The fifth edition of monthly Boiling Point Arena online discourse on politics and governance with erudite lawyer, Chief Femi Falana, Dr Bolaji Akinyemi and notable Legal Practitioner, Yinka Moyosore Kotoye (SAN) on Sunday did a surgical review of the recent presidential election towards chatting a new future for Nigeria.
The trio identified the myriads of challenges that the 2023 presidential election had thrown up while proffering valid solutions. How did we get to this point? Where did we miss it? How come that democracy has become plutocracy were a common front for the resource persons.
The impact of consequences of actions, making people to account towards ensuring that same mistakes are not made over and over was emphasized.
While lamenting and condemning the unprecedented division of Nigerians along religious and ethnic divides by the politicians to gain political relevance, it was reasoned that the divisions will dissolve naturally after the election.
“Nigerians are wiser and will come out stronger. When blood was needed for victims of bus-train accident in Lagos, no one was asking if the blood was needed for a Yoruba or Igbo , Christian or Muslim”
Considering the low turn-out in the presidential elections and its effects on the election, the session emphasizes that “There is a downward trend in the figures recorded for the elections over the years. The apathy thrown up by the figures recorded for the 2023 election is a combination of several factors such as mistrust in the system, skepticism of the process, cash crunch/swap, closure of the universities and fuel crisis.”
“You cannot tell a woman selling ewedu on the street who has not made any sale because of cash swap to go and vote”
“The cash swap was the most ill-advised and irresponsible decision of Government that affected the turn-out and frustrated the process.”
“A situation where slightly above 10% decide who becomes the President is a serious issue of concern. We must begin to interrogate the component of percentage of voters that throw up our leaders to protect our democracy.”
While identifying the efficacy of restructuring in solving the myriad of problems facing the country, vertical and horizontal restructuring was advocated.
“To achieve the desired results, efforts must be made to democratise powers at both regional and state levels.”
The session condemned the wealth of the country being in the hands of a few.
“Nigeria is the only oil producing country that allows individuals to manage all blocs”
“It is unjust to give duty waivers to a few individuals while others spend exorbitantly to buy items from abroad”
One of the important benefits thrown up by the 2023 presidential is that myths of artificial structure and national assembly becoming the resting home for former governors have been rejected by the youths. Young people intervened decisively towards the development of our country and soon we will get it right.
“The people are tired of poverty and unemployment but the political ruling class will continue to develop strategies to mess up the system. It is for the genuine progressive forces to unite our people to continue to challenge the status quo. Our people will unite after election. The crisis of poverty will help them to unite.”
While reacting to issues of a new government in the midst of legal tussles, the session asserts :
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“Nature abhors a vacuum. President Buhari’s tenure ends May 29. The constitutional provisions must be adhered to and there has to be a declaration. Government cannot be in abeyance. Someone will have to be in charge until the court decides in favour or otherwise. The courts will handle it as stipulated by law while government continues through the person that has been handed the powers by the electoral body.”
With a clear avoidance of discussing issues before the courts and for the courts to decide, a repeat of June 12 saga was considered as antithetical to the progress of the country.
” It will be very very ingenious to now say or posit and conclude that Abuja should be treated as the 37th state. In the reverse angle, it means that Abuja should also have its own State Assembly and Government”
For the country to move forward, : “The new administration must be ready to move the country forward, generate data and be purposeful in planning. Regardless of who is there , there must be commitment to nation building”.
The fifth session of Boiling Point Arena programme held online via Google Meet and transmitted live by an Abeokuta-based radio station, Oodua 99.9FM, for the two hour duration -8 p.m. to 10 p.m was a huge success which has provided many clarifications that could regulate the political atmosphere.
The interactive interview session also featured a keynote address by Oba Saka Matemilola, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom who also doubles as Chairman of the Boiling Point Council of Royals and Elders.
Boiling Point Arena, an interview programme with an incredibly large online followership, is the brainchild of Mr. Ayo Arowojolu, a media professional with 33 years multi-varied work career spanning the media, banking and education sectors
Boiling Point is a news and general interest platform for informed discussions, viewpoints and commentaries on governance and national development issues.
The platform comprises an array of eminent personalities including over 200 professors, technocrats, industry leaders, High Court justices, traditional rulers, security top shots, media professionals and several others.