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State Of Decay
By Olufemi Soneye/Published Monday, May 11, 2009

This could prove to be a most interesting world, one that recalls the old Chinese curse,” May you live in interesting times.” –
Robert Jervis

The problem with a people-powered movement is that eventually the people will want a say. The outcome of the
gubernatorial re-run in Ekiti State has generated so much heat in the polity in recent days. It is interesting to
know that elections in 63 wards ignited so much unrest in the peaceful State of Ekiti.

I started monitoring the re-run few days before the elections, which allowed me to witness the last phase of
political campaigns by the Action Congress, AC, of Dr. Fayemi and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP or Mr.
Segun Oni.

Though the campaign was tedious, it was largely empty by both political parties. They were running campaign
based on their personalities, party stalwarts and biographies, with enormous deletions, evasions and double talk
to appease their base. For those who were in the State for the re-run elections it was obvious that both the
Action Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party would stop at nothing to ensure victory comes their way.

The environment created by party leaders was that of domination at all cost.

Contrary to reports about the conduct of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC,
preparations for the re-run was in place, at the INEC secretariat in Ado-Ekiti observers and journalist were
issued credentials in a timely manner, given access to necessary and adequate information. A certain Mr.
Festus Okoye was in charge of observers assisting with necessary details and information and offering Election
Day tour of various wards.

INEC who seems to have lost the confidence of most Nigerians, were determine to use the Ekiti re-run to assure
Nigerians of their sincerity of purpose. The commission had enough man-power, and materials for the re-run
were ready prior to Election Day.

While the commission was busy trying to conduct a free and fair election for the Ekiti people, politicians from
both party had their own evil plans.

Early morning on Election Day, there were reports of trouble at the INEC office in Ekiti North in Oye Ekiti, it was
reported that thugs were converging at the commissions premises with brooms, sticks, machete and guns. On
getting there we were informed by Action Congress Party members mostly at the premises that PDP members
were inside the INEC office thumb printing and voting already. The allegation was reported to the police, who
shot into the air with tear gas, dispatched and went inside the office with agents of both the AC and the PDP on
getting inside only officials of the commission and materials were found in the office. At this time officials of INEC
complained to the police chief about ceaseless threats and intimidation from the people that have laid siege on
their premises, preventing them from coming out with voting materials and conducting election business.

The number of people outside the commission’s office continued to increase dramatically.

Ready for the war, members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP mobilized at the residence of an elected
representative with hundreds of thugs armed with guns, machete, and charms from where hell was let loose.
There was sporadic shooting, Thugs from both parties clashed at some point but police response was timely to
avoid serious altercation. A journalist was assaulted near the residence of the elected representative.
Independent election observers were also assaulted, threatened and detained.

The theatre of violence in Ekiti State was masterminded by leaders of both political parties. Politicians from Ekiti
State and neighboring states came to Ekiti with various means to outwit each other, armed with different vicious
plans to thwart and subvert the system through political violence and imported thugs.

Caught in the middle of this decay are the officials of the electoral body who performed creditably well in other
wards where elections were held.

During the last presidential elections former president Olusegun Obasanjo declared that the election was a do
or die affair. Why are elections in Nigeria a do or die affair? What is the driving force behind Nigerian politicians?
Is he motivated to serve the people or reap them of their resources? If providing service is the reason why do
they kill, maim, destroy and endanger life?

It is sad to know that no politician was punished for the act of violence in Ekiti State.

Nigeria still yearns for political leaders who will let the future in.