By Emeka Nwosu, PhD.
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has continued to make the people of Abia proud with his seminal lectures at different venues on the international diplomatic stage. The recent in the series is his presentation, a few days ago, at the prestigious Harvard University, United States of America. He spoke on the theme: “Restoring Faith in Nigeria`s Democracy: New Paths to Guaranteed Outcomes”.
The lecture which was well-received was coming on the heels of his presentation at the Buckingham University, United Kingdom a few weeks ago. At the Buckingham lecture, Otti spoke on the efforts his administration was making in building capacity of the people to support sustainable development activities in the State.
The Governor who is an erudite scholar in his own right utilized the opportunity of the lecture to inform the global audience about the ongoing socio-economic revolution, under his watch, to transform the State for greater development. The lecture was titled: “Building Capacity to Support Sustainable Development Activities: A Case Study of Abia State”. It was widely applauded because of the deep insights it provided on the development agenda of the Labour Party (LP) administration in the State.
The Harvard lecture followed in the same pattern as the Buckingham`s. Only that this time around, the Governor went beyond the confines of the State to discuss issues that were of wider national implications. He focused essentially on two major issues that are of significant concern to Nigerians and the economy of the nation, namely the total deregulation of the petroleum sector and the need for the Nigerians in Diaspora to participate in future elections in the country.
Speaking specifically on the issue of diaspora voting, Otti said that it has become imperative, considering the significant contributions of the Nigerian diaspora to the economic development of the country. He particularly commended them for the huge remittances they bring home annually which constitute a sizeable portion of the nation`s GDP.
His words: “I have to commend you for the huge remittances that have become the economic backbone of several families and communities back home. According to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), a significant increase in relative influence was reported reaching $553 million in July 2024”.
“In 2018, for context, the figure was $24 billion, dropping slightly to $20.3 billion in 2022 and $19.5 billion last year. These are substantial numbers, averaging about 5 percent of GDP annually.
“Why, for example, can we not have Nigerians in the diaspora vote in our general elections? These smaller African nations have provisions that allow their diaspora population to vote, and then can anyone justify excluding millions of Nigerians from the electoral process?
Otti urged Nigerians in the diaspora to lead the campaign to make provisions for diaspora voting in the general elections, because in politics, noting is given without a firm demand. This is a significant point that cannot be overlooked, given the undeniable contributions of the Nigerians in diaspora to the economic development of the nation.
The issue of diaspora voting has been a matter of national public discourse for quite a long time. It has regularly featured in all the debates on electoral reforms as desirable. But unfortunately, the nation is yet to summon the political will to make this happen. By adding his weighty voice to the matter, Otti has brought this very important national item once again on the front burner. It can, therefore, no longer be swept under the carpet.
Like the Governor observed, even smaller African countries have incorporated diaspora voting into their electoral systems. It is no longer a practice that is associated with only the advanced economies in the West. With the vast improvements in digital technology, diaspora voting is achievable in Nigeria. What is required is the political will and determination to pull it through.
However, this laudable initiative may not see the light of the day if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the election management body, is not completely overhauled and revamped in line with the timeless recommendations of the Justice Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reform Committee.
The Governor who also spoke on the complete deregulation of the petroleum sector lamented the hardship the situation has caused to the ordinary Nigerians, but he however noted that it was a desirable decision that ought to have been taken many years ago. As an Economist, he believed that the deregulation would eliminate the distortions occasioned by the subsidy regime which was being manipulated and abused by fuel importers and other operators within the oil and gas sector.
The Governor noted that with some reform measures that are being put in place, the current hardship in the country would be addressed.
Ottis thoughts at the Harvard lecture were quite profound; and they resonated well with his audience. Abia State is better for it as the Governors involvements in these lecture circuits on the international arena create veritable opportunities for international media limelight on the State and its investment potentials.
Dr. Nwosu, a Public Policy Analyst, writes from Umuahia.
Email: cdnwosu2@gmail.com
