Otori Ozigi: The Mood of Ebira Nation as We Await 2019 General Elections

Unarguably, Ebiraland is gripped in miasma of open politicking, a reflection of electioneering process as witnessed in other climes in the country today at a time the whole Nation is caught up in active politics.

As you may be aware already, next year is an important one in the political evolution of this country, needless to say that there will be four major elections to be conducted by INEC in virtually all the states of the federation. Let me remind us that next year will witness presidential, senatorial, House of Representatives and, finally, state houses of assembly elections, all taking place on a staggered timetable as released by the electoral umpire, INEC.

Recall that the electoral body recently lifted the ban on open campaigns and rallies. Consequently and expectedly, our political class have already gone to the trenches and mapping out various strategies for their full participation in the game of politics come 2019.

Now, let talk about the mood of Ebira Nation. In the spirit of open politicking by major players and party gladiators, palpable anxiety and worrisome happening pervade the polity today.

Let me remind us that come February next year INEC has fixed senatorial election to be conducted in accordance with the umpire guidelines to serve as a template for the polls. In compliance with this guidelines, Alhaji Yakubu Oseni who is running on the ticket of APC, Barr Natasha Akpoti on the ticket of SDP and Senator Ogembe on the platform of PDP are unarguably going to face the verdicts of the electorates come rain come sunshine. One of them will eventually carry on his or shoulder the destiny of over four million Anebira.

At this juncture, I want to enjoin the electorates to shine their eyes very well before casting their votes for the candidates of their choice. I want to appeal to the electorate not to sell their conscience for pecuniary gains or other mundane considerations. They should remember that they carry the burden of the rest of us.

This journalist want to caution the three candidates not to resort to violence or any other unwholesome conduct that may derail our peace. Gone are the days when our politicians would seek political offices through the barrel of the guns and open coercion, senseless buying and selling of votes.

Certainly, this is the time for us to get it right so that Ebiraland can witness a new dawn. Yes! We must get it right this time around. It is my hope that the best candidate should emerge through a credible, free and fair process.

– Otori Ozigi is a former Public Relations officer of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Journalist and Public Relations Expert.