How Nigerians were robbed of their franchise by those who paid their ways to public offices through the instrumentality of INEC has manifested in the series of elections annulled in the country. These events as evidenced in Ondo, Edo and other states are undeniable proof that Nigeria's democracy has no bearing with the grassroots. This indeed, has been the bane to Nigeria's democratic growth, as it gives room for politics of cynicism and godfatherism to thrive.
It is a direct function of the repressive ruling class, who uses state institutions like INEC, and the security agencies to impose leaders on the citizenry at the expense of our collective desire and the political survival as a people. The time and resources these stolen mandates have cost this country is unimaginable.. Is it the security votes, the traveling allowances, the salaries, the cost involved the conduct of rerun elections and above all, the alteration of the electoral time table? The loss-human and material- this country has recorded as a result of INEC's unholy acts, is unbearable to us as patriots who yearn for the political survival of this country.
I urge Yar'adua, that, with these undeniable proof, Prof. Maurice Iwu has no justification to spend an additional day in office as INEC chairman. But if, Yar'adua, does not see any wisdom in this mass clamor to evict Prof. Iwu as INEC boss, by allowing this monster, who has humiliated, deprived us of our franchise and cost Nigerians these great losses, to conduct another election in this country, we will be left with absolute conviction that, "President" Yar'adua, has decided to consolidate on the stolen and manipulated mandate coyly given by former president Olusegun Obasanjo, who commissioned Iwu to perpetuate these evil against Nigerians. If that be the case, President Yar'adua , should be rest assured that, we will mobilize on the streets of Nigeria to demonstrate resist the continued scam.
The time for Nigerian grassroots to take responsibility for those who govern and how government is run, is now. If we are practicing democracy, we must abide by the principles and ideals of that system of governance. We must learn to form government from the people, not impose them on the people.
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Policies of government should emanate from the people through feedback mechanism and the people must and should always participate in the implementation of such policies, to ensure the survival such policies, the people and the nation. This is our mandate, It is to institute a responsive and proactive grassroot oriented government for peace and participatory democracy.
Akinaka Richard
Executive Director Grassroots Initiative For Peace And Democracy.
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