Our reporter
The call for a more transparent and independent electoral process in Nigeria was at the forefront during the official launch of the Dr. Osahon Enabulele Foundation and its Colloquium in Benin City on Wednesday. Dr Tonny Iredia, the plenary speaker and former Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), led discussions on the need for electoral reforms, stressing that the country’s electoral system cannot achieve its full potential unless the process is managed impartially and effectively.
Dr Iredia’s remarks, centred around the theme “Election Management and the Leadership Recruitment Process: The Way Forward,” underscored the importance of a truly independent electoral umpire. He pointed out that while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is constitutionally designated as ‘independent,’ its leaders are often deeply entrenched in partisan politics, undermining public trust in the election process.
“The term ‘independent’ is misleading when it comes to INEC. The individuals in charge are often far from neutral, and this must change for the system to function effectively,” Dr Iredia stated. He further elaborated on the complex nature of elections, explaining that voting is only one part of the larger process, which includes voter registration, party primaries, and campaign conduct.
He called for a more streamlined approach to elections, proposing that all general elections in Nigeria should be held on the same day, as is common in other African countries like Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. “If they can do it, why can’t we?” he asked. He also suggested that election disputes should be resolved before winners are sworn into office, advocating for the establishment of an election offences tribunal to address issues promptly.
Professor Eghosa Osaghae, keynote speaker and Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), addressed the leadership question in his talk, “Nigeria and the Leadership Question: Unlocking the Potential for a Better Tomorrow.” According to Prof. Osaghae, leadership in Nigeria, while important, is not unique in its challenges, as many nations struggle with similar issues. He emphasised the need for leaders to emerge through legitimacy rather than coercion and stressed that solutions to Nigeria’s problems lie within the Nigerian people themselves.
Dr Osahon Enabulele, founder of the Dr Osahon Enabulele Foundation, shared his vision for a better Nigeria, which he believes requires citizens to look inward for solutions. Dr Enabulele, who recently served as president of the World Medical Association (WMA), expressed his concerns about the current state of the nation. He remarked that many Nigerians are disillusioned, with some even questioning why they should stay in the country. “But can everyone leave?” he pondered. “Nigeria has become a place where survival has become a daily struggle for basic needs.”
Dr Enabulele, however, insisted that the key to Nigeria’s recovery lies not in lamentations but in action. “We need progressive reforms driven by empowered citizens,” he said. His foundation aims to empower vulnerable groups and support initiatives that promote leadership excellence, good governance, and human capital development, focusing on education, healthcare, community development, and youth empowerment.
Other speakers at the event included Barrister Osagie Obayuwana, former Edo State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General; Mrs Sabina Osehobo, Director at LAPO Microfinance Bank; and Professor Eddy Eragbe, a lecturer at the University of Benin. They collectively highlighted the importance of independent candidacy and the integrity of election participants in improving Nigeria’s electoral process.
The event marked the beginning of a movement aimed at reforming the nation’s political landscape, with Dr Enabulele’s foundation pledging to contribute significantly to the development of a fairer, more accountable Nigeria.
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