Showing posts with label political leaders. Show all posts
It Matters That Nigeria Conducts Credible Elections - Commonwealth
A Nigerian voter. Photo Credit: Daily Mail, UK.
9 Feb 2011 18:16 Africa/Lagos
ABUJA, Nigeria, February 9, 2011/PRNewswire/ -- The Commonwealth is at an advanced stage of preparations for the monitoring of elections in Nigeria, Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba said on Wednesday at the end of a four-day visit to the West African country.
During her visit, Ms Masire-Mwamba and her delegation engaged key actors and stakeholders involved in the forthcoming elections, and re-affirmed the Commonwealth's support and expectations for a peaceful and credible process.
She spoke at a news conference in the Nigerian capital, Abuja.
"The Commonwealth takes a keen interest in elections across its membership. Nigeria is a valued member with whom we have a strong and mutual beneficial engagement. It is also a key member of the association which contributes and participates actively in Commonwealth activities - including hosting CHOGM in 2003, and producing a Secretary-General of the Commonwealth," Ms Masire-Mwamba said.
"Nigeria is a leader on the continent, playing a significant role in promoting peace, and in regional economic growth and development.
"It matters to the Commonwealth, Africa and the world that Nigeria and other member states conduct credible elections.
"Since arriving in Abuja on Sunday, I have met with leaders of political parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society representatives and the international community. I have listened to their views on how the process is going, and discussed the progress as well as the challenges. In all our meetings, we have had candid and open discussions.
"Stakeholders have noted positive steps in the preparations so far. I am hopeful that if all actors - politicians, civil society, the public, and you, members of the media continue to play your expected roles, there can be an outcome that reflects the will and aspirations of the people.
"Any election is a complex and challenging undertaking and requires the cooperation and support of all stakeholders. Political leaders and parties must display political will to ensure a credible process. The people need to show faith in the democratic process and participate in it. It is crucial that violence is avoided by all means, and the rule of law must be allowed to prevail. All must ensure that both the process and outcome meet Commonwealth values as well as international and regional electoral benchmarks to which Nigeria has committed itself.
"On our part, we will remain engaged and offer support and assistance as requested.
"We wish the people of Nigeria a most successful, peaceful and credible election," Ms Masire-Mwamba concluded.
For media enquiries, please contact Julius Mucunguzi, Media Officer, on +234-7063597240 or +44-7894-593-517, email: j.mucunguzi@commonwealth.int
Source: The Commonwealth Secretariat
Labels: Commonwealth, Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba, Credible Elections, INEC, Nigeria, political leaders, political parties, West Africa
Only If Public leaders Could Take Tips from the Obi Code of Governance
Rt. Hon.(Prince) Sam Obi, Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly
Prince Sam Obi: Only If Public leaders Could Take Tips from the Obi Code of Governance
Suddenly the country in a much tiny way saw what it means to move the acts of governance forward not just with empty or hollow words but with words flowing with actions. Those who in the future seek national or state office could learn from Prince Sam Obi, the current Speaker of Delta State who served as interim Delta state Governor sometime in November, 2010 to the beginning of January, 2011.
Within three months Obi, as an acting Governor was governance-focused both in his words and actions.
It has been a very long time that the public saw a leader making a public pledge, and putting ideas out openly, fearlessly, and unwaveringly in a striking and unflinching manner.
Nigeria is now trying to find its self in the face of innumerable threats to economic security, institutional health and political stability. But here is the good news.
The ex-acting Governor has given us tips and ways that could reduce the sucking of the nation's capital and has helped open new routes to exercising better leadership in government and in society.
In an introductory manner, Obi reminded us that the people live in "extra-ordinary times', therefore if the nation is to address some of these "extra-ordinary circumstances" future or current leaders should boldly "fulfill a constitutional duty in accordance with dictates of democratic ethos and above all, the rule of law".
As part of the Obi code of governance, he sees the acts of "cooperation, collaboration and understanding" as part of leadership challenge.
In a non-figurative manner, Obi, unlike any recent public leader advanced that it is paramount to be "committed to offering selfless service", "run an open administration", and remain open to "constructive criticisms", and he believes in the welfare of the people, as he directs that the "people should (always) go about their normal duties.
As part of the new national narratives, he championed the need for " hard work', "honesty", "accountability and transparency."
As part of a new normal in leadership and governance strategy, Obi calls for leadership to "pledge loyalty to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and selfless service to all".
The Obi code of governance states that leaders should be able speak power to truth by making sure that "government will do all within its power to ensure that the machinery of governance continues to run without let or hindrance".
As to those among the public who harbours the spirit of chaos, Obi believes that leaders should be able "to charge the law enforcement agencies to ensure that…nefarious persons" are controlled for the good and peace of the nation.
The Obi code of governance calls for bold actions and deeds, even if it is only about sending a psychological shock to self-satisfied leaders, and Obi partly demonstrated this process in " the dissolution of the Executive Council…with immediate effect".
Obi believes in praising leaders even if it is only to encourage them to do good by using their abilities and experiences to " ensure smooth running of the machinery of government".
Obi believed that leaders must act as role models in order to "enjoining them to avoid anything that would portray the government in negative light".
Obi believes public service requires "workforce to be pro-active, efficient and productive" and he asserts that "civil service should be pro-active and efficient rather than being a liability". As part of the Obi code of governance, he believes that small improvement s in human service, usually result into bigger dividends, as evidenced by his demand for workers to "avoid cases of absenteeism", therefore ensuring efficiency and productivity.
He sees time management as essential ingredients to effective public practices, as in the case of "salary preparation to ensure that workers receive their pay on" time, and he asserts that promoting "strategies used in collecting internally generated revenue" are needed in behalf of the state or nation. The Obi code of governance demands on officials "to be careful and avoid fraud in the preparation of salaries and in the collection of internally generated revenue(s)".
Along the same line, Obi asserts that to restore the spirit of leadership and positive practices "embargo on foreign Trips for Political Appointees and top Government Functionaries" becomes paramount.
Every sensible Nigerian will agree that the leadership situation in the nation currently wallows in chronic wrongdoing and the misuse of politics, as such transformation, no matter how small could come not by throwing the nation backward, as it currently appears but by adhering to the Obi code of governance.
Thank you, Sir and hopefully a leader in your image or mindset could be swept into the office of the presidency or other authority by the people and for the sake of ensuring a disciplined approach to governance.
~ By John Egbeazien Oshodi, Ph.D , DABPS, FACFE, is a Forensic/Clinical Psychologist and an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Science, North Campus, Broward College, Coconut Creek, Florida. joshodi@broward.edu
Labels: 2010 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, Federal Republic of Nigeria, political leaders, Prince Sam Obi, Speaker of Delta State