Anambra 2021 Elections: State of Emergency or Election Boycott? A Case of Two Evils.

As the election draws close, there has been a drastic increase in violence, loss of lives, and property in Anambra State. From the destruction of the INEC state office in May where three people died, non-sensitive election materials destroyed, seven vehicles, and 50 generating sets burnt, to several reports of killings and attacks on properties of individuals.

Calls from certain groups encouraging people to boycott the elections have left uncertainty in the air. The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, while addressing the press after the Federal Executive Council meeting on Thursday, stated that no possibility is ruled out, citing the security breaches and instances of the breakdown of law and order as references that could require the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.

State of emergency: The way to go?

A state of emergency is a government declaration, an express directive by the executive to handle a difficult situation such as a natural disaster, violence, pandemic, civic unrest or insecurity that threatens the country. It brings to a halt the normal functioning of the government. When triggered by violence and insecurity, it could lead to a takeover by the military. A state of emergency grants special powers to the government to restrict press freedom, evacuation of people from their homes, searching of homes and private places without a warrant, and confiscation of properties among other things. It also leads to curfews and restrictions on the economic, civil, and political rights of the citizens as soldiers take to the streets, empowered by law to make arrests, and detain suspects.

There is a certain fear that comes with having the army walk the streets. Long after normalcy returns, people will still be wary of moving, talk less of going to join queues to vote. A state of emergency can also be wielded by the government as seen in the past to postpone elections or neutralize opponents. It begs the question, is it the right call to be made barely a month to the Anambra elections?

Some might argue that the situation in Anambra hasn’t yet gotten to the point where a state of emergency should be declared. So far, going by the reports, 15 have died in political killings, which while unfortunate isn’t beyond what the Police can manage. A state of emergency might be perceived as a plot by the central government to postpone the election or better still, be a tool to tilt the scales in the favor of the ruling party.

The IPOB Factor

Though the group has been proscribed and labeled a terrorist organization by the federal government, their influence is still strongly felt in the South East. For the past few months, there has been a sit-at-home order in the southeast every Monday in solidarity with their detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. This instruction has been strictly obeyed across the eastern states. And in cases where the rules have been flouted, it has been a guerilla-like punishment as footage has surfaced online where vehicles and properties of defaulters have been set ablaze.

It is also known that this group has dissociated itself from anything that has to do with the central government as it also declared the 1st of October, Nigeria’s Independence day a sit at home. There have always been calls by this group for election boycott in the east, precisely Anambra state. Reports reveal that during the 2017 elections the group also encouraged people to boycott the election. Going by their agenda for secession, it shouldn’t be any different now.

Boycotting: A Solution or Complication?

Seeing the enormous influence the group holds in the east, should they call for a boycott, there is a good chance people stay in their homes due to fear of reprisals. The group’s reason for this boycott is oppression and marginalization by the current regime. But is boycotting the way to get what they want?

An election boycott can be peaceful and can also be a violence trigger. In Jamaica in 1983, the opposition leader, Michael Manley, instructed that the boycott be peaceful, stating that they seek no confrontation. Whereas in Ivory Coast in 1995, Laurent Gbagbo, the opposition leader at the time was quoted as saying that the opposition has given orders for “maximum disruption”.

If the elections fail to hold either due to a violent boycott or any other reason, the present government will stay on for at least six months according to section 180(3) of the Nigerian constitution. This means that it will not be a lasting solution since the incumbent governor is not their choice.

Over the years, history has shown that it is almost impossible to achieve a total boycott. And oftentimes, the opposition party that chooses the boycott loses outrightly in terms of representation. It happened in Egypt in 1990, Bangladesh in 1996, Azerbaijan in 1998, and 2000. In the last general election in 2019, where about seven million voters registered from the east and only three million voted. If they had all come out to vote, might it have made the difference? Maybe.

But more importantly, a call for a boycott shows that there is a lack of faith in the electoral process or democracy as it is defined.

INEC’s Preparedness

In a conversation with Situation Room Nigeria, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Anambra state, Dr. Nkwachukwu Orji confirmed there are 2,525,471 registered voters, 112 new polling units have been added bringing the total to 5,720, and 326 wards in the 21 LGAs.

Dr. Nwachukwu further elaborated that recruitment for ad-hoc staff is ongoing and the agency looks to employ 26,000 people. Accreditation of the press is ongoing and the decentralized ad-hoc staff will be trained in the third week of October. He confirmed the final list of 18 candidates that will contest the election come November 6, 2021.

He stated that non-sensitive materials destroyed during the May attack will be restocked from the southeast zonal store in Imo state.

To Be or Not to Be?

With INEC’s level of preparedness, the level of insecurity in the state, and the looming effect of external groups, will a state of emergency be declared? Will elections hold as scheduled? Or will the voters show apathy by boycotting the election if it eventually holds? Whatever the case might be, wherever the pendulum swings, time will ultimately tell.

October 14, 2021March 3, 2023

Tackling Child Abuse and Sexual Harassment through community mechanisms

Research carried out by UNICEF in 2015 shows that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 10 boys in Nigeria have experienced sexual violence before the age of 18. With the drastic increase in the rate of violence against women and girls during the lockdown, you can be sure these numbers have increased. Before the pandemic, one in three women experiences physical violence by a partner.

According to a report by the Center for Global Development, violence against women and children quadrupled during the pandemic. Children have always been a target for pedophiles because of their innocence and vulnerability. Often, these predators ride on the naivety of the children and compel them not to talk. Many of who live with the guilt for the rest of their life.

Sometimes, the children blame themselves for the incident or, in some other cases, care for their abusers and do not want them to get into trouble. It is imperative that parents and guardians are very observant and pay close attention to behavioral patterns in their wards. Signs to look out for include children being aggressive, withdrawn, clingy, or having difficulties sleeping.

Some children suddenly become very wary and avoid specific people for no obvious reason. Others might illicit inappropriate sexual behaviors not expected of someone of that age. The child might also sustain a physical injury in the genital area. Children who are experiencing neglect and disabled children are at a higher risk of being abused.

These experiences result in guilt, anxiety, fear, and depression that could have a lasting effect on their future if not well handled. Understanding this situation, South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSDO) in partnership with Caritas Nigeria under the OVC project created a Child Protection Committee (CPC).

This committee comprises lawyers, social workers, healthcare officials, police officers, case managers, and children. The community-based committee works to protect the rights of children and is equipped to address issues of child rights violations. In the case of any violation, they’re on hand in the community to take up such cases and ensure the child gets the best attention. The unique composition of the group makes them sufficient to tackle various issues.

When abused children need psychological support, the social workers are on hand to provide it. In the instance of physical altercations, the healthcare officials take over. And when abusers need to be dealt with according to the law, law enforcement officials and lawyers are also a part of the committee and do just that.

For efficient role delivery, SSDO organized training sessions on sexual exploitation and child abuse management. Subject experts enlightened the professionals on how best to prevent child sexual abuse and how to effectively work seamlessly as a team to manage any such issues.

The Need for the Child Protection Committee

Education on Sexuality

The committee members are trained on a range of topics that will make them effective first responders. They were trained on how to identify vulnerable children, how to be of help, and how to appropriately escalate issues. In this way, they will be better positioned to help parents understand the need to teach their wards sex education. This way, kids know the danger signs and can react accordingly. Abusers thrive on the naivety of the kids. If kids are taught how to respond, perpetrators’ activities will reduce.

Accelerated Child Abuse Litigation

Evil thrives when the culprit assumes they will get away with the act. When abusers are prosecuted immediately after been convicted, it will serve as a deterrent to those who might be nursing such evil ambition. This is one thing, the committee looks to provide. With proper legal representation by lawyers, identified cases will be immediately handed over to the security officials and followed up to ensure justice is served.

Offers Professional Help

Victims usually repress thoughts of the abuse. For some, this often leads to depression or aggressive behavior towards the opposite gender. Some suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. However, with the right professional guidance by the team of social workers, and healthcare officials, children can look to have a better future.

Education At The Core

The committee is designed to help raise awareness on child abuse and sexual harassment. This way, in the long run, such cases can be prevented. Affording children the opportunity to grow up in a safe environment. They are also equipped to handle issues when they arise. Helping the kids live life the best way possible barring any health or mental issues that may mar their future.

For many of these kids, they need to be guided to channel their energy to more rewarding and satisfying activities such as sports, exercise, and extra-curricular activities. And in the fullness of time, their past will truly become history. Then they can live out their full potential.

March 24, 2021March 15, 2022

THE ENUGU GUBERNATORIAL PENSION BILL AND SSDO’S RESPONSE

Protesters making their displeasure known with the 'NoToPoliticalLifePension' placards

Mar. 16, 2021

On the 11th of March 2021, the Enugu State Gubernatorial Pensions Bill scaled the first reading on the floor of the Enugu State House of Assembly. Ever since then, the news has sparked outrage amongst Enugu state residents on social media.

Enugu’s last internally generated revenue (IGR) was 31 billion naira. This is low, compared to the IGR of other states. For instance, Lagos state has an IGR of 398 billion naira, while Rivers state has an IGR of 67 billion naira. This low level of state IGR is one of the reasons that the Bill, also known as the Life Pensions Bill, has received negative reactions. The bill has been said to be exorbitant and unnecessary in the face of other more pressing issues in Enugu state.

What is the bill about?

The aim of the initiative guides the selection of communities. The selection of communities is The Enugu State Gubernatorial Pensions Bill, if passed into law will repeal the Enugu Gubernatorial Pension Law 2007 and accommodate new amendments including the following:

– A state-funded burial of an ex-governor

– Medical allowance worth 12 million naira for a surviving spouse

– House and vehicle maintenance allowance fixed at 300% of annual salary

– Salary for 5 domestic staff

– Equivalent of annual basic salary while in office

– 3 vehicles to be replaced every 4 years

– Free medical services for the ex-governor and his wife

The life pensions bill is an implementation of the Constitution in Section 124(5). However, with the

excessive amount spent by implementing states, it begs the question, “Is it worth it?”.

22 states currently implement the governors’ pension law with Bauchi (23 billion), Rivers

(2.79billion), Akwa Ibom (2.04 billion), and Lagos (1.6 billion) doling out the highest amount.

Swimming against the tide

With the recent economic difficulties, there have been agitations by civil society groups for state governments to abolish this law. The current law which this bill seeks to replace, already eats deep into the states’ coffer. Therefore, it would not be sufficient for the state to scrap the current bill in deliberation, they must also repeal the already enacted Enugu Gubernatorial Pensions Law 2007 and 2017. This will substantially free up funds to be channeled to more urgent areas of governance.

In November 2020, the Lagos state government, under the leadership of Babajide Sanwoolu, passed a bill to eradicate their own version of this law, the Public office Holder (Payment of Pensions Law 2007). Kwara, Zamfara, and Imo states have followed suit. Akwa Ibom, Adamawa, Sokoto, and Enugu state were among the states who have shown little or no willingness to repeal the law. Enugu state, however, took it a step further by introducing a new bill to further solidify the status quo.

Why is it uncalled for?

Enugu’s state IGR for the last fiscal year is approximately 31 billion naira compared to Lagos’s 398 billion naira. If Lagos whose revenue is ten times that of Enugu plans to scrap such a law, why should Enugu do the direct opposite, further diminishing available resources? The state owes its retirees 24 billion naira from 2010 to 2019, and pensioners have been demanding to be paid, to no avail. The state also struggles with water scarcity, with water steadily getting more expensive and less available. The recent hikes in fuel price, electricity tariffs and food costs are already causing people unbearable hardship. Given the current situation of things in the state, this bill is highly insensitive. And the people expect that their elected representatives should understand this.

File Image: Protesters on a procession through Enugu Metropolis

confirmed

Walking the talk

On the 16th of March 2021, South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSDO), a non-profit
organization in Enugu state, organized a peaceful protest to register its displeasure with the proposed bill. The aim of the protest was to nip the bill in the bud before it could be passed into law. The protesters moved past strategic points in the Enugu metropolis, raising awareness. They carried placards with the inscription “No To Political Life Pension.” This caught the attention of well-meaning Enugu citizens, some of who stopped and joined the procession. The march ended at the Enugu State House of Assembly. Media houses arrived in their numbers. The group sang solidarity songs while recounting the problem to the media. After a while, protesters gained access into the complex.

Speaking at the State House of Assembly, the Executive Director, Dr. Stanley Ilechukwu, said, “the NGO joins its voice with that of other well-meaning citizens of the state to condemn the bill.” He also stated that “this egregious bill is a needlessly exorbitant gift for an already well-compensated service to the government.”

File Image: Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly , Rt Hon Edward Ubosi addressing the protesters

confirmed

Audience with the speaker

On arrival at the base of the complex, the Speaker, Rt. Hon Edward Ubosi addressed the
protesters. He commended the conduct of the exercise. He said the law had existed since 2007, amended in 2017, and this present amendment is to accommodate past governors who are Enugu indigenes.

“We have stepped it down for further considerations. After looking at it, we will form a committee, and invite the public to make their contributions. If you don’t like it, we will cancel it. It is not our bill, it is yours.”

What Next?

The process will be monitored, and we hope that the Speaker keeps his word. We will draw attention to the public hearing once announced. We believe the House should junk this bill in its entirety. The taxpayers are already under enormous strain from the increased cost of living and do not need the added burden of unjustifiable pensions to retired executives. We hope the representatives would do what is right for the people of Enugu, who have entrusted them with their mandate.

By Oduguwa Olusomi

December 3, 2020March 15, 2022

The Awakening Townhall Series 2020

A report on the Awakening Interactive Townhall Sessions held across the five states of southeast Nigeria on “The Emerging Roles of Young People in Good Governance” : 9th – 12th November, 2020

Introduction

The Awakening is a civic enlightenment program that aims to combat political apathy amongst youths in Southeastern Nigeria. The program is funded by OSIWA/DFID and implemented by South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSDO). The Awakening program aims to build the capacity of youth in southeast Nigeria on citizens’ rights and responsibility, democracy, good governance and public accountability.

In November 2020, the Awakening organized a series of town hall meetings across the 5 southeast states. The town hall meetings featured twenty-five youth leaders from each state, drawn from non-governmental organizations, student bodies, media and other sectors. The theme of the townhall was –“The Emerging Roles of Young People in Good Governance” and the objectives were as follows:

To identify key governance issues affecting young people in the southeast states.
Explore various options available for proactive youth involvement in good governance.
Develop actionable steps and strategies for ensuring youth participation in good governance.

Key Governance Issues/Challenges Identified

The Town Hall Meetings took the experiences of the participants into account in detailing a situation analysis of governance in the southeast states. The key governance issues affecting the youth were outlined as follows:

Favouritism and mediocrity engenders a sectionalist governance structure that repress youth because of the social, cultural or political affiliations.
Sycophancy is expected of and expressed among youth whose opinions on governance are taken seriously by the ruling class.
Lack of accountability among youth organizations.
Insensitivity among youth wielding political officers to fostering governance agenda.
A lack of political space for participation makes it difficult for the youth to aspire to public offices. This affects women disproportionately.
Ignorance and a lack of exposure limits the capacity of the youth to identify core governance issues, plan and execute set objectives (where they exist).
Poverty and a poor mind-set limits the ability of the youth to reject tokens from political agents and engage meaningfully with the government.
Voice is not given the youth and there are no safe platforms that will allow them to speak up for change they want.
Inconsistency of message and affiliations to goals and ideologies limits the capacity of the youth to take a stand on good governance.
God-fatherism puts a leash on progressive youth who may wish to pursue good governance goals in the state.
A lack of mentorship is a big issue for youth who are unable to find role models of good governance activists in the state.
Thuggery and Hooliganism, implying the use of violence in the resolution of governance issues by the youth create further problems.
Lack of information from government programs (such as budget planning and reviews) make it difficult to assess and demand governance
Poor lobbying and advocacy skills among the youth
Weak government institutions

Recommendations

The major recommendations made include the following:

Form a network of young people with knowledge, hands-on experience in various fields in the southeast. It will feature periodic interactions, exchanges and strategies to monitor and facilitate good governance.
Conduct regular enlightenment campaigns on youth participation in governance and political education for youth using social media, town hall meetings, seminars and school-based sensitization programs at all levels.
Combat poverty among the youth by economic capacity building through training in Agrobusiness such as rice farming, ICT/Digital marketing and metal fabrication among others; as well as, advocacy for tax waivers and incentivisation of Youth-owned Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). These training activities will be conducted in partnership with relevant institutions such as National Directorate on Employment (NDE), Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Local Governments (LGs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Community Based Organizations (CBOs).
Provide financial education to youth who operate MSMEs in the southeast.
Facilitate a value re-orientation to restore the confidence of the youth in participating in good governance initiatives. This can be coordinated in partnership with the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
Establish independent funding and sponsorship streams from NGOs, public spirited individuals and corporate organization to finance good governance initiatives.
Conduct policy appraisal events where young people can contribute to policy develop as well as query implementation. An example is to hold a yearly budget appraisal conference.
Conduct excursions for select southeast youths by taking them to big cities and events where they can interact with and learn from other young people from elsewhere.
Organize youth-driven mentorship and co-mentorship programs.
Conduct constructive engagement with major stakeholders including religious leaders, councillors, traditional rulers via open dialogues on good governance for southeast states using phone in programs on television and radio platforms.
Encourage youth participation in politics (as both active voters and contestants) and advocate against unnecessary political cross carpeting.
Advocate for financial subsidies on fund requirements for contesting elective positions by young people.
Form a youth-led political movement via registration of a political party, repurposing of an already existing party or the formation of stronger and more independent youth wings within all political parties.
Establish Citizens Accountability Clubs in partnership with CSOs, CBOs, National Youth Service Corps Members, students, town unions and age grade groups. The club will conduct grassroots sensitization.
Create information network for deliberate dissemination of information on good governance. Media for information sharing will include social media, press conferences, radio/television engagements, flyers, billboards, etc. The media employed will be subject to funds available.

Each person in attendance committed to sharing the outcomes of the meetings with other youths in their networks, with the aim of developing an action plan that is specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time bound, gender sensitive and legal to encourage good governance in southeast Nigeria.

Category: Good Governance