By Comrade Mashood Lanrey Osho.
Fellow Kwarans, let me say that exciting times are here in kwara state again,You may ask what is so exciting about this hard time with our myriad of problem? Hard times have befallen many Kwaran and Nigeria citizens in particular since last year May 29th ,2023.when president Bola Ahmed Tinubu removed subsidy payment from petroleum.hard time is really biting harder where the economic reality has made it a daily struggle to afford even the basics. For numerous individuals and families, accessing three square meals a day has become a luxury they can no longer afford. The soaring cost of living, coupled with stagnant incomes and widespread unemployment, has pushed many to the brink of desperation. The once-simple act of putting food on the table has become a daunting task, leaving many to wonder how they will cope with the harsh economic conditions.
kwaran are now selling their properties to feed their family the situation is so pathetic. let me leave that for another day.please just allow me to put it this way that interesting time are here again.
Politician’s are like students. We all know how politicians often deceive people to gain power and abandon their followers once they achieve their goals. They make promises they don’t intend to keep, manipulate public opinion, and use rhetoric to sway emotions. Once in office, they prioritize personal interests over the welfare of their constituents, leaving those who trusted them feeling betrayed and neglected. This cycle of deception and abandonment erodes trust in the political system and undermines democracy.thus, voter’s are their teachers.every now and then the chicken are come home to roost and politicians are forced to test their popularity and performance.the examiners are the voter’s who have waited patiently for this time to come in kwara state so that they can pass or fail incompetent or mediocre among those vying for political offices .sometimes the electorate get things right.oftentimes they get it wrong like last election in kwara state where all candidate’s of rulling political party emerged victoriously what a miracle? what is important is that it is a payback time,for good or bad.how ready is Kwaran for this upcoming local government election? Times shall tell.
Baba-okanla please sorry for my preamble that has been my way of written, let me confess to you that am an “extrovert” I hardly see things happening in kwara either good or otherwise without reacts or write about.nothing happening now that I have never written about in my first book title “FRANTIC VIEW OF AN ACCIDENTAL VENDOR” is a compilation of my seven years article as a regular columnist with national moonlight newspaper then, just let me go straight to the business of the day Sir.and leave all this story for another day.laugh.
As Chairman Kwara State Independent electoral commission (KWASIEC) you have a unique opportunity to write your name in the good books of history. I urge you to prioritize the integrity of the electoral process, ensuring a free and fair election. Remember, your tenure will eventually come to an end, but your legacy will live on. Choose to be celebrated for your courage and commitment to democracy never allow yourself to be use to manipulate the results of local government election remember there is life after office may Allah spare our life together.
Furthermore, I will urge you to believe in the power of peaceful transition from three years illegal tenured of TIC Chairmen’s that was appointed by the governor. the action that portrayed us as one of state in Nigeria promoting illegality and disobeyed court rulling despite the fact that the attorney general of the federation he is from kwara state and a state that have the chairman of Nigeria governor’s forum, it’s pathetic and embarrassing that Governor Abdulrahamon Abdulrasaq couldn’t conduct LG election for five years in office. Let the will of the people prevail, and let your name become synonymous with integrity, fairness, and statesmanship. Your legacy is in your hands, and the world is watching. Make it count, Baba-Okanla!
Thus, election is the will of the people, and it’s essential to allow the will of the people to prevail. In developed countries, free and fair elections are the cornerstone of democracy, and those who conduct and participate in them are indeed heroes celebrated by the world. It’s crucial to prioritize transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in the electoral process, ensuring that every voice is heard and every vote counts. By doing so, we can strengthen democracy and build a more just and equitable society for all.
Baba-okanla remember, that the power of democracy lies in the people’s voices and choices. Let’s continue to promote and protect the integrity of elections, celebrating the heroes who make democracy thrive.and to uphold the highest standards of integrity and impartiality. The people of Kwara State are eager to exercise their democratic rights and choose their leaders in a peaceful and credible manner. It is your sacred responsibility to ensure a free, fair, and transparent electoral process.
This moment is crucial for the kwara state democracy, and your actions will have a lasting impact on the people of Kwara. We must learn from the lessons of the 2017 local government elections, where the then-chairman, Ajidagba, failed to ensure a fair and transparent process. This led to widespread protests, erosion of trust, and a loss of faith in the state electoral system. We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past please take notes of this sir.
Baba Okanla you must ensure that the electoral process is not manipulated or compromised in any way. This includes guaranteeing the accuracy and security of the voter register, the impartiality of electoral officials, and the transparency of the voting and counting processes.you must also address the concerns of all stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and the general public, in a timely and fair manner.
The success of the local government elections in Kwara State is crucial not only for the state’s democracy but also for the overall development and progress of the people. I urge you to rise to the challenge and demonstrate commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability. The people of Kwara State are counting on you to ensure a free, fair, and credible electoral process that reflects the will of the people.
You need to be careful with those in power today as nobody hold-on to power forever those saying we are in power nothing will happen do what we want will swiftly disappear before you can blink an eye.i venture to say that most of them do not personally like you.they live in fear of you and not in awe of you remember Godwin Emefiele former CBN governor facing trial presently those who used him has disappeared. Yoruba have suitable adage for every events that unfolds.”Bo ba ko waju si o ko ta .Bo ba koyin si o kota .Bo ba ku’wo nikan, ko tun-ero arare pa.Alatise ni nmatise ara re.i believe you understand me better I wish you all the best.
I remain your dear younger one who will not shrink from telling you the plain truth!
Comrade Mashood Lanrey Osho is a Human Right Activist, Anti-corruption Crusader, public policy analyst, Author of two different books and Deputy Coordinator ENetSuD.