the line, the poster child of the struggle, Aare MKO Abiola lost his life after drinking cup of tea; or, so they said. Many Nigerians like Professor Wole Soyinka and former Governor Bola Tinubu ran outside the shores of the country, where they continued the struggle for the validation of the annulled election. Nigerian electoral officers, must always remember the June 12th, 1993 elections and vow never to allow themselves to be used to throw Nigeria into chaos and anarchy. Nigeria’s electoral officers, must see themselves as agents of peace and strive extremely hard to pursue and maintain peace in Nigeria, by not allowing greedy politicians and ignoble government functionaries to compromise them in the conduct of their lawful duties as electoral officers. FIFTH TENET: Electoral Officers must never forget that money is not everything. Electoral Officers must not sell their souls for money. Electoral officers must learn to put money in it’s proper perspective. Electoral officers are paid to do their work. If an electoral officer is not satisfied with his remuneration, the Officer should resign honorably and not sell his soul to the highest bidder. The Holy Bible (King James version) says: “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16: 26 Electoral Officers must remember that: With money you can buy a house, but not a home. With money you can buy a clock, but not time. With money you can buy a bed, but not sleep With money you can buy a book, but not knowledge With money you can buy a doctor, but not good health, With money you can buy a position, but not respect. With money you can buy blood, but not life. With money you can buy sex, but not love. Chinese proverb SIXTH TENET: Nigerian Electoral Officers must always allow integrity to guide them in the conduct of elections. When electoral officers are confronted with forces opposed to the true will of the electorates, they must be able to fall back on their in-depth and inherent moral values and inner compass, centered on integrity. Electoral officers must be men and women of the highest integrity. Only Nigerian men and women, who cannot be bought, should be allowed to serve as electoral officers. These must be men and women of proven character, transparent integrity and probity “Character is doing the right thing when nobody's looking. There are too many people who think that the only thing that's right is to get by, and the only thing that's wrong is to get caught.” J. C. Watts “If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters.” Alan Simpson SEVENTH TENET: We must never attempt to subdue our conscience. When persons are elevated to positions of responsibility as electoral officers, they must learn to take time out to meditate, listen to and act only on the dictates of their conscience. If you are electoral officer and you are under pressure and undue influence to mortgage your conscience, always remember to ponder on these nuggets of wisdom. “There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience.” French Proverb A quiet conscience makes one so serene. - Lord Byron Labor to keep alive that little spark of celestial fire, called conscience. - Geroge Washington
Conscience: A small, still voice that makes minority reports. - Franklin P. Adams Reason often makes mistakes, but conscience never does. - Josh Billings
It is far more important to me to preserve an unblemished conscience than to compass any object however great. - William Ellery Channing
He who sacrifices his conscience to ambition burns a picture to obtain the ashes. - Chinese Proverb
Conscience is the root of all true courage; if a man would be brave let him obey his conscience. - James Freeman Clarke Conscience is the inner voice that warns us that someone may be looking. - H.L. Mencken
Conscience is that which hurts when everything else feels good. - George Vavoulis
Whence do I get my rules of conduct? I find them in my heart. Whatever I feel to be good is good. Whatever I feel to be evil is evil. Conscience is the best of casuists. - Jean-Jacques Rousseau Anthony Okosun (TonyOsun@yahoo.co.uk)
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