I am sure you are aware that in line with the general provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as altered), specifically in Section 7 (that provides for the existence of DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED Local Governments Area Councils), the DELTA STATE INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION has released the time table for elections into the 500 Councillorship and 25 LGAC Chairmanship seats respectively.
AS AN INTERESTED PARTY, I wish to share a few thoughts and tips with ALL ASPIRANTS who are my pals/associates and friends on this platform.
1). ALL POLITICS IS LOCAL
As you are already aware, the elections in question shall be conducted by the DELTA STATE INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION(as is the case in the 36 STATES of the Nigerian Federation).
Precedents have shown that where the Governor and the ruling Party in the State have performed CREDITABLY WELL (as H.E. Rt.Hon Sheriff Francis Orowhoedor OBOREVWORI has done), then the LGA elections are unusually easily swept by the ruling Party.
This implies that the PDP in Delta State remains the Party to beat in this election and by extension would be having the highest number of aspirants jostling for its candidacy tickets.
My guy/girl, remember that all POLITICS IS LOCAL; therefore pay attention to your local leaders irrespective of how “connected” you might be to ASABA.
Remember how General YAKUBU GOWON lost his bid for a second missionary journey to the Nigerian Presidency under the OPTION A4 system of the IBB TRANSITION PROGRAMME? He actually lost at the Ward level to a local retired civil servant/farmer.
In that era, to aspire for any political office, such candidate would have to first win at the Federal Ward level before proceeding to the LGA, STATE CONSTITUENCY, STATE & FEDERAL LEVEL IN ASCENDING ORDER.
However, IBB in a bid to make the elections transparent and emit less rancour, inserted the OPEN BALLOT SYSTEM which made voters queue behind the posters of their preferred candidates in open and the votes were counted manually and results declared immediately at the polling units.
Well, that meant you needed to be on ground in your locality before you could think of aspiring to lead or serve beyond your community.
2). BEWARE OF “OGA SAY” POLITRICKCIANS
Applying that formula in this present case will save you the humongous cost you may incur should you for any reason fall into the hands of the “OGA SAY” EXTORTIONERS who either work around one oga in the Party Secretariat or hang around one paddy in Government Circles.
“OGA SAY” politicians are usually the deadliest form of extortioners preceding the PARTY PRIMARIES. Like the female Anopheles mosquito, once they dig their mandibles into an aspirant, they never stop sucking until they are full and you are financially drained.
It is very easy for the desperate and over-ambitious aspirants to fall for their guile because they – “OGA SAY” EXTORTIONERS – are usually close to the corridors of power.
I recall during the heat of the alleged 3RD TERM BID by President OBJ, Chief Tony Anenih, one of the chief marketers of that unconstitutional idea accosted Professor Jerry Gana for not showing enough interest in the 3RD TERM AGENDA of OBJ as a member of the Federal Executive Council.
Quintessential Jerry Gana had retorted that he is unaware of the President’s intention to make a 3RD TERM BID as Mr President had never mentioned it to him.
Chief Anenih was reported to have pressed on by saying that: “Mr.President needs not to tell you such a thing but you can read HIS BODY LANGUAGE”.
Prof.Gana as always had immediately countered that statement by telling “Mr.Fix It” that; “At this level of my political exposure and experience, I am too old to act based on Mr.President’s BODY LANGUAGE.If Mr.President wishes me to do something, he should call me and direct me to”.
That was how Prof. Gana excused himself from that BOOBY TRAP and as history has shown us, OBJ up until this moment has continually denied ever nursing or commissioning anyone to promote a 3RD TERM BID on his behalf.
So my dears, be wise enough to avoid these fraudulent name droppers who thrive and excel in political sophistry, CHICANERY, outright falsehood and simple FRAUD all in the name of politics.
NOTE: No genuine leader or supporter would demand the humongous amount of “LOGISTICS” these “gutter vermins, cretins and wretched of the earth” demand from their so-called candidates.
In fact, any “leader” who demands upward gratification before supporting your ambition is at best a hustler.
3). KEEP YOUR EMOTIONS AT ABEYANCE: THERE IS NO PADDY IN THIS POLITICAL JUNGLE; ONLY INTEREST IS PARAMOUNT
Please, please and please keep your emotions in check. You are about to delve into the murky waters of Politics. In these waters, there are no prisoners taken. It is usually characterised by BETRAYALS guised by the English Language word POLITICAL ALIGNMENT & RE-ALIGNMENT.
Your best friend, and in some cases your blood sibling can be your weakest link playing the role of a spoiler on behalf of your opponents. Don’t take it personal do!!! Na their ways be that. Honour and integrity are strangers in these murky waters.
4). NO GO BORROW MONEY OOO!!!
This business you have decided to venture into can best be likened to “KALOKALO or JOGBA” in our local parlance. Be ready to forego your hard-earned KPOGRI to the sharks. However, be wise not to go borrowing for this cause. As the saying goes; “he who goes a-borrowing goes a-sorrowing”.
Be wise as a serpent biko.
5). OPERATE WITHIN THE ARMBITS OF THE LAW PLEASE!!!
In whatever you do, remember that Delta State has a new Sheriff in town(no pun intended). Should you be tempted to break the Law in pursuit of your aspiration, be ready to face the full wrath of the LAW.
Under the Leadership of His Excellency Rt.Hon.Elder Sheriff Francis Orowhoedor OBOREVWORI, Delta State is determined to have enhanced peace and security. Should your actions and/or omissions attempt to compromise our peace and security, then be aware that you shall face the consequences. “WHO DO ANYHOW, GO SEE ANYHOW”.
Finally, buyers and sellers alike are encouraged to pursue their legitimate dreams and aspirations in line with the provisions of the LAW and with the overriding interest of the common good of ALL at heart.
I wish you good if the overall good of your people and Delta State is the driving force behind your respective aspirations just as I equally wish you A MONUMENTAL FAILURE if all you seek is access to the COUNCIL’s TREASURY or to bear the appendage of “Honourable” when you have not a single iota of honour in you!!!
My dear aspirants, LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!.
– Comrade Izeze Rume Yakubu Reuben (Esq.) writes from OGINIBO COMMUNITY in UGHIEVWEN KINGDOM of UGHELLI SOUTH LGA OF DELTA STATE, NIGERIA.
