Sir, it is no longer news that the Benue State Independent National Electoral Commission, (BESIEC) has released a new time table for the conduct of local government elections in Benue State
Been the closest to the grassroots, local government administration is expected to be local with its benefits supposedly felt directly by the people most especially those in the rural areas, in keying into the core objective for which the third tier of bringing government to the door-steos of the people.
It is in the light of the above that council elections are greeted with much enthusiasm and hence the recruitment process must at all times be adgudged to be in conformity either the collective wishes and desires of the people at the that level.
For the recruitment process to be seen to be transparent and people-driven then, political parties which form the focrum as first selective agents( primaries) must in all circumstances avail a level playing field for aspirants on their platforms so that at the end, only popular and acceptable candidats would have emerged for electorate to choose from.
Given the for-going, it is fast becoming worrisome an emerging trend within the Benue State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party ( PDP) as the build up to the elections intensify, a trend if not checked and on time could led to cracks within it’s ranks and in the process lower her chances at the polls.
It remains instructive and sadly too note that certain actions and in-actions by the party has greatly given an edge to certain aspirants which is in clear violation of the Party’s doctrine of fairness and equality as also enshrined in her constitution.
Having been unable to conduct council elections by BESIEC owing to certain reasons, the State House of Assembly inline with its mandate granted the Benue State Government the leave to Appoint or re-appoint caretaker Chairman across the 23 local government areas state to avoid a possible vacum, which government did but, in it’s wisdom decided to return all the former caretaker Chairman back into office and most of who were and are still aspirants on the ticket of the party thus giving them a clear edge over others in the contest.
The Party has to note that it has among her ranks an array of tested people who can equally be given the opportunity to bring their worth of experience to bear on the third tier of government if the principle of equity is anything to go by and hence my call on governor Samuel Ortom who is also the leader of the party in the state to wade in with a view to ensuring all aspirants a sense of belonging.
Having been in office as both elected and appointed council bosses for over four years, the governor prevail on the party be fair enough to other aspirants by asking such aspirants still in the contest to jettison the idea in the spirit of zoning and equitibility .
Already , their seem to be discordant voices by a vast segment of party faithful most of whom do not muster the courage to counsel the party publicly, over what seem like a keg of gunpowder waiting to explode should corrective measures are not taken.
It is on record that during one of the Party’s expanded caucaus meetings, the governor emphasized that zoning should be strictly adheled to with the position zoned in accordance with the already existing power sharing method in the various local governments.
This view was re- echoed by the State Deputy governor while swearing- in the new 3 Special Advisers who were remaining, Abounu l re- emphasized that zoning should be strictly adheld to.
His Exellency, Governor Ortom Sir, please prevail on the Party to live above board as only by so doing, it would be seen to be fair to all under it’s umbrella.
It is only by doing so that the party will be able to come out of the elections undivided and also wangle her way out of a mass loos of membership
Signed:
Jerome Tyogh, for Movement for the Advancement of Democracy and Social Justice.
