Emeka: Hi guys hope you had a fantastic week. As always, your one and only Mummy G. O sends you greetings. My name is Emeka Aaron. And I’m excited to be here again with you on another episode of The Good Citizen radio show, which is brought to you by CSR-in-Action, and proudly sponsored by Acts Foundation, we will go for a short commercial break and we’ll be back shortly don’t go nowhere.
With the emergence of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the President Elect and Federal House of Representatives election done, the first phase of the Nigerian elections has been concluded, the second phase of the elections will be held tomorrow. And in 28 states across Nigeria, new governance will emerge, why some sitting governors will be looking to be reelected. The state House of Assembly in each of the 36 States is not left in this process. Today, we’ll be having an open discussion on the 2023 Nigerian gubernatorial elections. And my colleague, Isaac Emmanuel is here with me in the studio. And we’ll be discussing about this pivotal moment as we expect your calls today. So we can interact and have your thoughts on what you think about the elections tomorrow. Isaac, how are you today?
Isaac: I’m very well in Emeka. It’s good to be here.
Emeka: You’re looking very relaxed today. You are voting tomorrow?
Isaac: Well, like I said the last time okay, you keep that to yourself.
Emeka: Yeah. Okay. Well, tomorrow, I just hope that everybody will go out there peacefully and cast your votes. Let’s make you count tomorrow. So Isaac, let’s just dive into the topic for today. How important is it for citizens to participate in tomorrow’s elections?
Isaac: I believe it has overwhelming importance. Okay. You know, there’s often this trend in Nigeria for citizens to allocate most of their expectations of a government to the federal government. So if something isn’t working, it’s usually a default thing to blame the president for everything, but Nigeria is a federal republic. And that means that we have a central government at the federal level. And we also have a state government at the state level. So essentially, the state government brings government closer to the Federated States of the country. So it’s very important.
Emeka: A lot of people don’t know, is that important? As well, just like you said, We’re all just looking at the president is the one that have the magic wand and just do everything to just come to pass.
Isaac: That’s true. Well, I think that may be because of the uniqueness of the federal system. So because then the federal system, essentially the president shall office and federal government is actually very powerful. And this is so for most federal systems. You can look at the United States, for example, they have a federal system, the federal government is very powerful. So there’s often a lot of interest, perhaps because of the overwhelming powers with the presidency, the federal level, the federal legislature, and that’s not just about the president. We’re talking about the senators. We’re talking about the representatives.
Emeka: Wow. Okay, so following the issues that INEC and INEC representatives had in the presidential elections. Okay. So how confident are you in INECs ability to conduct a free and peaceful gubernatorial election tomorrow? That’s one of the questions that everybody wants to ask right now. And we’re really, really looking for answers to that question. So if you say something about it.
Isaac: Alright, well, that’s become a buzzword right now. And it’s buzzing everywhere.
Emeka: And with the BVAS makes the whole thing interesting.
Isaac: Very interesting, with the experience during the elections, February 25. I really wouldn’t want to give a verdict on that. What I what I can say is that what we saw on the 25th of February was something that I would say on the general scale. Perhaps some people had anticipated that perhaps you may have had to be moved because of the, you know, logistical issues and so many other things. But the very fact that you held on the 25th, I believe is testament to the fact that, indeed, a lot of planning has gone into the process. And planning is still ongoing. However, you know, just like any other project, when you execute the teething issues, no matter how much you plan, there are certain things that you will experience. And there’s a narrative from various ends that says, with the number of years they’ve had to plan we’ve had four years between the last election cycles, and now so some of these things ought to have been anticipated. Yes. And then addressed beforehand, but like I say, everyone’s opinion is their opinion. So but I will say on a general scale given the fact that it even extended the elections. Okay, give me fact that they even extended the election. So only general skill, I would say that we should expect a more excellent execution from them this time, yes. Because if you ask for more time to do something, then definitely when you do it, we should expect it to be better than the last time you did it. So I will just stay in the line of the expectation of people
Emeka: All fingers crossed right now. So let’s see what INEC can do tomorrow. Okay. So apart from the gubernatorial elections, I’m not sure if some citizens recognise the significance of the state House of Assembly members. But could you explain the importance of the state House of Assembly in Nigeria
Isaac: In Nigeria? That’s a very powerful question. I believe some of these things, interestingly enough, I was in a conversation with some people yesterday, and the some of these things were some of the things we discussed, the very fact that there needs to be a reorientation of the understanding of democracy among the citizens, so people really need to understand how government works. So and is the fact that we have very little knowledge about the state houses of assembly. So in fact, oftentimes, people may just remember them if maybe there’s an issue the governor to be impeached. Maybe somebody locked the door to the house of Assembly running around
Emeka: Or we are looking for the maze? We know we have we have another one there.
Isaac: So at times like that, the state House of Assembly, you know, coming to the scope. The truth of it is, just as we have the state government, which is the second level, the federal system, we practice, it has three arms, there is the executive arm, that’s where you have the governor, yes, and of course, all attendant with that there is the legislative arm, and of course, judiciary, but the legislative arm is the state of assembly. And they legislate on matters as it concerns the state. So the items on which they have jurisdiction as assigned by the Constitution, to legislate on, for example, the governor presents a budget annually, this budget is going to be presented to the state House of Assembly. And then they would ask questions scrutinise, you know, basically the things you would expect from the Federal House of Assembly in terms of oversight of the government, oversight of various kinds of committees. And all of these are things that the state House of Assembly actually is involved in. So, but then the knowledge of this is actually quite scarce. So you’ll get to know that there’s a state of assembly maybe when a governor was impeached overnight and what happened.
Emeka: Okay, thank you very much for that sound great clarification there, Isaac. Okay, so let’s just let our listeners be part of the show today, like we said, is an open mic discussion today. We would like to hear your thoughts, questions or suggestions about the topic that we’re discussing today. And you can give us a call on 0700923923923 or you can send us a WhatsApp message to our WhatsApp number 08173136193. While we wait for the calls we continue our conversation with Isaac, Amanda in the studio. So Isaac debates for the governor is fierce, right? We see a lot of like, I don’t want to call it showmanship right now. But a lot of stuff going on in social media right now everybody’s trying to do everything they can to make good use of the last week or the company rights to alter position is seen as having a very, very huge influence and power. Do you agree with the statements of the governor having a huge influence and power?
Isaac: Okay. Well, relatively, a relatively up, like I was saying earlier, that on the state level, the governor is the head of the executive is essentially the Chief Executive Officer of the state. So he executes the laws meet in the States, he makes appointments, to the ministries, the state ministries, he makes appointment to state agencies, you know, essentially the execution of the agenda, the form policies, execution of policies. And from the theoretical aspect, the governor is powerful enough already. So, but then when you now begin to consider some other arms, for example, you consider the economic importance of the state, the fact that, you know, a number of things and decisions that are made, he’s a member of the National Executive Council. So, you know, all of this, you know, points to the how powerful the Office of the Governor is, but just imagine the President, is closer to you as the governor, Governor of the state. So, I think that what we’re seeing, and I wouldn’t just make reference to where we are, I’m going to make reference nationwide, what we’re seeing and what we ought to see should actually be, because that is democracy, it can contest. You know, if you have an idea, if you have a track record you do to put it out there, get on the horse thing, sell your idea to people, tell them what you’ve done, what you will do. And you know, generally this boss is not unique to a governorship election. It’s perhaps more pronounced now because of social media. And the fact that we have a young generation and so many of the Gen Z’s are voting for the first time.
Emeka: So I think that’s one of the highlights of this election, a lot of Gen Z’s are voting right now. So it’s kind of like a first experience for a lot of them. So it’s making the whole thing so crazy. But funnily enough, I was kind of disappointed at the last election, because I was expecting to see a lot of them come out to vote.
Isaac: Okay. Well, to be very honest, I think I share your thoughts with the way the buzz was on social media. Overwhelming because at some point, I had to just drive round my own entire neighbourhood and see what’s happening at the polling units. But the numbers were very much as I was anticipating.
Isaac: In fact, I think in the history of Nigeria, this election, well, the ones that held the one that held last one before 25th may go down was a one with one of the least percentage of voter turnouts. Because when you compared the buzz where you compare the chatter, and the conversations going on, we would expect that people would know to call us Yeah, and you know, to answer that, I think might we’ll just go to some fundamental questions, for example, just think about the fact that the fact that some people registered in certain locations, and as at a time of the elections, maybe perhaps they had not been able to transfer and then because they’re not where they registered, of course, where the name is on the register, they’re unable to vote. So that’s one of the things we may think of, of course, we’ll think of the fact that there are some, technical issues, I think I have a friend of mine who said, she showed up to vote on the day of election, but there was no polling units but she wasn’t alone. It was assigned place that was a designated location, our we just keep the rest in anonymous but there was none. And they had to wait a whole long time before a venture and I think that was also you know, across the nation, we had issues of late arrival of materials. And you know, some of these things affect because by the time people have spent about five, six hours waiting, some of them may be called discouraged and you don’t go back home. So a number of these issues affected the turnout. I’m hoping when you’re looking at some of those things, like we hope we’ll be able to at least move the materials early.
Emeka: Definitely, Okay. We’re going to be taking a short break right now. And when we return, the conversation still continues about the elections for tomorrow, your thoughts and what you’re going to be doing tomorrow.
Okay, welcome back on it’s still the good citizen radio show. And if you’re just joining me, we’re having an open discussion on the 2023 Nigerian gubernatorial elections. I’ll still love to hear from you. And I’m asked our phone lines are still open to take your opinions questions or suggestions about the elections tomorrow. And if you’re also going to be voting, you can reach us on our phone line and 0700923923923 or you can send us a WhatsApp message or WhatsApp line or 08173136193. Let’s get back to the conversation. Isaac, what can be learnt from the 2023 general elections? And how can these lessons are applied to tomorrow’s election? No, we’re talking about the BVAS was before right. Yes. What can we take home? The last elections that happened?
Isaac: Okay. At least at the federal level, yes. The lessons learned. Okay. Well, there are a range of lessons learned. And I believe the lessons are still being learned. Because the the aftermath of the 25th is still playing out.
Emeka: Yes. As that’s going to be kind of like a determining factor tomorrow
Isaac: You know, I saw a very interesting statistic I discovered, of course, when I read it, it was that asides for the election, that held in 2015. Every other election that helps is like your transition to democracy 1999 has been contested the courts. So they’ve always been claims of because of this, because of that, except for in 2015, where they incumbent actually considered, you know, and so, except for that instance, for every other election, we’ve always had the chatter we’re having now about that kind of experience people saying, because of this, because of that, we feel it was not fair. And everyone is the experience has always been there. So, I think the aftermath is still playing out. And it will continue, I believe one of the lessons, perhaps we’ve learned is that communication is very important. Yes, communication is very important, particularly from those involve the stakeholders involved, it’s going to go a long way, because there are enough time, there was enough time to prepare for certain things. And eventually, when we began to hear some complaints and no issues that were raised, you just point both to the fact that communication was really important. I think another lesson that will be learned, is that the best time to start preparing for the next election, actually now
Emeka: But that’s what we’ve always done.
Isaac: Well, when you look at the experience with voter registration, okay, it was more of a last minute thing. So many people now realising okay, because of this and that we need to register you know, meanwhile, if you had actually taken the step to register before now, the chances of getting your PVC you know, will be higher and a number of things like that.
Emeka: So I will talk with something just a thought just keep coming back to my head. Are we ever going to get this thing bright? Well, I would say that because I think that’s one of the questions. You know, on everybody’s mind, are we ever going to get this thing right? You know, we have for you used to plan for this whole election thing. And all of a sudden, somebody would just come on tell you, this is not working. This is not working. We couldn’t do this, we’re gonna do that.
Isaac: It’s interesting because we happen to have experiences like this in the United States and United States is one of the oldest democracies in the world. The last elections I held in 2020
Emeka: Are you really sure they don’t have the same issues
Isaac: They also have their issues, there issues everywhere. What I believe is that it’s a learning process for us, we then start doing elections, at least this skill and this manner until Let me say 1999 transitioned into democratic government and us.
Emeka: Okay, we have a caller on the show. Thank you very much for calling your name or where you’re calling from.
Caller: I’m Franklin calling from Festac
Emeka: Thank you, Franklin from Festac. Your question please
Caller: Like I don’t even know if I should go out and vote, one, because my polling unit is far from where I don’t have cash for transportation. Transfers are not going so I’m wondering what I should do. Should I trek from Festac where I’m leaving and my polling unit is that Moshin? That’s what I did. The last time I went there on Friday, and I slept there. The following day, I cast my vote.
Emeka: I must really commend you for that.
Caller: But then I have cash with me, but now that transfers are not going on. I don’t have cash, and I want to go and vote tomorrow in Festac that I wondering. And again, what I want to say concerning this 2023 election. In fact, it has put a lot of things in me that it has been now one of the February prayer points that I will always be praying that in this Nigeria, God should give us the right people so that things can get right in Nigeria, because Nigeria, everything is in place. Whatever equipment we need for any activity in Nigeria, it is always in place that the people handling those items are not getting it right. So we need rightful people that will tell us that this thing is A and at the end we’ll see A, also one that will give us confidence that we should come out, everything will be okay. And when we go out now, we are messed up. God should give us the right person. So that Nigeria, right. And again, this issue of scarcity is causing a lot of problems if you look people’s mind now. For starters, look at me I’m an example, I can’t go out now I’m looking for cash, I’m even thinking how can I reach there because I have to vote. So if I do not go, they will say we are the one we complain and is not okay we cannot vote they look at with the wrong people has put us now No, no means of transfer and I want to vote. So they have already faced us in this way. It is already a stop they have put their foot off on a bus stop. We are not there. We don’t know what to do but I pray God to give me a way that I can turn before seven o’clock I can see make all possible means to see something that I can do. If I should go and beg any Danfo driver that will accept and take me down to Mushin
Emeka: Thank you very much sir. You are a very patriotic Nigerian. Thank you very much. And we must really commend you for that. Yes. Thank you very much, Franklin. Thank you very much.
Isaac: Wow, that’s patriotism unfiltered. He’s actually still saying how he will try to plead
Emeka: What he’s worried about now is how he will get to Mushin
Isaac: I can imagine. There are so many people with the same thoughts running through your mind.
Emeka: So he has thought that we have all the things we want to be great, but just at the wrong people are the ones handling that is very deep. Very deep. Wow. So Isaac what are your closing messages that you have. I know Franklin has taken the words out of our mouths right now. But what’s the last words wrap up the show for today in 30 seconds?
Isaac: Okay. In 30 seconds, I will say that as much as you can, please do not lose faith. Yes. And understand that democratic process involves the state level as well. So don’t think because you voted for the presidential elections does not mean you will come out vote for the governorship elections. I want to urge people to try as much as they can to please come out and make your vote count. God bless you as you do so
Emeka: Thank you very much. I say thank you everyone who called. Franklin tomorrow we know definitely God will make room for us to get some mercy to be able to cast your vote. Okay. We heard that we’ve had all the talked about to the end of the show about the elections. What’s more than thank you everyone for listening, and we do hope that you have a lovely weekend ahead. And until next time, let’s continue to be a light to one another. And you know that the show is brought to you by CSR-in-Action, and proudly sponsored by Acts Foundation and I remain your celebrity show host, Emeka Aaron. Remember, your vote is your power. Make it count. Stay safe, stay blessed. Until next week, bye bye
