The Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, the former Governor of Anambra State, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife and the former Minister of Transport and chieftain of pan Yoruba socio-cultural group; Afenifere, Chief Ebenezer Babatope on Monday warned the political class in the country against inordinate ambition, stating that it is capable of truncating the present democratic dispensation.
They made the call at a Public Lecture marking the 17 th anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa and 53 rd independence celebration of Nigeria at the Banquet Hall, in Yenagoa.
Assessing the present political situation in the Country at the lecture with the theme, “Good Governance as a Panacea For Promoting Stable Democracy and Sustainable Development,” they decried the security situation in the country and the disposition of some politicians whose actions and utterances are capable of jeopardizing national unity.
In his presentation, Chief Babatope enlivened the hopes of the people, submitting that the nation would outlive the onslaught of Boko Haram.
Describing the insurgence of Boko Haram as a phase in the country’s political history, Chief Babatope stated that the nation had experienced such in the past.
According to him, ‘we may have all the Boko Harams of this world shooting and murdering people all over the place, the truism, however, stands that the commission of these ugly incidents have never provoked President Jonathan in to imposing autocracy, wickedness and political extremism on the people of Nigeria.
“I say again and with great respect to Nigerians that President Goodluck Jonathan has stated times without number that his Government is ready to dialogue with Boko Haram and all those who share different opinions with the Government and people of Nigeria at any time.
Speaking on good governance and accountability, Chief Babatope said the election of people into political offices or positions of responsibility should be based on their record of performance and not through rigging of election.
He, therefore, appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission not to succumb to the whims and caprices of political blackmailers.
Assessing the performance of President Jonathan and Governor Dickson, the chieftain of Afenifere, said the duo have proved themselves and deserve to be given another chance in 2015 and 2016.
Also, speaking at the occasion, the former Governor of Anambra state, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife stressed the need for true federalism and accountability that would impact on the welfare of the people.
“Our coming together as a nation, according to him, is not by accident and we should join hands in promoting the unity of the country rather than fanning the embers of crises.
“God’s plan for us as a nation is that we survive as one permanent Nigeria, restructured for efficiency and effectiveness. Restructured, so that Nigeria becomes a country where things work”
On good governance and accountability, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ghali Na’Abba called on the political class to embrace people-oriented policies.
Calling on the politicians in the country to borrow a leaf from Governor Dickson’s style of transparency and accountable leadership, which he said has assisted in establishing political stability and security in the State.
In his remarks, the Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson also called on the political class to pursue their ambitions in a manner that would not be inimical to national interest.
Describing disagreements as normal in a democratic setting, the Governor noted that what the country is currently facing may not be unconnected with the inordinate ambitions of some impetuous politicians.
“Disagreements and differences in perspectives are normal. We should not shy away from disagreements because that is what democracy breeds. But whether we agree or disagree, we must do so at all times in the national interest. That to me is one missing link, as it seems that people have fast-forwarded 2015.
Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
01/10/2013
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