By Ehichioya Steve Odion
The mismanagement of the nation's resources and profligacy of politicians are responsible for hunger in the country.
This assertion was made yesterday by Prof. Eddy Eragbe of the Department of History and International Study, the University of Benin, UNIBEN, who was the Keynote Speaker during the 2024 Edo State Town Hall organized by the Independent Television and Radio, ITV, in Benin City.
He noted that in order to sustain the business of election and democracy in the society, rigging and destruction of government property, that occurred during the #EndBadGovernance protest, must be avoided.
In his address, titled: "Leadership For A Better Edo State", Prof. Eragbe reminded the people not to forget those who struggled and died for the present democracy the nation is enjoying today.
He however, said that the call for military intervention should not been encouraged in any form, adding that if it happened all rights that we are enjoying today as a democratic country would stop.
"Democracy has come with the good, bad and ugly. But if democracy have to stay it must not be by rigging of elections or any other form of violence that will make the people unhappy which will make them call for military intervention.
He said many politicians have failed to deliver after the assumption of office after making all kinds of promises without fulfilling them.
Prof. Eragbe lamented that politicians over time have enmeshed themselves in deep corruption through looting of the treasury, resources which would have been used in changing the lives of the people for good are stolen.
He described democracy as something beautiful, noting that public officers must be accountable to the people that voted them into power. He further said that the way politicians have managed governance so far is the reason people are calling for a review of the electoral process.
He advocated that some institutions should be put in place to manage the resources. He, however, said that it is unfortunate that the people surrender their resources to the politicians.
"Edo election is important to us because we have many contenders in the race amongst whom we are expecting the best to emerge that will assist in solving the problems of the state," stating that but due to the mismanagement of the country's resources politicians have brought hunger to the land.
He advised those that want to govern Edo State to do well to ensure they address critical areas like healthcare in order to save lives.
He also said that they must try and make good use of the resources available to them to deliver to the people the dividends of democracy.
Prof. Eragbe emphasized the need for those coming to govern the state to have good ideas and the plans for the people if elected governor. "When you are making election promises you must take into consideration on how to achieve them and be sincere in order to do the needful for the people".
He described leadership as the act of mobilising both material and human resources for proper utility and make life better for the people. He added that leadership is by example so that "you can be emulated by your followers. "Transparency and accountability are very essential".
Earlier in his remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Prof. Cyril Otoikhian of Novena University, Delta State, said that Edo State being the heart beat of Nigeria automatically makes the state the life wire of the country.
He described Edo election as very unique among the elections held in Nigeria, adding "our collective decision will determine what we will achieve in the next four years".
He congratulated everyone present for displaying love to each other as noticed.
He appealed to Edo people to encourage each other to come out en mass to vote for the candidate of their choice, adding by that singular decision will enable politicians achieve what they set out for the state to achieve.
Prof. Simeon particularly charged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to truly remain independent in order to have credible, fair and transparent election that will be acceptable to the people. He, however, warned that doing otherwise usually resulted in crisis.
He also called on the security agencies to remain neutral, as their duty is to maintain law and order within the period of the election.
On his part, the Managing Director of Independent Television and Radio, Engr. Elvis Obaseki said that the organization decided to put the event together as its corporate social responsibility, adding that it will also create an avenue for all the political parties to come together and engage themselves on how to work and move Edo forward.
"As an organization having been on this for a very long time, we decided to put this together. This part will form the process towards the election. This town hall meeting is not sponsored by any political party. We are here to support each other at the appropriate time."
He disclosed that a bigger one which is the debate which will feature the governorship candidates and their deputies of all the political parties is slated for 12th and 13th September, 2024.
He advised those involved to play the game peacefully so that peace could be enjoyed in the state after the election.
The Chairman of the special events committee, Dr Sunny Duke Okosun said the objectives of the event was to educate voters about the candidates, encourage citizen participation, provide platform for questions and discussions, which will afford parties' representatives opportunity to debate and share their vision for the state.
Okosun also said that the event was an opportunity for political parties to show case achievements recorded and why Edo State people must vote for their candidates during the election.
A session was created for all the political parties representatives to talk about their parties' manifesto and what they intend to do for the people if voted into power.
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