Faces of some of the participants
By Samuel Ogude
The 3rd Edition Lecture series of Advocate Publication Ltd which took place at Wetland Hotel, Ughelli, Delta State has come and gone but the memory lingers on. The theme: “From Ballot to Patronage: Why Electoral Victory Fails to Deliver Good Governance in Nigeria” which centred on democracy, the engine room of any workable government, was well presented.
No doubt, the attendees of the event must have taken home message(s) which they would build on now and later – the messages given the ones given by Senator Representing Delta Central, Senator Ede Dafinone, that of Dr. Charles Apoki, and of the Chief Executive Officer of the organization, Shedrack Onisha.
Faces of some of the participants
It is no news that the theme of the programme is apt considering what Nigerians go through at the moment. This was showcased in the address of Senator Ede Dafinone when he said, there is need for a shift from rhetoric to practical solutions if Nigeria’s myriad challenges are to be solved just as he said, electoral victories should translate into benefits for the entire people. Obviously, he was saying this against 2027 elections by the corner as it would be of benefit to all, if elections victories reflect on the lives of the people- human and capital development. His words: “I am always glad when conversations like this move beyond identifying problems to offering real solutions. It is easy to talk about what is wrong, but far more important to focus on how we can fix it.”
Chief Executive Officer of Advocate Publication Ltd, Shedrack Onitsha, being interviewed by newsmen at the programme
The Senator talked about the idea of one-party dominance just as he said, the act of defecting to the ruling parties is no news. His words: “As we approach the 2027 elections, many Nigerians are expressing concerns about a possible one-party state. However, this is a common mid-term political trend we have seen since 1999.” The Senator said, despite an improvement in the democratic system, the issue of vote buying is still much common which makes many Nigerians feel that their votes do not count.
Senator Dafinone supports the recent President Tinubu’s economic reforms that the removal of fuel subsidy as despite negative resultant effects, it is good for the country. His words: “Previous leaders avoided these decisions to remain popular, but the current administration chose the hard path. I want to assure Nigerians that the benefits will come.” The address of Dr Charles Apoki really, was no mean one as it conveyed meaning to the participants. His address x-rayed Nigeria’s democratic system and sees Nigerians to have lost governance of the nation.
Faces of some of the participants
His words:” That is not democracy. Democracy is government of the people, by the people, and for the people. But in Nigeria today, the people do not own the government.” He said, the wide spread of political ignorance and vote issues are the bane of the country as many Nigerians sell their rights for peanuts just as politicians capitalize on this phenomenon for their personal gains.
Dr Apoki frowned at high cost of politics and sees it as an obstacle to a credible leadership in the country. His words: “Politics in Nigeria is too expensive. Those who win often focus on recovering their expenses rather than serving the people, leading to a system dominated by godfathers.” The Chief Executive Officer of Advocate Publication Ltd, Shedrack Onitsha gave reason the theme of the lecture was zeroed on governance. According to him, it is to address the disconnect between electoral success and governance outcomes.
Faces of some of the participants
His words: “Over the years, we have discovered that election does not translate to good governance. Governments come with promises, but at the end, there is little to show.”The programme made an impact not only based on the topic, but panel discussions which x-rayed the issues in totality.
Panel of discussants at the ceremony
There was goodwill messages from Delta State Governor, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and stakeholders along with others who were represented at the occasion. Participants called for reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s institutions and ensure that democracy delivers real dividends to Nigerians at large.