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Essays, Writers

An Overview Of Edo State Gubernatorial Election: Lessons And Regrets by Bolaji Alade. 

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  When American author, Robert Greene, propounded the second principle in his classic, The 48 laws of Power, about two decades ago he must have had no inkling how important the principle would be to the Nigeria democratic trajectory. The second principle which States that, Never put too much trust in friends, learn how to use enemies came to bear throughout the Edo State gubernatorial election right from party nominations to party primaries and down to the D-Day.  In the wake of the fallout between Godwin Obaseki and his erstwhile cheerleader, Adams Oshiomole, which cost the former his second term ambition under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Robert Greene’s principle came to the rescue. Obaseki hired a former enemy—the People’s Democratic Party who had throughout his first term in office relentlessly ridiculed his style of governance and administration—now more loyal than a friend to contest at the polls. And the outcome of this cross carpeting as we have all come to see presents avalanche of lessons to all students of politics.  These lessons range from underscoring importance of efficient internal party politics, to an affirmation that political power is vested in the people, possibility of conducting credible elections in Nigeria and Influence of international community on local politics.   First, effective conflict management is pivotal to the smooth sailing of any political party’s ship. Any party that cannot manage internal crises borne out of a conflict of interests, marginalization, factionalism will have its ship run aground. In Edo State, APC paid the supreme price of losing their rein of power to the opposition due to its inability to resolve internal wrangling chiefly between the incumbent governor and his predecessor. Although once bitten, twice shy but perhaps, APC do not just learn from mistakes. The same turn of event was the case at the last general polls in Benue State where the governor, Samuel Ortom, grievances on the failings of federal government led by his party then, to manage the heightened insecurity in the middle- belt region ill-addressed approach saw him leave for the opposition party where he emerged victorious against APC’s candidate. It is now clear as crystal that inefficient party structure in Nigeria would amount ultimately lead to defeat at the polls.  Another lesson worthy of note from the Edo election is that power belongs to the people who vest it in any candidate of their choice. In what turned out to be a re-echoing of Section 14(2) (a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which  Provides that; sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom government through this Constitution derives all its powers and authority;… the people defied all odds, namely;  delayed delivery of election materials; heightened fear of electoral violence; long queues etc. to  exercise their franchise and vote in Obaseki for a second term notwithstanding the character in assassinations, allegations of certificate forgery and counter allegations that permeate the political air. In figures, there was a valid vote difference of 84,336 and a 13–5 local government area victory. This pass across a simple message, when the chips are down, the people make their choice.  In addition, although Edo election has come and gone, the modicum of confidence Nigerians now repose on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as an aftermath of the election signals hope for our electoral system and democracy. Prior to the Edo election, Nigerians doubted INEC to conduct a credible, free and fair election. In fact, many online users predicted an inconclusive election, the conclusion of which will not reflect the will of the people. However, contrary to widespread cynicism, the election was by all reasonable standards credible and fair. Most commendable is the innovation of INEC, which boosted transparency by the use of technology to upload early results on its website. This allayed the fear of electorates and observers that they could doctor original results during collation.  In recognition of this applaudable innovation, notably, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) adjudged that INEC had an almost 100% non- interference with election outcome. With impressive feedbacks and applauds, INEC should realize ensuring fair play in all elections is a potent way to warm its way into the hearts of Nigerians.  Without prejudice to an undermining of Nigeria’s sovereignty, we cannot downplay the role of international community in any fair assessment of the Edo gubernatorial election. For a long time, developed and developing countries have played the role of watchdogs in ensuring democracy thrives globally. Such roles may warrant imposing visa ban on corrupt leaders of other States among many other measures. In fact, this is the bedrock of African states’ ongoing effort to ensure democracy and normalcy returns in Mali.   However, UK and US took a rather unprecedented approach in the buildup to the election. While the US issued a ban on certain Nigerians they adjudged to have engaged in electoral irregularities in the Kogi and Bayelsa gubernatorial election, the UK similarly threatens to impose same punitive measure and possible prosecution under international law on whoever engage in this ugly undemocratic act in the Edo election. Although imposing visa ban on Nigeria isn’t new, doing so on the grounds of election irregularities is. In effect, this significantly made political gladiators who could have thrown all caution to the wind to ensure victory for their respective parties lie low and maintain decorum. As a global lesson hopefully, all states will embrace strict resistance and zero regard for whoever they find guilty of undermining democracy or democratic values.  Since regret is an appalling waste of energy, I might as well not belabour it. But APC has a lot to regret, especially as it has dawned on them they will have to wait till 2024 before they get another shot at power (that’s if Obaseki doesn’t decamp). Now, they will appreciate the need to have made up a fair reconciliatory panel to resolve the crises when it all began. Now that’s too late, sadly they will have to admit that politics is local—therefore, different strokes for different folks–and understand the mantra; Edo no be Lagos.  In conclusion, as Nigeria celebrates its 60 years of Independence its prime time we as a nation returned to the boardroom and chart a course for our progressive social, economic and political development. We should at this critical point in history learn lessons from our past mistakes and be ready to do better. Thus, religiously living out our motto: unity and faith; peace and progress. Enough of trading blames and regrets.    Bibliography  Greene, R., & Elffers, J. (2015). The 48 laws of power. London: Profile Books.  INEC declares Obaseki winner of Edo guber poll. (2020, September 20). Retrieved September 25, 2020, from https://www.thecable.ng/breaking-obaseki-secures-highest-votes-in-edo-poll    Chioma, U. (2020, September 20). 2020 Edo Governorship Election Was Peaceful And INEC Did Not Interfere With Voters – NBA Interim Report. Retrieved September 25, 2020, from https://thenigerialawyer.com/2020-edo-governorship-election-was-peaceful-and-inec-did-not-interfere-with-voters-nba-interim-report/   FG tackles US, UK over visa ban on ‘election riggers’. (2020, September 18). Retrieved September 25, 2020, from https://www.thecable.ng/fg-tackles-us-uk-over-visa-ban-on-election-riggers       Bolaji Alade is a 400 Level law student of the University of Ibadan with a keen interest in International Criminal Law, Journalism and Media & Entertainment Law.  He can be reached through mobolajijames23@gmail.com      

Essays, Writers

The 2020 Edo Gubernatorial Polls: Intrigues And Lessons Learnt by Chukwuemeka Oluka.

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Call it a democratic soap opera or a premium box office, the fact remains that the just concluded 2020 gubernatorial elections in Edo state had everything expected from the yearnings for political power and relevance in Nigeria. From the intrigues of defections, to the makings and unmaking of political godfathers; from the creation of strong brotherhoods, to the battle cry of strong men from the geopolitical compasses of the country. You cannot but agree that the Edo polls lived up to its billings.  As it turned out, incumbent Governor, Godwin Obaseki emerged victorious. He garnered 307, 955 votes and won with a margin of 84, 336. His main challenger, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) scored 223, 619 votes. Governor Obaseki had defected from the ruling party, APC to the opposition party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to enable him seek a second term in office after he was rejected by powerful forces in the APC. The campaign against him was spearheaded by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the same man he served as economic strategist and who in 2016 sold him to the people of Edo State as the best thing that ever happened to them. It was even speculated that voters would stay away from the polling stations, out of fear and anxiety. This was so because, before the election proper, campaign rhetoric was full of nervous energy and hate speech dominated political discussions. The people had every reason to be afraid. But in all, the Edo state governorship election have come and gone, leaving in its trail, a blend of bitter and sweet experiences and lessons that has been learnt already.    What Goes Around Comes Around…  Top on the lessons learnt is that the consequences of one’s actions will have to be dealt with eventually. This gives credence to the saying, ‘what goes around comes around’.  In other words, one should not mistreat others. Borrowing a leaf from this expression, it becomes expedient to caution that the political class, particularly the gladiators, should be cautious of how the image of their political opponent is being tarnished all in the name of de-marketing him or her before the electorates ahead of any election. They must learn to imbibe maturity, decorum and self-restrain in the pursuit of their political interests. The practice where most Nigerian politicians indulge in character assassination and campaigns of defamation against one another should be discouraged. This is because; they tend to forget that when their interests change direction, the same bad utterances and damaging condemnations will turn around to haunt them. The then national working committee of the APC mistreated Governor Obaseki when he needed them most; now the party has eventually been punished by the electorate with their votes for the ill-treatment meted on Obaseki. It is against this backdrop that one can say that a salient lesson has been learnt.    A Two-Party System Looms  Another lesson is that Nigeria is gradually heading to a two-party system. There were 14 political parties in the September 19th election, but it was basically a two-way horse race between the PDP and the APC. It was as if all the other 12 political parties never existed. Their votes taken together did not quite amount to 10, 000. More so, the multi-party political system we claim to practice appears to be a mirage that makes mockery of our constitution. Worse still, the two-party systems are totally bereft of ideology, internal democratic values or integrity. This is because, the events leading up to the election in Edo State has been the case in most other polls in Nigeria over the last 21 years of our democratic experimentation. This indeed should be of serious concern to Nigerians.    Disrespect for the Nigerian Electorate  Meanwhile, the Edo 2020 elections have clearly exposed our political parties as groups that are lacking clear cut ideologies and direction. The way and manner the same political parties that were daggers drawn against each other in the previous 2016 Edo elections, suddenly exchanged candidates as if there were mere articles of trade,  shows the level of disrespect the political class have for the Nigerian electorate. Politicians on their part no longer attempt or even pretend to demonstrate a sense of integrity or an ability to stand by their own words.    A Lesson on the Part of the Ruling Party  It is shocking to learn that a political party which is leading the country, and has the president in its ranks, was unable to settle an interpersonal dispute between two individuals – a governor and the chairman of the party. This resulted in the eventual loss of its grip in a pivotal state in the country. Meanwhile, this party is supposed to and does actually choose the ministers, ambassadors and security officials that engage in negotiations on behalf of the country and as well, saddled with addressing the intricate socio-cultural, political and economic challenges of a country like Nigeria. Yet, the hierarchy of the ruling party was unable to see the bigger picture. This should call for a serious cause for concern because the red flag it raises doesn’t speak well of how well the ruling APC have managed both the economic and internal security challenges in the country.    An End to ‘Godfatherism’  In the run-up to the election, Governor Obaseki had stated severally that his victory will mark the end to political god fathers in the state and ultimately, the country. True to it, his victory was able to serve as a loud lesson that power belongs only to God; and that He confers such powers through the people, meaning that no matter how an individual strives to lord it over others, the will of God through the people, will always prevail. Yes, ‘God-win’ prevailed.    Lessons for Other Post Covid-19 Elections  The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC had in the build up to the election, insisted that voters should observe COVID-19 protocols. Though many voters wore face masks, quite alright, INEC was totally incapable of enforcing physical and social distancing. This is because there were widespread reports of lack of compliance with voting guidelines and covid-19 protocols in the just concluded Edo polls. That becomes a major setback and nobody should be surprised if there is a sudden spike in COVID-19 cases in Edo state after the election. Therefore, it becomes instructive that officials of the Commission in charge of communications and voter education should learn to do enough work in subsequent elections to ensure physical distancing, wearing of face masks and total compliance with other Covid-19 protocols.    In conclusion, there is no gainsaying that, the September 19th Edo gubernatorial election came and passed with relative peace. This says much about Nigerian politics and democratic advancement, given the tension that preceded the polls. Indeed, the big take

Essays, Writers

And If You Win Election My Brother, Godwin by Anointed Ifekristi. 

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When I heard the results of the September 19, Edo gubernatorial elections, what came to my mind was the hit song of one of Nigeria’s popular musician, Korede Bello; ‘GODWIN’, which coincidentally is the name of the man who emerged victorious at the polls. Indeed, September 19 was a memorable day for democracy in Edo State and in fact, Nigeria. I was considering several topics for this essay, one of them included; ‘Edo no be Lagos’, a slang that was birthed few days to the election, which proved that Nigerians are awaking from their slumber.  The election proved that Nigerians are hungry and thirsty for genuine democracy.  A Yoruba proverb says: in order to know where we are going to, we must remember where we are coming from. In other words, to explain the positives from the Edo State Gubernatorial Elections, we must understand what really happened.  Godwin Obaseki was the incumbent governor of Edo State, but his chances to win the election were very slim. He won the election to emerge as the governor in 2016 under the flag of the All Progressives Congress (APC), but now he had crossed to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He wanted to seek a second term in office, but the powers that be rejected him, so he crossed to PDP where he contested and had a landslide victory. Even though 14 political parties registered to participate in the elections, but it was a battle between APC and PDP, another feature of democracy which I can is admirable.  There were expectations towards the elections, people predicted that heads would roll, blood would spill, properties and lives would be lost, but we had quite the opposite, although, there were minimal casualties. According to electoral observers, it was to a large extent a free and fair election. Even though a total of 2,210,534 people registered to vote in the elections, about 483,000 people refused to pick up their voters’ card. We had about 1.7 million voters, who were accredited, but just 537,407 people voted, but nevertheless it was a big win for democracy. Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was also impressive in the dispensation of their duties, even though there were hitches, but they did a good job. There was also heavy presence of security personnel, to prevent irregularities.  I am pointing out these facts to prove that, the election results expressed the will of the people.  Contesting against Godwin Obaseki was Pastor Ize-Iyamu, from APC who looked favourite to win because of the powers behind him. Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who presented Godwin Obaseki as a worthy candidate 4 years ago, in the same vein condemning Pastor Ize-Iyamu, now turned around to say the exact opposite of what he said 4 years ago. Apart from Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Obaseki had a host of other enemies; the absentee 14 lawmakers of Edo Sate (allies of Adams Oshiomhole), political Godfathers, and the ‘leader’, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.  Left to some people, Godwin Obaseki already lost the battle, due to the forces behind the opposition, but the people had other plans, which went down in history as a day to remember in the quest for genuine democracy in Nigeria. Despite everything, Godwin Obaseki won with a margin of 84,336 votes. He had 307,955 votes while Pastor Ize-Iyamu of APC had 223,619 votes (Source: THIS DAY Newspaper). There a lot of positives to take away from the turnouts of events, in which I will point out accordingly below.  POWER BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE  It is just as if a scale was removed from the eyes of the people and all of a sudden, they realize power rests with the electorates.  Greta Thunberg said and I quote: ‘The real power belongs to the people. ‘We have the power to elect whoever we think can represent us adequately, that is the essence of democracy. The people have come to realize this, and I know it’s a start of something great.  NO TO GODFATHERS  An important lesson learnt from the election is that, the people know what they want, and what they don’t want. Nigerians don’t want godfathers, and they visibly attacked it with their votes, and this might actually be the beginning of the end of ‘godfatherism’ in the country. It has proved that all Nigerians need is to gather courage and be united, in that way, we will conquer anything. Nigerians are tired of taking dictations on who to vote for, we have realized that we have the power to elect who we want, and it’s high time we wake up from our slumber.  Despite the agenda against Godwin Obaseki, the people stood with the leader they wanted. Few days to the election, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu recorded a video straight from Lagos telling Edo people not to vote for Obaseki but rather vote for Pastor Ize-Iyamu, Edo indigenes grew angry challenging his authority to decide who they are to vote for, telling him to know his jurisdiction, which gave birth to the slang; ‘Edo no be Lagos’. Godfathers are not elements of democracy, they only disrupt free and fair election, and Nigerians now know that it is time to say no to GODFATHERS.  LEGACY  Politicians will also learn that leading a good legacy while in governance and being a good political office holder who has the interest of the electorate in mind is better than being power drunk thereby seeking power at all cost.  PARTY POLITICS  Nigerians have learnt to stop partisan loyalism; staying glued to a political party who is in total disregard for public interest, instead they are voting for an individual who is competent. In the Edo Gubernatorial elections, people looked beyond the parties and voted the man of their choice (even though, this is not totally true).  It further points out that the Independent National Electoral Commission can truly be independent, and it’s only a matter of time, we will soon be having totally free and fair election in Nigeria.    CONCLUSION   To be sincere, the Edo gubernatorial elections, is a sign of good things to come. Nigerians has seen what we can achieve together if we’re united, every ’wall of Jericho’ will be brought down if we are united. It is a pointer to what we are to expect in the2023 Presidential elections, a good foundation is being laid, enough of oligarchy, the power belongs to the people, and the people are ready to make use of that power.  Anointed Ifekristi is a Part 4 student of the Faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria and can be reached

Essays, Writers

2020 Edo State Election: The Future Of Democracy In Nigeria by Osanyinro Oluwaseun.

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The wise men who quietly watched the happenings during the Edo State election should have their books full of lessons learned and unlearned. For once again, they have a sneak peek into the future of democracy in Nigeria. A future where its citizens truly hold the ruling power and their voices are heard. With various foretelling of violence, rigging, bloodshed and election misconduct, the Edo State election was a rather peaceful one though only about 25.2% registered voters came out to vote. A thin line above making the election void. Also, it could be attributed to the recent pandemic COVID ’19 as though some of the guidelines were followed like use of face masks, there was little or no social distancing.  Held on the 19th of September, 2020, the governorship election became a battle between two great parties: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressive Congress (APC). Though other parties were present, it was as if they were not existing as their votes when collated together were not up to 10,000. It was also heard that one of the gubernatorial aspirants did not bother to leave her residential house in Lagos. With results announced, the incumbent governor, Obaseki Godwin who switched party from APC to PDP emerged as the victor with 307,955 votes over Pastor Osagie’s 223,619 votes who crossed from PDP to APC. Governor Godwin is the second to win election on two different political platforms in four years. Here are few lessons learned from Edo State election:    Nigerians votepersons not parties.  It was quite a shock that two electoral parties exchanged governorship aspirants. APC which was the present ruling party discarded the incumbent governor and picked up his opponent Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu for reasons best known to them. Seeing this transfer, PDP decided to pick up the rejected stone, maximize their advantage which was the sentiments of the citizens and so the stone that the builders rejected became the chief cornerstone. The Citizens of Edo State wanted their governor back not a particular party.   2. Godfatherism has come to an end.  The final hit that nailed Pastor Osagie’s defeat was the influence of godfathers. The former governor Adams Oshiomole who in 2016 spoke strongly against godfatherism immediately changed his speech in 2020. He condemned the very aspirant he praised in 2016 and praised the very aspirant he condemned in 2016. With every fiber of overconfidence, he told the people of Edo State the benefits of a godfather and foretold that Pastor Osagie will win. Also, Asiwaju Bola Tinubi, the godfather in APC, made an appearance all the way from Lagos. The Citizens of Edo State decided to go by their choice and not by the confusion Oshiomole wanted to set in hence the chant “Edo no be Lagos” and “Obaseki no be Ambode“. Of course, you can fool all the people some of the time, you can fool some people all of the time but you cannot fool all the people all of the time. Edo State citizens wanted no external influence and they had their way.    Foreign travels and foreign assets are more valuable. The press release by the United States and United Kingdom few days to the election might have curtailed the plans by political personalities to rig the election. The two world powers declared restriction of visa and assets cessation of Nigerian electoral offenders. The U.S had already imposed restrictions on the visas of politicians who were found guilty of electoral offences in the 2019 elections of Kogi and Bayelsa States. Politicians did not want to be stuck in Nigeria and would still love to travel on sick leave. Also, the assets built in foreign lands cannot waste simply because of an election in Nigeria. A lot of them took their hands off the election process and watched from their homes.    PDP might win the 2023 presidential election. It could be because PDP has allowed Nigerians to see what the opposition party has to offer for about 8 years which might be nothing. It could also be Nigerians are fed up with the party itself and want another party. The free and fair election in Edo State showed the mind of the people: they are tired of APC. They might still want the incumbent governor but they want to be the deciding factor and not some godfathers from Lagos. One should not be surprised, if given a free and fair election come 2023, the People’s Democratic Party might take over.   To say the horse race between the two parties is over is to conclude too early. While other parties are present, no doubt, PDP and APC would again be at loggerheads to win Ondo State governorship election set to hold on the 10th of October, 2020. Wise men would once again open their books and pick up their pens. Seeing the seamless victory won, Ondo State citizens may follow the lead of their neighbors. It would be a very wise decision if the godfathers would refrain from showing their faces in Ondo State and politicians would avoid rigging of elections. Nigerians have their voices once again.   Osanyinro Oluwaseun, a graduate of Microbiology and currently a master student of Public Health at the University of Ibadan runs a blog on WordPress deejemima.wordpress.com

Essays, Writers

Democracy Wins As Edo People Speak With One Vote by Oyinola Abosede.

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  Since the news broke that the incumbent governor of Edo State won the gubernatorial election that was held in the State on September 19, 2020. I must confess that it has been celebration galore on the streets of Benin City and other places. Even though many Nigerians were anxious to get a glimpse on how the election would look like. Some pundits who had predicted the outcome of the Gubernatorial election in Edo State got it all wrong. While many others predicted that the election would end up as war, or a do -or die affair. But quite amazing that this didn’t happen.  Let us be clear, Nigerians desire genuine democracy. That was the major point to take away from Saturday’s Edo State gubernatorial poll. I strongly believe it’s not just about the outcome, but more about the fidelity of the process. After all is said and done, the much-hyped election particularly the media celebration of the fear of possible blood-letting, the exercise presented an anti-climax. You will agree with me that Heaven did not fall that day, Instead Edo State voters lined up peacefully and comported themselves, as they patiently waited to exercise their franchise. 1    Just like most people will say, Edo has really shown that it is not Lagos. The people of Edo State were vigilant, resilient and stood boldly against oppression, injustice and any influence of Godfather. Then I remembered a lecturer once told me that “Sometimes we learn the lessons of life through pain, melancholy and the vicissitudes of life and sometimes we also learn the lessons of life through joy and comfort. Whatever the case may be, the most important thing is the great lesson we learn out of what life teaches us. If we fail to learn the lessons greatly, life will teach us a great lesson.” Today, these words have sharpened my views and perspectives about life.   Lessons from Edo State Gubernatorial Election  I am a firm believer that the Edo election may prove well to be a turning point in the management of elections in Nigeria. Against the foregoing backdrop, I stand and dare to say that it is not an exaggeration that several lessons have been learnt (indelible and worthy lessons) from the gubernatorial election.2 It was in every sense, a rude awakening for both the actors in the drama and the community of observers who witnessed and monitored the election.  These lessons are made mentioned below:  Democracy is Moving to its Permanent Site  Democracy has been understood to be a form of government where the people choose their leaders and are allowed to voice their opinions on issues. I’m sure you will agree with me that it’s quite a beautiful concept. I have no dispute that the recently conducted Edo State Election has given us indicia into the times that democracy is getting better in the Nigerian polity. The number of people who really participated in the Edo State election is no doubt big indicia that the people are now getting conscious of their rights and civic duties under a democratic system as Nigeria practices.   No doubt, with the way things have turned out in this Edo Election, I am very sure that other states will have the same motive and desire to churn out massive people to participate in their respective electoral processes. However, for this stride to keep being as it is and getting better, the security of voters must be guaranteed by the government. Else, nobody will be willing to go vote when he is not sure of returning home.  No Political Landlords or Godfathers  The truth is that government belongs to the people and not some persons. I strongly believe any ideology about the political philosophy of any Godfather is a disgraceful concept and very unprogressive. This is because it promotes the will of the few rather than the will of the people. Also, it places the people second, instead of first. I believe it must be condemned out-rightly because it cannot make democracy flourish. Other states where the belief of Godfather is thriving, must learn from the great people of Edo who have set the pace and led the nation in this stride. In any democratic society, I believe there should be no political landlords, only the political will of the electorates. In addition to this, the governor or leader should be accountable to the people only, not to a Godfather that is an antithesis of this.   We Vote Individuals Not Political Parties  No doubt, a political party may have a strong influence in leadership and governance in an election, especially in our country. But the reality is that a leader with his strong will and tenacity determines the progress of the people. However, from the Edo State gubernatorial election held, it was glaring that it is the individual and not the political party that matters.3 Consequently, political parties must henceforth learn to present credible candidates in order to win the people’s votes.   It is Possible to Conduct Free and Fair Election  In spite of what I call the “stomach infrastructure” phenomenon, what the Edo State election taught us is that we can conduct free and fair elections in Nigeria if only we play by the rules. It is no longer news that violence related events such as ballot box snatching and the use of fire arms are usually sponsored by politicians who want to win at all cost. There are some politicians who do not have a first job to which they can return, this explains the desperation to win elections. Even if it means eliminating their opponents and positioning themselves strongly to have access to power and influence.  I admonish every eligible voter to take responsibility and refuse to be recruited by politicians to cause mayhem during elections. I believe vigilance should be the watchword to tackle diversion of voting materials, ballot box snatching or any attempt to bribe electoral officials. Vote buying and selling is anti-democracy as it gives false results of the electoral processes. You and I can only wish for a better Nigeria where vote buying and selling is completely eradicated.   The will of the Edo State people prevailed at the gubernatorial election last Saturday. However, this is an important characteristic for future elections in Nigeria as we look forward to conducting more in our nation.  The Big Picture  I celebrate the resilience and courage exhibited by the people of Edo state in resisting the antics of the enemies of democracy, who as beguilers and patrons of lions and tigers attempted to take over the political space of Edo state. This victory as won by the people is historic and serves as a strong, viable and unambiguous lesson to leaders. Also, I salute the Edo people for helping to reset the political culture of our nation by casting their votes, protecting their votes, ensuring that their votes counted and following their votes “bumper-to-bumper” even to the final point of declaration.  What is Next?  I believe the time has come for His Excellency to display love, affection and to unite all Edo people at home and abroad. Also, this is an auspicious moment for him to rise above the fray, eschew politics of bitterness and act as a statesman. Now is the time to consolidate his achievements because

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